Mobility Scooter Battery Types
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA/AGM) and GEL, both of which are maintenance-free and deep-cycle, are the most typical kinds of mobility batteries. These are terrific batteries, especially when used in mobility devices such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, golf carts, and likewise devices. However, whereas both of these mobility batteries are going to serve you well, each has their own advantages and disadvantages. The following is a fast look at those to help you establish the best battery for you or your loved ones needs.
What Mobility Batteries Types Share
Let’s go over what these mobility batteries share. Both the Sealed Lead Acid (SLA/AGM) and GEL battery have the following shared attributes, one as well as the other are:
- fully sealed for the huge benefit of being basically maintenance-free.
- deep-cycle, meaning that they can be routinely discharged of a lot of their stored charge.
- low self-discharge, which means they are less susceptible to draining a considerable amount of their charge.
- safe for use in areas with reduced ventilation.
What Are Mobility Battery Differences
It is because of these shared attributes that both of these batteries are great for use in mobility devices. However, don’t forget, there are still differences and the cause of them is mainly due to the volume and makeup of the electrolytes in each one. Electrolytes are what gives power to the battery and therefore power to your mobility device.
In AGM batteries, the electrolytes are present as a liquid retained between absorbent glass mats and those mats individualize the two battery plates. This liquid acid material within the AGM battery gives a higher discharge rate which is going to result in more power; however, over a shorter time frame.
In GEL batteries, the electrolytes are present as a gel-like material that individualizes the two battery plates. The thickness of the gel in the battery gives a decreased discharge rate which is going to result in adequate power over a prolonged time frame.
Mobility Batteries Pros & Cons
The following are some of the pros and cons each battery:
The AGM Battery
With AGM batteries, their biggest advantage is the increased power they provide. If you frequently use your mobility device to take long day journeys, it is recommended to utilize the AGM battery. These types of batteries are additionally the most cost effective of mobility batteries, making them an affordable choice.
Nevertheless, whereas the AGM battery does provide excellent power, it burns out quicker than different mobility batteries. To get the most out of the longevity of AGM batteries, one should avoid never going below a fifty percent discharge and consistently recharge overnight.
The GEL Battery
The slower discharge rate of GEL batteries makes it a perfect choice for those that use their mobility device every day for a long part of it, but don’t require high power to do so. The composition of GEL batteries additionally makes it a good choice for use in more humid climates and higher temperatures. Additionally, you can discharge a GEL battery to up to ninety percent of its charge and it is not going to risk any damage to it or any ensuing loss of performance. In addition, they have a generally longer lifespan than any AGM battery.
By all means, all of these benefits do come with a cost. Verbatim. GEL mobility batteries are unquestionably the better alternative in regard to most mobility requirements, on the other hand, because of a higher quality design, they are at a higher price tag.
Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona
Mobility Center has been proudly serving the entire Phoenix, Arizona area since 1975 with the finest in mobility aids, stair lifts, scooters, wheelchairs, lifts and support equipment. Visit our convenient location to see the products and receive the individual attention that you deserve. Our service area includes Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, and Sun City.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]