Mobility Scooter Battery Care

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT TRUE!!!

All batteries are the same.
All batteries have memories.
Batteries should run all the way down.
Gel sealed batteries will not last as long as wet batteries.
Marine batteries are the same as deep cycle batteries.
Maintnenance free batteries are always sealed.

Question: What is the difference between deep cycle batteries and automotive batteries?
Answer: Deep cycle batteries are designed to be regularly discharged and recharged. automotive or starter batteries are for quick bursts of power after which they are quickly recharged by an alternator.

This Information Is True Fact

Electric Scooters and Wheelchairs cost a lot of money and quite rightly you expect high performance. So don't skimp on your power source.

Battery technology has changed a lot over the past few years. Wheelchair batteries today especially gel/sealed batteries, offer more power in the same size case, provide more consistent performance and have turned past concerns into myths.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BATTERIES

How to prolong the life of your battery. When you first install your new battery, place it on charge for at least 24 hours.
Always keep your battery on trickle charge between uses and If your vehicle is stored for any length of time, firstly charge fully then disconnect your batteries.

Charging Battery technology has changed conciderably over recent years. Batteries today, especially gell / sealed batteries, offer more power for their size and provide longer performance. Try wherever possible to fully cycle your battery before charging and then fully charge before re-use. Always use the correct charging system for the batteries in use. Never use Car chargers on Gell batteries. Never completly discharge your battery.

Warning! Batteries can be hazardous. All batteries, wet, sealed and gell units contain lead and sulphuric acid, both are highly toxic and sulphuric acid is highly corrosive.

Charging

Here are some simple rules for proper battery charging.

Use the chair manufacturer's automatic charger for all routine charging. (leave your automatic charger turned on whenever possible, you cannot over charge a battery when using automatic 3 stage chargers.)
Never run your batteries completely flat.

Battery Life

Your battery will wear out with age or frequency of use, as the battery gets older your scooter will travel slower or shorter distances.
If you use your scooter very regularly then the battery will obviusly wear out faster.

Distance

The distance you can expect from fully charged batteries will be greatly influenced by weight and terrain.

How Often Should You Charge

Daily users - charge daily as soon as you are done using it.Your scooter will be ready each morning to give you a full days service
If you use your scooter infrequently(once a week or less),charge the batteries once a week for 12 to 14 hours

Battery Storage

Store batteries fully charged. Check once a month and recharge as needed. Wet batteries can hold their charge up to three months, selaed models six to twelve months. Remember if storing your chair for longer than a few weeks, it's best to charge the batteries and then disconnect them.

Undercharging
A battery operated with insufficient charge over a long period of time may develop a type of sulphate on the plates. This sulphate is dense and hard, and cannot be readily converted to normal active material again. In this condition the battery is unable to deliver it's full power.