How long will my batteries last?
Some battery manufacturers and new scooter purchases only give sealed lead acid
batteries a six month warranty, some online auctions sites non at all - this doesn't necessarily mean that last six months. Age,
storage, temperature and proper charging, (after every full use of your mobility scooter) will determine how long they will last.
What brand of battery is best?
Some more expensive brands such as UPG and Interstate might claim their batteries are superior, but again how old and how
you look after your batteries will determine their life span. We supply locally sourced SLA batteries - this way we can pass on
the savings to our customers. Having only a few batteries in stock and not a store full of aging batteries will help us ensure you're
not getting old stock. Plus all our batteries have a 1 year limited warranty and no core charge so you can dispose of the batteries
yourself at your local recycling center or let us dispose of them for you - please ask for more details.
There are three types of battery you can use in your mobility product they are:
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
SLA (Sealed Lead Acid
GEL (Gel Cell Electrolyte Battery)
GEL and AGM batteries are both considered SLA- sealed lead acid batteries , also known as VRLA-valve regulated lead acid. They are Non Spillable, non-hazardous, and Maintenance-Free and can be safely used in any position. They can also be transported without special handling.These two technologies are the two most commonly known on the market, with each having certain distinctions that allow them to perform effectively per the purpose they were designed. There are some who wonder which of these two batteries is the best to use. The answer to that is that there is no unanimous agreement, because each battery is designed to excel in an area in which the other is not, hence their performance will depend on the manner in which they are used, but GEL cell batteries tend to be more expensive verses standard SLA and AGM batteries.
Can
I change
just one
battery?
It is highly
recommended
to replace
your
batteries in
pairs for
the best
results.
Even though
the
batteries
look in good
condition,
internally
they can be
weak. A load
test would
indicate if
a battery is
under-performing
or going
bad. If one
battery is
damaged or
leaking the
good battery
will support
the bad one
which will
effect the
range,
charge time
and could
also cause
damage to
the scooter.
After time
the charger
will not
perform a
charge on
the
batteries.
If you are
unsure about
your
batteries
or your
charger you can
contact us
or ask your
local dealer
to perform a
load test to
each battery
to confirm
the health
of each
battery.
Can
I change the
batteries
myself?
Yes. Most
powered
wheelchairs
have
batteries
that are
accessed by
removing a
shroud or a
removable
tray. Most
mobility
scooters
have a
removable
pack or
plastic case that
is fastened
with screws.
Some cases require
a longer
screwdriver
which can be
purchased at
many
hardware
stores.
Internally
they are
attached by
F2 (faston
spade
connectors)
or nut and
bolt. Please
remember to
attach the
colored wire
correctly to
their
corresponding
positive
(red) and
negative
(black)
terminals.
Failure can
cause
serious
damage to
the scooters
electronics
and
controllers
if connected
incorrectly.
We suggest
doing one
battery at a
time to not
mix up the
right
sequence.
Please be
aware that
some battery
packs secure
their
batteries
with two
strips of
Velcro?
tape
to the
bottom of
each
battery,
this can
make
removing the
batteries
difficult be
careful not
to damage
and
connectors,
wires or the
outer
battery case.
We can
replace your
batteries
whether you
buy them
from us or
any other
outlet*.
If you are
unsure about
your
batteries
you can
call or
contact us
or ask your
local dealer
to perform a
load test to
each battery
to confirm
the health
of each
battery.
Using a
multimeter
will only
show you the
output
voltage and
not show you
the
batteries
under load.
We have seen
brand new
batteries
show 13.6v
using a
multimeter
and then put
the same
batteries on
our load
tester and
one battery
show
complete
failure even
though it
read 13.6v. Please
contact us
to arrange
an
appointment
or home
visit*
Can
I over
charge my
batteries?
Most modern
SLA battery
chargers
supplied
with your
scooter have
an indicator
light to show
you when
the
batteries
are fully
charged.
Some chargers
feature a
trickle
charge mode
where they
keep your
batteries
topped up
over time.
However SLA
batteries
have limits
to how many
times you
can charge
them (300 -
400 charges)
so we
recommend
that you
fully charge
each battery
pack for no
more than 12
hours after
using the
scooter. If
you are not
going to use
the scooter
the
following day
remove the
charger and
battery pack
(if
removable)
but remember
to
pre charge
the scooter
battery pack
prior to the
next days
use. We have
also
encountered
a battery
charger that
was left on
continuously
and had
tripped. The
customer was
trying to
charge a
power chair
for several
days
but wasn't
charging the
batteries.
Even though
the power
light was
illuminated
the
batteries
subsequently
discharged
to a point
they where
to week and
had to be
replaced.
What do
the number
on the
batteries
mean?
-
12v -
This is
the
amount
of
voltage
the
batteries
produces
-
AH -
Amps
Hours
The
higher
the AH,
the
lager
the
wattage
produced.
Larger
scooters
and
power
chairs
have
larger
motors
with
bigger
wattage
consumption
which in
turn
require
larger
AH
batteries.
