Replacing the Battery on a Mobility Scooter | EZ Walker

Mobility scooters are incredible devices that help people get around. People use mobility scooters every single day of their lives. From moving around the house to traveling with family, these scooters are very useful. However, just like all machines out there, scooters too require some maintenance on occasion. Aside from checking the tires and fixing any broken parts, you’ll need to replace the battery at some point.

In this article, we’ll talk more about mobility scooters, including information about their batteries and how to replace them.

What’s a mobility scooter?

A mobility scooter is like a wheelchair. However, they’re battery-powered, allowing users to move themselves from place to place. That said, a mobility scooter is sometimes referred to as an electric wheelchair. While these scooters enable riders to move around with ease, users still need adequate upper body strength and an upright posture. This allows drivers to stay safe and use the device as intended. While there are several different mobility scooters on the market, all of them include a seat, handles, speed/control mechanism, and batteries.

How does a mobility scooter work?

To use a mobility scooter, users simply sit down, power on the device, and use the controls to move around. The scooter works with the help of multiple batteries. These batteries are rechargeable and simply plug into a charger that connects to a power outlet.

Many scooters come with a joystick system that allows riders to control where they want to go.

How long do scooter batteries last?

The batteries on a mobility scooter should last around five years. However, if you don’t take care of them, you may need a replacement sooner than later.

Here are some reasons why some batteries don’t last:

• They’re low quality
• The batteries are dirty
• They’re charged too frequently

If you want your batteries to last, keep these factors in mind. You would hate to replace your batteries after only a few years!

How long do the batteries need to charge?

First things first, it’s important to never charge your batteries too long. If you keep them on the charger when they’re fully charged, you may decrease their lifespan. This could waste your money in the long run!

When charging your batteries, it will take 6-10 hours to reach a 100% charge. Faster charging times typically happen if you have a high-quality charger. Also, some chargers even slow down the charging speed when the battery is almost fully charged, which helps to increase the battery’s lifespan.

How far can you travel on a mobility scooter?

The range is a top factor to consider when purchasing a mobility scooter. Luckily, manufacturers make it pretty clear on how far these scooters can travel on a single charge.

All mobility scooters fall into one of these range classifications:

• Short
• Medium
• Long

Short-range mobility scooters can run about 9 miles on a single charge. Mid-range scooters can travel about 25 miles, and long-range models can venture around 40 miles. It’s important to note that heavier users typically experience a shorter range.

Are there multiple batteries on a scooter?

Mobility scooters often require at least two batteries, while some use four. However, it depends if the scooter is intended for indoor or outdoor use. Models designed for indoor use usually have two 12-volt batteries, while outdoor models often have double the power. This is because outdoor scooters typically travel longer distances.

When should you replace the battery?

While we talked about how long a scooter battery typically lasts, there are some signs that may indicate you need a replacement. This may come before or after you’ve had your scooter battery for five years.

Here are the common signs to consider:

• A drop in performance
• Power seems sluggish
• Batteries don’t hold a charge
• Scooter moves slowly before speeding up

If you’re still unsure of when to replace your batteries, speak with a professional.

How should you protect the batteries from the weather?

Many mobility scooter owners wonder about exposure to weather elements. After all, batteries and water don’t mix. To protect yourself and your mobility scooter, we don’t recommend using them in the rain. This is especially true if it’s raining heavily. If you need to venture in this weather, cover the batteries with a small tarp or trash bag. Also, wipe down the batteries right away if they’re ever exposed to water.

What’s the cost of a replacement battery?

Cost is another huge factor to consider when thinking about a replacement. Unfortunately, batteries are one of the most expensive components of a mobility scooter. If you’re looking for a replacement, it could cost between $85 to $200. The price depends on the size and type of battery you need for your specific scooter. If you want your battery to last without any problems, we recommend getting a top-tier battery. But before you fork over the money for a replacement, check to see if you have a warranty on your existing battery. You may get a replacement for free!

Replacing a Mobility Scooter Battery

If the time has come to replace your electric wheelchair battery, you may have no idea where to start. Luckily, the process is simple and straightforward!

Look at the following steps for replacing the batteries on your mobility scooter:

Step 1: Turn Off Power and Disconnect Joystick

The first step is to ensure the power is off. To do this, find the switch and turn it to the OFF position. Next, if your scooter has a joystick for controlling the device, you’ll need to disconnect it from the power source. You can do this by tracing the wire from the joystick to the power supply. You should be able to easily disconnect the wire.

Step 2: Remove Seat

The next part of the process is to remove the seat. Unfortunately, manufacturers attach seats differently, so there isn’t a universal process for removing these. However, it should be simple. Be sure to remove any bolts, clamps, and safety mechanisms that hold the seat in place. You should also check if there’s a locking lever underneath the seat. After taking this off, set it aside.

Step 3: Remove Base Cover

Under the seat, you should find a base cover. Removing this should expose your batteries. This cover may be held down with latches or screws, so be sure to remove these before proceeding.

Step 4: Disconnect Battery Cables

Next, pay attention to which battery wire is positive and which one is negative. After taking note of this, remove the cables from the batteries. Since these batteries are designed to work together, you should replace all batteries at the same time.

Step 5: Take Out Old Batteries

You’ll then want to carefully remove the old batteries. You may need to take off clamps before removing them. Set the old batteries aside.

Step 6: Replace Clamps or Straps if Needed

Keeping these batteries secure is vital. If they aren’t, they could fall out while driving and get damaged. That said, make sure the battery clamps are in good working order and replace them if needed.

Step 7: Insert New Batteries

After the old batteries are taken out and the clamps are removed, it’s time to install the new batteries. Be sure to place them in the exact location of the old batteries. Then, attach the clamps and make sure the batteries are secure.

Step 8: Reconnect Battery Cables

Once the batteries are secured into place, reconnecting the battery cables is a crucial step. Make sure to attach the correct positive and negative wires. Ensure these cables are tightly connected.

Step 9: Reattach Base Cover and Seat

Next, put the base cover back into place and tighten the screws. You will do the same with the seat. It’s important to make sure they’re well-secured to prevent falling off the seat or dealing with any other problems.

Step 10: Plug in Joystick

If your mobility scooter has a joystick or another control mechanism, reattach this into place. It should have a cable that connects directly to the battery.

Step 11: Charge Batteries Before Using

After installing these batteries, they should work right away. However, you’ll want to charge them immediately until the batteries have reached maximum power.

Step 12: Test Mobility Scooter

Once the batteries are fully charged, take the mobility scooter out for a spin. You should notice excellent performance and power. If anything feels off, talk to a professional about what to do next.

Step 13: Take Old Batteries to a Recycling Center

You never want to simply throw your old batteries in the garbage. The materials in these batteries can often be used again. Also, batteries are harmful to the earth if left in a landfill. To do the right thing, take your old batteries to a recycling center. Be sure to follow their specific instructions on how to properly dispose of these batteries.

Mobility Scooter Products at EZ Walker Rollators

EZ Walker Rollators is your destination for finding top-of-the-line mobility scooters and mobility scooter parts. For over 12 years, we’ve been providing exceptional mobility aids from some of the leading brands in the industry.

We’re happy to be an authorized online retailer of products manufactured by:

• Drive Medical
• Guardian
• Knee-Rover
• Medline
• Nova
• Pro Basics
• Stander 
• Ergo Actives
• Life Walker

While we take pride in offering excellent products, our customers are what matters most. If you have any questions about our products or need more information about a battery replacement, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more.