By jwilder
Mobility scooter batteries, although they’re quite powerful, are vulnerable to damage and wear. However, with proper care, they can last upwards of five years without issues! If you want to learn about the batteries on your scooter, how to take care of them, and how to fix basic issues, read our complete guide to mobility scooter batteries:
How Far Can You Go on a Mobility Scooter?
Generally, you can classify mobility scooters into three different range categories: short, medium, and long. Short-range mobility scooters will go about 9 miles on a single charge. Mid-range scooters will get up to about 25 miles, and long-range scooters are the rarest- they can travel upwards of 40 miles without losing battery. Keep in mind that each rating for the range will decrease if the user is heavier.
How Long do Mobility Scooter Batteries Last?
Mobility scooter batteries can last upwards of five years with proper maintenance. If you keep your batteries clean and do not overcharge them, you can expect them to serve you well in the long-term. Once batteries start to age, they will hold less charge and likely have less power- decreasing your scooter’s speed and range.
How Long Does it Take to Charge a Mobility Scooter?
Charging your scooter’s batteries from 0-100% will take between 6-10 hours. The deciding factor in charge time is the type of charger you have. Some chargers will actually slow down the charging speed at the end, which takes longer but boosts battery longevity! This is called multi-stage charging.
How to Replace the Battery in a Mobility Scooter
In most scooters, this is actually a pretty simple process. Simply remove the battery shroud, disconnect the battery, and release the straps/buckles that hold it in place. After that, you’re free to pull the battery out from the scooter. Check your scooter’s owner’s manual for more information specific to your model! In general, however, removing batteries is very easy!
How Long to Charge a Mobility Scooter Battery
Your scooter will likely have a battery power indicator, usually shown with 4 bars/green lights. You’ll want to charge your battery until you see at least 3 out of 4 lights turn green, and not longer than 1 hour after the 4th battery (indicating full charge) is green. That way, you ensure a full charge without decaying that battery through overcharging.
How to Charge a Mobility Scooter Battery
Your mobility scooter will charge in one of two ways:
- 1A charging cable that plugs into the scooter and charges the batteries without having to remove them.
- 2By removing the batteries and placing them on a charging station, similar to the way you charge the batteries on a cordless drill.
It’s likely that the charging process will be rather intuitive, but your owner’s manual will provide specific charging instructions if you need them!
How Much do Mobility Scooter Batteries Cost?
Batteries are one of the most expensive parts of a mobility scooter. They can cost anywhere from $85 to $200, depending on the size and model of the scooter. Before you pay that amount out of pocket, check your warranty to see if you can get a free replacement!
How Much do Mobility Scooter Batteries Weigh?
Scooter batteries are notoriously heavy; they can routinely weigh 25 pounds and even reach up to 50. There are also some lightweight batteries that only weigh 5 pounds. Keep in mind that most scooters use two, if not four, batteries- so the total battery weight will be much higher.
How to Dispose a Mobility Scooter Battery
Mobility scooter batteries typically fall into a category of recyclable material that can be hazardous if not properly disposed of. So, you should never throw your scooter batteries in the trash. Rather, call/search for a local recycling plant that will accept them and make sure they are properly recycled or destroyed!
How Many Batteries Does a Mobility Scooter Use?
Most mobility scooters pairs of batteries- either two or four- to run. Lightweight, indoor-focused models will use two 12-volt batteries; outdoor, long-range scooters will use double that amount.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Mobility Scooter Battery?
Along with the cost of the battery, you can expect to pay between $75-100 for a technician to do the replacement. It’s a steep price, which can be worth it for some. Other people, however, may prefer to replace their scooter batteries on their own to save money.
How to Protect Mobility Scooter Batteries from Rain
Rain can be disastrous for your batteries. To protect them, try to avoid riding outside in heavy rain. When you do, make sure to lightly cover the batteries with a trash bag to prevent them from getting exposed to water. Also, make sure to carefully wipe down your scooter/batteries after any rain to keep it as dry as possible.
How to Secure a Mobility Scooter Battery
If you’ve noticed that the batteries in your mobility scooter aren’t very secure, try to tighten the straps/bolts/etc that are built into the scooter. If that does not work, a rubber strap such as this will usually be everything you need to strap your batteries down nice and tight!
How to Remove Batteries From a Mobility Scooter
Removing your mobility scooter batteries should be very easy. Almost every scooter houses its batteries behind an easy-to-remove shroud. Once the shroud is off, carefully disconnect and straps or other securing material from the battery. Then, lift the battery gently off of its seat, and you are all done!
How to Test Mobility Scooter Battery/Battery Charger
Using a voltmeter is the best way to test if a battery, or its charger, is working properly. Use the voltmeter to read the voltage on your battery: it should read as 12V (for a single battery) or 24V (for a pair wired together). If you’re getting a smaller number, that’s a clear sign that the batteries are on their way out for good.
For your battery charger, you can repeat this process using the same numbers. However, instead of using the voltmeter on the batteries, you place the test probes where the battery would connect to the charger. If you’re getting readings lower than you should, it’s time to replace your battery charger!
Conclusion: Mobility Scooter Battery Guide
By being attentive to your batteries and proactive about wear and tear, you can prolong the life of your mobility scooter. Since batteries are very expensive, knowing about how they work and how to protect them can save you a lot of money and headache! Fortunately, it doesn’t require an expert mechanic to care for mobility scooter batteries; anyone can easily learn to maintain a mobility scooter battery for years!
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