Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs: Not All Batteries are Created Equal

As you have noticed, the price on Scooter and Powered Wheelchair batteries have increased over the past few years. With the increase in Fuel, and Lead combine with the weight of batteries and transporting them to their destination; batteries have almost doubled in price.  Unfortunately other battery technologies have not been accepted; and we are stuck with using Lead based batteries as a power source.

You should only be using Gel batteries in your Medical Equipment (Powered Wheelchairs and Scooters). There is some misconception by wheelchair users that sealed lead acid batteries are the same as gel batteries. Additionally Gel techology is different in batteries. This is why you will see batteries less expensive on the internet than in the local Medical Equipment company.  Your Local company has to stand behind the battery, and understands that providing cheaper batteries may get you a sale, it has an increased failure rate and costs more in customer and technical service in dealing with these inferior batteries. 

MK Battery, is the industry standard; it is what most trusted brands of powered wheelchairs and scooters are shipped with. It is what has been tested, and matches the specifications that is on the manufacturer specification sheets.

Another common misunderstanding is how and when to charge the equipment. In the past Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs did not have battery gauges, they had LED's. Now with all of these products have a display that shows the battery condition it is much easier.  MK, the leader in battery technology for medical equipment states that charging batteries when they are depleted to half full, they should be re-charged allowing increased life on the battery(s).

Every time we charge a battery, we are taking away one of the life cycles of the battery. Additionally, unlike your car battery that helps power/start the car, the batteries in your medical equipment are the only power source.  These gel batteries when new and fully charged have the longest range possible.  With each re-charge, the range on how far the equipment can go becomes reduced.

Most insurance providers understand that wheelchair users charge their equipment each night, and with that information and that most people using powered equipment only travel 5 miles per day, that batteries should last 12-18 months.  If you charge your batteries more efficiently, when the batteries are half full; the batteries will last longer.

When charging your batteries, it is important to use your provided equipment's charger. Charging Gel batteries with a automotive charger can damage the gel in the batteries.

I hope this information was helpful, and helps keep you mobile and independent.  Our Service Department is able to answer any of your Equipment and Service issues, you can email them at service@wheelchairguys.com .  Remeber at Active Mobility Center, we are your wheelchairguys, and we Make Every Day Independence Day !!