Mobility Scooter and Powerchair Battery Care Guide
Your batteries are among the most important components of your mobility scooter or powerchair. Looking after them properly can improve reliability, maximise performance and significantly extend their usable life.
Unfortunately, many batteries fail earlier than expected because of incorrect charging, long periods without use or unsuitable storage conditions.
At First Choice Mobility, one of the most common service issues we encounter is not a fault with the scooter or powerchair itself. It is often a battery that has not been charged or stored correctly.
This guide explains how to get the best performance from your batteries and avoid the most common causes of premature battery failure.
Quick Summary
To help maximise the life of your mobility batteries:
- Charge your batteries after every use.
- Avoid leaving batteries completely flat.
- Always use the correct compatible charger.
- Store your equipment in a dry, frost-free environment.
- Recharge the batteries regularly, even when the equipment is not being used.
- Arrange a battery check if performance or travelling range begins to decline.
Contents
Understanding Mobility Scooter and Powerchair Batteries
Most mobility scooters and powerchairs use one of two main types of rechargeable battery:
- Sealed lead-acid batteries, including AGM and gel batteries.
- Lithium-ion batteries.
Both types can provide reliable performance when cared for correctly, but they have different weights, charging characteristics, handling requirements and expected service lives.
Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular mobility scooter, powerchair, battery and charger. Advice can vary between manufacturers and battery systems.
Lithium vs Lead-Acid Mobility Batteries
| Feature | Lithium | Lead-Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Usually much lighter | Heavier |
| Charging time | Often faster | Usually slower |
| Expected lifespan | Generally longer when correctly maintained | Generally shorter, depending on use and care |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Typical use | Lightweight equipment, frequent use and travel | Everyday mobility equipment and good-value replacements |
Neither option is automatically right for every user. The correct choice depends on your equipment, the manufacturer’s specifications, how often you travel and whether battery weight is an important consideration.
First Choice Mobility Insight
Customers sometimes assume their battery has suddenly failed because their scooter is slowing down or travelling fewer miles.
In practice, reduced performance is often associated with batteries that have not been charged regularly enough, particularly when a scooter has received little use during the winter months.
Charging Your Mobility Batteries Correctly
One of the simplest ways to extend battery life is to establish a regular charging routine.
Recommended Charging Routine
- Recharge your batteries after every outing.
- Use the charger supplied or approved by the equipment manufacturer.
- Allow the charging cycle to complete fully.
- Charge the equipment in a dry and well-ventilated location.
- Make sure the charger connections are secure before switching on the power.
- Disconnect the charger after charging if this is recommended by the manufacturer.
Avoid deliberately waiting until the batteries are completely flat before recharging them. Regular deep discharge can shorten the life of many mobility batteries.
A Safe Charging Sequence
- Switch off the mobility scooter or powerchair.
- Make sure the charging area is dry and free from obstructions.
- Connect the charger to the charging socket on the mobility equipment.
- Connect the charger to the mains supply and switch it on.
- Check that the charging indicator is operating as described in the charger instructions.
- Allow the charging cycle to finish before disconnecting it.
Never cover the charger while it is operating. Chargers can become warm during normal use and require adequate ventilation.
Did You Know?
Even when you have only travelled a short distance, it is usually good practice to recharge your batteries afterwards so your equipment is ready for its next journey.
Storing Your Mobility Scooter or Powerchair
If you will not be using your mobility scooter or powerchair for several weeks, correct storage is particularly important.
Where to Store Your Equipment
Whenever possible, store your mobility equipment:
- Indoors or in a properly protected building.
- In a clean and dry environment.
- Away from rain, damp and condensation.
- Away from extreme heat.
- In a frost-free location.
- With the batteries charged as recommended by the manufacturer.
For longer periods of storage, recharge the batteries at the intervals stated in your equipment or battery handbook. This helps prevent deep discharge, which can permanently damage some batteries.
Do not assume that switching off the scooter or powerchair completely prevents battery discharge. Batteries naturally lose charge over time, and some equipment continues to draw a small amount of power when not in use.
Common Mobility Battery Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Leaving batteries flat for long periods.
- Using a charger that has not been approved for the battery or equipment.
- Assuming all mobility battery chargers are interchangeable.
- Storing equipment in freezing, damp or excessively hot conditions.
- Repeatedly interrupting the charging cycle unnecessarily.
- Ignoring reduced range or a battery gauge that falls unusually quickly.
- Replacing only one battery in a two-battery system without professional advice.
- Fitting batteries with the wrong voltage, capacity, dimensions or terminal type.
These mistakes can significantly reduce battery life and may also affect the reliability or performance of the mobility equipment.
Myth vs Fact
Myth: You should completely discharge your mobility batteries before charging them.
Fact: Modern mobility batteries generally perform best when charged regularly. Frequently allowing them to become completely flat can shorten their lifespan.
Signs Your Batteries May Need Replacing
All rechargeable batteries gradually lose capacity as they age. The rate at which this happens depends on battery type, frequency of use, charging routine, storage conditions, user weight, terrain and the condition of the mobility equipment.
Possible signs of worn or failing batteries include:
- A noticeable reduction in travelling range.
- The batteries taking much longer than usual to charge.
- Difficulty climbing slopes that the equipment previously managed comfortably.
- Slower acceleration or reduced power.
- The battery gauge dropping quickly after setting off.
- The equipment cutting out under load.
- The charger displaying a warning or fault indication.
- The batteries failing to reach a full charge.
These symptoms do not always mean that the batteries must be replaced. Low tyre pressures, poor electrical connections, charger problems, excessive load or mechanical resistance can also reduce performance.
A professional battery test can help identify the cause before you spend money replacing other components unnecessarily.
Winter Battery Care
Cold weather can temporarily reduce battery performance and travelling range. This can be particularly noticeable on older batteries or equipment stored in an unheated garage.
During Colder Weather
- Charge the batteries after every use.
- Avoid leaving your scooter or powerchair outside overnight.
- Store the equipment in a dry, frost-free location.
- Keep the batteries properly charged during periods of limited use.
- Check tyre pressures regularly where pneumatic tyres are fitted.
- Allow very cold batteries to warm naturally before charging or use, following the manufacturer’s guidance.
A temporary reduction in range during very cold weather can be normal. However, a severe or continuing loss of performance should be investigated.
Before You Buy New Mobility Batteries
Mobility batteries are not universal. Before ordering replacements, check:
- Battery chemistry or type.
- Battery voltage.
- Amp-hour capacity, shown as Ah.
- Physical length, width and height.
- Terminal position and terminal type.
- Number of batteries required.
- Compatible charger requirements.
- Equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.
Choosing the wrong battery can affect range and performance, damage electrical components or prevent the battery from fitting securely into the equipment.
Do not replace sealed lead-acid batteries with lithium batteries unless the mobility equipment and charger have been specifically designed or approved for that conversion.
Mobility Battery Frequently Asked Questions
How long should mobility scooter batteries last?
Battery lifespan depends on the battery type, frequency of use, charging routine, storage environment and the demands placed on the scooter. With appropriate care, many batteries can provide several years of reliable service.
How often should I charge my mobility scooter?
It is normally advisable to recharge your scooter after every use, even after a relatively short journey. Always follow the charging instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
Can I leave my charger connected all the time?
Some modern chargers automatically change to a maintenance or standby mode when charging is complete. However, this does not apply to every charger or battery system. Always follow your owner’s manual.
Why has my scooter suddenly lost range?
Reduced range can be caused by ageing batteries, cold weather, low tyre pressures, steep terrain, increased weight, poor electrical connections or a mechanical issue. A battery and equipment health check is often the best place to start.
Can I replace just one battery?
When two batteries are fitted, it is generally recommended that they are replaced together as a matched pair. Mixing an old battery with a new one can result in uneven charging and reduced performance.
Can I use a car battery charger?
No. Use only a charger designed and approved for your mobility battery system. A car battery charger may use an unsuitable voltage or charging profile.
Can I charge the batteries away from the scooter?
Some removable lithium battery packs can be charged away from the equipment using their approved charger. Other battery systems must be charged while installed. Check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Should I charge new mobility batteries before using them?
New batteries should normally be fully charged before their first substantial use. They may require several charging and use cycles before reaching optimum performance.
Further Reading
Eligible replacement batteries and mobility equipment may qualify for VAT relief when the relevant conditions are met.
Continue Reading in the First Choice Mobility Advice Centre
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Our Advice
Battery care does not need to be complicated. A simple routine of regular charging, correct storage and using the right charger can significantly extend battery life and help keep your mobility equipment reliable.
If you are unsure whether your batteries are performing as they should, the First Choice Mobility team will be happy to offer advice and help you identify suitable replacements.
Need More Help?
Whether you need replacement batteries, a compatible charger or advice about your charging routine, our experienced team is here to help.
Call our Westbrook branch on 01843 292136 or our Tankerton branch on 01227 907003.
Alternatively, visit our contact page and send us the make and model of your mobility equipment.
Freedom, with Confidence
At First Choice Mobility, we understand how important dependable batteries are to your independence.
Our aim is to provide practical advice, quality replacement batteries and experienced support to help keep you moving with confidence.
Download This Battery Care Guide
Download a printable PDF version of this guide and keep it with your mobility scooter or powerchair handbook for future reference.
Information You Can Trust
This guide has been reviewed by the First Choice Mobility team and is intended as general guidance. Always follow the charging, storage and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer of your equipment, batteries and charger.
If you notice a sudden reduction in performance, physical battery damage, unusual heat, swelling, leakage, smoke, a burning smell or a charger fault, stop using the equipment and seek professional advice.
