Wheelchair Batteries

Wheelchair batteries are specifically designed for each wheelchair brand and model, which can make choosing the type of battery for your electric or power wheelchair a bit daunting. To choose the right battery, you not only need to consider what will work with your wheelchair, but also how you're going to use the chair. What kinds of trips will you normally take? Longer trips require greater battery consumption. How often do you plan to use your wheelchair and for what sort of purposes? For instance, if you'll be using the wheelchair as your primary mode of getting around, both indoors and outdoors, both the life and capacity of your battery are important considerations.

Below is a list of other considerations beyond the potential life of your battery:

Cost

In most cases, it's true that the cost of a wheelchair battery will determine its quality. However, a more expensive battery, well cared for, will often cost less in the long run than a cheaper battery. A wheelchair used primarily for indoor activities can actually use a single battery for as long as two years with a little care and close monitoring when the wheelchair isn't in use. Gel and dry cell batteries are a little more expensive, however if you travel often, they're well worth the investment.

Maintenance

There are two kinds of wheelchair batteries: "wet" batteries and "dry" batteries. A wet battery is filled with a sulfuric acid and water mixture. The battery's water level is the key to a well maintained wet battery. Every other month, you'll need to check the water level and add more water if it's low. Add only distilled water and make sure you don't overfill. A dry battery is sealed and doesn't require refilling. The only maintenance a dry batter requires is keeping the terminals free of corrosion.

Traveling

If you're going to do a lot of traveling, you'll want to use a dry battery. As mentioned above, these batteries also contain sulfuric acid but they're sealed and therefore much safer than a wet battery. These batteries are generally fine for traveling on airlines, whereas wet batteries are not permitted.

Storage of Your Wheelchair Battery

If you're going to store your wheelchair battery, make certain you store it in an upright position so that there's no chance it might tip or that the terminals might touch any metallic source. Store it away from any chance that it might come in contact with water or rain. Keep the battery out of the sun or high temperatures (around 140°F or higher).

Recharging Your Wheelchair Battery

When charging a wheelchair battery, make sure it's fully charged before removing it from the charger. Otherwise, you risk either damaging your battery or shortening the length of its life. If you battery is having difficulty holding its charge or it isn't coming up fully when you recharge it, make sure the charger is reading 21-22 volts before you begin charging. Basically, this assures that you have the battery and charger properly hooked together.

To get the most out of your wheelchair battery, it's recommended that you charge your battery every night. If you primarily use your wheelchair indoors, then remember to turn off the wheelchair whenever your activities are stationary. Remember, if you use a "wet" battery, you'll need to refill the water every other month. Always keep backup batteries on hand. You never know when the current will go dead. In the case of emergency, a car battery can be substituted in place of your wheelchair battery, though it won't last nearly as long.