Charging Your Wheelchair Batteries
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Custom power wheelchairs are powered by two gel batteries that work simultaneously. To get the most out of your batteries, follow the recommendations of your assistive technology professional (ATP) and wheelchair manufacturer.
Generally speaking, if you plug your power wheelchair into a standard outlet every night for 8-12 hours, you should have plenty of power throughout the day for driving, tilting, reclining, and other functions. |
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You should be able to drive 15 miles or so on one charge, though extreme heat or cold could affect battery performance. A battery percentage indicator on your control screen will let you know at all times how much power you have left.
If, at any point, your batteries are no longer holding a charge like they used to, contact your durable medical equipment (DME) company. A technician will test your batteries and replace them if needed. Your batteries should last one to two years, and insurance should cover your replacements.
If your batteries die, you can put your chair into a freewheel push mode so your caregiver can wheel you to a safe place. Custom power wheelchairs are heavy and are hard to push, so you will probably need to be transferred into bed or into a different mobility device until your batteries can be replaced.
If, at any point, your batteries are no longer holding a charge like they used to, contact your durable medical equipment (DME) company. A technician will test your batteries and replace them if needed. Your batteries should last one to two years, and insurance should cover your replacements.
If your batteries die, you can put your chair into a freewheel push mode so your caregiver can wheel you to a safe place. Custom power wheelchairs are heavy and are hard to push, so you will probably need to be transferred into bed or into a different mobility device until your batteries can be replaced.
