Many of the modern mobility scooters available today feature robust reliability and can last for years even with minimal maintenance. That said, if your mobility device is slow, there is one critical component that isn’t as long-lived, and that is the battery. Under ideal circumstances, these batteries can perform well for up to three years if charged and maintained properly. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, hence the onset of charging issues within a couple of years of usage.
Below, we go over the causes as to why a battery won’t charge and how to troubleshoot it yourself.
Why Your Mobility Scooter Won't Charge
Unlike conventional vehicles that use gas, mobility scooters and other motorised PMAs in Singapore rely on batteries as their energy source to run. These batteries come in various types–gel, lead-acid, and lithium-ion being the most common–and voltage and capacity ratings depending on the scooter model.
One of the most prevalent issues that users run into after using their scooter for quite some time is charging issues, which can potentially happen to any model regardless of their battery type. There are several reasons why a battery won’t charge, including:
- Faulty charger or cable: More often than not, it’s the charger unit or its cable that is preventing electricity from reaching the battery.
- Damaged or loose connections: In certain instances, the battery charging port or charger plug may sustain damage or become loose through daily use, preventing proper functioning.
- Dead battery: As a battery discharges energy, the concentrations of reactants in its anode and cathode components decrease over time, which also leads to a reduction in cell potential and, ultimately, electric current. Once all the reactants become fully depleted, the battery can no longer generate current and is effectively ‘dead’.
By identifying the cause of the problem, you can take the necessary steps to get your mobility scooter charging again.
Troubleshooting Steps You Can Do At Home
Identifying the cause of the problem requires a systematic assessment of both the battery unit and the charging equipment. Consider following the structured approach below to get to the bottom of your charging issue.
1. Initial Checks
Start by verifying that all connections are secure. Loose plugs or connectors between the charger, battery, and scooter can interrupt the charging process, so make sure each component is tightly connected. Check that the charger is plugged into a functioning power outlet and that no parts of the connection appear frayed or worn out.
2. Testing the Battery
Once the connections are confirmed, use a multimeter to assess the battery’s voltage. Set the multimeter to the correct DC voltage setting, and place the probes on the battery terminals to take a reading. Compare this with the recommended voltage in your scooter’s manual. If the voltage is notably lower, it may indicate that the battery is no longer holding a charge properly, which could mean it’s time for a replacement or further inspection.
3. Inspecting the Charger
Next, examine the charger itself. Many chargers have indicator lights that can reveal their status—often, a green or steady light shows that it’s operating normally, while no light or a flashing one could indicate a malfunction. Check for any visible wear, such as frayed cables or bent plugs, which might be affecting performance. If the charger looks damaged or fails to show any signs of life, it may need replacement.
4. Cleaning Battery Contacts
Finally, check the battery contacts, as accumulated dirt or corrosion can impede charging. Turn off the scooter and clean the contacts carefully with a soft, dry cloth. For any visible corrosion, create a mild solution of baking soda and water and gently scrub the affected areas with a toothbrush. Ensure that the contacts are thoroughly dried afterward to avoid any electrical issues upon reconnecting.
Conclusion
Experiencing charging issues with a mobility scooter can be frustrating, but a few troubleshooting steps can often identify and potentially resolve the problem quickly. If the tips above prove unhelpful, the next logical step would be to turn to professional servicing as soon as possible.
If you ever encounter issues with your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Falcon Mobility (rebranding to ELFIGO) today. With the help of our skilled technicians, your personal mobility aid will be back and running in no time. Additionally, we also provide brand-new motorized and manual mobility aids should you be interested in upgrading to an improved model for a better, more hassle-free experience.