Electric scooter batteries can last between 12 to 18 months, however if you take extra care of your batteries and charge them frequently they are able to last for a longer time. There are several different types electric scooter batteries each giving the scooter a different quality, in terms of power, weight and distance range. Here are the three most popular:
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Lead Acid Batteries
Lead Acid Batteries are the cheapest electric scooter batteries. They are perfect for those long journeys, as once they are fully charged they are able to go the furthest distance before battery drainage. They are also very durable and are able to last for about 15 years, if maintained properly and used well. This includes bringing it to maintenance once a year, as inspecting water and electrolyte levels is essential. However, electric scooter batteries such as the lead acid variety come with their risks as there is a risk of acid spillage that may cause bursting.
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
The sealed lead acid battery is similar to a lead acid battery, the only difference being that the cases containing the acid has an opening that forestalls the gas from building up and eventually bursting. Due to their much more secure nature, you do not need to get them checked as much as you would a lead acid battery.
The Transport Folding Travel Mobility Scooter by Top Mobility is only one such example of a scooter with SLA electric scooter batteries. It can be effortlessly folded into a small compact structure, making it ideal for those distant trips in cars or on planes. It can handle a maximum weight of 250lbs and goes at a top speed of 4mph.
Gell Cell Batteries
Gell Cell Batteries are the ones that are most popular in portable mobility scooters. One factor for these electric scooter batteries’ popularity are that there is no necessity for maintenance. Just ensure that you charge it when required. It is also the most secure battery type as there is no risk of acid spillage or explosion. However, it is the one that costs the most and it is not as durable as the lead acid battery and the sealed lead acid battery.
Charging your electric scooter batteries regularly is one of the most vital steps to take to prolong the life of your battery. Some mobility scooters have detachable batteries, which means that you can remove the battery and take it away from the scooter for charging, whereas on others the battery is permanently intact and has be charged on the mobility scooter. This can cause issues especially if you do not have a large garage to store your scooter in, as you will need to keep your scooter in an area with an electric socket nearby.
Here is a list of some tips about how to maintain and use your battery:
- Charge your battery regularly to prolong the life of the battery. Charging your battery after every use will also ensure that you are never left without battery life on your days out. However, ensure that you read the instruction manual that comes along with your scooter, as the charging time for every scooter can differ. The manual will tell you exactly how long it will take for you to charge your battery before it is fully charged and how regularly you need to do so.
- Do not plug the charger into the mains before plugging it into your scooter. This is essential for your own safety, and you would not want to accidentally touch free-flowing electricity.
- Make sure that you do not overcharge the battery, as this will destroy the chemicals within the battery, considerably limiting your battery’s life.
Electric scooter batteries – Recommendations
If you regularly travel via a car or a plane you would most probably want to carry your mobility scooter along with you. In such circumstances, you should opt for a mobility scooter that is light in weight. Keep in mind that a battery adds a considerable amount of weight to the scooter and is the heaviest part. So, in such cases either pick scooters that can be disassembled, or one with a lighter battery. Battery weights different from 5kg to 20kg, and while some scooters have a single battery, others need two to operate.
One such example of a mobility scooter with a light battery is the EV Rider Transport Folding Mobility Scooter by EV Rider. The battery is a sealed lead acid one and once removed decreases the weight of the scooter from 70lbs to 53lbs. It is also able to travel for approximately 15 miles on a fully charged battery. The EV Rider Transport Folding Mobility Scooter can reach a maximum speed of 4mph, making it the ideal scooter to use on sidewalks. It can carry up to 250lbs. It is perfect for travelling to faraway places via a car or a plane, as it can be folded down into a small compact shape and contains sealed lead acid batteries that can be brought on the plane as carryon luggage (However, to prevent last minute disappointments and keeping in mind that the rules and regulations of each airline company may be different, check with the company before your journey). It also enables you to set your speed limit prior to setting off on your journey, to ensure that you do not go over the required speed limit.
So, regardless of which mobility scooter you settle on, ensure that you read the instruction manual carefully, especially the electric scooter batteries section to understand how long you need to charge your battery for and how frequently you need to do so.