What is the best way to charge an electric wheelchair?

When you have just purchased a power wheelchair, whether it's new or used, learning how to charge one is a good first step. Knowing how to properly charge your power wheelchair batteries will maximize the performance and lifespan of these vital components.

The Steps to Charging an Electric Wheelchair

To charge your batteries:

1. Place your power wheelchair rental or powered wheelchair close to an electrical outlet.

2. Make sure that the power to the controller is off, and that the electric wheelchair is set in the drive mode.

3. Connect the charger to the panel by plugging one end into the port.

4. Connect the plug to the outlet. Charger power should be displayed on the status indicator.

5. Charge the electric wheelchair for up to 8-10 hours, or until it is fully charged. Charge the electric wheelchair until it reads "Charging Complete."

6. Remove the battery charger for the electric wheelchair from the outlet.

7. Remove the opposite end of the charger from the port.

Always pull the connector out of the outlet when unplugging it. The cable of the charger should never be pulled out.

Please note that the exact steps and phrasing can differ depending on your model. Read the instructions provided with your electric wheelchair to find out how you can charge it.

What is the proper way to break in new electric wheelchair batteries?

It's not rocket science to charge an electric wheelchair, but knowing when and how long to do it is an art. This is especially true when you are breaking in a brand-new battery.

How to break in new batteries

1. Charge your batteries fully before using them.

2. You can drive your electric wheelchair for as long as the battery capacity is two-thirds full.

3. Charge the battery fully. The batteries should be able to reach at least 90% capacity by the time the cycle is complete.

4. Continue this process for 10 cycles of charging, but never use more than one-third of the capacity. When fully charged, the batteries should reach 100%.

5. You can charge and use the battery normally after 10 cycles of charging.

How to maximize the life of your battery

The performance of the battery can be greatly improved by knowing how to properly charge your electric wheelchair. You can double your battery's life by charging them with caution. This will reduce the cost of ownership of a power wheelchair.

To maximize performance and longevity:

• Charge your power wheelchair battery every day. This will increase your battery's life compared with draining them over several days, and then charging them.

• Do not drain your batteries beyond 50%. The battery life and driving range of your electric wheelchair will be drastically reduced if you allow them to discharge more deeply and for longer periods.

• Always use the battery charger received with your power wheelchair--or a manufacturer-approved replacement charger. Some battery chargers do not automatically shut down and may overcharge the electric wheelchair batteries.

• Avoid extremes and charge the batteries in a room-temperature environment. Charge power wheelchair batteries at a colder temperature. The batteries will last longer.

• After your electric wheelchair battery reaches 100% charge, allow it to continue charging for two more hours until the float phase is reached. This will give you maximum driving time.

• You can't equalize your batteries if you use just one.

• If you use your battery infrequently, recharge it fully twice per week. Disconnecting your batteries if you are not using them for more than 2 weeks is recommended.

• You can extend the life of a battery by draining and recharging five times. This will remove any sulfation. It will take longer for the battery to be recharged, so buy new ones right away.

What to Look for When Buying a Replacement Batteries

Contacting the retailer or manufacturer where you bought your electric wheelchair is the best option to replace an old battery. In most cases, you can purchase battery chargers and replacement batteries in-store. Mobility Plus, a retailer in Denver, Colorado can deliver batteries and chargers to you.

Understanding Electric Wheelchair Batteries

How well do you understand the differences between the battery types used to power other devices and vehicles?

Most power wheelchairs are powered by two sealed 12-volt deep cycle batteries. The batteries are valve-regulated and maintenance-free. They can be AGM or gel.

You don't have to check or add electrolytes because power wheelchair batteries do not require water. If you want to fly in your electric wheelchair, look for the "airplane-approved" sticker. You should also double-check with your airline.

If you take care of your wheelchair batteries, they can last a long time.

You can expect to get a full year of daily usage from your deep-cycle batteries if you charge them correctly. If used occasionally, they will last two to three years.

Use the charger that came with the chair to recharge your batteries each night. Your batteries will last a very long time if you follow this advice consistently.