Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs can give people the independence to get out and about with no physical hassle, and a key part of this is batteries. With that in mind, it is important to take care of your batteries. In Colorado, winter can be a time when scooters get less use. This makes it more important to follow good battery care practices.

Of course, this is not the only reason that you should look after your power wheelchair or scooter, it’s an investment. Oftentimes, people overlook battery care and don’t always get the best performance from their wheelchair or scooter.

We want to help you get the most out of your machine to keep you mobile and independent for longer.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with some simple steps you can take to ensuring that your mobility scooter batteries’ life remains long and reliable – keeping you going for even longer.

1. Charge your scooter overnight once a week when not in use

Having your battery topped up is integral to keeping your scooter going. Even if you only use it for short trips, just plug it in when you get back and charge it overnight; the battery will stay charged and healthy for longer. Colorado winters often mean people keep their scooters locked up in the garage – but don’t forget about it.

There’s no such thing as ‘overcharging’ the battery on a mobility scooter, so don’t be afraid to leave yours charging overnight. Most chargers are now fitted with a cut-off, meaning that they will simply turn off when the battery is fully charged.

2. Use the right charger

You should always use the correct charger for your battery. If you did not get one with your mobility scooter, then you’ll have to buy one separately. We carry them.

Make sure you get the right charger for the size of your power unit, otherwise it may not charge or could even pose a health and safety hazard. If you’re struggling to find a charger, get down to Colorado Mobility and we should be able to help you out and give you some advice.

3. Make sure mobility scooter batteries are kept in a cool, dry place

Although mobility scooter batteries are built to be robust, keeping them in an optimal environment will make them last longer. If the battery is exposed to damp, it can permanently damage the cell and could eventually stop it from working.

If the battery does get wet, just wipe it down with a cloth.

4. Storing and charging during Winter – IMPORTANT FOR COLORADO

Cold weather will affect your battery, so keep in mind that your scooter may do less mileage and go a little slower in Winter. If you go for long periods of time without using your scooter, you should still charge it once a week.

Power units can sometimes be weakened or permanently damaged if they’re simply just left, so by simply plugging it in, you’re making sure your battery lasts.

5. Get your mobility scooter regularly serviced

Most mobility shops offer scooter servicing, which should include a battery test. This will test the functions and health of the scooter battery in various strenuous uses.

This will highlight any possible faults in your current battery, ultimately letting you know if you need to invest in a new power unit. At Colorado Mobility, we can come to you.

Summary

These five simple steps will help to keep your mobility scooter battery on top form, giving you the best levels of independence possible. Batteries are built to give you long-lasting results, and these easy tips will help you keep moving around for longer at a lower cost.

If you do require any further assistance, just give us a call and we can give you advice or service your scooter ourselves – we’d be happy to help! We carry batteries from MK Battery.