Battery Care & Maintenance: 6 Essential Tips to Maximize Your Mobility Device’s Performance

Whether you use a power wheelchair or mobility scooter for daily independence, proper battery care is essential. Your batteries are the heart of your mobility device, and with the right maintenance, they can deliver reliable performance, longer life, and greater peace of mind.

Follow these six essential battery care tips to get the most out of your investment.

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1. Start with Proper Installation

Battery performance begins with correct installation. Always have your batteries installed by a qualified technician who has the proper training and tools to complete the job safely – like our trained technical experts at Motion.

Most power wheelchairs and mobility scooters operate using two batteries connected in a 24-volt series configuration. To ensure optimal performance:

• Use batteries from the same manufacturer.
• Avoid mixing different battery technologies, such as Gel and AGM batteries.
• Ensure both batteries have similar manufacturing date codes.
• Never mix old and new batteries.

Proper installation helps prevent performance issues and extends battery life.

2. Understand the Battery Break-In Period

If you’ve recently replaced your batteries, don’t be surprised if performance isn’t at its peak right away.

Deep-cycle Gel batteries, commonly recommended for power wheelchairs due to their durability and performance, require a break-in period. During the first 15 to 20 charge cycles, the battery gradually reaches its full capacity.

New Gel batteries typically arrive with approximately 85% of their total capacity. After about 10 cycles, they should achieve at least 90% capacity, continuing to improve through the first 20 cycles.

Important Tip: For the first 20 days of use, fully recharge your batteries every day – even if they haven’t been heavily used. Failing to do so may reduce driving range and shorten overall battery life.

3. Charge Frequently and Consistently

One of the simplest ways to extend battery life is to charge regularly.

Recommended Charging Schedule:

• Daily users: Charge batteries every night for 10–12 hours.
• Before long outings: Always start with a full charge.
• During the break-in period: Charge daily regardless of usage.

Modern mobility device chargers are designed with smart charging technology. They automatically regulate voltage and stop charging when batteries are full, meaning overnight charging is safe and will not cause damage.

Unlike older battery technologies, sealed Gel and AGM batteries do not suffer from a “memory effect,” so frequent charging will not reduce capacity.

4. Follow Proper Charging Practices

How you charge your batteries directly impacts their lifespan.

Best Practices:

• Use only the charger supplied or approved by your mobility equipment manufacturer.
• Never use automotive or wet-cell battery chargers on sealed Gel or AGM batteries.
• Recharge batteries as soon as possible after use.
• Fully recharge after every outing.

Avoid Deep Discharges

The deeper a battery is discharged, the shorter its overall lifespan becomes. Regularly running batteries until they are nearly empty can significantly reduce their service life. For best results, recharge before batteries become critically low.

5. Store Batteries the Right Way

If your power wheelchair or mobility scooter will not be used for an extended period, proper storage is critical.

Storage Guidelines:

• Always store batteries fully charged.
• Check stored batteries monthly and recharge if necessary.
• Disconnect batteries when storing a device for more than two weeks.
• Avoid exposing batteries to extreme heat or cold.

Fully charged Gel and AGM batteries can retain their charge for up to six months under proper storage conditions. However, they should always be fully recharged before returning to service.

If you notice any performance concerns after storage, consult a qualified mobility technician for inspection and testing – like our trained technical experts at Motion.

6. Prioritize Safety and Responsible Disposal

While sealed batteries are generally safe, they still contain significant electrical energy and should always be handled with caution.

Battery Safety Tips:

• Avoid placing tools, jewelry, or metal objects across battery terminals.
• Keep sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from batteries.
• Never attempt to open battery vents.
• Always have your batteries removed and installed by a qualified technician who has the proper training and tools to complete the job safely.

Recycling Matters

All batteries should be recycled through approved facilities – your local Motion location can assist you with recycling. In many areas, disposing of batteries in regular household trash is illegal. Fortunately, sealed Gel and AGM batteries are 100% recyclable. Returning used batteries to your battery supplier or retailer helps protect the environment and supports sustainable manufacturing practices.

Can You Travel with Mobility Device Batteries?

Good news for travellers – sealed Gel batteries used in mobility devices are generally classified as non-hazardous for transportation.

This means your power wheelchair or mobility scooter can typically be transported by:

• Air
• Sea
• Rail
• Road transportation

These batteries comply with major transportation safety standards and are exempt from many hazardous materials regulations, making travel more convenient for mobility device users.

Before flying, always confirm battery requirements with your airline to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Final Thoughts

Proper battery care isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. By following these six simple steps – professional installation, understanding the break-in period, regular charging, proper charging practices, smart storage, and safe handling – you can maximize battery performance, extend battery life, and maintain reliable mobility for years to come.

A little maintenance today can prevent costly battery replacements tomorrow and help ensure your mobility device is always ready when you need it. Contact your local Motion team today to learn more or to request a service appointment.

Blog content supported by MK Battery International Ltd.