Battery Maintenance for your Motorized Wheelchair

Helpful Hints for Consumers

Simple Tips for Charging Batteries:Three wheelchair batteries

  1. Always use the charger supplied with your wheelchair, and make sure it is set to the proper battery type.
  2. If you need to store your wheelchair for a long period of time, it is best to charge your batteries at least every 2 weeks.
  3. New batteries require conditioning. For the first 6 to 10 charge/discharge cycles, do not heavily discharge the batteries.
  4. Do not use automotive battery chargers.
  5. Do not excessively discharge the batteries.
  6. Do not top off with frequent charges, as this is hard on the batteries.

The Batteries CAUTION!

  • Always wear eye protection.
  • Protect your clothing.
  • Recharge batteries in a well-ventilated area.
  • Make sure that any person performing battery maintenance on your wheelchair has read this information.
  • Use a solution of 1 TBSP baking soda in 1 cup of water to neutralize any battery acid spills. Do not let this solution enter the cells.
  • Do not allow metal objects to come in contact with the battery terminals. The spark could cause an explosion.
  • Do not smoke while handling or recharging your batteries.

Battery failure is a common reason for motorized wheelchairs to stop working or act erratically. Taking proper care of them is very important. Wheelchair batteries are different from car batteries. A wheelchair battery (called deep cycle) is charged once a day and supplies large amounts of electricity while it is running. The life of a battery depends on how heavily it is used. Batteries can last up to 2 years when properly maintained.

Under normal every day use, most people need to charge their batteries every night. If the wheelchair is used only occasionally, the batteries need to be charged every 2 weeks and should be charged after every day use.

There are two types of wheelchair batteries: wet cell and sealed. Make sure your charger is set to the proper battery type. The Manitoba Health Program supplies wet cell batteries.

Wet Cell Batteries (lead-acid)

Wet cell batteries are constructed of lead plates suspended in a container filled with sulfuric acid and water mixture. The water level will rise as the battery is charged, so do maintenance after the batteries have been charged, as this is when the liquid is at its highest.

Maintenance Procedures:

A technician repairs a power wheelchair
  • Have someone check the water level at least once a month. Pull off the caps (usually 6 per battery), look down into the holes (filler tubes) and make sure the water level is within ¼" below the bottom of each of the filler tubes.
  • Add only distilled water, tap water minerals will damage the battery.
  • Do not overfill as this will result in leakage of corrosive battery acid.
  • After filling with water, put charger on again for ½ hour to mix the liquid.
  • Operating your wheelchair with excessively discharged batteries will damage the batteries.
  • Watch for liquid on the battery or in the battery box. This could indicate a charger, maintenance or battery problem.

Sealed Batteries

Sealed batteries do not need water and, therefore, require no maintenance other than keeping the terminals free of corrosion. Most airlines only allow sealed batteries. These batteries are available through the Manitoba Health Program at a cost. They are required for most institutions.

Batteries and the Weather:

Extensive exposure to cold temperatures will severely educe the capacity of your batteries and may even damage them.