Is It Okay to Leave an Electric Scooter Charging?
You shouldn’t overcharge your power chair even if the majority of modern chargers feature a cut-off to stop the charging process. For more on top outdoor all terrain mobility scooters visit Electric Wheelchairs USA.
The chemical makeup of the battery within your electric scooter changes when it is overcharged, reducing battery life.The National Library of Medicine reports an increase in injury-related burns from mobility scooter equipment.
Additionally, the injuries are brought on by the thermal runaway phenomenon, which occurs when lithium-ion batteries fail. The kinds of batteries the scooter utilizes must adhere to the necessary regulations in order to prevent fires caused by electric scooters. Check the battery gauge as well, and when it is fully charged, turn off the charger.
How to Charge a Mobility Scooter Battery Best Practices
You want your mobility scooter to last a long time and do you well as its owner. Understanding the best battery charging techniques is therefore ideal.
1. Use an Appropriate Scooter Charger
Use the power chair-compatible charger that has been approved. Make sure new batteries are completely charged before using them. Extreme temperatures could be produced by an improper battery charger, shortening battery life.
Furthermore, according to NPR, the majority of scooter fires in New York have been linked to switching chargers between various mobility scooters. To prevent battery damage, it is essential to utilize the power unit’s recommended charger. For convenience, you can also purchase an extra charger.
2. Plan Out Your Charging Tasks
If you frequently use your mobility scooter, charge it throughout the course of the night and unplug it after it is fully charged. It is preferable to arrange the charging time with your sleep schedule because a full charge takes 6 to 8 hours.
Till the battery is fully charged, continue the charging cycle and be patient. Due to the devices’ high power requirements, large and medium scooters will require continuous charging.
3. Examine Your Battery’s Gauge
The power chair’s battery gauge shows whether it is fully charged or has a low battery. Verify that the LED indicator turns on once you connect the electric scooter to a power source. Your device is apparently charging as a result. When the charger turns green to indicate that it is fully charged, you should unplug the power cord.
4. Charge in a Dry and Cool Environment
Batteries for mobility scooters have a sturdy construction. They can be very useful to you if kept in the best possible conditions. Because damp conditions harm the cells, they can shorten battery life. For maximum battery life, always charge your scooter batteries in a dry, cool environment.
What Takes Place When You Overcharge the Battery in a Mobility Scooter?
It’s not a good idea to have your electric scooter charged all the time. When the battery runs low, you can charge your device.
The consequences of overcharging your mobility aid include the following:
– Charger Damage
A battery that has been overcharged produces large amounts of hydrogen gas as the electrolyte heats up. In vented batteries, the electrolyte can harm the plates, exposing them. In addition, hydrogen gas accumulation on sealed batteries causes ruptures, leaks, and cracks.
– Decreased Battery Life
The typical battery life is 12 to 18 months. Scooter batteries, on the other hand, can last up to three years with proper care. The lifespan of the batteries will be shortened by overcharging them. Additionally, replacing a battery every 3 to 6 months can be expensive.
Follow the instructions in the user manual and charge the battery for the recommended amount of time (6 to 8 hours) and voltage if you want your power chair to operate efficiently.
At Electric Wheelchairs USA, we truly love helping our customers make the best choice for their needs whether it is a power chair, mobility scooter, or lift chair.
