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How long does a mobility scooter battery last?
That’s a question most of the approximately 1.7 million mobility scooter and wheelchair users in the US would want the answer to, and one I asked myself when we were looking for a scooter for my granddad. (1).
It makes sense to want to know that since a scooter’s battery power makes it dependable or unreliable.
Read on for more on how long scooter batteries last and their travel distance.
Table of Contents
How Many Hours Does a Mobility Scooter Battery Last?
Tab Black, an assistive technology expert, says the average scooter battery lasts between eighteen months and two years on small scooters and two to three years for large or medium scooters (2).
Quality mobility scooters usually have excellent batteries that last three years or more with the best care. I’ve seen some that lasted close to four years. With reasonable care, there’s no reason your battery shouldn’t last that long.
Make sure to follow the usual proper charging and maintenance practices to ensure the battery lasts as long as possible.
The length of use depends highly on how regularly someone uses the scooter. Occasional users have years of service before they deal with a dead battery.
If you lead an active lifestyle with your mobility scooter and use it daily, the battery won’t last that long.
Naturally, heavy-duty mobility scooters will have a battery that lasts a shorter time than light scooter users.
Let’s take a closer look at what affects a battery’s lifespan.
Be sure to check out our article on “how to revive mobility scooter batteries” for valuable information and tips.
6 Factors That Affect Mobility Scooter Battery Lifespan
Various factors affect the mobility scooter battery life. For a quick answer to the question ‘how long does a mobility scooter battery last?’ Check the table below for a summary of the factors.
| What Affects Battery Lifespan? | Degree of Effect |
| Type of battery | High |
| Charging | Low |
| How You Ride the Scooter | High |
| Battery Storage | Medium |
| Weight of load | High |
| Terrain | High |
1. The Type of Battery
Different mobility scooters have different battery types. That’s why it’s always wise to get your battery from an authorized dealer only.
Each mobility scooter will have a specific battery size to suit its power needs. Sometimes you’ll need a mobility scooter battery replacement. And for that reason, there are three major types of batteries to choose from:
a) Gel Batteries
These lead-acid batteries are a common choice for people since they offer more cycles, thus lasting longer. Even though they provide unparalleled battery performance, that’s usually at a price.
b) Lithium-ion Batteries
Li-ion batteries are a worthy choice if you have a light portable mobility scooter. They have a long lifespan and come as battery packs. They are, however, quite expensive.
c) Absorbent Glass Mat batteries
These batteries might last between 12 and 18 months and are best for occasional users. They are usually the cheapest battery option for scooters since they have a short life cycle.
For a more nuanced look at mobility scooter batteries, check out this video:
2. The Way You Charge the Battery
The company you buy your scooter from will provide specific instructions on correctly charging the battery.
Each type of battery has a specific way to charge it, and it’s always recommended you charge them fully before using the scooter.
It’s just like with a smartphone; irregular charging wears down the battery power, finally making the battery weak.
Also Read: How to Charge Scooter Battery Without Charger?
3. How You Ride Your Scooter
Are you the kind of person that loves to suddenly accelerate on a scooter? Or are you the type that loves sudden braking emergencies or not? If you are, that will affect how long your battery is operational.
4. The Battery Storage Temperature
Most scooters have an ideal operating temperature. For some scooters, it’s usually 20 degrees celsius. Extreme temperatures on both sides affect battery life and capacity.
Always store your scooter in an environment that’s neither cold nor hot.
5. The Terrain You Ride Your Scooter On
The scooter motor needs more power to fire up on rough terrain. Consistent use of your scooter on such terrains overworks the battery, making it last a shorter time.
6. The Weight of Load
A scooter battery works harder to support the rider’s and the scooter’s weight. In the long run, this will affect the battery’s lifespan, especially if you are a regular user.
If you’re a heavy person, you could get the best mobility scooter for heavy adults and not have to worry about weight load.
5 Tips To Extend the Mobility Scooter Battery Lifespan
When researching scooter batteries for my granddad, I Iearned some fantastic tips. Let’s take a look.
1. Proper Charging
Correct charging will undoubtedly boost the lifespan of your battery. It is part of the proper maintenance of your battery for it to serve you longer.
Therefore, always charge the battery fully before jumping on. The video below explains how you can do that easily.
2. Avoiding Rough Terrain Whenever Possible
Rough terrain overworks a scooter and the battery. You are better off avoiding using your scooter on rough terrains unless it’s necessary for you.
3. Reduce Extra Baggage
A scooter’s weight load increases the strain on the battery. There is little you can do about the scooter’s weight. But you can reduce the scooter’s weight baggage and take it easier on the battery.
4. Maintain Steady Speeds
Uneven braking and accelerating use up more battery power, thus affecting battery life.
Also, stop-start driving strains the battery since it works harder to start each time.
Maintaining a steady speed when riding the scooter takes it easy on the batteries, prolonging their lifespan.
5. Proper Storage
Exposing the batteries to excessive heat or cold will reduce their output and lifespan. Store the batteries in a cool, dry place.
FAQs
How far can a mobility scooter go on a full charge?
The distance range of mobility scooter on a full charge is between 15 and 25 miles. That may change depending on how fast you ride the scooter or the terrain you’re riding.
How often do you charge mobility scooter batteries?
You can charge mobility scooter batteries daily after using them or whenever possible, once a week.
How Long Do Mobility Scooter Batteries Last on a Single Charge?
On average, a single battery charge could last the mobility scooter between forty-five minutes and an hour.
Conclusion
How long does a mobility scooter battery last? A maximum of four years, depending on the type of battery and how often you use your scooter.
When buying a battery for your scooter, always consider the warranty. Most companies offer a 12-month warranty on batteries.
Should the battery not last that long, contact the dealer for a new battery. Are there any exciting battery options you know about? Tell us about them in the comments.
Resources
- 1. The University of California – Disability Statistics Center. Mobility Device Statistics: United States [Internet]. Disabled World. Disabled World; 2013. Available from: https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/statistics/mobility-stats.php
- 2. Best Mobility Scooters Of 2022 [Internet]. Forbes Health. 2021 [cited 2022 Aug 13]. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-mobility-scooters/#:~:text=Battery%20life%3A%20%E2%80%9CAverage%20battery%20life
