HOW LONG DO MOBILITY SCOOTER BATTERIES LAST?
As electric vehicles, mobility scooters rely on their batteries to get their users from A to Z. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the longevity of those batteries is such an important concern for so many mobility scooter users. “How long do mobility scooter batteries last?” is one of the most common questions we get asked, both over the phone and in person at our Bromborough showroom.
The answer, unfortunately, is… it’s complicated.
There are several factors that can affect the operating life of a mobility scooter battery. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common ones:
The type of battery
Generally speaking, mobility scooter batteries come in one of two types: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or gel batteries. Both types are lead acid batteries, and each has its own pros and cons. The type you get for your particular scooter will depend on what the manufacturer intended for it to be used for.
For instance, AGM batteries don’t last as long as gel batteries, so they’d be a bad choice for a scooter you’re planning to ride every day. On the other hand, they are considerably cheaper than AGM models, making them a cost-effective choice for scooters that are only put to occasional use.
Charging your battery
Whether it’s your smartphone, your tablet, or your laptop, everybody seems to have their own opinions on when and how often you should charge your battery. Mobility scooter batteries are no exception. However, these are just opinions. Based on operating guidelines from the manufacturers and our own extensive experience in the field, we can confirm the following pieces of advice as being good charging habits:
Charge your battery after each trip.
Don’t let your batteries completely discharge. If your battery gauge is in the red, you need to recharge immediately. A full discharge will result in a dramatic decrease in your battery’s capacity.
Even if you don’t use your scooter often, be sure to charge it fully at least once per month. Do not worry about overcharging your battery. So long as you are using the charger that came with your scooter, the battery will not overcharge.
Storage
Where and how you store your mobility scooter batteries can affect their lifespan. You need somewhere cool and dry, since extremes of heat can negatively affect the output and capacity of your battery. Dry conditions are essential, so the humidity doesn’t cause the connections to corrode.
The average lifespan
So long as you follow these tips for improved battery longevity, you can expect your battery’s lifespan to be somewhere in the region of 18 months. That’s based on light but regular use. If you regularly take your scooter out on long journeys, your battery might run down within a year. Similarly, if you only use your scooter a couple of times a week at most, it could last as long as three years.
