With over 60 miles of beaches, almost 90 golf courses, and shopping that ranges from outlet stores to specialty boutiques, Myrtle Beach has plenty to see and do. Wheelchair mats for beach access are just one example of how the Grand Strand tries to improve accessibility.
To fully take advantage of everything Myrtle Beach has to offer, you need to get the most from your portable power wheelchair. Great performance starts with your wheelchair battery.
Find out how to get the most life from your power wheelchair batteries, and you’ll be ready for your next adventure.
Wheelchair Battery 101
Understanding how your power wheelchair battery works will help you get the most life from it.
The batteries in mobility products are deep-cycle batteries. They release a low amount of energy consistently over a long period of time. This differs from a car battery, which releases a large amount of energy in a short time period.
Most power wheelchairs have two batteries.
Power wheelchairs and scooters typically use either gel cell or AGM lead-acid batteries. Both types of batteries are maintenance-free and sealed for safety. If you travel by plane, most US domestic flights allow these batteries on board.
Gel cell batteries produce more cycles, so they last longer. They’ll give you better performance if you use your mobility device for regular, daily use.
AGM batteries produce fewer cycles and don’t last as long. They’re better for occasional users. However, they’re cheaper than gel cell batteries.
Most battery manufacturers will give you a 12-month warranty. Your battery could last longer, though, depending on your usage and how you maintain it.
Charging Your Wheelchair Battery
Taking care of your battery from the beginning will give you the longest battery life. You should charge your battery for at least 18 hours before you use it the first time. Keep in mind that your batteries will only reach their full capacity after 10 to 20 charging cycles.
Many manufacturers recommend 12-hour charging cycles. You can charge the batteries overnight. Even if you haven’t used your chair very much that day, you should still recharge the batteries.
Try to avoid partially charging the battery. This can damage it over time. In addition, avoid letting the battery get lower than 20% before you recharge it.
Always use the charger that came with your mobility device. Other chargers can damage your battery or your power chair.
Finally, charge and use the batteries at room temperature when possible. Very cold or very warm conditions can reduce battery life.
Low temperatures make the battery fluids thicker, so they don’t flow as well. At 32ºF, the battery loses around 30% of its capacity.
Every increase of 18ºF above 68ºF can decrease the battery life by 50%. If you’re using your power wheelchair outside in Myrtle Beach in the summer, you should expect a shorter battery life.
Replace Both Batteries Together
If you find that one battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore, but the other one seems fine, you might be tempted to replace only the dead one.
However, the “good” battery will probably fail soon too. Pairing it with a new battery will make the new one work harder. You’ll end up having to replace both batteries.
Replacing both batteries together helps you get the best performance.
Modify Your Driving Behavior and Options Usage
How you use your mobility device has a large effect on your wheelchair battery life. Maintaining a consistent speed while driving helps conserve battery life. Stop-and-go driving, slopes, turns, and going up and down curbs use a lot of energy.
In addition, powered chair options like tilt or recline use energy. Using these features less often will help you get more driving range from your batteries.
Pay Attention to the Driving Surface
The type of ground you’re driving on also affects how much power you use. Smooth, hard surfaces are the easiest to drive on. Soft, uneven, rough, or slippery ground uses more power.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Keeping your tires properly inflated is another way to maximize your battery life. Low air pressure increases resistance, which will reduce your driving range. The manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure is usually printed somewhere on the tire itself.
Depending on your physical condition, you may prefer the ride you get from tires that are technically somewhat underinflated. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to charge your batteries more often.
Minimize the Load
The maximum payload for your power wheelchair tells you the maximum weight for the user and any items the mobility device is transporting. Try to avoid carrying heavy items frequently. Staying under the maximum load uses less battery power.
Storing Your Power Wheelchair Battery
If you won’t be using your power wheelchair for an extended period of time, charge the batteries fully before you store them. Disconnect the batteries from your mobility device to slow down the discharge rate.
Store batteries in a dry location. Try to keep them somewhere that won’t get too hot or too cold.
Even when you’re not using your power wheelchair for an extended time, you need to charge the batteries regularly. Letting the batteries sit without charging for a long period of time can damage them. One full charge every two to three weeks keeps your batteries in good working condition.
Battery Service and Repair
These wheelchair battery tips will help you get the most life from your batteries. If you have questions about your wheelchair battery or need service in Myrtle Beach, Freedom Mobility Center can help. We maintain all power mobility devices and related equipment no matter where you bought it.
We understand the importance of maintaining your mobility and independence. Every call is an opportunity for us to earn your business.
Contact us today for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.