Troubleshooting & Repair Instructions for Power Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters, Lift Chairs ...

Mobility scooter & electric wheelchair battery / charger care, maintenance & testing ...

IMPORTANT: FOR SEALED BATTERIES ONLY (most use sealed)

more info on AGM vs Gel batteries here ...

This works for most mobility scooters & electric wheelchairs (24-volt systems) ...

If you need to locate a technician near you click here ...

If you think you may have issues following these instructions then some people use a handyman (some handymen know how to use a multimeter & they normally charge less too).

Battery Recovery: If its a battery problem only then you may be able to bring your scooter / wheelchair batteries back to life.

Do I have a battery problem, a charging problem, or both?

In some cases, both the battery and charger could be bad. If the charger go's bad (in certain ways), or its the wrong type of charger, then the charger itself could ruin the battery(s).

1st. Check the charger DC output voltage, it should be a bit higher than 24 volts.

The Digital Voltmeter is still the most valuable tool in the Mobility Technician’s arsenal for sealed batteries. The starting point for checking batteries is always the charge voltage. In 24-volt systems we know the chances for two bad batteries are less than 1 in 10,000. So what we need to determine is WHICH battery is bad or if either battery is bad. This is accomplished by checking the voltage of each battery separately.

If the voltage for a pair of batteries can read in excess of 24-volts which can incorrectly be assumed to be a good set. However, if one battery has a voltage of 12.89 volts while the other battery is reading 11.97 volts. Combined, the voltage of this set of batteries looks good, but clearly one of the batteries is bad.

Two batteries in a 24-volt system charge and discharge together almost as one 24-volt battery. A wide voltage separation between two batteries indicates that you may need to replace both batteries. If both batteries read similar voltage, they should be fully charged before doing any further testing.

If both batteries are below 12.0 volts, the question becomes, “WHY?” Is the battery charger working correctly? Could there be a problem with the wiring or other components of the scooter or wheelchair?

You can determine the next step in the troubleshooting process once you know the voltage of each battery.

My batteries may have been over-discharged, and my battery charger will not start, what do I do?

Batteries may not take a charge even though the charger was plugged in overnight. When you checked the batteries, you found that they both read 9 volts? This is usually due to a light or a brake being left on for an extended period of time, which drains the batteries.

The reason why the charger is not working is that most battery chargers need to read at least 21-22 volts in order to begin charging. This is how the polarity protection system of many chargers works. If the user were to hook up the positive and negative backwards, nothing would happen to the charger or the batteries because the batteries never read any voltage so it never started.

The drawback to this polarity protection design is when a user over-discharges their batteries below the 21-22 volt cutoff. Although the charger is connected, it does not receive the signal to begin the charging process so the batteries never get charged.

READY THIS - VERY IMPORTANT:

Never use an old dumb automotive / wet-type only charger on AGM / Gel sealed batteries.

Use a 12 volt AGM / Gel sealed battery charger (they're low-cost) when charging a single 12v battery in order to recover it.

Here's a smart 12 volt AGM / Gel trickle charger at amazon (we earn as an associate)

The best way to solve this problem is to remove the batteries from the scooter / wheelchair and charge each battery separately with a AGM / Gel 12-volt battery charger. When each battery is fully charged, they can then be reinstalled in the scooter / chair and returned to service. Note: It may take the batteries up to 15 cycles to return to their former capacity if they have been severely discharged.

We hope this helped you save some time and money.

We have some other important info below like, how often to charge, storing your scooter & wheelchair batteries and more ...

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How often should I charge my scooter / wheelchair?

Daily Users:

Charge daily. This applies to anyone who actually uses his or her equipment outside of the home.

Occasional Users:

Always be sure to charge before an outing and always after active use. The ideal recharge point is about 50% on a scooter or wheelchair gauge.

How do I charge my scooter or wheelchair batteries correctly?

To properly charge your mobility battery, follow these simple procedures:

Try to use the manufacturer’s automatic charger for all routine charging.

Never use an automotive or wet-type charger on gel/sealed batteries. (They’ll quickly ruin your battery).

Never run your battery completely flat

Don’t “top off” the battery with frequent charging.

* Discharge: Gel Cell is preferred for mobility scooter / power wheelchair batteries because of its deep cycle life span. The AGM battery will work nearly as well if the discharge rate is not below 50% before it is recharged.

* Range and Use: A battery's size determines its range. By size, we mean the Amp Hours the battery is rated for. A 30 AH battery has a range of approximately 10 miles, while a 98AH battery has an approximate range of 20 miles. Range depends, of course, on how and where you use your mobility device and what features it has.

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How should my scooter or wheelchair batteries be stored?

1. Always store your batteries FULLY CHARGED.

2. Try to keep them in a climate above 32 degrees.

3. Disconnect them if you can so they won't drain at all.

4. Check all batteries once a month and recharge as needed.

5. Avoid hot and cold extremes when storing.

Wet batteries can hold their charge up to 3 months.

Sealed batteries can hold a charge for up to 6 months.

What is the proper way to store batteries for the winter?

Store batteries fully charged. Check them once a month and recharge as needed. Sealed batteries can hold their charge from 6 to 12 months. Remember, if storing your chair for longer than a couple of weeks, it’s best to charge the batteries and then disconnect them.

I want to store my Gel batteries outside for the winter. At what temperature do the batteries freeze at?

Gel batteries can be stored in sub-freezing temperatures as low as -25°F (but try to keep them above 32 degrees) without freezing as long as they are fully charged prior to storage. The self-discharge rate of fully-charged batteries is so low in these conditions that they will not require charging for many months; however, if your gel batteries are frozen … they will not always recover.

To attempt recovery the following is the best plan of action:

Bring them inside and let them sit at room temperature for two days. (They must reach 60°F).

Charge the batteries normally. (Follow standard safety procedures).

Run a capacity check either through a quality discharge tester or by operating it in a controlled environment.

If you don’t get enough run time then repeat steps 2 and 3.

Batteries for the most popular scooter models: Pride Mobility - Go-Go Elite Scooter, Go-Go Ultra X Scooter, Go-Go Elite Plus Traveller Scooter, Revo Scooter, Victory Scooter, Celebrity Scooter, Legend Scooter, Maxima Scooter, Hurricane Scooter, Wrangler PMV. Drive Medical - Falcon, Phoenix, Daytona, Odyssey. Shoprider - Echo, Scootie, Start, Dasher, Sunrunner. Pacesaver - Plus III, Espree / Atlas, Fusion 350/450, Eclipse Premier. Activecare - Spitfire, Pilot, Prowler, Osprey. Zip'r - Zip'r Roo, Zip'r Traveler. EV Rider - Gusto, Vita.

Batteries for electric wheelchair, power wheelchair models: Pride Mobility Jazzy Select, Jazzy Select GT, Jazzy Select 6/7/614/1650/1170/14/600, Jet 3, Go-Chair, Jazzy Traveller, Z-Chair. Pacesaver - BOSS. Invacare - Pronto M51/M91/M51/M61.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Wheelchair / Scooter Batteries...

* Discharge: Gel Cell is preferred for mobility scooter / power wheelchair batteries because of its deep cycle life span. The AGM battery will work nearly as well if the discharge rate is not below 50% before it is recharged.

* Range and Use: A battery's size determines its range. By size, we mean the Amp Hours the battery is rated for. A 30 AH battery has a range of approximately 10 miles, while a 98AH battery has an approximate range of 20 miles. Range depends, of course, on how and where you use your mobility device and what features it has.

The difference between AGM and Gel batteries for a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair

It's vital to delve into the two primary types of batteries that are prevalent in the market: Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries and Gel batteries. Both types of batteries belong to the same family, known as Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries. Characterized by their spill-proof design, these batteries offer durability and safety in usage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have officially approved both these types of batteries, meaning they are permitted to be transported on airplanes and cruise ships. This ensures their versatile applicability and mobility, presenting users with a flexibility rarely seen in other battery types.

Despite both batteries sharing some common traits, they differ in specific characteristics and operating conditions. For instance, AGM batteries typically perform more effectively in colder climates compared to Gel batteries. The unique construction of AGM batteries equips them with the capability to function efficiently under such conditions, making them the ideal choice in cold weather.

On the other hand, Gel batteries, while not as suited to cold temperatures, boast a longevity that far surpasses their AGM counterparts. In fact, Gel batteries have been observed to have a lifespan that could extend up to twice as long as AGM batteries, offering users a long-term power solution.

Another point of distinction between these two batteries lies in their respective charging requirements. Gel batteries are typically charged at a slightly lower voltage than AGM batteries. However, despite this difference, it's noteworthy that most mobility manufacturers explicitly state in their owner's manuals that either type of battery, Gel or AGM, can be utilized. This information suggests that the charging differences, while existent, are not significant enough to necessitate major concern or modification of the device's charging infrastructure. It appears that the decision between AGM and Gel batteries should primarily be based on the specific requirements of the application or device in question.

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The charging differences between AGM and Gel batteries

When it comes to a 24-volt system in mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs, two 12-volt batteries are usually used in series to achieve the desired voltage. Whether you're using AGM or Gel batteries, the overall charging process remains the same, although the specifics such as the charging voltage can vary depending on the type of battery.

Here is a more detailed breakdown:

1. Connecting the Batteries: For a 24-volt system, two 12-volt batteries are connected in series. This means the positive terminal of the first battery is connected to the negative terminal of the second battery. The remaining free positive and negative terminals are connected to the device or the charger.

2. Charging: The batteries should be charged using a 24-volt charger specifically designed for the type of battery (AGM or Gel) in use. Remember, using a 12-volt charger will not effectively charge a 24-volt system.

3. Bulk Stage: During this phase, the charger provides a constant current to the batteries. For a 24-volt AGM battery system, the voltage might go up to around 28.2 to 28.8 volts, whereas for a Gel battery system, the voltage might be slightly lower, typically around 27.6 to 28.2 volts.

4. Absorption Stage: Once the batteries reach the set voltage, the charger enters the absorption phase. The voltage is held constant while the current gradually decreases until the batteries are fully charged.

5. Float Stage: Once the batteries are fully charged, the charger reduces the voltage to a maintenance or 'float' level. For a 24-volt AGM battery system, this would be around 26.4 to 27.6 volts, while for a Gel battery system, it would be around 26.4 volts.

6. Regular Use: After the batteries are charged, they can be used normally. To ensure the longest life and best performance from the batteries, it's recommended to recharge them after each use, or at the end of each day.

It's essential to understand that while the above procedure is a generalized one, variations can exist depending on the manufacturer's specific guidelines. Always refer to your owner's manual or contact your manufacturer for the most accurate and device-specific information. Remember that proper battery charging and maintenance are crucial to maximizing your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair's performance and lifespan.

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The charging differences between AGM and Gel batteries for a single 12 volt battery

Charging batteries for mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs is a vital aspect of maintaining these mobility devices. Both AGM and Gel batteries have their specific charging requirements that need to be followed to ensure optimal battery life and performance.

AGM Batteries: The charging process of Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries typically involves a three-stage method: bulk, absorption, and float. The bulk stage involves the charger providing the battery with a constant current, usually until the battery voltage reaches around 14.1 to 14.4 volts for a 12-volt battery. The absorption stage maintains this voltage and gradually reduces the current until the battery is fully charged. The float stage keeps the battery at a lower, constant voltage (around 13.2 to 13.8 volts for a 12-volt battery), which compensates for the self-discharge of the battery. It's important to use a charger designed for AGM batteries to ensure it follows this charging profile.

Gel Batteries: Gel batteries require more specific care when charging due to the silica gel within them. Overcharging or charging at too high a voltage can lead to the formation of gas pockets in the gel, which can permanently reduce the battery's capacity. Consequently, they must be charged at a lower voltage than AGM batteries, typically around 13.8 to 14.1 volts for a 12-volt battery during the absorption stage. The float voltage should be around 13.2 volts for a 12-volt battery.

In the case of both mobility scooter and electric wheelchair batteries, it's recommended to recharge the batteries after each use or at the end of the day, even if they aren't fully depleted. Avoiding deep discharges can help extend the life of these batteries.

Furthermore, each device will have a specific charger tailored to its requirements. These chargers are usually provided with the device upon purchase. It's always important to check the manufacturer's guidelines in the owner's manual to understand the charging process better and ensure the correct care and maintenance of the batteries.

If a battery isn't being used for an extended period, it should be fully charged and then stored in a cool, dry place. However, do remember to recharge it every couple of months to prevent self-discharge from reducing its lifespan.

These meticulous care and charging practices will not only help optimize the performance of your mobility device but also significantly extend the lifespan of your batteries.