Wheelchair battery lifespans vary; sealed lead-acid (SLA) lasts 1-2 years, and lithium-ion lasts up to 5 years. Factors like usage and charging habits, influence durability. Regular maintenance means the batteries are likely to last longer. .
Using a wheelchair can give you more independence and help you make the most of life. To be able to do this, you need to know more about batteries and how to care for them. Later, I’ll discover how long you can go on a fully charged wheelchair battery, and how you can spot if the battery is bad and much else besides.
First, though, I’ll address the main question of this piece in a little more detail, namely ‘How long do wheelchair batteries last?’
How long do wheelchair batteries last?
The lifespan of wheelchair batteries can vary and depends on several things, such as the type of battery, how it’s used, and how well it’s maintained. The environment in which it’s used can make a difference too. Typically, wheelchair batteries are either sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries or lithium-ion batteries.
Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries
SLA batteries normally last somewhere between 1 and 2 years, but this can depend on how they’re used and how well they’re cared for. If you use the batteries a lot, fall into bad charging habits, drive your wheelchair over rough terrain often, or take no notice of temperature changes, it could shorten the batteries’ lifespan.
Lithium-Ion batteries
These batteries usually last longer than SLA ones and can last about 5 years if they are properly cared for. The same factors that impact SLA batteries can also affect the lifespan of Lithium-Ion batteries.
Here are some tips on what you can do to make wheelchair batteries last longer.
- Follow the guidelines set out by the manufacturer on charging and maintenance.
- Try to avoid overcharging them.
- Change the batteries before they completely run down.
- Store both the wheelchair and batteries in a dry cool place when not in use.
- Remember to check and clean the battery terminals often.
Next, let’s find out how far you can go in an electric wheelchair when you have a full charge.
How far can an electric wheelchair go on a full charge?
How far you can go in a fully charged electric vehicle will vary greatly. It will all depend on the weight of the person using the wheelchair, the type of terrain crossed, the model of the wheelchair, the battery capacity, and the speed of travel.
However, as a rule, electric wheelchairs can go anywhere between 8 and 15 miles on one charge. Some higher-end models might have a slightly greater range, whilst lightweight models can be more limited.
On average, electric wheelchairs can travel 8 to 15 miles on a single charge. Some high-end models may achieve even greater distances, while travel or lightweight models might have a more limited range. It’s essential to check the specifications provided by the wheelchair manufacturer for accurate information on the specific model you’re using.
How do I know if my wheelchair battery is bad?
If you think your wheelchair battery isn’t working properly or if you’re experiencing issues with the wheelchair’s performance, there are several signs to look out for that may point to a problem with the battery. Here are some things to watch for.
If you’re concerned that your battery isn’t in good condition, check the wheelchair user manual for tips on what to do. If you keep having problems with it, get in touch with the wheelchair manufacturer or a technician to discuss whether it’s possible to replace the battery. When you’re handling wheelchair batteries, it’s important to do so safely by following all the guidelines set out in the manual.
In a little while, I’ll turn to the question of why a wheelchair battery may not be holding its charge.
Next, let’s see if it’s wise to leave your power chair on charge all the time.
Should I leave my power chair plugged in all the time?
Leaving your power chair plugged in all the time, known as “continuous charging” or “trickle charging,” isn’t usually recommended for most modern electric wheelchairs. It could lead to overcharging and might reduce the lifespan of the batteries.
Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific wheelchair model, as different models may have varying recommendations for charging and battery care. Following the guidelines in the manual could help maximize the lifespan and performance of your wheelchair batteries.
It’s time to find out why your wheelchair battery may not be holding charge.
Why is my wheelchair battery not holding charge?
Several things could explain why your wheelchair battery isn’t holding a charge. Here are the most common reasons.
- The battery is old – Batteries do degrade over time so if they’re old and have reached the end of their typical lifespan they may need replacing.
- The battery has been used in a less conventional way – Infrequent charging, and regular deep discharges can reduce battery life. Avoid letting the battery run down completely and charge your chair often to maximize battery life.
- It’s possible to overcharge some older wheelchair batteries – Overcharging can damage the batteries. To avoid this, follow the instructions in the manual, and try not to leave the chair plugged in too long after the batteries are fully charged.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures can affect battery performance – To avoid the batteries being exposed to extreme heat or cold, store and use your wheelchair at room temperature wherever possible.
- You have a faulty charger – Check to see if there are any problems with the charger or the charging port on your chair fairly often. Also, check the batteries themselves for signs of physical damage.
- Some devices that you use can drain the battery– Some devices on some wheelchairs can continue to draw power from the batteries, even when the chair is turned off. If this happens, disconnect the battery/batteries from the wheelchair whenever you don’t need to use it for any length of time.
- Check you’re using the right type of battery – Make sure you’re using the type of batteries recommended in the user manual.
How do you test a battery that won’t hold charge?
Testing a battery that won’t hold a charge involves several steps to identify potential issues. First, check for signs of physical damage and clean the port on the wheelchair, and the terminals, if necessary.
The next step is to use a multimeter to check the battery’s voltage. A fully charged 12-volt lead-acid battery should read around 12.5 volts, if the number is much lower, it could mean the battery is faulty or damaged.
Use a battery capacity tester to test how much charge the battery can hold. This will give you a clue as to how much it has degraded. You can even perform a load if you want to see how well the battery performs under load, but you’ll need a specialized load tester.
It might be useful to measure the draw on the battery power when the wheelchair isn’t in use, to check for parasitic drain.
To test how well it holds its charge, fully charge the battery and then see how long it takes to discharge. If this happens quickly, it may mean the battery doesn’t hold its charge.
Lastly, you can do a voltage recovery test to check if the voltage drops sharply a few hours after charging. Test the voltage before charging, then again, a few hours after you’ve charged it and haven’t used it yet. If you notice a significant voltage drop when you perform the second check, there might be a problem with the battery.
You should always be mindful of safety when working with batteries, so be sure to follow all the guidelines and wear the appropriate protective gear. If you’re unsure of how to handle or test batteries, get help from a professional technician. If you do find significant damage to the battery, or if it’s old, it may be better to replace it rather than to attempt to recondition it.
Some wheelchair batteries can be possible in some cases — most commonly with lead-acid batteries — though there are varying degrees of success.
Just in case you feel you can get more out of a battery, let’s explore how you would go about reconditioning one before I wrap things up.
How do you recondition a battery that won’t hold a charge?
Reconditioning a battery that won’t hold a charge can be challenging, and success depends on the type of battery and how much it has degraded. Remember to wear protective gear, work in a well-ventilated area, and take the appropriate safety precautions. Here are some steps that might help with certain battery types, like lead-acid batteries commonly used in wheelchairs.
Step 1
Check the battery for physical damage, corrosion, or leaks. Clean the terminals and connectors if you deem it necessary.
Step 2
Do a capacity test to find out how much the battery has degraded over time.
Step 3
Use a desulfator device to try to break down some of the sulfate crystals that are likely present on the battery plates. This slow build-up of crystals is particularly common with lead acid batteries and is a process called sulfation.
Another way you can attempt to break down these deposits is by using a low-voltage, high-current pulse charge to remove the crystals.
Step 4
If you’re trying to recondition lead-acid batteries, an equalization charge might help. You apply a controlled overcharge to balance the individual cells in the battery. Bear in mind that not all batteries will support equalization charging, so always check with the manufacturer.
Step 5
Perform a deep discharge, then a full recharge. This can help deal with any sulfation and improve battery performance. It’s important not to do this too often though, it can decrease the overall lifespan of certain batteries.
Step 6
Try using a smart battery charger that gives a controlled charge. Using such a device can help prevent overcharging and optimize the process so that the battery is likely to last longer.
If you’ve tried all these steps and you still aren’t successful, you might want to track down a battery specialist or technician who has experience with reconditioning batteries. It’s not possible to recondition all types of batteries, and lithium-ion batteries often have different reconditioning requirements, so the steps I’ve outlined may not work for them. The best thing to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take care when working with batteries.
Summary: How long do wheelchair batteries last?
As I come to the end of ‘How long do wheelchair batteries last, remember that these power sources are the lifeblood of many mobility devices, such as electric wheelchairs.
By understanding the factors influencing their lifespan and learning how to care for batteries properly, you can help you, your family, and your loved ones live life to the full regardless of how mobile they are.
Hopefully, you’ll be able ro keep your wheels rolling for longer and will encouter fewer problems, now that you know a little more about wheelchair batteries.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to look at ‘How much is an Omeo wheelchair?’ before you go.
As ever, thanks for reading.
