charging an electric wheelchair

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Permalink Reply by Paul Butt on April 7, 2009 at 3:21pm

I thought tan electric chair was what was used to execute people j/k Isnt it a powered chair lol, (call this UK Humour Rudy ) lol, Seriously I've got one but rarely use it cos my main wheelchair is pnumatic., but its the first time i've heard of this , with the one I've got theres a gauge to tell you when the powers low. Sorry I can't be of more help.

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Permalink Reply by Rudy Sims on April 7, 2009 at 3:35pm

thanks for the response Paul I just wanted to make sure it wasn't just me lol

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Permalink Reply by Dee Dee on April 9, 2009 at 8:29am

I was told recently the same thing. I still only charge when need be.

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Permalink Reply by Rudy Sims on April 9, 2009 at 11:07am

hello Dee Dee thank you for the response I appreciate it. so you have been told the same thing. That's good to know.

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Permalink Reply by John M Lenihan on July 12, 2009 at 11:22pm

I have 2.
But you do not need to charge the battery's every day.
I keep one for inside and one for outside.
Better to let them drain and then charge.
But it really depends on how far you have to go.

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Permalink Reply by Alan Holt on October 8, 2009 at 11:34am

New batteries typically require 7-10 charges as a break in period. They only hold about 70% capacity during the initial break in. Many battery suppliers will suggest that you charge them daily for a week to break them in properly. After this, they should hold full capacity. It does not affect the batteries adversely if you don't follow this advice, but be aware that until they have been through 7 cycles or so, they will have diminished capacity.

The most important thing to remember with wheelchair batteries is to let them finish charging once you have plugged the chair in. Repeated unplugging prior to full charge will shorten the batteries' life.

Remember, batteries will discharge a small amount every day just sitting so make sure to charge them at least weekly.

Some users find it easier to remember to charge the batteries every day. It establishes a routine so there isn't any wondering if today is charge day or not.

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Permalink Reply by Kathy Barnett on January 1, 2010 at 7:50pm

Hi ,Rudy I just read this ,yess I was told I had to charge mine everyday no matter how much you use your chair ,I question this because I don't go much but the Tech at Mobility told me I must charge it everynite ,,Kathy

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Permalink Reply by Alex on January 2, 2010 at 5:23am

Perhaps, this will be of interest, and there could be a petition... perhaps, you could as a unified body write a code of expectations for wheelchair manufacturing companies, and distribute accordingly...
Letter from Eva Sweeney

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Permalink Reply by Jeannette on February 7, 2010 at 2:37pm

We have been told this too. So, we charge ours every night when we go to bed.

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Permalink Reply by Elaine Rebochak on February 8, 2010 at 1:31pm

Wheelchairs demand a special type of battery called a deep-cycle battery. A deep-cycle battery can be almost completely discharged without damage to the battery. Nevertheless, wheelchair batteries will last longer if they are kept as close to full charge as possible.

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Permalink Reply by Alan Holt on February 10, 2010 at 1:12pm

It isn't necessary to charge daily, however, I find that many users work better with a routine.
Charging daily will not hurt anything and it does ensure that you have a full charge every morning.
Gel batteries are typically good for 400-500 cycles, so if you charge daily, your batteries will likey last 12-18 months. If you can extend to charging every other day, you'll get a longer life out of them. This is particularly important if you are buying your own batteries. Most insurances will cover replacement batteries, though.

If you are a creature of habit, then charge daily. You aren't hurting a thing. If you want to save some money and don't typically stray too far from home, wait until it runs down a bit before recharging.

Batteries will not last longer by keeping them as close to full charge as possible. It is strictly a matter of cycles. Every time you plug in to recharge, that's one cycle. If you let them run down too far, however, your charger won't kick on and the batteries are toast. Charge at least weekly no matter what.

Lastly, remember that most battery chargers have an automatic shutoff, however, they do not turn themselves back on to maintain a charge. Thinking that you are keeping your batteries charged by leaving the charger plugged in is a mistake. Once that charger shuts off, it's off until you unplug it and restart the process.

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