Mobility scooters make daily activities easier, without putting any further strain on our physical ability. Because of this, there are some things you should know about its battery life to avoid being unexpectedly stranded in a place you aren’t too familiar with.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know, including battery lifespan, how long they take to charge, the best ways to maintain it and more.
Understanding the basics
If you own a mobility scooter or are looking at buying one, there are some important things to know ahead of time. you may have some questions on your mind:
How long does a mobility scooter take to recharge?
A mobility scooter can take anywhere between 6 to 10 hours to fully charge, however, this will depend on many factors including the size of the scooter, type of battery, and remaining battery charge.
How often should I charge the mobility scooter battery?
It’s recommended to put it on charge every night before going to bed, assuming you’ve used it during the day. This will save you from having to wait around in the day as they take a few hours to fully recharge.
How long does a mobility scooter battery last on a full charge?
Depending on the type of scooter, mobility scooter batteries will last anywhere from 8 miles to over 30 miles. Road-safe mobility scooters are designed to last longer compared to lightweight scooters.
How long does a mobility scooter battery last across its lifetime?
Like all electronic devices, this will depend entirely on how frequently you use them. They are designed to last hundreds of charges before deteriorating, however, you should maintain them properly otherwise you run the risk of deteriorating them sooner than expected.
Deep cycle batteries typically last between 1-3 years, compared to lithium-ion batteries which can last between 3-5 years.
Factors impacting battery life
There are many factors impacting the battery life, including use frequency, the type of battery, the battery capacity and the type of scooter.
Use frequency
Batteries are measured in cycles, each cycle being one full charge. How often you use your mobility scooter will have a significant impact on its lifespan, with frequent use resulting in more cycles and degrading battery life.
The terrain you drive will also impact the battery’s lifespan, with tougher terrain, inclines and uneven surfaces taking a larger toll as it requires more power to overcome. Whilst it’s avoiding potholes and gravelly surfaces is not always possible, you should do it whenever possible.
What happens if I overcharge my mobility scooter?
You might be tempted to unplug as soon as it reaches full capacity in fear of overcharging the battery. Whilst this was once the case, modern batteries are designed to protect your device once reached full charge.
Type of battery
The majority of mobility scooters use rechargeable deep-cycle batteries to provide consistent power over a long period of time; these can be sealed lead-acid (SLA) or lithium-ion (Li-ion). Whilst both are powerful battery types, they differ in ability:
SLA Batteries
- Most common battery
- Relatively affordable
- Lifespan lasting 1 - 3 years
- Require regular maintenance
- Designed for deep discharge and long-term use
- Heavier and larger than Li-ion batteries
Li-ion Batteries
- Becoming increasingly popular
- More expensive than SLA batteries
- Lifespan lasting 3 - 5 years
- Require infrequent maintenance
- Can store more energy
- Lightweight design
Battery capacity
Battery capacity is measured by ampere-hours (Ah) and volts (V), which will vary between mobility scooters.
Ampere-hours (Ah) indicates how much energy can be stored; the higher the rating the longer it will last.
Volts (V) refers to how much power is sent to the device. Like other electronic devices, mobility scooter batteries are designed to operate at a certain voltage and require that level of voltage to operate.
If the battery is higher than specified, it will lead to too much power being sent, damaging the scooter in the process. If the battery's voltage is lower than specified, the mobility scooter will not have enough power sent to it and therefore not work.
Type of Mobility Scooter
Mobility scooters differ in types; type 1, type 2 and type 3 - with the latter being road-legal. Everyone has different needs, which is reflected in different mobility scooter models, with heavy-duty mobility scooters designed to support a heavier weight compared to travel mobility scooters.
These scooters also come equipped with different batteries capable of different jobs.
Like any vehicle, added weight requires more power from the battery. If you exceed or come close to the maximum weight capacity, either from yourself or extra cargo such as your food shop, the scooter will require more power to operate. The increase in power demand can result in the battery wearing out quicker and subsequently reducing its lifespan.
Best Ways To Maintain Your Battery
Mobility scooter batteries need to be maintained to stay in the best condition possible, here are some tips that will help you:
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Charge the battery after every use to ensure it is ready whenever you need it.
You might be tempted to wait by it until it reaches full charge, however, this is not necessary as modern batteries are designed to be protected once full charge has been reached.
- During the winter months, store the battery in a cool, dry place to avoid the cold; constant exposure to cold air when not in use will damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.
- Keep the battery clean and dry as exposure to moisture and dirt can damage the battery.
- If you notice an issue with the battery, get it checked out before more damage occurs.
- Do not exceed the weight capacity. Every mobility scooter has a weight capacity, so it’s best to make sure your weight, and any additional weight such as food shopping, can be supported.
Whilst the battery will still deteriorate over time, following these maintenance tips will ensure long-term longevity.
Still having battery issues?
If you already follow these maintenance tips, and still wondering “Why is my mobility scooter going slow?”, you may need a mobility scooter better suited to your needs.
At Mobility Solutions Direct, we sell a wide range of mobility scooters ranging from lightweight travel scooters suitable for aeroplane below-storage, to heavy-duty scooters designed for on-the-road mobility.
If you are unsure what you’re looking for, that’s no problem at all as we offer free demonstrations prior to purchase.
Get in touch with us today at 08006 890 388 or drop us an email at info@mobilitysolutionsdirect.com and speak to a member of our friendly team.
