Are you experiencing a shorter battery life on your mobility scooter?
This can be a frustrating problem, but don’t worry, there are steps you can take to fix it.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the common causes of a mobility scooter battery draining fast and what you can do to prevent it.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to prolong the life of your battery and keep your scooter running smoothly.
Whether you’re new to mobility scooters or a seasoned pro, this article will provide valuable information to help you get the most out of your scooter.
So, if you’re tired of being limited in your scooter’s range and considering replacing your battery, keep reading to learn how to fix this problem.
Key Takeaways:
- Climate and terrain can affect the battery life of a mobility scooter.
- Driving style can also impact the battery life, with aggressive acceleration and frequent stops draining the battery faster.
- Excess weight, either from the rider or from carrying additional items, can drain the battery faster.
- Overcharging the battery can also cause damage and reduce its total power capacity.
- Regular maintenance is essential to prevent issues and extend the life of the mobility scooter battery.
Common Causes and Fixes
Environmental Issues
Batteries are not very performant, due to their chemistry, in extreme heat or cold conditions.
So, climate can directly affect the mileage you get from a charge on your scooter.
Also, the type of terrain and its inclination will also drain your battery faster.
The bumpier and steeper, the more work the motor will have to perform to get you around.
Recommended Fix:
You can’t work around climate conditions, but perhaps you could choose routes with more even terrain and fewer inclines.
Average Repair Cost: $0
Way of Driving
Frequently stopping and going, or accelerating aggressively will tax the battery much more than a steady constant pace, even if you are traveling the same distance.
However, if you didn’t change the way you drive and you notice your battery is draining faster than before, in a similar climate, the problem could lie somewhere else.
Recommended Fix:
Work on a calmer driving style.
Average Repair Cost: $0
Excess Weight
I hate to break it to you like this, but have you put on a few pounds these last months?
Jokes aside, scooter motors are not as powerful as a car’s engine, so relatively smaller changes in the driver’s weight can influence battery drainage since they will need more energy to function.
But not all the blame has to be on the driver’s diet.
Perhaps you started carrying more things with you on your daily trips which can be adding weight to the vehicle.
Recommended Fix:
Check on excess load on the vehicle.
Average Repair Cost: $0
Battery
Batteries have a limited lifespan, and although they shouldn’t present issues earlier than 5 years, usage can make these estimations vary.
Worn-out batteries tend to heat up while in use and reduce their output as a self-preservation measure, thus affecting the performance of the unit.
Also, heavily used batteries are prone to have their overall charging capacity reduced.
A symptom of this is the battery heating up while charging and finishing their cycle earlier than expected, of course, not taking as much charge as if when they were brand new.
Recommended Fix:
Battery replacement.
Average Repair Cost: $350
Overcharging
Some scooter chargers are known for failing to cut off once the battery is fully charged.
The excess energy driven into the battery is eliminated in the form of heat, which can damage the unit and reduce its total power capacity with time.
Recommended Fix:
Disconnect the charger from the scooter as soon as the indicator signals it’s fully charged
Average Repair Cost: $0
Alternatives to Repair Your Scooter
Sometimes these common issues, as simple as they seem can get out of hand for the average user.
To assist you with this, we have created the following article detailing all the different options you should consider for repairing your scooter:
How to Prevent This Issue in the Future
Mobility scooters are an important tool for those who need help getting around, and it’s essential to maintain them to keep them functioning well.
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your mobility scooter running smoothly and safely.
Doing it regularly can prevent problems and keep you on the move, giving you the freedom and independence you need to live your life.
So, if you want to make the most of your mobility scooter, be sure to take good care of it.
We have written the following guide to help you with it:
All the claims made in this article are only for informational purposes, based on the writer’s experience and not clinical advice. You should always consult your physician or physical therapist if you have any doubts about how this applies to your specific case.
Rami is an economist with a passion for personal finance and a desire to help people make the most of their retirement years. He’s also the tech mind that made all of this possible, and a marketing enthusiast. In his articles, Ramiro offers real-life advice and resources for seniors looking to manage their finances and make the most of their retirement savings. He is dedicated to helping his readers live comfortably and securely during their golden years.