A wheelchair battery is a power source for a motorized wheelchair. It keeps the chair moving by providing power to the motors and other accessories of the chair. Wheelchair batteries are designed to last up to three years, depending on the user’s use and how much weight is put on them.
When your wheelchair battery dies, it can be frustrating. Your mobility is taken away, and if the battery is dead, you may need to wait for a new one to come in or get a replacement one quickly. However, you can recharge a dead battery before going through all that.
This article will give you step-by-step directions on charging a dead wheelchair battery. It is not hard to charge one and can be done quickly. So, if you have ever had a dead wheelchair battery not working, this article is for you.
Can A Dead Wheelchair Battery Be Recharged?
Just because a battery is dead doesn’t mean it cannot be recharged because it has gone through many discharges recharges and reached the end of its useful life. So, a dead wheelchair battery cannot be recharged by simply using a charger connected to a 120v wall socket.
A dead wheelchair battery can only be recharged using a battery pack, a portable jump starter, or a pulse charger.
Most batteries have a certain number of discharge cycles before they die. If a battery has been fully discharged too many times, it may not recharge 100%. A pulse charger charges the battery differently from a standard charger and will bring back most dead batteries.
To use the pulse charger, connect it to the battery in the same manner as you would a standard charger. The first charging cycle may take several hours, but the following cycles should only take around an hour. If your chair uses less than half of its top speed after it is charged, or if it seems to be draining quickly, you need to replace your battery.
You will be able to charge your dead wheelchair battery using a battery pack, but you may have to replace the battery if it is too old or damaged. If you plan on recharging your battery with a battery pack, disconnect the battery from your charge, and connect it to a battery pack. Allow each battery to fully charge before removing them from their chargers and placing them back into their original position in the wheelchair.
Jumpstarters are boosters for batteries. Unlike a car battery charger that charges a dead battery, jump starters kick-start a weak or dead battery through a quick burst of power.
If you’re using a portable jump starter to power a dead wheelchair battery, simply attach one end of the red jumper cable to your wheelchair’s battery’s positive terminal and attach the other end of the black jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on your wheelchair and a car battery. Once you turn on the car, the jumper cables will pass some juice to your dead battery and turn it on.
Should I Replace A Dead Wheelchair Battery?
If you cannot power up a dead battery using a pulse charger, jump starter, or battery charger, then purchasing replacement batteries would be the best thing to do if you plan on using your wheelchair.
A battery works because the chemical reaction inside the battery produces electricity. And once this chemical reaction stops, there is no other way to revive it. If your battery is still within the warranty period and dies early, you can get it replaced for free. If not, assess the situation and decide if it is worth spending money on a new battery or if you should buy a new wheelchair.
Wheelchair Battery Maintenance: Keeping Your Batteries Healthy and Charged
The wheelchair battery is a unique device that requires a little more care and attention than your average battery. This article will discuss the basics of maintaining your wheelchair battery in a way that ensures it lasts for years to come.
The first step to maintaining a wheelchair battery is to check its charge level and load capacity regularly. The second step should be checking for loose connections, corrosion, and other irregularities on the battery itself. A qualified mechanic should test the power and voltage levels periodically and check whether there are any shorts or leaks in the system.
To test if your battery is still functioning, you can use a voltmeter. You can test by inserting the probes in between the battery terminals. If the reading is higher than 12 volts, then it is good. If it falls below 10 volts, the battery needs to be charged and re-tested.
To maintain your wheelchair battery, you should never leave it discharged for more than two weeks or store it for three months without charge.
Batteries that are used in wheelchairs may need to be replaced periodically. This is because they can lose their ability to hold a charge or power the wheelchair without difficulty.
Keep the batteries charged. Never allow the batteries to become completely discharged, which will shorten their lives. Keep them charged whenever possible.
Store the wheelchair battery in a cool, dry location when not using it for prolonged periods, or charge the batteries every month to prevent it from going flat.
Clean the terminals with a toothbrush and baking soda at least once a month to remove any corrosion build-up. Check that both the red (+) and black (-) wires are securely connected to their respective terminals. Ensure that these wires are not damaged or frayed anywhere along their length. Have them replaced immediately by a qualified technician as there is a fire hazard involved with damaged wires.
Batteries should be charged after every use (daily). Batteries left uncharged for days at a time will lose their ability to hold a full charge and require replacement sooner than needed.
Getting A New Replacement Battery For Your Wheelchair
For those who are looking for a new wheelchair battery, there are many options available to them. Many excellent quality brands come with replacement batteries, whether it’s a motorized wheelchair, powerchair, or scooter.
Here are some of the best long-lasting batteries for a power chair:
Weize 12V 35AH rechargeable deep cycle batteries are the perfect replacement for your damaged or worn-out wheelchair batteries. They are the superior choice when it comes to performance, longevity, and maintenance.
The batteries feature a high discharge design, wide operating temperature range, and long expected service life. The battery is a perfect fit for electric scooters and mobility chairs. This Rechargeable Battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration.
The Mighty Max ML55-12 SLA is a 12 Volt 55Ah sealed lead-acid (SLA) rechargeable maintenance-free battery. The Mighty Max 55ah battery is designed for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters that require a low maintenance high power acid battery.
This battery offers very high discharge rates throughout its service life as a result of its construction in polypropylene cases to resist vibration and corrosion and can be used in even the most extreme environments. It uses a state of the art, heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid that provides exceptional performance and service life in both float and cyclic applications.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors Again with a Long Lasting 12 Volt 35 AH Battery from Universal Power Group. This powerful 12-volt electric wheelchair battery pack is great for mobility scooters, light electric vehicles, golf carts, ride-on toys, garden tractors, and all other small electric vehicles. It’s also great as an emergency backup power source for lighting devices and medical equipment.
It complies with all the latest standards and has exceptional safety features.
The battery provides excellent performance and has a long lifespan. The battery is factory activated and ready for use out of the box. With their high capacity, these batteries can provide a range of up to 20 miles on a single charge.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/19/2024 12:02 pm GMT
Frequently Asked Questions About Recharging Dead Batteries
If you have a set of dead wheelchair batteries that you’d like to have changed, here’s a handful of frequently asked questions that can help you make a decision when troubleshooting what to do with a dead wheelchair battery.
How Can I Tell If My Wheelchair Battery Is Dead?
You can tell if your wheelchair battery is dead by testing its voltage with a digital multimeter or voltmeter. A fully charged 12-volt AGM wheelchair battery should read 12 volts or more. If the voltmeter reads anything less than 11.6 volts, the battery may need to be charged. If it reads less than 10 volts, it is considered completely dead and will need to be replaced.
How Much Does the A Wheelchair Replacement Battery Cost?
The price for battery replacement varies from company to company and depends on the model of the wheelchair. The average cost of a replacement battery is approximately $120. However, this number can vary depending on the model of wheelchair one uses.
Is Overcharging A Wheelchair Battery Dangerous?
It is not recommended that you overcharge a wheelchair battery. This can affect the life and performance of the battery and could result in a fire or an explosion. Over-charging can damage the cells inside the battery and shorten its lifespan.
Wheelchair Battery chargers have several safety features that will prevent any danger resulting from overcharging. However, It’s best to unplug the charger from a wall socket once your battery is 100%.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Wheelchair Battery?
It takes between 8-10 hours for a standard charge from an ordinary charger and 2-5 hours for a fast charge from a fast charger.
How Long Does Wheelchair Battery Last?
Wheelchair batteries can last anywhere from 8 to 24 months and more, depending on how often it is used and the battery’s power. The type of battery also affects how long it will last.
What Is The Best Way To Store Wheelchair Batteries?
The best way to store wheelchair batteries is in a cool, dry place, disconnected from the charger and the chair. If you’re storing the wheelchair for an extended time, it’s essential to charge the battery every few months.
A dead wheelchair battery is an unfortunate event for any wheelchair user. Fortunately, it is a common problem that can be avoided with maintenance.
It’s a good idea to keep a fully charged spare wheelchair battery handy if the battery runs down unexpectedly. That way, you can quickly swap it out for the discharged one and get your loved one back up and moving around as quickly as possible.
Wheelchaired is a proud member of the United Spinal Association and a disability blog dedicated to sharing guides and advice on issues concerning disability, mobility, accessible travel, and personal development.
