Guide to Mobility Scooter Battery Maintenance

To ensure long life and maximum distance with your mobility scooter, look no further than the performance of its battery as a key component to getting you where you want to go. Generally, a battery will need to be replaced in two to three years, after 300 to 400 cycles of charging and discharging. A high-quality battery that is properly charged and maintained will go a long way toward helping you get the most from your mobility scooter. Failing to take the proper maintenance and charging procedures could shorten the battery’s life and even leave you stranded with an inoperable mobility scooter. That’s why it also is a good idea to keep an extra, fully charged battery on hand in case of emergencies.

Before you begin charging your mobility scooter’s battery and embark on a maintenance program, you should carefully read the owner’s manual. Manufacturers may use different kinds of batteries, and they may have specific recommendations for the make and model that powers your mobility scooter. Some batteries require special setup and charging before their first use. The manual helps you get started in the right manner.

To help you enjoy years of good battery life, consider our guidelines, which we organize into these four categories:

• Charging Your battery
• Storing Your Battery and Scooter
• Cleaning Your Battery
• Optimizing Your Battery Life

Charging Your Battery

It sounds simple: If you keep your batteries fully charged, you’ll enjoy reliable performance, optimal power and maximum battery life. But managing through some of the little details, such as when and how to charge your batteries, can impact performance.

Here are tips to help you:

• Protect your batteries from extreme heat and cold. It can permanently damage them.
• Use the charger that came with your battery for the safest and most efficient charging. Chargers are matched to the type and size of batteries.
• Charge your battery every night for at least eight hours, regardless of the amount of use your scooter has had that day.
• If you are not going to use your mobility scooter for a few days, fully charge your battery then disconnect the battery from the scooter.
• Do not charge your batteries for more than 24 consecutive hours. Overcharging does not improve performance and actually can have a negative effect.
• If you use your mobility scooter less than once a week, charge its batteries at least once a week for a minimum of eight hours.
• If you use your mobility scooter every day, get in the habit of charging its batteries when you are finished for the day.
• Do not leave your battery charger plugged in constantly to the wall outlet when the scooter is not in use

Storing Your Battery

The life of your battery is affected by how it is stored. If you store your mobility scooter in a damp place, for example, it could reduce the effectiveness of the battery. Here are ways to get the most of your battery through good storage techniques.

• If you plan on not using your scooter for an extended period, disconnect the battery from the mobility scooter and make sure it is fully charged.
• Store your mobility scooter in a warm, dry place.
• Avoid storing your scooter in places where it can be exposed to extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold.
• Never charge a battery that has been inadvertently exposed to freezing temperatures until you allow it to return to room temperature.
• During storage, periodically charge the batteries

Cleaning Your Battery

Thankfully, you will not have to clean your battery too often. It usually is encased in a place where it is not directly exposed to the elements. But you should periodically check for any potential issues and follow these tips:

• Wipe down the battery with a soft cloth if you notice dirt or condensation on the outside due to damp weather, or if it gets wet.
• Make sure the terminals are well greased, as this can help prolong battery life

Optimizing Your Battery Life

Think about it this way: Driving conditions affect battery life, as winding surfaces, hills and even weather can affect how much power your mobility scooter needs to get you where you are going. Conditions rarely are ideal, but you can take a few steps to keep your battery power strong.

• Limit the baggage weight on your mobility scooter.
• Maintain an even speed on your mobility scooter.
• Avoid stop-and-go driving.
• Make sure the battery is fully charged before you drive for the day.
• If possible, plan your route so you take as many hard, flat surfaces as possible.
• Maintain the proper tire pressure on your mobility scooter.
• Remember to keep an extra, fully charged battery on hand for emergencies