Getting the Most from Your Mobility Scooter Battery

A mobility scooter is a hugely important part of your life if you are disabled, elderly or have difficulty getting around. It can represent freedom and a real sense of independence. Not to mention the difference it can make to your everyday life.

To make sure your mobility scooter never lets you down, it’s important to look after the battery. Scooter battery maintenance will not only make sure your scooter is always ready to go when you are, it also saves you money by extending your battery life.

Here are some top tips on how to get the most from your mobility scooter battery and to keep you on the move.

A new scooter

When you buy a new mobility scooter the battery should already be charged. If you have never had a mobility scooter before we'll be able to show you the correct procedure for charging the battery so that you can do it safely and easily every time.

If the battery hasn’t been charged then you will need to put it on charge for at least 24 hours before you start using it. You can then be sure that it won’t let you down on that first trip out!

What kind of batteries do mobility scooters have?

There are two main types of batteries for mobility scooters – ‘gel’ and ‘sealed lead acid’.

Gel mobility scooter batteries are usually more expensive because they can be recharged more times than sealed lead acid batteries before they need replacing. For this reason, we recommend gel batteries for people who use their mobility scooter or powerchair daily.

Both types of battery are sealed to avoid spillages and are largely maintenance free. Sealed lead acid batteries offer great value for money and are suitable for more occasional mobility scooter users.

The most important point to remember with mobility scooter batteries is how important it is to never let them run completely flat. If you do, it will reduce its ability to hold a full charge and can damage the battery.

It is also very important to use the correct mobility scooter charger. Just like your mobile phone, mobility scooter batteries don’t like ‘generic’ chargers and using the wrong type of charger could damage your battery or could even be very dangerous. You will, however, receive the correct charging leads and charging unit when you buy your mobility scooter.

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How long will my scooter battery last?

If they are looked after properly, a battery should last between 12-18 months at the very least.

How often should I charge my mobility scooter battery?

The general rule of thumb for charging your battery is:

Daily outings – Charge your scooter battery as soon as you have finished using it for the day. That way it will be ready for you the next morning with a full charge.

Occasional use – If you only use your scooter occasionally (such as once or twice a week) then a single weekly charge for around 12-14 hours should be plenty.

Storing for the winter – If you decide to put your scooter away for the winter or if you go away then before you do, make sure you fully charge the battery and then disconnect it. Once a month you will need to re-connect the batteries and give them a full charge to keep it in tip-top condition.

Small scooters – if your mobility scooter is small and only has a little battery then you may need to charge it after every use.

How to make your charge last longer

Cost is always a consideration when running any vehicle, whether that is for a Ferrari or a mobility scooter! To keep the costs down, make sure you don’t leave your scooter lights or other electrical equipment switched on when it is not being used. The best way to make sure you’re not wasting battery power is to turn the scooter off at the ignition or power button.

Don’t undercharge your scooter battery

Mobility scooter batteries are pretty robust, one thing that can damage them over time, however, is undercharging. For example, over time batteries can have a build up of sulphur on the surface of the workings inside a battery. This can prevent your battery from working properly. Eventually, the build-up can become so thick that the battery will not charge and it will need to be replaced. A good rule of thumb is to always make sure that your battery is of good working order when you use it.