Christmas Gift Ideas – shop nowFamily staying over the festive period? Hire mobility equipment
Skip to content

What are our key tips on looking after your batteries?

Here are the key tips for looking after mobility equipment batteries (most use sealed lead-acid or lithium batteries):

Charging

  • Charge regularly — don’t wait until the battery is fully depleted. Top up after each use.
  • Use the manufacturer’s charger — third-party chargers can damage batteries or create safety risks.
  • Charge overnight or for the recommended duration — don’t interrupt charging cycles unnecessarily.
  • Don’t overcharge — if your charger isn’t “smart” (auto-shutoff), unplug once fully charged.
  • Change tactics – let your batteries run lowevery two months as this can rejuvenate them for a while.

Daily Use

  • Avoid completely draining the battery — deep discharges shorten lifespan, especially for lead-acid batteries.
  • Warm up before heavy use — batteries perform better at operating temperature.
  • Distribute load sensibly — avoid excessive inclines or carrying very heavy loads unnecessarily.
  • Transportation– Most gel and sealed batteries can be transported by plane and your supplier can provide an IATA Certificate to prove this, if required.

Storage

  • Store at partial charge (around 50–80%) if not using for a while — not full, not empty.
  • Keep in a cool, dry place — heat is a battery’s worst enemy. Avoid garages in summer or direct sunlight.
  • If storing long-term, check the charge every 4–6 weeks and top up if needed.
  • Always dispose of any batteries carefully– through a reputable source.

Temperature

  • Avoid extreme cold — batteries lose significant capacity in cold weather. Bring equipment indoors when not in use.
  • Never charge a frozen battery — bring it to room temperature first.

Maintenance

  • Keep terminals clean — a little corrosion on terminals increases resistance and reduces performance. Wipe with a dry cloth.
  • Check connections periodically for looseness or damage.
  • Monitor range — a noticeable drop in how far you can travel on a charge is a sign the battery is ageing and may need replacing.

Lifespan Expectations

  • Lead-acid batteries: typically 1–2 years with good care.
  • Lithium batteries: typically 3–5 years.

When it’s time to replace, always use batteries specified by the manufacturer — fitting the wrong type or capacity can damage the equipment or be unsafe.

It is important that a battery is fitted correctly so always best to use a reputable properly trained and insured mobility specialist.