Do you know how long mobility scooters last? This is an important factor to take into account when investing in this life-changing piece of equipment—both for budgeting purposes and for helping you decide between electric scooter purchase and rental. Ultimately, the lifespan of your electric scooter and scooter battery depends on how often you use it, how you use it, and how well you take care of the device.
The Average Lifespan of a Mobility Scooter
With proper care, most mobility scooters last for up to five years and sometimes longer. This is just slightly less than the average expected lifespan of a car, which is roughly 8 years or 200,000 miles. If you use your scooter all day, every day, you will most likely need to replace it sooner. Likewise, scooters that are used infrequently may last significantly longer.
Average Lifespan of Mobility Scooter Batteries
Mobility scooter batteries last an average of 18 months to 2 years with daily use, or up to 3 or even 4 years with infrequent use and excellent care. New batteries should run like new for the first 12 to 18 months. When they start to show signs of wear (not charging effectively, running down quickly), it's time to buy replacement batteries.
Gel vs AGM Batteries
If you plan to use your scooter frequently and it runs on sealed lead-acid batteries, gel batteries will generally last longer than AGM batteries because they are made for deep cycling and slow-discharge applications. This is something to keep in mind when purchasing batteries for your device. The user manual should tell you which batteries are compatible with your specific scooter model.
Mobility Scooter Battery Warranty Durations
Most mobility scooter batteries come with a 12-month warranty to cover manufacturer defects. If you have a problem with your batteries before 12 months have passed, let the retailer or manufacturer know.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Mobility Scooter and Scooter Batteries
There are several things you can do to maximize the lifespan of your electric scooter and mobility scooter batteries:
Follow Best Practices for Charging
To make your mobility scooter battery last for as long as possible, it's important to:
Use the dedicated charger that came with your scooter. Other chargers may not charge the batteries efficiently or may overcharge the batteries.
Break in new batteries. New mobility scooter and electric wheelchair batteries generally need to be broken in. Ask the customer representative for instructions when purchasing the device.
Charge every night and after each trip. After each trip, give your scooter a "top-up" charge to make sure you don't run out of power before you get home. Each night, charge the batteries to full capacity (typically 8-10 hours). Batteries that come with smart chargers can be left charging for as long as 12 hours because the charger shuts off automatically as soon as the battery is fully charged.
Don't allow the batteries to become fully discharged. Running your battery down to less than 25% will significantly reduce the lifespan of your batteries. Check the battery gauge and charge your mobility scooter to ensure that you stay within the recommended range.
Store the mobility scooter fully charged. If you won't be using your mobility scooter for a while, charge it to full capacity and store it in a cool and dry place. Before using it again, give it a top-up charge.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure will reduce your battery life and drive time. It also puts you at a greater risk of punctures and accidents. Check your tire pressure before you head out and inflate the tires again if needed. If you notice that the tire tread is worn, replace the tires for a safer and smoother ride.
Keep Your Mobility Scooter Clean
Dirt, oil, and grime can build up on a mobility scooter, creating more resistance and affecting its performance. When you notice that your scooter is dirty, unplug it and turn it off, dust it off with a dry cloth, and then wipe the scooter over with a damp cloth and a gentle detergent or glass cleaner. Don't spray water directly on the scooter or get the electrical components wet. At Mobility Plus Colorado, we offer a maintenance cleaning service where we take off the wheels and remove all the grime, hair, carpet fibers, and dust. For a small fee, we can restore your mobility scooter to sparkling clean condition.
Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Just like cars, mobility scooters need regular maintenance. To keep your device in top condition, schedule an annual mobility scooter maintenance appointment with an experienced technician who specializes in your scooter model.
Drive at a Smooth and Steady Pace
The way you drive affects the lifespan of your scooter and batteries. Stop-start driving and driving at maximum speed both run your batteries down more quickly and put you at a greater risk of accidents. To help your scooter and batteries last as long as possible, drive at a moderate, steady pace.
Avoid Dangerous Areas
Puddles, potholes, spikes, and curbs put you at risk for accidents when driving a mobility scooter. For your own safety as well as the safety of your device, stick to paved roads. Alternatives, choose a mobility scooter for outdoors with all-terrain tires like the top-tier models we stock in our Denver, CO showroom.
Buy the Right Mobility Scooter
Your battery life and scooter life are both affected by the amount of weight they are required to carry and the quality and strength of the materials used to make the scooter. For the longest possible scooter life, choose a high-quality scooter from a reputable manufacturer and make sure it's indicated for your height, weight, and the weight of anything else you want to carry on the device, including shopping bags and oxygen tanks (if required).
With the Proper Care, A Quality Mobility Scooter Can Last for Years
A mobility scooter is a significant investment, but if you choose the most appropriate scooter for your intended use and care for it in accordance with the instructions in the user manual, you can expect to enjoy several years of good use from your device.
If you need help selecting an electric scooter or want specific advice on battery care and maintenance for a specific scooter model, don't hesitate to reach out to your local mobility device specialist.
