If your mobility scooter needs a new battery, it can seem like a bit of a minefield. Deciding which battery you want may seem complicated at first, but a few simple steps will enable you to select the correct one for your machine. All scooter and electric wheelchair batteries are 12 volt and are usually fitted in pairs giving a 24 volt output. It is definitely recommended that when replacing batteries they are fitted in pairs.
The power output is marked in amp hours (Ah) on the side of the battery and the amp hour rate may vary slightly from different manufacturers for a similar size battery, therefore the important thing to not is the physical size of the battery. The next thing you need to decide once you have identified which battery Amp hour you require, is whether you want a GEL battery or an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery which is often referred to as a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery. Don’t worry, the difference will be explained.
Both batteries are sealed, non-spillable and maintenance free. The main difference between them is the performance and how long they last. As the battery in a scooter or power chair is the only power source the battery is designed to work differently to other batteries. You can find Mobility Scooters Bristol companies that can help you replacing your batteries.
A mobility scooter battery is unlike a car battery which is designed for starting the car, so is required to produce a large amount of power immediately as you turn the key, and is then constantly trickle charged. A GEL or SLA battery is designed to give a constant flow of power over a longer period, and then to be recharged fully, which is called a cycle.
With a Gel battery, performance improves once the battery has been through a cycle several times which means discharged and then recharged approximately 20-25 times. This break-in period is necessary to fully activate the battery for maximum performance and longevity but means that the range and running time of your mobility device could actually increase with use.
It is important to charge the battery daily and you don’t need to worry about overcharging as today’s chargers will shut off automatically when maximum voltage has been reached. It’s best not to drain your battery completely before recharging it and don’t leave your scooter with a minimum of charge for a long period of time. Charge your discharged battery as soon as possible. If you’re going to put a battery to one side for storage then make sure It’s fully charged first. A fully charged Sealed Gel and AGM battery can hold its charge for up to 6 months but they should always receive a charge before use if it’s been a while.
If you’re unsure about dealing with batteries then always seek professional help as batteries can be dangerous. Dropping a tool or touching a watch or bracelet across the terminals can result in an electrical shock, sparks, smoke, fire and even and explosion. Use extreme caution around exposed battery terminals. Always wash your hands after handling a battery. All old batteries are considered to be “hazardous material” and must be recycled through an approved agency to prevent improper disposal. Lead-acid batteries are virtually 100% recyclable.