Power Chair and Mobility Scooter’s Battery Buying & Maintenance Tips

If you’ve got a battery-powered mobility scooter or power chair, you’re used to being able to move freely. It’s opened up a whole new world! However, if you neglect your battery you’ll be back to square one, without the freedom you cherish.

Follow these 5 simple battery buying & maintenance tips and you’ll enjoy freedom of movement for years to come.

1. Select a top-quality Gel/Sealed Lead Acid battery.
Mobility equipment experts and the leading wheelchair manufacturers recommend Gel/Sealed Lead Acid Batteries because they are safe, longer-lasting and virtually maintenance free. Plus, they are approved for airline and public transportation. Shop on trusted sites such as Scooter Direct for a complete selection of brand name Gel/Sealed Lead Acid batteries available for your wheelchair or scooter at the lowest price.

Two types of Gel/Sealed Lead Acid batteries are available – Deep Cycle and Gelled/Suspended Electrolyte.  

Deep Cycle batteries are fully laboratory tested, premium sealed, and capable of up to 500 cycles

Gelled/Suspended Electrolyte batteries are completely sealed, safe to use in any position because they contain no liquid.

Sealed batteries also feature a special resealing vent system that prevents internal pressure from building up so they cannot explode under normal conditions. Gel/Sealed Lead Acid batteries do not need to be fully discharged before recharging and don’t develop a “memory” that limits their recharging. They will not automatically discharge if put on concrete.

2. Always Use a Charging System Designed for Your Battery
And never use a car charger on a gel battery. Remember…it is not necessary to completely discharge your new gel/sealed lead batteries; doing so will do more harm than good.

3. Dispose of Your Batteries Properly
While gel batteries are safe to use they do contain toxic and corrosive substances, so safe disposal is mandatory.  Follow your manufacturer’s directions for disposal.

4. Charging
Charge your batteries as often as specified by the manufacturer of your mobility product. If you use your machine every day, you’ll probably have to charge it daily. Charging intervals will vary with frequency of use so be sure to read the manufacturer’s literature.

5. Battery Storage
If you are keeping spare batteries, store them fully charged. However, you’ll need to check them about once a month and recharge if necessary.

If you purchase a high-quality gel battery designed for your device and follow some simple maintenance tips your power wheelchair or mobility scooter will run smoothly for years to come. For a complete selection of power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, batteries and chargers visit Scooter Direct, America’s Largest Mobility Store.