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So, what is the average life of a mobility scooter? The average lifespan of a mobility scooter depends on the upkeep of the mobility device.
Last week, my friend told me he wanted to buy a mobility scooter and wondered whether the device would last.
As I know a lot about these devices, I compiled all the info on the lifespan and maintenance of mobility scooters here. Read on!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- A scooter can last up to 5 years.
- Always ensure the battery is well charged.
- The battery number, type, and size affect the range.
How Long Do Mobility Scooters Last?
A mobility scooter can last up to five years with proper maintenance. Since you will depend on the mobility aid, the correct maintenance can ensure you get more from the device. (1)
Most mobility scooter manufacturers include a manual highlighting the device’s best usage practices. So, if you follow the instructions, you are guaranteed the electric mobility scooter will serve you without hitches.
What Is the Average Life of a Mobility Scooter Battery?
Excellent quality powered wheelchair batteries can last from 45 minutes to an hour without recharge. You may have covered a distance between six to 10 miles during this time.
Heavy-duty powered mobility devices can last a day on a single charge. However, this increased usage duration depends on the battery type, number, and size.
Check out this YouTube video from Mobility Scooters Direct on proper battery usage.
How To Improve a Mobility Scooter’s Lifespan?
An electric scooter helps people with disabilities overcome mobility issues and have an active lifestyle.
So, as a mobility scooter driver, you want to follow the best usage practices to avoid frequent breakdowns.
Here are some handy tips to keep your power chair in top shape.
1. Keep the Device Clean
The mobility aid is usually prone to getting dirty with frequent usage. The buildup of dirt and grime will eventually lower its efficiency, resulting in costly repairs.
The best approach to keeping the device clean is to use a damp, soft cotton towel to clean the exterior parts. Use compressed air to blow dirt off and check for hairs stuck around the wheel axles.
2. Have Regular Maintenance Sessions
A regularly maintained assistive mobility device guarantees the owner a prolonged shelf life. Regular maintenance sessions can help you catch problems before they occur, depending on the frequency of usage.
Such sessions can help you determine whether to get an additional battery or replace the tires. And as you look forward to replacing scooter battery, get quality products to avoid near future issues.
3. Avoid Stressing the Scooter
Mobility scooter users can stress their devices in various ways: packing excess weight and driving on unrecommended terrains. Most mobility scooter manufacturers specify the weight capacity of the device.
Driving a scooter on uneven ground will strain the motor to help change the terrain. Fortunately, you can avoid these stress causes by sticking to the recommended weights and driving on flat surfaces.
Riding on dangerous terrains like deep puddles will harm the scooter’s electrical components. While some scooter models can cope with water contact, avoid moisture because it affects the device’s efficiency.
4. Ensure Excellent Battery Health
Most power wheelchairs and scooters run on a 24-volt serial circuit system. The mobility scooter batteries you will find include absorbent glass matt (AGM) and gel batteries. (2)
As a rule of thumb, keep your mobility scooter battery levels high even when the device is not in use. This will maintain the batteries at peak performance, avoiding frequent additional charges.
Check out this YouTube video from Mobility Scooters Direct on troubleshooting the battery.
Tips for Improving a Scooter’s Battery Lifespan
The battery is one of the primary components to check when ensuring your scooter has a longer lifespan.
So following the best battery usage is crucial to extending the time your scooter battery will last on a single charge.
Here are some tips to improve the battery’s lifespan.
1. Never Discharge the Unit Fully
Keeping your device’s battery charged at a decent level is crucial. While most occasional users will drive until the wheelchair battery won’t charge fully, this wears down the battery unit.
2. Avoid Overcharging the Battery
Overcharging happens when you plug the scooter into a charger for an extended period. Modern scooter chargers have overcharge protection, but older devices may lack this feature.
3. Have a Proper Storage Strategy
The best storage practice you can give your electric-powered scooter is stashing it in a cool, dry place. On the other hand, extreme cold and heat conditions damage the batteries, reducing their efficiency.
4. Maintain Decent Speeds
While most daily users will have a busy schedule warranting using the scooter at high speeds, this drains the battery quickly.
These bursts of acceleration will impact your device’s battery life, so ride the scooter at a decent speed.
Disposing of an old mobility scooter can be a daunting task, but our article ‘How to Dispose of Old Mobility Scooter‘ offers practical and environmentally responsible options for safely getting rid of your old equipment. From recycling to donating, learn how to make the most of your old scooter without harming the planet or your community.
FAQs
What is the average life of a mobility scooter?
A good quality scooter can serve you for up to five years, provided you maintain the mobility device well. These devices are easy to maintain, so you cannot go wrong with the maintenance aspects of mobility scooters.
When is the best time to charge the batteries for mobility scooters?
The best time to charge your scooter’s batteries is at night. The scooter will have ample charging time, and also, modern device chargers have an automatic cut-off upon full charge.
Conclusion
The question of what is the average life of a mobility scooter challenges many looking to get an assistive device. You want to buy a mobility aid that lasts long enough to meet your needs and budget.
But note that how well you care for the device influences its lifespan. With these tips on lengthening a scooter’s lifespan and battery life, your scooter will serve you for a long time!
So, what is the lifespan of your mobility scooter? Let us know in the comments section!
References
- 1. Thoreau R. The impact of mobility scooters on their users. Does their usage help or hinder?: A state of the art review. Journal of Transport & Health [Internet]. 2015;2:269–75. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140515000201
- 2. BatteryGuy. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) – Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) vs Gel – BatteryGuy.com Knowledge Base [Internet]. The BatteryGuy.com Knowledge Base. 2019 [cited 2022 Oct 7]. Available from: https://batteryguy.com/kb/knowledge-base/sealed-lead-acid-sla-absorbent-glass-mat-agm-vs-gel/
