If you are new to the world of mobility scooters, you might be wondering what kind of upkeep is required to keep them going. For the most part, batteries are the thing you need to worry most about, but there is good news. If you are purchasing or renting a mobility scooter, your battery will likely come with some kind of warranty coverage for the first twelve months. Beyond that, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your battery lasts well beyond the warranty period. Let's take a look at how long mobility scooters are meant to last, and how you can improve your odds.
Check Your Manufacturer Warranty
Before anything else, you should familiarize yourself with your mobility scooter's warranty so you will know when and how to make a claim if you notice that your battery starts to lose its charge sooner than expected. While this is not typical, it is better to have this information ahead of time, just in case.
Understand Your Scooter's Charging
The second thing you need to do is read the owner's manual that came with your scooter to get the recommended charging information. For instance, most scooters need to be charged no more than eight hours at a time, and can handle heavy use for only a few hours at a time, or moderate use throughout an entire day. Learning how to properly charge and discharge your battery to keep it from dipping below its recommended charge state is important and will extend your battery life. Likewise, making sure that you are only charging your battery for the recommended amount of time and not overcharging it will help as well. This means unplugging the battery once it has reached full charge instead of leaving it on the charger.
Store Your Scooter Properly
When not in use, your scooter needs to be plugged in to a smart charger, or stored safely away from extreme temperatures. Bad weather can cause excessive wear and tear on your battery, leading it to degrade faster than normal. This is especially important in climates with very hot summers and very cold winters, but it also applies to areas with high humidity where corrosion may be a problem. If your scooter is plugged in, it needs to have room for proper ventilation of the battery, which may get hot during the charging process.
Plan For Replacements
If your battery is not on a regular warranty plan through your mobility scooter dealer, you will want to plan for replacements. A typical mobility scooter will last eighteen to twenty-four months with proper care and usage. Under very good circ*mstances, these batteries can actually last upwards of three full years if properly charged and maintained. Most manufacturers recommend that you begin planning for a replacement every eighteen months, especially if you notice that your battery is sluggish or does not hold as much of a charge as it used to. Once a battery begins noticeably degrading, it could deteriorate quickly as you fight to keep it charged.
Overall, batteries for mobility scooters are built to last for several years with minimal maintenance, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Take the proper steps to care for your battery, and plan ahead so that you can make a warranty claim or order a replacement when necessary. As always, remember to recycle your old batteries with the help of MK Battery. For more information, contact ustoday.
