Tips for Taking Care of SLA AGM Wheelchair Batteries

Maintaining the power source for your mobility is crucial for maintaining your independence. Your wheelchair batteries are the lifeline of your freedom, and with proper care and charging habits, you can ensure they provide reliable performance for years to come. These tips will walk you through essential maintenance and charging guidelines to help you get the most out of your SLA wheelchair batteries. We’ll also touch on the importance of selecting the right battery capacity to match your daily needs and usage patterns.

1. Always Refer to the Wheelchair’s Manufacturing Guidelines Before Ordering and Installing a Replacement SLA Wheelchair Battery.

Why it’s important: Your wheelchair is a sophisticated piece of equipment, and its electrical system is specifically designed to work with certain types and sizes of batteries. Using the wrong battery can lead to poor performance, damage to the wheelchair’s electronics, or even safety hazards.

What to look for in the guidelines: The manufacturer’s manual will specify:

Voltage: SLA batteries for wheelchairs typically come in 12V increments. Using a battery with the wrong voltage can severely damage your wheelchair.
Amp-hour (Ah) Capacity: This indicates how much power the battery can store and how long your wheelchair can run on a single charge. While you might consider a higher Ah for longer range, ensure it physically fits and is compatible with your system.
Physical Dimensions: The replacement battery must fit securely in the battery compartment. Check the length, width, and height specifications.
Terminal Type: Batteries have different types of terminals (e.g., spade, button). The replacement must match your wheelchair’s wiring.

Actionable advice:
Keep your wheelchair’s manual in a safe and accessible place. Before ordering any replacement battery, locate the battery specifications in your manual.

If you no longer have the manual, check the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support.

When the new battery arrives, compare its specifications (voltage, Ah, dimensions, terminal type) to those in your manual before attempting installation.

The installation process can also vary between models. The manual will provide step-by-step instructions for safe and correct installation. Follow these precisely. If you’re unsure, seek assistance from a qualified technician.

2. Always Use the Charger Supplied with Your Wheelchair, and Make Sure it is Set to the Proper Battery Type. Never Use an Automotive Charger.

Why it’s important: Your wheelchair charger is specifically designed to provide the correct voltage and current to charge your SLA batteries safely and efficiently. Automotive chargers have different charging profiles and can deliver a much higher voltage than your wheelchair batteries are designed to handle.

Consequences of using the wrong charger: Using an automotive charger can lead to:

Overcharging: This can cause the battery to overheat, bulge, leak corrosive chemicals, and potentially explode.
Battery damage: The internal components of the battery can be damaged, significantly reducing its lifespan and performance.
Wheelchair damage: The electrical system of your wheelchair could be harmed by the incorrect voltage.
Safety hazards: Overheated or damaged batteries pose a serious fire risk.

Actionable advice:

Only use the charger that came with your wheelchair. If it’s lost or damaged, order a direct replacement from the wheelchair manufacturer or an authorized dealer, ensuring it’s the correct model for your battery type.
Some wheelchair chargers have settings for different battery types (though less common for standard SLA). If your charger has such settings, ensure it is correctly set to “SLA” or “Sealed Lead Acid.” Consult your charger’s manual if you are unsure.
Clearly label your wheelchair charger to avoid accidental use with other devices.
Never attempt to charge your wheelchair battery with a car battery charger or any other type of automotive charger.

3. Under Normal Everyday Use, Most People Need to Charge Their Wheelchair Daily. If You Need to Store Your Wheelchair for a Long Period of Time, it is Best to Charge Your Battery at Least Every 2 Weeks.

Why it’s important: Consistent charging is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of SLA batteries. Unlike some other battery chemistries, SLA batteries perform best when they are kept as fully charged as possible.

Daily Charging: Regular daily use will deplete the battery. Recharging daily ensures that the battery is ready for your next use and helps prevent deep discharge, which can shorten battery life over time. Think of it like refueling a car after a day of driving.

Long-Term Storage: When a wheelchair is not in regular use, SLA batteries can slowly discharge naturally. Allowing them to remain in a discharged state for an extended period can lead to a chemical process called sulfation, which hardens the lead plates inside the battery and reduces its capacity and ability to hold a charge. Charging every two weeks helps to prevent this sulfation and keeps the battery in good condition for when you need it again.

Actionable advice:

Make it a habit to charge your wheelchair battery fully after each day of use, ideally overnight.
If you won’t be using your wheelchair for several weeks or months, create a reminder to charge the batteries fully at least every two weeks.
Before storing, ensure the battery is fully charged. Store the wheelchair in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures

4. Do Not Overcharge Your Wheelchair Battery. Most Chargers are Equipped with a Warning Indicator Light to Prevent Overcharging. If Your Model Does Not Have This Feature, it is Best Not to Charge the Battery for More Than 24 Hours.

Why it’s important: While SLA batteries are relatively robust, overcharging can still be detrimental to their lifespan. Modern smart chargers are designed to automatically stop charging once the battery is full, indicated by a light changing color (often from red/orange to green).

What to do if you have a charger with an indicator light: Rely on the indicator light. Once it shows the battery is fully charged, disconnect the charger. Leaving it connected for extended periods after it’s full isn’t necessary and could potentially cause a slight reduction in battery life over time.

What to do if you have a basic charger without an automatic shut-off: In this case, it’s crucial to be mindful of charging time. As a general guideline, avoid charging for more than 24 hours at a stretch. However, the ideal charging time depends on the battery’s capacity and the level of discharge. Refer to your wheelchair or charger manual for more specific guidance if available. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and don’t leave it charging for excessively long periods. Consider upgrading to a smart charger if your current one lacks this essential safety feature.

Actionable advice:

Familiarize yourself with your charger’s indicator lights and what they signify.
If your charger has an automatic shut-off, disconnect it once the battery is fully charged.
If your charger lacks this feature, set a timer to ensure you don’t charge for more than 24 hours. Try to estimate the charging time based on the level of discharge (a deeply discharged battery will take longer to charge).
Never leave a charging battery unattended for extended periods, especially if you have an older charger without automatic shut-off.

5. New Batteries Do Require Some Breaking In. For the First 5 or So Cycles of Charge and Discharge, Be Sure NOT to Overcharge the Battery.

Why it’s important: New SLA batteries sometimes need a few charge-discharge cycles to reach their full potential capacity. During this initial “breaking-in” period, the chemical processes inside the battery are stabilizing. Overcharging a brand new battery can hinder this process and potentially reduce its long-term capacity.

What to do during the break-in period:

When you first receive your new battery, charge it fully according to your charger’s instructions.
For the next 5 or so times you use your wheelchair, try to avoid fully depleting the battery. Aim to recharge it when it’s around 20-30% remaining.
Crucially, pay close attention to your charger and do not allow the new battery to overcharge. If your charger has an indicator light, disconnect it as soon as it indicates a full charge. If it doesn’t, stick to a reasonable charging time (perhaps slightly less than you would for a more depleted, older battery).
After these initial cycles, your battery should perform more consistently, and you can resume your normal charging habits (daily charging after use).

Actionable advice:

Keep track of the first few charge-discharge cycles of your new battery.
Be extra vigilant about not overcharging during this initial period.
Avoid deep discharging the new battery in the first few cycles.

6. Extensive Exposure to Heat and Cold Temperatures Will Reduce the Capacity of Your Wheelchair Battery and May Even Cause Damage.

Why it’s important: SLA batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Heat: High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions within the battery, leading to increased self-discharge, corrosion of internal components, and a reduction in overall lifespan and capacity. Extreme heat can even cause the battery casing to deform or leak.
Cold: Cold temperatures increase the internal resistance of the battery, reducing its ability to deliver power efficiently. This can result in shorter operating times and difficulty in starting or running the wheelchair, especially in very cold conditions. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can also cause permanent damage to the battery’s internal structure.
Ideal Storage Conditions: The optimal temperature range for storing SLA batteries is typically between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). A consistently moderate temperature helps to maintain the battery’s chemical balance and prolong its life.

Actionable advice:

Whenever possible, store your wheelchair indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a heated garage, a room in your house, or a well-insulated shed.
Avoid storing your wheelchair in direct sunlight, near heat sources (radiators, vents), or in uninsulated areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations (e.g., an unheated shed in winter, a hot car in summer).
If you must leave your wheelchair in a vehicle, try to park in the shade during hot weather and bring it indoors as soon as possible. In cold weather, try to minimize the time it spends in freezing temperatures.
Be mindful of the temperature of your charging environment as well. Avoid charging in extreme heat or cold.

7. Inspect Your Batteries Regularly for Physical Damage or Leaks

Why it’s important: Physical damage to the battery casing, such as cracks, bulges, or leaks, can indicate a serious problem and potential safety hazard.

Actionable advice:

Periodically (e.g., monthly or whenever you’re cleaning your wheelchair) visually inspect your batteries.
Look for any signs of cracks, swelling, or warping of the battery case.
Check for any wetness or residue around the battery terminals or casing, which could indicate a leak.
If you notice any damage or leaks, immediately discontinue using the battery and consult a qualified technician for replacement. Do not attempt to repair a damaged battery yourself.

8. Keep Battery Terminals Clean and Corrosion-Free

Why it’s important: Corrosion on the battery terminals can impede the flow of electricity, leading to charging issues, reduced performance, and even damage to the charger and wheelchair electronics.

Actionable advice:

Regularly inspect the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion (a white or bluish-green powdery substance).
To clean corroded terminals, disconnect the battery from the wheelchair and use a wire brush or a mixture of baking soda and water applied with an old toothbrush.
After cleaning, rinse the terminals with a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly.
You can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a terminal protector spray to help prevent future corrosion.
Ensure the terminal connections are always tight and secure. Loose connections can also cause performance issues and even generate heat.

9. Understand the Signs of a Failing Battery

Why it’s important: Recognizing the early warning signs of a failing battery can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and plan for a replacement proactively.

Actionable advice: Be aware of the following indicators that your SLA battery might be nearing the end of its life:

Reduced Range: You notice your wheelchair isn’t traveling as far on a full charge as it used to.
Shorter Operating Time: The battery drains much faster than it did previously.
Slow Charging: The battery takes significantly longer to reach a full charge.
Inconsistent Power Delivery: The wheelchair may feel sluggish or lack its usual power, especially when going uphill.
Frequent Need for Recharging: You find yourself needing to charge the battery more often than usual, even with similar usage patterns.
Unusual Heat During Charging or Use: The battery becomes excessively hot during charging or while operating the wheelchair.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your batteries tested by a qualified technician or consider replacing them soon.

10. Consider Having a Backup Battery on Hand

Why it’s important: For individuals who rely heavily on their wheelchairs, having a fully charged backup battery can provide peace of mind and prevent significant disruptions in case of unexpected battery failure or when needing extended range.

Actionable advice:

Discuss the feasibility and suitability of a backup battery with your wheelchair supplier or a qualified technician. Consider the weight, size, and ease of swapping batteries for your specific wheelchair model and your physical capabilities.
If you opt for a backup battery, ensure it is the correct type and capacity for your wheelchair.
Store the backup battery in a cool, dry place and charge it periodically (as per the long-term storage guidelines) to keep it ready for use

A properly maintained wheelchair battery should last at least two years if you follow the above, recommended tips. If you are following these recommendations and you find that you are not getting the performance you need out of your SLA wheelchair battery, it may be time for a quality replacement.

For more information or to find the best value Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) AGM Wheelchair Replacement Batteries, please visit our website or check out our resource for wheelchairs and mobility scooter replacement batteries.