Are you wondering about when to replace your wheelchair batteries?
If you believe your electric chair requires new batteries, you may be correct.
If you use the power chair on a daily basis, the batteries should last 1.5 to 2 years.
Using excellent battery care methods will help you get the most out of your battery.
We recommend that you read your user manual to learn how to properly care for your mobility product.
You might wonder, “What can I do to ensure and extend the life of my chair’s battery?“
Or perhaps something more generic, such as: How do I maximize the value of my new investment?
All of these questions have one thing in common: they are all dependent on the battery in your power chair and how long it can keep you going.
As a result, I’ve included some recommendations and answers about extending the life of power wheelchair batteries below.
About Wheelchair Batteries
Fully charged power wheelchair batteries have a battery life of at least 8 hours.
It should have a range of roughly 10 miles, but if you have a good one, you could be able to get closer to 20 miles.
However, factors such as battery health and user weight will limit the amount of time and distance you may travel on a single charge.
If your battery is more than a year and a half old, the range it allows you to go on one charge will begin to decline, and you should consider replacing it.
The type of battery also has an impact on travel range, and sealed lead-acid batteries are often preferred.
The Battery Life of a Power Wheelchair
A power wheelchair battery has a lifespan of six months to two years.
Because there are so many variables, determining a definite time frame is challenging.
Activity, length and frequency of use, weight, and proper charging practices are among the considerations.
What is the most effective way to charge a wheelchair battery?
Since proper charging habits are directly related to battery lifespan, it is important to do it correctly.
A charged battery on a daily basis maximizes battery life.
Here are a few ideas to help you keep your battery in good condition:
- Every day, fully charge the battery.
- Before leaving, charge the battery to at least 50% of its capacity.
- Charge the battery overnight since most batteries need eight hours to fully charge.
- Allowing the battery to charge for more than 24 hours is not recommended.
- If you are not going to use the wheelchair for at least two weeks, disconnect the battery.
How should I take care of my power wheelchair battery?
You want to get the most out of your power chair’s battery, and in order to do so, you must take care of it.
Avoid exposing your battery to excessive temperatures, and don’t leave your charger plugged in while not in use.
If you want your battery to last as long as possible, keep its terminals well-greased and wipe it down if you spot any dirt or dampness on it.
You may not realize it, but your driving habits have an impact on your battery life!
To optimize it, aim to maintain a consistent speed and avoid stop-and-go driving.
Another element that may be overlooked is that maintaining correct tire pressure in your chair’s tires will benefit your batteries as well.
When is a good time to replace a power wheelchair battery?
Power wheelchair batteries must be replaced at some time, although each instance is unique owing to the wheelchair user’s special needs.
Batteries that are more than two years old should be changed.
Slow charging is a common indicator that a battery needs to be replaced.
A power wheelchair that hesitates to go in any direction is an indication that the battery is depleted and needs to be replaced.
Keep in mind that an outdated, uncharged battery can cause your wheelchair to stop working at any time, leaving you stranded in a public location.
Our Thoughts
Always follow the charging instructions and any other battery-related instructions.
Following the instructions exactly is a good approach to ensure you get the most out of the battery.
Use the charger that came with the chair.
Don’t use knockoffs because they can damage your battery and your powerchair.
When possible, avoid charging the battery in temperatures below 10 °C or above 30 °C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mobility scooter and a power wheelchair?
Scooters have a larger turning radius than a power wheelchair, and therefore are more difficult to navigate inside the home or in tight spaces.
Power wheelchairs are devices that can be customized to fit any disability and provide independent control for individuals with any useable movement.
What kind of battery does a mobility scooter use?
There are two main types of a mobility scooter battery: deep cycle AGM battery or gel sealed lead acid battery.
either type can be used as a replacement battery for a wheelchair.
Gel battery tends to lose power faster than AGM batteries, especially at lower temperatures.
When it comes to depth of discharge (dod), gel batteries make use of acid better than AGM batteries.
acid protects the gel batteries’ plates, enhancing their deep discharge applications.
Can you overcharge a wheelchair battery?
As long as you use the provided charger, you cannot overcharge these batteries.
Can wheelchairs get wet?
As a rule of thumb, electric wheelchairs should not get wet.
Direct or prolonged exposure to water or dampness could cause the power wheelchair to malfunction electronically and mechanically.
Water can cause electrical components to corrode and the power chair’s frame to rust.
How often should I charge my wheelchair battery?
We recommend charging your power wheelchair’s batteries for at least 8 to 14 hours after daily use.
If you use your electric wheelchair less frequently, we recommend charging the batteries 8 to 14 hours twice a week for a maintenance charge.