How well your power wheelchair batteries work in the short term and over the long haul depends a lot on the care your give them. By following the manufacturer's rules for charging and using your wheelchair batteries, you can increase their life and performance.
All batteries have limitations. The larger wheelchair batteries are, the farther the wheelchair can go. You should always try to get a wheelchair with batteries that will travel far enough per charge to be compatible with your lifestyle. The range you can get out of your power wheelchair batteries will depend on your particular use. Moving on carpet or any kind of rough surface uses more battery power, as do turns and acceleration. Paying attention to how you use your wheelchair will help you estimate how much range you've got left on your current charge.
If your wheelchair is equipped with special seating options, that can sometimes limit the size of the wheelchair batteries that are actually installed. In some cases, insurance or government funding will only cover smaller batteries and they are downgraded before the wheelchair is delivered to you. The only way to know for sure what kind of wheelchair batteries you have and what their range will likely be is to visually confirm what you have. In other words, open the box and look at the wheelchair batteries.
Follow your wheelchair manufacturer's charging instructions from the beginning. That will help you get the most range and longest life span out of your power wheelchair batteries. Wheelchair batteries are much healthier when you charge them as soon as possible after use. When batteries sit around in a discharged state, problems could develop. When you plug in the charger, confirm that it's really charging. There should be indicator lights or a meter. If possible, never use the wheelchair before it's finished charging. Incomplete charging will gradually weaken your wheelchair batteries.
Wheelchair batteries that are well cared for typically last up to two years. After two years of use, it's a good idea to replace them, even if they seem to be doing alright.
Compared to the cost of the power wheelchair, batteries are not that expensive. However, you can still save by looking for discount wheelchair batteries when you need a replacement. Many dealers that sell discount wheelchair batteries offer at least a one year warranty and some include free shipping. For example, one online vendor, Apex Battery, offers a full line of batteries for Everest and Jennings power wheelchairs. Depending on the wheelchair model, battery prices range from about $60 to just over $300.
Interstate Batteries, a familiar name for automotive batteries, also offer a complete line of electric wheelchair batteries. Interstate offers wheelchair batteries for a wide range of power wheelchairs. The batteries can be ordered directly via Interstate's website.
Exide, the official battery of Nascar, doesn't really offer a specific line of Exide power wheelchair batteries. However, they do sell golf cart batteries that can be used as replacements in some wheelchairs and scooters.
The reliability of your wheelchair batteries is up to you. Don't let yourself down.
Electric wheelchair batteries are sensitive to the treatment they receive; the better care you take, the longer they last