How Many Hours Does a Mobility Scooter Battery Hold a Charge?
Purchasing a mobility scooter is an exciting and life-changing decision that can increase your freedom and independence, but you may be wondering: how many hours does a mobility scooter battery last? Some batteries will only last for 6 miles (approximately 45 minutes to one hour of continuous drive time at a low speed) whereas others will last for up to 25 miles on a single charge. Heavy-duty mobility scooters can be driven around all day before needing to be recharged.
The drive time of a mobility scooter is determined by the battery type (lithium vs. sealed lead-acid batteries), how many total volts there are in the mobility scooter's battery configuration, and how the batteries are treated. For anyone looking at making this significant investment, understanding these three factors that affect a mobility scooter’s battery life will help you choose the most appropriate model for your needs.
Types of Mobility Scooter Batteries
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries provide a long run time and are ideal for regular use. If you intend to take the mobility scooter on an airplane, check the flight requirements before you purchase or rent a mobility scooter with lithium batteries.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Most mobility scooters come with sealed lead-acid batteries—either gel batteries or absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries. Gel batteries are the best choice for regular use as they tend to last longer than AGM batteries. AGM batteries are more cost-effective for occasional users.
How to Maximize Battery Lifespan
No matter which mobility scooter and batteries you have, taking care of the batteries will help to maximize their lifespan.
Charging
Mobility scooter batteries should be fully charged before using them for the first time. Not doing so could limit their recharging capacity in the future. After use, charge the batteries and store the mobility scooter with the batteries fully charged.
To fully charge mobility scooter batteries, charge overnight for eight to 10 hours. Some smart chargers shut off the power when the battery charge is complete. Never let the batteries become fully discharged. Lead-acid batteries are especially vulnerable to the effects of battery discharge and may not last as long if they don’t remain adequately charged.
Storage
Extreme heat, cold, and humidity can damage batteries and cause them to rust. When you have finished driving, store the mobility scooter in a cool and dry place that's out of direct sunlight.
If you don't intend to drive the mobility scooter again for a while, store the mobility scooter fully charged and give the batteries a quick charge before the next use. If you will be storing the mobility scooter for a long time, charge it at least once a month.
Maintenance and Replacement
After the first 12 to 18 months, you might find that your mobility scooter battery drains faster and doesn't provide the power that it did at first. When that occurs, it's important to replace your mobility scooter batteries with the batteries recommended by the manufacturer, being sure to follow all of the instructions in the manufacturer's manual.
If you need help, the retail store where you purchased the mobility scooter may offer mobility scooter repair and install the new batteries for you. Please note that the new batteries will need to be fully charged before you can drive the scooter away.
Driving Habits
Let's assume that the mobility scooter batteries are brand-new and fully charged. How many hours does a mobility scooter battery last? The answer depends largely on how you use the device.
Weight
When a scooter is carrying more weight, it drains faster than it would when carrying a regular load. Each mobility scooter comes with maximum weight and height recommendations, and exceeding the weight limit will reduce the battery life.
Terrain
When driving on flat, even terrain like sidewalks and shopping mall floors, mobility scooter batteries last for much longer than they do when driving up hills or over rough terrains like plush carpet, stones, gravel, or sand.
Speed
Driving at a low to moderate speed will give you the longest battery life whereas driving at maximum speed will drain the batteries fast. Set out with plenty of time to spare to maximize your drive time.
Stop-Start vs. Continuous Driving
It takes a lot more power to go from stationary to moving than it does to simply keep moving. For that reason, stop-start driving (such as on sidewalks in the city) will reduce battery life compared to continuous driving.
Choose the Right Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter or electric wheelchair can be a life-changing investment when you choose the right scooter model and battery size for your needs. When comparing different models and makes, ask yourself:
Where do I intend to use the mobility scooter and on which terrains?
How often do I intend to use it and for how long at a time?
How much weight do I need the mobility scooter to bear?
What other features do I need?
Once you have a good idea, the mobility retail store staff at Mobility Plus Colorado in Denver will be able to offer more personalized advice. If in doubt, rent a mobility scooter for a week before making your final decision.