Owning a mobility scooter offers a sense of independence and comes as a stark upgrade to conventional wheelchairs. These scooters are battery-powered and require charging for uninterrupted functioning.
Therefore, it’s only natural to question how long a mobility battery lasts to get your projections on its lifespan and working periods properly in line.
Mobility scooter batteries can last between 45 minutes and marginally over an hour.
However, this range isn’t one-fits-all since it primarily hinges on numerous determining variables for power supply and longevity. With proper maintenance, your battery can give you about 18 months of sustainably high performance before showing signs of decline.
This article looks into mobility scooters, the typical battery types, the factors determining their charge, and how long they last. Please read this post to learn more.
How Mobility Scooters Work?
Mobility scooters are an invention that changed the lives of individuals lacking the complete ability to walk.
They come in handy to foster an individual’s independence, especially when moving around over short or slightly longer distances. Every mobility scooter operates on battery power, and you can obtain these separately for replacements from online retailers, specialty mobility stores, or a manufacturer.
These batteries can last slightly over an hour, depending on how you use them or the type of battery on your mobility scooter. Scooter batteries have a conventional capacity of 24 volts but operate on a general serial circuit that generates 24 volts.
If you crave better functionality, you should assess your mobility needs before picking the most suitable battery for your scooter. Not all batteries are similar, but there are several distinct types you should look for.
Types of Mobility Scooter Batteries
Mobility scooters can operate on different batteries if they fit specified power requirements. While there could be a handful of battery options, the most sought-after types include the following.
- Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries
These batteries are among the most expensive but can be worth the best bang for your buck. They have many cycles and are lightweight compared to most mobility scooter battery types. If you take good care of them, Li-Ion batteries don’t always demand frequent replacements. These batteries are ideal for a more compact and higher energy-density battery option.
- Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries
SLA batteries are the most affordable and sought-after in mobility scooters. These batteries are available in two primary variants: the Gel and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM). The latter are low-maintenance and resist vibrations, while Gel SLA batteries are spill-proof, sealed, and safer.
- Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
These batteries aren’t the fanciest or most prevalent option in mobility scooters but offer an excellent balance of performance and cost. They still grab a spot among the most feasible scooter picks due to their moderate energy density and propensity to serve over more extended spans.
Factors Determining the Span and Lifespan of Mobility Scooter Batteries
Your battery can last over a year or so, or its charge may serve you for a few more minutes than the average. However, it helps to know the few variables that determine their longevity, which include the following.
- Usage Patterns
Using the peripherals and accessories on your mobility scooter, including lights or horns, can drain the battery faster. Besides, frequent stops and starts, deceleration, and acceleration can impact the rate at which you consume the battery energy.
Optimizing your battery usage minimally using your scooter and only when needed can extend its power supply and lifespan.
- Battery Type and Capacity
Some battery types last longer than others. For instance, Li-Ion batteries last longer than ASL batteries. Still, Gel batteries last longer than AGM batteries within the ASL category. While some batteries may offer a more extended power supply, it’s best to know they can fetch higher prices.
- Scooter Speed and Weight
Your weight can determine your mobility scooter’s battery power supply and lifespan. Besides, riding your scooter at certain speeds can dictate your power consumption. Higher weight capacities or speeding up your scooter can quickly drain your battery.
- Charging Habits
Using up your battery power until it goes flat can be detrimental, mainly because it can compromise its ability to hold charge over extended periods.
Besides, overcharging your mobility scooter’s battery can damage it in the long run. It’s, therefore, thoughtful to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for charging cycles.
- Maintenance
Maintaining your battery can allow it to hold charge over extended periods of use and lengthen its lifespan. Therefore, ensure you keep the terminals clean and use the correct charging procedures to give it a shot at serving you for the long haul.
Signs of Battery Wear to be Aware of for Replacement
Replacing your battery with a new one can extend your mobility scooter’s power supply.
Old batteries can have diminished performance and might get you scratching your head, having done everything correctly to extend their lifespan and the period they supply power on a full charge.
The most conventional and notable signs of a worn-out battery to watch out for can include slower charging, voltage drops, and difficulty starting your scooter.
Besides, your battery may heat up when charging, and the range between charges may decrease noticeably. It’d also be best to pay attention to your scooter for error code displays to indicate a fault and that a new battery should replace it.
Bottom Line
Mobility scooter batteries can last between 45 minutes and an hour. However, it’s best to know that this range doesn’t cut across every battery or is definitive of every battery used in mobility scooters.
Different variables can impact the power supply range for most batteries, so it helps to understand how that’s so. If anything, ensure you properly maintain your battery to get the most out of it and make your mobility a breeze.
