Batteries -
It is not really necessary that
you understand the exact technology used in scooter batteries but it is important that
you know how to care for them and what batteries are required for your particular needs.
We're not going to try and razzle dazzle you technical information on batteries.
Most scooters and powerwheelchairs utilize gel cell or the newer sealed lead acid batteries
which seem to have good performance at a better price. Both types of
batteries come in a range of different sizes and strengths and their application is usually determined by the weight rating of the scooter
or powerchair. Of course, larger batteries for higher weight ratings or more demanding
performance requirments. Before you purchase a scooter, a brief check on what your requirements
for power should be is a good thing to be pondered.
Too often we see the expections of the end user unmet when a little forethought could have met
them with no problem. 32 to 33 Amp hr. (U-1)batteries generally provide a range of up to 23 mi.
and are used for weight ratings up to 300 lbs. but start to get questionable at 350 lbs if you
have to negotiate ramps or steeper grades in the environment of intended use. More Amp hrs
on the battery not only means increased range but greater depth of power when place under
higher load conditions eg. hills, ramps, loose dirt, etc. with the higherweight load. Some
scooters, (Pride Legend and Celebrity, Shoprider XL) can accomodate a larger
size battery such as a 40 Ah. as an option. When a scooter has this option, it simply means that
there is enough room in the battery storage area to fit the larger casing of the stronger
battery. The next size up, Group 22, uses the same size casing in a variety of Amp Hr ratings
usually 50 to 60 AH. Group 24 are the same way with ratings of 65 to 80 Ah. So when some says
"this scooter uses Gr 22 or 24 batteries" remember that there is a range of Ah choices in these
classes and the price usually follows the number of Amp hrs in the battery. You usually get
what you pay for so if you need more power for your requirements in a scooter then spend the
extra bucks on the larger batteries if they will fit. There's nothing worse than getting stuck
with something that you are not happy with in an effort to save a couple of dollars and this is
more true with scooters than just about anything because most scooter users are on them
everyday.
How do you know what are good batteries? There are many brands out there and most are made by
the same manufacturer and sold under a different name. Regardless, a "good battery" is one that
is time tested by the scooter dealer and even more so by the actual battery supplier. Neither
wants batteries coming back but it is the supplier who is most concerned since he may working
with a number of scooter dealers. A reputable dealer will make sure he is supplying his
customers with a time tested quality product, one that may cost a little more but one that he
knows will do a good job. A less reputable dealer will try to pass off the the cheaper product
to make more money but will seldom escape the consequences of time consuming paperwork, extra
product handling, and negative customer sentiment.
As far as caring for your batteries, the sealed lead acid and gel batteries are slow charging
"trickle" type batteries which must be charged at a slower rate. Your average charger for these
types of batteries ranges from 1.5 to 3 amps. Some people prefer to use higher amp chargers for
quicker charges but this is not recommended on batteries of U-1 size or smaller since it is
harder on the battery. 5 to 8 Ah chargers are generally used on larger batteries.
Also, these are not nicad type batteries which must be discharged totally for max performance
and there is not really a "memory". Keep a good charge on them, never discharge them completely,
and they'll work fine. Just keep in mind that what wears a battery out the most is normal
continuous charging and discharging.
Basically, if you use your scooter alot (charging and discharging also called a charging cycle),
expect to go through batteries faster. Its that simple.
Keep a good charge on them, no extreme heat or cold, disconnect if not using for extended
periods (month or more) and never discharge completely.
For a list of our batteries and prices
Click here.
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