When it comes to charging your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair, safety should always be the top priority. While it might seem convenient to use a car battery charger in a pinch, doing so can pose serious risks to both your batteries and your safety.
Safety while charging your mobility scooter
Firstly, It can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to utilise a different battery charger to what your battery was supplied with.
If you’re replacing the charger, ensure it has been approved by a battery specialist before use. Mobility scooter batteries are designed to be charged using a specific multistage mobility scooter charger.
Why Proper Charging Matters
The battery technology in your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair is paired with a compatible charger that uses the correct charging algorithm. Using an incompatible charger can damage the batteries and shorten their lifespan.
Multistage Mobility Scooter Chargers
Most mobility scooter battery chargers are multistage, meaning they ensure safe, efficient charging and proper battery maintenance. These chargers help extend the life of your batteries by charging and floating them correctly.
Mobility Battery Systems
Mobility scooters typically run on a 24V system, which consists of two 12V batteries connected in series with a single charging input. Car battery chargers, however, usually output only 12V. This means each 12V battery would need to be charged separately, requiring the removal of the seat and cover to access the batteries.
Mobility Scooter Connection Port
Battery chargers have a connection port relevant to their function. A mobility scooter battery charger generally comes supplied with an XLR or Cannon plug, which is matched to the socket on the mobility scooter.
Conclusion
While you might be able to use a car battery charger in some cases, we strongly advise against it unless you’ve received approval from a mobility scooter specialist.
Do you have more technical questions on batteries?
If you have technical questions or need further clarity on your battery requirements, the Valen team is here to help. With customer service as one of our core values, we go above and beyond to support our clients.
Get in touch with the Valen Team Today!
