How long do power assist wheelchair batteries last? The average wheelchair battery lifespan is at least six months but can last much longer if it is maintained properly.

However, it is important to recognize the signs that you need to replace your wheelchair batteries. This way, you will never be stuck somewhere in Princeton without a charged battery.

Do you want to learn when to replace wheelchair batteries? We have created this article for you to see how to identify bad wheelchair batteries.

1. Reduced Lifespan and Range

One of the biggest signs that you need to replace your power wheelchair battery is that it has a reduced lifespan and range. This will be easy to spot, as you will be familiar with how long you can use your wheelchair before it needs to be charged.

The older your battery is, and the more you use your power wheelchair, you will find that it no longer takes you as far as it used to. This means that your battery’s maximum capacity has lowered.

The only way that you can get a longer battery life is by getting your wheelchair battery replaced.

2. Charger No Longer Recognizes the Battery

Another common sign that you need to get new batteries for your power wheelchair is if your wheelchair charger no longer recognizes the battery. Often, this is what happens when your charge drops too low.

If you haven’t used your power wheelchair, and its battery has been left around for too long, you may find that it doesn’t have enough volts to be recognized by your charger.

This means that you will no longer be able to charge your wheelchair until you get a new battery installed by a certified installer in Princeton.

3. Machine Starts Cutting Out

Something else that is most likely the sign that your wheelchair battery needs replacement is if your machine starts cutting out while you are using it.

When your power wheelchair battery begins cutting out and stopping, it can be a safety hazard. For example, if you are driving across a road and your battery quits, you may not be able to get yourself out of a dangerous situation.

If you notice that your battery is not as responsive as it used to be or that it regularly stops while you are using it, it is important that you get your wheelchair serviced as soon as possible.

They can help you determine whether your power wheelchair needs a new battery or if there is a more serious underlying problem.

4. Battery Never Fully Charges

Next, you may find that your battery no longer charges fully. In these cases, you often need to get a new battery for your power wheelchair.

Even if you can’t tell if your wheelchair battery doesn’t fully charge, you may notice that your battery light drops faster than it used to when you are out and about in the Princeton area. If you find that your battery doesn’t ever show a full charge, this is a problem that will only continue to worsen.

To make sure that you are always prepared, it is important that you replace your battery as soon as you notice this issue.

5. Requires More Frequent Charging

Another common sign that your wheelchair battery is not functioning properly is if it requires more frequent charging.

If you notice that you have to charge your power wheelchair more often than you used to, it could be because your charger isn’t working properly, or that your battery is simply unable to retain the same amount of charge.

When you have to charge your wheelchair more often, it can result in limited mobility and other inconveniences. To have the best experience with your power wheelchair, you should replace your battery as soon as you notice this problem.

6. You Have a Faulty Battery

Faulty batteries may also require an early battery replacement for your power wheelchair. You may notice that your wheelchair isn’t functioning properly, even after you recently replaced the batteries.

This may simply be a faulty battery. Whether they have poor connections or were damaged before they were installed in your power wheelchair, they can be dangerous to continue using.

To make sure that you are not using a faulty or dangerous battery, you should take your wheelchair in to be serviced by someone qualified in the Princeton area to ensure that there are no other underlying issues that may be causing the problems that you notice.

They can also test your battery for you to see if it works or if it needs to be replaced.

7. Old Age

Finally, old age is a common reason why you may need to replace your batteries. Even if you do not recognize any of these signs that your battery is wearing out, it is important that you replace your batteries at least once every two years.

Your owner’s manual will give you more information about your battery and may even give you a tentative replacement date.

If your battery is showing any signs of aging, it is important to replace it before it wears out completely. This will ensure that you are never interrupted by a dead or broken battery when you are using your power wheelchair.

Get Your Wheelchair Batteries Replaced in Princeton

Replacing your wheelchair batteries is an important part of power wheelchair maintenance and may need to be done every year or more. However, there are a few additional signs that you need a new battery for your wheelchair.

Looking for these signs in your wheelchair will help you know the best time to replace your batteries.

Do you want to learn how to replace wheelchair batteries or need help with wheelchair battery replacement in the Princeton area? At Freedom Mobility Center, we provide power wheelchair servicing and repairs.

Contact us to learn more about power wheelchair batteries.