The batteries of a mobility scooter consist of two or more 12V “Deep Cycle” connected in Series for 36 Volts or 48 Volts, depending on which voltage the Mobility Scooter is designed for. These batteries are “Deep Cycle”, which means they are designed to be completely discharged (to zero volts) and then fully recharged, in the process wearing down the battery somewhat in order to prolong its life over repeated deep discharges. Proper charging of these batteries consists of charging them when they are low (but not all the way down to zero), and then stopping the charging when they reach full voltage.
They are NOT designed to be charged in a “one hour” or even a “four hour” charger, and will suffer from VERY SHORT LIFE if they are. In fact, you should NEVER use a Charger faster than 4 amps (.4A) for these deep cycle batteries. Therefore, a “one hour” charger is completely out of the question.
Mobility scooter batteries are expensive, so you want to care for them properly so that they last as long as possible. One of the most important things is making sure that you charge them when necessary. So when should you charge your battery?
Charge your batteries when they need charging
Most mobility scooter batteries should be charged whenever they’re below 20%. However, you should check with your specific manufacturer to ensure that this is the correct charging level for your batteries. If you don’t, then it’s possible that your batteries will not charge all the way or could lose capacity by being stored at a high charge.
Your batteries should also only be charged in a well-ventilated area. Charging them when the air is too humid or too hot can wear out your batteries and make them lose capacity more quickly. If this happens, then it could cost you a lot of money to replace them down the line.
Charge your batteries correctly
It is an important thing to do when it comes to charging your batteries is to ensure that you don’t leave them plugged in for too long. Charging them while they’re at a high charge can cause damage, so you should always unplug them once they hit 100%. Leaving them plugged in after this point could shorten their lifespan.
It’s also a good idea to ensure that your batteries are never below 20% and above 80%. This is because the optimal charge level for them is between 40% and 50%. You don’t want to discharge them all the way or allow them to get too full. Doing either of these things could cause damage, so avoid them when you can.
Mobility scooter batteries are expensive, so you want to make sure that your scooter is set up to charge them correctly. If it isn’t, then get with your manufacturer or dealer for more information about how you can do this.
Mobility scooter require specific battery charging instructions
Always read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for charging your scooter batteries. Different manufacturers may require different battery charging times and procedures for optimum performance, safety and life of the batteries.
A closed or open cell battery need to be watered
Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for watering your mobility scooter battery. If you have a sealed or maintenance-free battery that is not going to require watering, then you should always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for charging or maximizing the life of your scooter or power chair batteries.
Closed cell batteries require watering less often than open cell batteries. Open cell batteries will need to be checked and watered about once a week, while sealed/maintenance-free batteries should never need watering under normal operating conditions (please follow manufacturer’s recommendations).
The recommended charging times
Most mobility scooters have an automatic shut-off feature that stops the charging system once full charge has been reached. Once you reach full charge, it would be recommended that you unplug the mobility scooter and allow it to run for about 10 minutes to ensure optimum performance before using.
Mobility scooters with removable batteries will typically require 1-2 hours of charging time while Scooters scooters can receive a 4-6 hour charge.
Most common causes of mobility scooter battery failure
The most common cause is simply undercharging the batteries – not allowing the mobility scooter long enough to recharge between trips or allowing it to become completely discharged. If you take your batteries down to 20% and do not recharge them, this would be considered a deep discharge and can shorten battery life. Batteries should never go below 20% and should only be taken down to 40-50%.
Another is overcharging them – continuing to charge the batteries after they are fully charged. The best way to avoid overcharging your scooter’s batteries is to monitor them closely when they are plugged in for extended periods of time (overnight), so you always know whether or not they are fully charged before use.
Also, leaving your mobility scooter sitting too long after it has been fully charged will allow the scooter to slowly discharge itself and the battery life will be shortened considerably.
The best way to ensure long life out of your mobility scooter batteries
Make sure you follow these simple rules:
- Keep your battery terminals clean and tight. This will prevent terminal corrosion, which is the biggest cause of mobility scooter batteries failing early.
- Always make sure you drive off slowly when you first try to move after being stationary for a while.
- If your mobility scooter has power wheelchairs or an accelerator on the tiller then remember to only use the throttle when you want to move. If it has a tiller throttle do not lean on it for support.
- Try to avoid large drops in temperature, otherwise your mobility scooter batteries may freeze and crack the casing.
- Keep the battery charged between 50% and 80%. High or low voltages can cause damage over time.
- Try not to let it sit for more than a few days at low charge in cold conditions, or high charge in warm weather. This will cause sulfation of the plates inside your mobility scooter batteries which can lead to premature failure. If you have two batteries then it’s best to hook them up in parallel so that they are charged equally by the charger. If you have one battery and a separate charger then it is best to charge the mobility scooter batteries in parallel too.
- If in doubt, take your mobility scooter in for a service and ask your supplier or repairer about when to replace mobility scooter batteries.
