Your mobility scooter battery is your source of power, so it needs to be well looked after and cared for – think of it like the heart of your scooter! Efficiency is key, so here are some commonly asked questions about charging, lifespan and basically how to get the most out of your mobility scooter battery.
Mobility Scooter Batteries
How Often Should You Charge Your Mobility Scooter?
There are no set rules for charging your mobility scooter
battery as every battery, scooter and usage is different. Here are some general
guidelines to follow though:
Class 2 Small Scooters – As Class 2 scooters are
smaller, they will have smaller batteries so it will be beneficial to charge it
after every use so you can guarantee you have enough charge for your journeys.
Daily Usage – Similarly to small scooters, if you venture
out on your mobility scooter every day, you should charge your battery as soon
as you have finished using it. Then you’ll definitely have enough juice for the
morning!
Occasional Usage – If you only use your mobility
scooter once or twice a week then a single weekly charge for around 12-14 hours
will be more than enough.
It is important that you never let your battery become
completely depleted; by keeping it topped up, the battery will stay charged and
live a long and healthy life.
Can You Overcharge a Mobility Scooter Battery?
Simply put, no you cannot overcharge your battery. With the
majority of batteries now fitted with a cut-off point, you can have peace of
mind that your battery will turn off as soon as it is fully charged.
When you first get your new mobility scooter, it is
recommended that you charge your battery fully and then run them down a few
times until the charger flashes red. By repeating this approximately 10 times,
your battery’s capacity will increase with use. This will give your mobility
scooter optimum range and an extended life span – What more could you want?
Do You Need a Specific Type of Charger?
It is important that you use the right charger for your
mobility scooter. If it is not the correct type for the size of your power
unit, it is likely that it won’t charge your battery at all.
It may even pose a health and safety risk, so if you didn’t
receive one with your mobility scooter, get in touch with your local mobility
scooter experts (us!) for some advice on which one to get.
How Long Can a Mobility Scooter Battery Last?
Also depending on usage, your mobility scooter battery can
live from 12 months up to 3 years. If you use your mobility scooter every day
and you look after your battery properly, it is most likely to last at least
between 12-18 months.
If you only use it occasionally, maybe once or twice a week
at most, the battery can last up to 3 years. An overall average will be around
18 months though, so make sure you look after your pride and joy.
How Can You Preserve Your Battery Charge?
We know it sounds simple but a gentle reminder to turn off
any electrical equipment, like headlights, when it is not being used is one of
the best ways to preserve your battery. By turning your mobility scooter off at
the ignition or power button will ensure you are not wasting any charge.
Temperature is also a vital element that can affect your
mobility scooter battery. If it is too hot or too cold, this can impact your
battery capacity and range. Make sure you store your scooter in a comfortable
ambient temperature between 0 – 35°C and you will
successfully maintain your battery.
Any Other Questions?
For further tips on battery maintenance, read our blog article here. If you have any other concerns or are looking for some expert advice, contact us today and the Wild & Wacky team will be more than happy to help!
