Proper battery charging and maintenance will help to guarantee that you get optimal life out of your mobility scooter or powerchair’s batteries. We recommend that you read the following guidelines to ensure that your batteries are kept in excellent condition.
*This guide is adapted from an excellent information sheet put together by Heartway Mobility.
Battery “Break In” Charging
The first 4-5 charge cycles in a new battery’s life are crucial to the extended life and health of the battery. Following the steps below will ensure that you get maximum use out of your mobility scooter battery.
- Fully charge any new battery prior to first or initial use. Ideally, this will take about 8-14 hours or overnight.
- Run your power chair/mobility scooter in your house or around the yard to get comfortable with it and the controls. This will help “break-in” the batteries to do what they are meant to do—cycle.
- When finished with your power chair/mobility scooter for the day, fully recharge your batteries again overnight. This should bring the batteries to about 90% of their capacity.
- After the first 4-5 charge cycles your battery should be at 100% charge and last you an extended period of time.
Battery Charging
Regular charging varies from chair to chair, and from person to person. These recommendations are a general or broad stroke approach and should be followed along with the owner’s manual for your particular unit.
- Keep your unit clean, dry, and in a cool place when possible.
- Always keep your batteries fully charged.
- Avoid deep discharging the batteries by running them into the bottom of your battery meter/gauge.
- We do not recommend that your charger is left on for more than 24 hours.
- Only use chargers supplied with the unit or recommended by a dealer. Do not use car chargers. Doing so incorrectly could severely affect your battery’s performance.
- When charging, always follow the indicator on your battery charger and not the indicator on the unit itself.
Regular Use
Daily use for mobility purposes
If you use your mobility scooter regularly, charge your batteries every evening after use for 8-14 hours or until fully charged. This will ensure that the unit will be fully charged for the following day.
Occasional Use
Sporadic use, 2-3 times a week, 7-10 hours a week, grocery store, shopping, etc
If you use your mobility scooter occasionally, always charge your batteries prior to use. Ideal charging for this type of use is 8-14 hours before and after use.
If you use your power unit once a week or less, charge your batteries at least once a week to keep them fully charged.
Safe Storage of Batteries
- Always store your batteries fully charged.
- When storing your unit for more than two weeks, fully charge the batteries and disconnect them.
- Every two to three weeks, recharge your batteries. This will ensure that the acid in your battery regularly cycles and prevent damage to your battery. If you are going to be out of town or away, consider asking a friend who may be able to do this for you.
TIP: It can be helpful to keep a log of when you’ve charged your battery to ensure that it does not sit uncharged for an extended period of time. Download a printable version of this guide with a battery charging log here.
- Always avoid HOT or COLD environments when storing your unit. Do not store outside.
Battery Information
A fully charged deep cycle battery provides reliable performance and extended battery life. Keep your batteries fully charged whenever possible. Batteries that are deeply discharged, stored without a full charge, or improperly charged may result in permanent damage. This can lead to poor reliability and limited life expectancy.
A Note About Range
Although your power unit may be rated for and “up to” range, remember that this is in optimal conditions—smooth, flat surfaces with no wind of curves. Always plan your outing and fully charge your batteries. Keep your tire properly inflated, if applicable, and try not to carry excess baggage—this adds weight and may limit your range.
Following these simple procedures above should help to ensure that you enjoy a long lifetime out of your battery. Have any questions or concerns? Feel free to contact us anytime.
