Maintaining Lithium Batteries on your Scooter or Powerchair

February 18 2025, by Stuart Peffer, 2 min reading time

Lithium batteries are safe and efficient when handled correctly. However, improper charging, damage, or tampering can lead to safety risks. Five simple tips can help improve their life and safety

Most mobility scooters (over 90% of those sold in Australia) are equipped with sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, but some models feature lithium technology.  These will usually be much lighter and the battery more compact.

Lithium batteries are safe and efficient when handled correctly. However, improper charging, damage, or tampering can lead to safety risks. Follow these five tips can help their longevity:

1. Don’t Fully Drain Your Battery A lithium battery will last longer when it is not completely depleted. Charge it before reaching low levels to maximize its lifespan and reduce battery stress.
2. Avoid Charging to 100% Keeping your lithium battery fully charged for extended periods can cause stress. Good news:  the smart charger provided when you purchased your device will help prevent overcharging or stop charging once it reaches an optimal level.
3. Use the Original Charger Fast charging with a generic charger can accelerate battery deterioration and increase the risk of future problems. Always use the charger provided with your device for optimal performance.
4. Store at a Partial Charge If you plan to store your battery for a long period as you are not using your device, keep it at around 40% charge to reduce stress and extend its life.  The simplest way is to ensure it is put on charge every 2-3 weeks.
5. Keep It Above Freezing Temperatures Lithium batteries won’t charge at temperatures below 0°C and storing them in freezing conditions can cause permanent damage. Keep them in a temperature-controlled environment, avoiding both extreme heat and cold.

Key Takeaways

Both SLA and lithium batteries perform best when not fully depleted. While SLA batteries can be fully charged, lithium batteries should ideally remain below 100%. By following these best practices, you’ll extend your battery life, ensuring better long-term performance and reliability for your mobility scooter or power wheelchair.

If you are not certain if the scooter you have is using the right charger or if the batteries are safe, please contact your mobility scooter dealer for some expert advice.

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