How to Improve Powerchair Battery Life and Performance
A powered wheelchair can play a big part in your lifestyle and daily mobility; preserving its condition can help maintain independence in your routine. As the battery ages, you may find that your chair doesn’t go as far on a single charge, or it might take longer to recharge. However, with proper care, you can maintain your wheelchair’s battery life and smooth performance for years to come. We have compiled practical tips on maintaining your powerchair’s battery health and reliability.
1. Charge the battery regularly
There are two types of batteries in powerchairs: AGM GEL batteries and lithium batteries. Both types of batteries will need regular charging as they will slowly discharge over time, even while not in use. For example, you might find that your powerchair’s batteries are at a low voltage if you’ve left your equipment at home while you were in the hospital for two months. The best way to maintain the lifespan of your battery is through regular charging, especially if you use your powerchair every day.
For AGM batteries, it is important to avoid allowing them to run completely flat to help maintain the battery’s maximum capacity. Keeping your battery at a low voltage for extended periods will degrade its ability to retain charge. In other words, its maximum charging capacity decreases as a result of being at a low charge for long periods. Lithium batteries have an advantage; their charging capacity does not decrease over time. If you only use your chair occasionally, it is best practice to give it a top-up charge once a week to keep the battery alive. Keeping your battery topped up ensures you always have power when you need it and helps prevent long-term degradation.
2. Store and Charge in the Right Environment
Where you store your wheelchair or scooter makes a big difference. Batteries tend to perform best when stored in a dry, room-temperature environment, around 20°C to 30°C. Avoid charging in damp areas or exposing your chair to extreme temperatures. Leaving it in under the hot sun during summer or a freezing garage can reduce the battery’s capacity and lead to faster degradation.
3. Tyres and Servicing
Battery performance is affected by various factors. Apart from charging, your battery performance is also affected by how efficiently your wheelchair moves. If your tyres move more efficiently, less power is needed from your battery.
A few things you could implement in your powerchair care include:
Check your tyre pressure: The more deflated the pneumatic tyres, the greater their rolling road resistance and consequently, energy is drained faster from batteries. It is best practice to keep your tyres inflated to optimise your battery’s performance. On the other hand, solid tyres do not require compressed air. If you have solid tyres, you will not need to check your tyre pressure.
Keep wheels and motors clear of debris: Dirt or hair caught in the axles can strain the system and increase the resistance that your powerchair needs to work through.
Book regular servicing: If you require help with checking your powerchair, you can book a servicing with our engineers who can ensure your chair’s components are working as efficiently as possible.
4. Environment and Driving Habits
The environment where you operate your powerchair and your driving habits also affect the lifespan of your battery. Rough and hilly terrains require greater power from your battery to drive the powerchair. You could lower your speed indoors and reserve higher settings for outdoor environments to conserve battery. It is also recommended to avoid sudden acceleration or braking where possible. Using powered functions more often, such as the recline or tilt-in-space feature, can consume a greater amount of battery. If you are low on battery while outdoors, you could plan routes to reduce unnecessary stops or steep climbs.
5. Get a Professional Check-Up
If you’re unsure about your battery’s condition or just want peace of mind, we recommend an annual servicing to keep your powerchair in optimal condition. In addition to checking your powerchair’s electrical and mechanical components, we’ll also assess your battery, clean the terminals, remove sticky residue and replace any parts that may have worn down or corroded over time. We will also check the condition of the tyres and ensure they meet legal requirements. We could do two types of battery testing: A voltage test or a discharge test. A voltage test can be done at home or in our workshop; it provides you with information on the battery’s charge level and health, although it provides limited feedback on your battery. On the other hand, a battery discharge test would require a full charge cycle followed by a full discharge, which can take several hours. A battery discharge test is only carried out in our workshop, but it can give you a precise reading of the battery’s capacity.
Specialist Engineering Care with Wheelfreedom
At Wheelfreedom, we understand how important your powerchair is to your independence and mobility. We have a dedicated workshop in our Chessington showroom for all servicing and repairs. Our specialist engineers are trained to diagnose and resolve both mechanical and electrical issues, as well as provide routine servicing and battery replacements to keep your chair in top condition. We have a dedicated workshop in our Chessington showroom for all servicing and repairs.
Call 0800 025 8005 to arrange a service or repair for your powerchair, or book a visit to our modern Chessington showroom in Surrey.
