Wheelchair Battery Considerations

When choosing the right wheelchair battery for your power chair, you have to look at the manner in which you will use your chair. If you often go for long rides, using the wrong battery can leave you stranded, especially if the battery is unable to provide the power needed to steer rugged terrains.

Cost, maintenance, and transportation ability are other considerations. Whenever possible, choose a chair battery designed to last longer than most models, take up less space, and weigh less. Consequently, this will create a more reliable wheelchair that has increased power and lower maintenance needs.

When buying a powered wheelchair, you also have to consider whether the battery is sold with the chair or sold separately. This way you can budget your money accordingly.

Using car batteries may be tempting to keep costs low; though , it is not a good idea. Car batteries are used as starter batteries. They give off large amounts of energy for a short period so their full capacity is never fully discharged. Additionally, if car batteries are upturned they may leak acid. So select a wheelchair battery that is a deep-cycle type and can be fully discharged without damage to the battery.

When charging your battery, make sure it is not left attached to the charger for more than twenty-four hours. If your battery is overcharged, it can be permanently damaged. There are basically two types of wheelchair battery chargers: manual and automatic.

A manual chargers needs constant supervision. If left unsupervised, it can cause damage to the battery. An automatic charger, on the other hand, monitors the charge and will automatically shut off when a full charged is reached.

The life of a wheelchair battery depends on how frequently and roughly it is used. So when you notice that your power wheelchair is getting weak at the end of your trips, then it is likely time to get a new battery.

Article written by Viojieley Gurrobat
For more information on this article, contact the author at wheelchairspower.com.

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