Featured Article:
May 20th, 2012
Choosing Electric Wheelchair Batteries By Joseph Jones
Electric wheelchairs are an excellent tool for individuals with mobility issues. These devices allow you to get around comfortably, making use of batteries to propel the chair. Like all batteries, electric wheelchair batteries eventually die and have to be replaced. Depending on what type of battery they are, they may require regular maintenance as well. Before you purchase a wheelchair battery, you should take into consideration the following information.
Keep in mind that doing research will help you to find the best electric wheelchair battery for you. You can call local wheelchair suppliers for information. An even faster way to find out what you need to know is using the Internet. There are many websites designed to help customers choose the batteries that are right for them. You can also compare products easily online.
There are two main types of electric wheelchair batteries. They are wet batteries and gel batteries. Wet batteries require regular maintenance, since distilled water needs to be added to their cells every 2 or 3 months. This can be a bit of a hassle, depending on how difficult it is to reach the batteries in your wheelchair. If you do not add water to the batteries, they can be permanently damaged. Also, keep in mind that wet batteries cannot be used on an airplane; they must be removed before boarding.
The other option for electric wheelchair batteries is gel batteries. Gel batteries tend to be easier to deal with since you do not ever have to add water to them. This also means that there are no potential issues with corrosion. One disadvantage of using gel batteries, however, is that they last between 10 and 20 percent less than most wet batteries. Of course, this only becomes an issue for individuals who want to travel long distances in their wheelchair.
Remember that, regardless of what type of battery you choose, batteries must be charged on a regular basis to function properly. The average life of an electric wheelchair battery is 1 year, although a battery that is used little could last 2 years. One pair of batteries can cost between $160 and $400, depending on the rating and model of the battery.
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