
How to look after your Sealed Lead Acid Mobility Scooter Batteries
Taking care of your mobility scooter’s batteries doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular charging, proper storage, and routine maintenance can keep your scooter reliable and extend battery life.
Your mobility scooter is your key to freedom, and taking care of its batteries is crucial for ensuring it stays reliable. Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are common in mobility scooters because they’re durable and low-maintenance. However, proper care can extend their lifespan and keep your scooter running smoothly.
At Mobiquip we have put together a list of 7 things that you can do to help keep your batteries lasting longer, and performing stronger.
SLA batteries thrive on regular use and consistent charging. Always charge your batteries after every trip, even if you’ve only used the scooter for a short time. Leaving them partially discharged for extended periods will reduce their lifespan. Aim to charge them fully overnight or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
While it’s tempting to run your battery until it’s nearly empty, doing so will damage the cells and reduce battery life. Try to keep your battery charge level above 50% whenever possible. Deep discharges strain the battery, reducing its capacity over time.
If you won’t be using your mobility scooter for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—impacts battery performance. Ideally, keep the scooter indoors, away from direct sunlight or freezing conditions. Before storing it, fully charge the batteries and disconnect them if possible. If you’re storing it for more than a month, recharge the batteries every 3-4 weeks to maintain their health.
Always use the charger provided with your mobility scooter or one recommended by the manufacturer or qualified service technician, Using the wrong charger can overcharge or undercharge your batteries, leading to damage. If your charger shows signs of wear or isn’t functioning correctly, replace it promptly.
Periodically inspect your batteries and connections for signs of wear or corrosion. This is normally done during your scooter service, however if you are a bit more nechanically inclined, then you can easily do this yourself. Just keep in mind that if you see some corrosion around the terminals, its best to contact your service techncnian to get it checked.
Every mobility scooter has a weight capacity, and exceeding it will strain the motor and batteries. NEVER exceed the recommended weight limit to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your scooter running gear and batteries.
No matter how well you care for them, SLA batteries won’t last forever. Most have a lifespan of 1-3 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If you notice reduced performance, such as shorter travel distances or slower speeds, it might be time to replace the batteries.
Taking care of your mobility scooter’s batteries doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular charging, proper storage, and routine maintenance can go a long way in extending their lifespan and keeping your scooter reliable. If you’re ever unsure about battery care or need replacements, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted service provider for assistance. By giving your batteries the care they deserve, you’ll enjoy many more worry-free journeys ahead.