Blog | DuPage Mobility Group

​AS MORE INDIVIDUALS PLAN TO AGE IN PLACE, HOME ACCESS IS GAINING IN IMPORTANCE IN THE CHICAGO LAND AREA. WHETHER DUE TO AN INJURY OR ILLNESS, AGE OR ABILITY, THE THOUGHT OF GETTING UP AND DOWN A STAIRCASE BECOMES MORE CHALLENGING. 

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN FROM A TRUSTED MANUFACTURER WILL GIVE YOU THE CONFIDENCE AND FREEDOM TO GO WHERE YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT, IN YOUR HOME.

DON’T LET STAIRS SLOW YOU DOWN. WE OFFER A WIDE ARRAY OF HOME ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS SUCH AS CURVED AND STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS, PLATFORM LIFTS, AND OUTDOOR LIFTS TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE IN AND AROUND YOUR HOME.

​COSTS CAN VARY GREATLY BASED UPON YOUR NEEDS, BUT AS AN APPROXIMATE GUIDE YOU CAN EXPECT TO SPEND BETWEEN $2,500-$5,500 FOR A STRAIGHT STAIR LIFT, WHILE CURVED STAIR LIFTS RANGE FROM $14,500-$24,000.

SAFETY AND SECURITY ARE PRIMARY CONCERNS, BUT SO IS BEING ABLE TO ENJOY LIFE. DON’T RISK A FALL, GIVE US A CALL!

DUPAGE MOBILITY GROUP RECOGNIZES THE NEED FOR STAIR LIFT REPAIRS, RENTALS AND SALES IN THE CHICAGO LAND AREA. 

​CALL NOW:  331-462-0144

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A GUIDE TO MOBILITY SCOOTER BATTERIES
All mobility scooter / electric wheelchair batteries are 12 volt and are usually fitted in pairs giving a 24 volt output. It is recommended that when replacing batteries they are purchased in pairs.  The power output is marked in amp hours (Ah) on the side of the battery (e.g. 12 volt 35A/h).  The amp hour rate may vary slightly from different manufacturers for a similar size battery.  The next thing you need to decide once you have identified which battery Amp hour you require, is whether you want a GEL battery or an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery this is often referred to as a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery.  Both batteries are sealed, non spill-able and maintenance free.  The main difference between them is the performance/longevity.  The battery in a scooter or power chair is the only power source and this battery is designed to work differently than other batteries, like car batteries for example.  A car battery is designed for starting the car, therefore it is required to produce a large amount of power immediately as you turn the key, and is then constantly trickle charged.  A GEL or SLA battery is designed to give a constant flow of power, over a longer period, and then to be recharged fully; this is called a cycle.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

• Electric wheelchairs and scooters typically require two batteries with 24-volt series connection. Never mix and match different battery manufacturers or technologies, or use batteries that do not have similar date codes.  Never mix Gel batteries and AGM batteries.
• Always fully charge batteries prior to use.
• Follow installation and start-up instructions provided by the mobility equipment manufacturer.

BREAK-IN PERIOD
Active users of power wheelchairs cycle their batteries daily (deep cycling). This stringent application requires a unique battery design that will sometimes compromise initial capacity in return for longer battery life. Gel battery performance improves once the battery has been cycled (discharged and recharged) 20-25 times.  This break-in period is necessary to fully activate the battery for maximum performance and longevity.  Thus, range and running time of your mobility device could initially increase with use.

WHEN TO CHARGE

• Charge Daily
• The charger supplied with your mobility device should fully charge your batteries overnight.  Overcharging is not a problem with today’s smart chargers as they are voltage limited and shut off automatically.  Sealed Gel and AGM batteries do NOT exhibit a “use it or lose it” capacity-robbing effect known as “memory”.

PROPER CHARGING GUIDELINES

• Use the equipment manufacturer’s automatic charger for all routine charging or use a suitable equivalent.
• Never use an automotive or wet-type charge on Sealed Gel or AGM batteries as doing so will damage your battery.
• Depth of discharge affects cycle life. The harder a battery has to work the shorter its life expectancy.
• Avoid ultra-deep discharges and never drain your batteries completely.
• Do not leave your batteries in a low state of charge for an extended length of time.  Charge a discharged battery as soon as possible.
• Do not cycle your batteries at a low state of charge without regularly recharging them fully.

STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE

• Always store your batteries FULLY CHARGED.
• Check all stored batteries once a month and recharge as needed.
• Fully charged Sealed Gel and AGM batteries can hold a charge for up to 6 months, however, they should always be charged before use.
• When storing a power chair or scooter for more than 4 weeks, charge the batteries first and then disconnect them for storage.
• Avoid hot and cold extremes when storing.
• Sealed Gel and AGM batteries require no watering. Any performance-related issues should be handled by a properly trained wheelchair or scooter technician.