People who have grown accustomed to using motorised mobility aids, namely mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs, know that their mileage hinges on the battery powering their device. As such, it is only natural to think about the possibility of replacing the original power unit with another model that has a higher capacity to increase the range or performance of their PMA. While this idea is entirely possible, it is not straightforward and successfully implementing it depends on several key factors.
Understanding motorised PMA batteries
Before going any further, however, it is important to know the two main aspects of a battery. First, there’s the Ah (ampere-hour) rating, which dictates its energy capacity. A higher number means more power capacity but also increased weight and size. Second is the voltage, which specifies a battery’s power output and is not affected by the Ah rating. Voltage is determined by the chemistry involved in a particular battery type and the number of cells contained within it.
Let us use an example to understand better how these two work. Take, for instance, a 12V battery with a 20Ah rating. This model can provide a current of 1 amp for 20 hours or 2 amps for half the time. Now, it is crucial to consider compatibility when looking to upgrade your PMA’s battery with another that has a higher rating in both the physical and technical sense.
As mentioned, a higher-capacity battery is often bigger and heavier and may not fit well into your PMA’s compartment. There is also the issue of the charging port, which could be located in a different area and make things a hassle when your scooter or wheelchair has a low battery level. Similarly, the device’s motor and controller may not be designed to handle a higher current or voltage and run into issues when used with a different battery. There is also the matter of making sure your device’s power connector can plug into the new battery in the first place.
Key steps to upgrading to a higher Ah battery
1. Check with the manufacturer’s recommendations and manuals
Always consult the manual published by your device’s manufacturer before attempting any battery upgrades. They will have outlined all the specifics of their product, such as the battery type (lead-acid, lithium-ion, etc.) and max Ah rating as well as recommendations for parts replacements. Gathering all the key details makes it easier to find a compatible battery that is similar in everything but Ah rating and ensures your mobility aid will continue to run safely and reliably.
2. Mind the warranty
Next, consider the warranty of your device and check whether installing a higher-capacity battery voids your coverage. Reaching out to the place where you purchased your mobility aid is the quickest way to find answers to these questions since they’re the ones who’ll uphold any warranty claims.
3. Seek professional advice
Speaking of consulting a professional, it is also best to seek their advice while you’re at it, given their experience in repairing and maintaining their customers’ mobility aids. A seasoned technician can offer insights on whether it is feasible to change the battery on your mobility aid if there are any safety issues to be aware of, and if the extra weight could affect other aspects of performance like manoeuvrability.
Conclusion
Switching to a battery with a higher Ah rating is one of the quickest ways to improve a motorised mobility aid’s performance as it increases its runtime, lifespan, and even acceleration, making it easier to overcome hills and inclines. That said, it is vital to ensure total compatibility with the device’s motor and charging system first to avoid potential problems and whether doing so voids your warranty.
Should your loved one’s mobility scooter or electric wheelchair ever break down out of the blue, Falcon Mobility (Rebranding to ELFIGO) can help get it back up and running again. Check out our website today to learn more about our walk-in and on-site repair charges and browse our product catalogue should you be looking to upgrade down the line.