Battery-powered wheelchairs were invented by George Klein to aid World War II veterans who are unable to operate traditional, manual wheelchairs. We still use his invention today, and it continues to aid people with limited mobility to help them move with ease. However, newer models are now being powered by more reliable and longer-lasting batteries. You just need to pick the right power source that will ensure reliability and performance to avoid any hassles. Here are tips to help you pick the right wheelchair battery:
Know the options
Not all wheelchair batteries are alike, as some are more reliable and efficient at running electric wheelchairs than the rest. Powered wheelchairs typically run on lead-acid batteries, which are available in two different types:
• Wet cell lead acid - With a large power capacity at an affordable cost, but requires distilled water treatment every few months. Moreover, this battery is heavy and could cause chemical burns when the case is damaged.
• Sealed lead acid – Maintenance-free or SLA lead-acid batteries do not require refilling with water. They are approved for air travel, too. They can be divided further into two types: Gel and AGM, where gel is more appropriate for electric wheelchairs despite being expensive.
You can also consider a lithium wheelchair battery, but be sure to choose lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), which is the most powerful and secure type of lithium with a longer lifespan. Some manufacturers even provide a charge LED indicator on their LiFePO4 batteries and a battery management system, which protects against over-heating, over-discharge, and over-charging.
Lithium is the way to go
By now, it must be clear that LiFePO4 is the superior wheelchair battery, and there are more reasons why. Lithium batteries are lightweight and recharge faster, so they won’t weigh down your powered wheelchair and you do not have to wait too long before you can use it again.
