Changing mobility batteries in power scooters will avoid a service call of perhaps hundreds of dollars. When replacing the batteries, which can be ordered online, be sure to replace them with gel batteries approved for airplane transport if the mobility patient will travel by air. You should also choose a high amp hour (AH) battery. While a 30 AH battery has only a 10-mile range, a 98 AH battery has about a 20-mile range in a typical power chair or scooter.
Step 1
Check with your insurer to see if scooter battery replacement and service is provided by your policy. If so, have a service representative bring the appropriate battery and install it. Changing the battery yourself requires a modicum of mechanical skill and risks voiding a warranty if you do it wrong.
Step 2
Consult your owner's manual for the specific make and model scooter you own for step-by-step instructions, should you decide to change the batteries yourself. Each scooter is slightly different, although the basic principles are the same. While following the specifics for your scooter, keep the general service sequence in mind.
Step 3
Look for the batteries in the lowest rear point of the chair, where they are usually located for the best center of gravity and anti-tipping.
Step 4
Put the scooter in drive (as opposed to neutral) mode and turn it off. The automatic electric motor brake will engage and keep the scooter from moving while you work.
Step 5
Remove the seat and battery shrouding (often attached with tool-free levers, pull-pins or simple screws).
Step 6
Disconnect the wiring harness from the batteries sequentially and reconnect the wiring harness to the replacement batteries. There are usually two batteries, and by doing one at a time, you will be sure to reconnect the fittings in the correct sequence that you disconnected them. Universally, the red wire is positive, and the black wire is negative. Be careful not to accidentally have the positive and negative wires touch.
Step 7
Secure the new batteries in the same way the old ones were secured, and replace the shrouding and seat.
Step 8
Charge the batteries overnight before use. Deep cell gel batteries need a break-in time and don't achieve full power until the batteries have been charged several times.
Things You'll Need
- Simple tools (screwdriver, pliers, wrenches)
- Replacement batteries
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