A mobility scooter is an investment every mobility challenged or disabled person should invest in. However, knowing that a battery will last between 2 and 3 years can make new buyers nervous. Even though that is a pretty long time, some potential buyers will attempt to avoid a purchase for fear of the cost of battery replacements. Rest assured, if you have your mobility scooter for a long period of time, you will have to budget in the cost of new batteries, but thankfully, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you extend the life of your mobility scooter battery.
Follow the Recommended Charging Schedule
Every mobility scooter comes with an available owner’s manual. Unlike other products you purchase, modern mobility scooters are complex and it is highly recommended that you read your owner’s manual cover to cover. Within you will find a recommended charging schedule. Charging your mobility scooter regularly will help ensure it never runs low while you are out on your regular routine. Charge the device at every possible opportunity and certainly before storing it for an extended period of time.
Store Responsibly
Storage is vitally important for extending your battery life. Generally speaking, batteries for most mobility scooters come in a 12 volt format. Traditionally, these batteries require careful consideration for where they are stored. Extreme heat and cold can damage the battery and make it wear out faster than it should. Ideally, your mobility scooter should be stored in an area that is cool and remains dry at all times.
Heavy humidity can deteriorate the effectiveness of your battery causing you to have to purchase a replacement faster than you should. If you cannot store your device in your home, it is recommended that you store it in a garage or secure, covered location. Also, avoid storing it in areas where pests such as mice are a problem. Rodents are often attracted to the electrical components of these devices and can chew through wiring.
Fully Charge the Battery
A mobility scooter is rated with an expected battery life between charges. The rating is based upon the battery having a full charge under ideal circumstances, meaning a bright sunny day and smooth terrain. Ideally, you should charge your device while you sleep. Most mobility scooters require 8 hours to fully charge the battery when drained completely. A fully charged battery will provide the longest lasting use. Additionally, users should provide a fresh charge to the device if it has been stored for an extended period of time. Properly charging the battery is the best way to ensure ultimate longevity.
Avoid Overcharging
A common issue with mobility scooter owners is they overcharge the device. Where it is recommended to charge the scooter fully, the possibility of overcharging is there also. When charging your device, monitor the level of charge it has when plugged in and unplug it when the charge shows full. If you are going to be out for an extended time or sleeping longer than 8 hours, consider using a smart switch. These devices are designed to cut power after a certain amount of time. This will help you avoid the potential for overcharging.
Watch Your Speed and Terrain
Heavy mobility scooter users are those that use their device at full capacity the entire time they ride it. Where it is fine to push your device’s limits, doing so on a regular basis will diminish your battery life. Keeping the device at a half speed will provide plenty of power without over working your battery. Additionally, avoid rough terrains as this will make your device work harder and drain your battery faster.
Which Battery Type Lasts the Longest
The type of battery you require for your mobility scooter is dependent upon the type of scooter you have and how often you use the device. There are two main types of mobility scooter batteries.
GEL
Among the most popular types of mobility scooter batteries are known as GEL batteries. These are the standard lithium ion batteries found in the majority of mobility devices. They provide the most battery life and are recommended for those who use their mobility scooter on a daily basis. This type of more expensive, but is often worth the added expense for its increased battery life.
- 12V 40Ah Mk Gel Mobility Scooter and Powerchair Battery
AGM
Absorbent Glass mat or AGM batteries produce fewer life cycles. This means they will wear out quicker than GEL batteries. AGM batteries are suited for those who do not use their mobility scooters on a regular basis. The batteries are cheaper, but will have to be replaced more often with increased use.
Your mobility scooter can last for many years to come with proper maintenance, so watch how long the device is charged and ensure all connections are made properly. A loose connection can limit the charge leaving you with a dead battery and no one wants that. Preventative maintenance is the key to ultimate mobility scooter battery life.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API