Part of the GET WISE series from BHTA is a guide to help you to maximising the performance and lifespan of batteries for powered mobility equipment.
No vehicle performs to its full potential without an efficient fuel system. The batteries fitted to electrically powered wheelchairs and scooters act as their fuel tanks and should be charged up and well maintained accordingly.
Common questions and answers
When should I charge mobility vehicle batteries in order to get the most out of them? If your vehicle has gel batteries (Most powered wheelchairs):
- Fully charge them to begin with.
- Charge daily and for as long as possible, even on days with low usage. Be careful not to get stranded with flat batteries!
- The charger supplied with your mobility device should fully charge your batteries overnight. Overcharging is not a problem with today’s smart chargers as they are voltage limited and shut off automatically. Sealed VRLA Gel and AGM batteries do not exhibit a “use it or lose it” capacity-robbing effect known as “memory”.
- Chronic undercharging is a common cause of premature battery failure. Charging for a minimum of 8 hours each night is the standard recommendation for proper battery function. To further enhance battery life, it is recommended that a 12-hour charge be performed at least once or twice each month.
- Never allow batteries to run completely flat.
Click below to continue reading the BHTA guide to maximising the performance and lifespan of batteries for powered mobility equipment.
https://issuu.com/bhta/docs/gw_tgmfyb_2020?fr=sZDcxNjIzMDg5ODU
Source BHTA
