Electric Wheelchairs - Battery types for standard electric wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs and Wheelchair athletics
The cycle life of the battery is related to such factors as the type of the battery, charge method, ambient temperature and rest period between charges.
There are three types of batteries designed for use in power electric wheelchairs: wet-cell, gel-cell, and AGM. Wet-cell batteries are the least expensive electric wheelchair battery option. They are the lightest type of batteries and are less likely to be overcharged. Wet-cell batteries are not allowed on airplanes because they are prone to leakage. This leakage can cause explosions and will also corrode the power chair and its wiring. Gel batteries are leak-proof. They require no maintenance, are approved for airline travel and have a longer life cycle than wet-cell batteries. The downside is that they weigh more and are prone to overcharging. AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are the newest battery technology. They are maintenance-free, spill-proof, shock resistant and approved for airline travel. However, they are heavier and are the most costly electric wheelchair battery option.
In order to get the maximum usage out of your batteries, keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. Don't let your batteries discharge completely as this actually shortens the total battery life. When replacing the batteries, you should always replace both batteries at the same time. And if your electric wheelchair is not in use for an extended period of time then make sure you charge the batteries at least once every three months.
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