Blog Can Mobility Scooter Batteries Be Reconditioned? (With Tips)

It is worth paying attention to some factors affecting the batteries to maximize the potential life of the mobility scooter you buy. You won't get the most out of your mobility scooter unless you do the batteries hold charge and tolerate various climate conditions, given you take special care.

Types of Batteries in Mobility Scooters

First, let us identify the type of batteries used in many available mobility scooters. Before we go into whether or not the batteries on mobility scooters can be reconditioned, let's talk about the most common kinds of battery packs used in such devices. Because various models call for different power source types, this information is crucial. There's also the risk of permanently damaging the battery if you try to repair it without determining its exact type.

Mobility scooters can be powered by one of four main types of batteries:

1. Lithium Ion Batteries 

Because of their high energy density, long shelf life, and safety for use on airplanes, these batteries are among the most widely used.

2. Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries 

Batteries that use a lead acid electrolyte are hermetically sealed. They are cumbersome, easily spilled upon, inexpensive, and easy to charge.

3. Gel Batteries 

Although they are more costly than SLAs, there are no leaks, and no upkeep is required. But overcharging could hurt them in the long run.

4. Absorbent Glass Mat Batteries

Although expensive, they never need to be serviced, can be recharged rapidly, and last for years.

Let's see if it's possible to recondition the batteries used in mobility scooters next.

Can Mobility Scooters Batteries be Reconditioned?

Batteries used in mobility scooters can sometimes be reconditioned. After filling the battery with clean water, you must recharge it for an entire hour. Three or four cycles with this method should be possible before a new battery is required.

The procedure for refurbishing batteries that is detailed here is only suitable for sealed lead-acid batteries. In addition, you should use distilled water instead of tap water. The video shows a user of a mobility scooter reconditioning an SLA battery by connecting it to a battery charger. The process, however, is challenging, and people who lack manual dexterity should not attempt it.

What about batteries that use gel or absorbed glass mat technology? We should find out!

Can You Recondition GEL and Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries? 

A GEL battery can't be saved from death most of the time. Some people suggest entirely discharging the battery and then gradually charging it again. However, it will be harmed if you charge it too quickly.

Try this strategy for annual general meetings:

• Get a fresh battery and put it next to the old one that's almost dead.
• Link up the good with other good things and the bad with other bad things.
• Verify that the good battery is connected to the battery charger for the mobility scooter.
• Let the batteries fully charge before checking their voltage using a voltmeter to see if the discharge battery has been fully refilled.
• If the battery gets too hot to the touch or if you hear hissing or bubbling sounds, remove it immediately.

The most important disadvantage of the technology is that it requires an additional working battery. On top of that, you need to be especially careful around AGMs because they are a type of lead-acid battery, and you don't want to risk coming into contact with the battery's harmful components.

Can You Recondition Lithion-Ion Batteries? 

Putting a lithium battery in the freezer could help it function again, so you can do that using the battery from an old phone. Sometimes you might have to go out and buy a new one because the old one didn't work out. Freezing Li-ion batteries might be harmful if you don't let them thaw before charging them. You might try connecting the dead battery to a live one to give the dead battery a jump start.

How Much Does a New Mobility Scooter Battery Cost? 

The cost of batteries varies widely depending on their specifications. The seal-acid ones are moderately priced, costing around $30 to $50. Lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive type, costing upwards of $200, while GEL and AMG batteries cost, on average, $100. However, you may save money by purchasing a refurbished battery or by using these simple methods to extend the life of the cells that power your mobility scooter.

How to Extend My Mobility Scooter Battery Life?

Taking care of your battery may last longer, and you won't have to worry about being stranded in the middle of nowhere. We've compiled a list of suggestions to help you along the way.

1. Let the Batteries Work

At the very least, you should ride your scooter twice a week. It is unnecessary to move physically to another location; functional batteries are required for voltage inversion.

2. Proper Storage

Batteries should be kept away from moisture and freezing temperatures. If you want to keep their clarity, please read the instructions carefully.

3. Avoid Overcharging

Not all batteries can withstand being overcharged. Therefore, ensure not to attach the charger for more than twenty-four hours and to detach it once the batteries have received a full charge. You should also never turn off the charger while charging or before the charging procedure is complete.

4. Use the Original Charger 

Make sure you only use the charger that comes with your smartphone. The battery's lifespan could be significantly shortened if you use the wrong charger. If your device's original charger stops working, you should contact the company to determine if it makes replacements.

5. Avoid Flat Batteries

Keep your batteries from ever going dead. Remember to charge the batteries after each ride if you use the scooter frequently. You should assess the scooter's batteries the night before using it if you only plan on using it occasionally.

Conclusion

How feasible is it to recharge and reuse the batteries in mobility scooters? You may extend the battery's life in your scooter by reconditioning it, but you should be careful not to do it with the wrong charger or technique. The battery's charge can be salvaged using a desulfator, a piece of equipment that eliminates lead sulfate from the internal battery plates. However, it can only be used with acid batteries, and the outcomes are not guaranteed.