Whether you're cruising through your day or planning a weekend adventure, your power wheelchair’s battery is the heart of your powered wheelchair. Understanding how it works—and how to care for it—can make a big difference in performance, safety, and independence. Let’s break down the basics and share some practical tips to keep you rolling smoothly.
Battery Basics: Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) vs. Lithium-Ion
Most power wheelchairs use one of two battery types:
Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) Batteries
These are the traditional and more common batteries seen in powered wheelchairs. They’re affordable and reliable, but heavier and slightly less efficient over time. SLA batteries come in two types: AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and Gel and sometimes will even be a hybrid of both AGM and Gel. They require regular charging (at the end of each day) and don’t like being deeply discharged all the way down to zero.
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Lithium-Ion Batteries
These batteries are the newer, lighter, and offer longer-lasting technology. They charge faster and offer better energy density, meaning more power in a smaller package. However, they’re more sensitive to temperature and charging habits—and usually cost more upfront. Because this technology is compatibility and performance.
It’s important to note that powered wheelchairs are typically designed to work with a specific type of battery. As a result, users often don’t have the option to choose or change the battery type after purchasing the chair.
Wait! Isn’t weight a bad thing?
In powered wheelchairs, a heavy battery can actually be beneficial. Its weight contributes to the stability of the chair’s base, which is essential for safely performing power seat functions like elevation or driving at high speeds whilst maintaining high levels of overall stability.
Top Tips for Battery Maintenance
Keeping your battery healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy habits to adopt:
Charge Smart
- Charge overnight or for at least 8 hours (like how you might charge your phone)
- Avoid deep discharges- don’t let your battery run completely flat.
- Use the right charger- Use the charger that is provided with the wheelchair at the time of delivery. Avoid using old chargers from previous chairs.
- Don’t undercharge- short charging sessions can shorten battery life.
Mind the Environment
- Store and charge your wheelchair in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid exposing batteries to extreme heat or cold, which can degrade performance.
Store Wisely
- If storing your chair for a while, charge to 100% and turn off at the circuit breaker.
Best Practice: Match and Monitor
When replacing a battery, always match the size and chemistry to your wheelchair’s specifications (a like for like is best practice). Using a smaller or incompatible battery can reduce range and lifespan—and may even pose safety risks.
If your chair has smart features like battery monitoring or remote diagnostics, use them! These tools help track battery health and charging habits, giving you peace of mind and helping prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
Your wheelchair battery is more than just a power source- it’s your connection to independence. With a little knowledge and care, you can extend its life, improve performance, and avoid costly repairs. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to your clinician or technician-they’re there to help you stay mobile and safe.
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Useful information, created with and for wheelchair users.
Disclaimer
The content in this blog is intended to be informative and empowering, sharing general insights and experiences around life with assistive technology. It reflects the views of the author and is not a substitute for personalised medical, clinical, or professional advice.
Everyone’s needs, goals, and health circumstances are unique. If you’re considering any changes to your equipment, routines, or support, we always recommend speaking with your Occupational Therapist, healthcare team, or another qualified professional.
