Battery Care and Maintenance Guide
Our Battery Care and Maintenance Guide will help you get the best performance and longest life out of your MK Batteries, recognised throughout the industry for their unmatched reliability and quality. Following this guide will keep you mobile when you need it most. At TPG Disableaids, we’re always here to offer expert advice and support. If you need replacement batteries, our MK range comes highly recommended for power wheelchairs and scooters. Feel free to contact us anytime for assistance or to make a purchase—our team is fully trained and dedicated to helping you maintain your mobility.
Battery Installation
- Professional Installation
Always have your batteries installed by a properly trained wheelchair or scooter technician. They possess the correct training and equipment to complete the task safely and accurately. - Matching Batteries
Wheelchairs and scooters typically use two batteries in a 24-volt series connection. Never mix and match different battery manufacturers, sizes, or technologies, and always ensure the batteries have similar date codes. Mixing Gel and AGM batteries is never recommended. - Pre-use Charging
Always fully charge your batteries before their first use to ensure optimal performance. - Manufacturer’s Instructions
Follow the installation and start-up procedures provided by your mobility equipment manufacturer to prevent any issues and to maximise battery life.
Genuine Gel Break-In Period
Active power wheelchair users frequently deep-cycle their batteries (full discharge and recharge). This heavy usage demands a unique battery design that may reduce initial capacity but provides extended overall battery life.
- MK Gel Batteries
MK Gel battery performance significantly improves after 15–20 full discharge/recharge cycles. This break-in period fully activates the battery, resulting in better range and runtime for your mobility device. - Long-Term Benefits
As you continue using your power wheelchair or scooter, you’ll notice the range and runtime increase. This initial phase ensures you get the longest possible service life from your batteries.
When to Charge?
- Daily Charging
Charge your batteries every day, for as long as possible. This applies even if you’ve used your device only briefly. - Overnight Charging
Mobility equipment chargers are designed to fully charge your batteries overnight. Modern smart chargers will go into a battery conditioning mode once the charge indicator turns green, helping to extend the life of the battery. Therefore, it’s important to keep the charger connected until the conditioning process is complete, ensuring the best overall performance. - Avoid Chronic Undercharging
Undercharging is a common cause of sulfation, which diminishes battery capacity, reduces run time, and leads to premature failure. Charge for at least 8 hours to restore about 80% of the battery’s capacity. To achieve a full 100% recharge, longer charging times may be necessary. - Weekly 12-Hour Charge
To recover lost capacity from chronic undercharging, perform a 12-hour charge at least once a week. This extended charge helps maintain optimal battery health and prolongs service life.
Proper Charging Guidelines
- Use the Correct Charger
Use your mobility equipment manufacturer’s automatic charger for routine charging. These chargers are calibrated to charge Sealed VRLA Gel and AGM batteries safely and effectively. - Never Use Automotive Chargers
Avoid using automotive trickle-type or wet-type chargers on Sealed VRLA Gel or AGM batteries. They can irreversibly damage the battery cells. - Workload and Recharge Time
The harder a battery works (i.e., the more it’s discharged), the longer it will take to recharge fully. Longer usage periods necessitate extended charge times. - Avoid Complete Discharge
Ultra-deep discharges can reduce overall battery life. If the battery is fully drained, some chargers may struggle to detect and recharge it properly. - Immediate Charging
Whenever possible, charge your batteries right after use. If you cannot charge immediately, never leave your batteries in a discharged state for more than 24 hours. Even brief delays in charging can impact overall battery health.
Charging Table
| Battery Size (Ah) | MK Charger | Description |
| 12–18 Ah | LS24/3.5A-08 | 24-volt 3.5 amp automatic charger |
| 20–45 Ah | LS24/5A-08 | 24-volt 5 amp automatic charger |
| 50–79 Ah | LS24/8A-08 | 24-volt 8 amp automatic charger |
Stairlift Battery Charging and Rail Maintenance Unlike scooters, stairlift batteries are typically charged via “parking points” or continuous charging strips along the rail. To ensure your lift is always ready, it is vital to keep these contact points clean. Dust and household debris can create a barrier on the stairlift rail, preventing the batteries from receiving a full charge.
Parking Best Practices: Always ensure your stairlift is fully returned to its top or bottom charge point. Most units will emit a beeping warning if left off-charge.
Cleaning Charging Strips: Once a week, wipe the rail with a dry, anti-static cloth. Avoid wet cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can corrode the copper charging strips and degrade the stairlift rollers.
Remote Control Batteries: If your stairlift stops responding but the main unit has power, check the standard AA or 9V batteries in the handheld remote, a common and easily fixed issue.
Mobility Scooter vs. Power Chair Charging While both devices often use Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) or Gel batteries, the charging method varies.
Off-Board Charging: Many travel mobility scooters feature removable battery packs. This allows you to leave the scooter in a car boot or garage while charging the battery pack indoors. Ensure the pack clicks firmly into the charger to avoid “false charging” indicators.
On-Board Charging: Most power wheelchairs require the charger to be plugged directly into the joystick controller (typically an XLR port). Always inspect the charger port for lint or dirt before plugging in, as obstructions can cause overheating.
Essential Maintenance Checklist
Monthly Mobility Equipment Maintenance Checklist To extend the lifespan of your equipment beyond just the battery, perform these simple checks monthly:
Tyre Pressure: For scooters and power chairs with pneumatic tyres, low pressure drains the battery faster. Keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Upholstery Check: Wipe down seats and backrests to prevent grime buildup that can cause cracking.
Lights and Horn: Test all safety features, including indicators and hazard lights, to ensure you are visible during outdoor use.
Freewheel Lever: Ensure your scooter’s manual freewheel lever is fully engaged (drive mode) before use; a loose lever is a common cause of non-starting motors.
Charging Table
Storage and Maintenance
- Full Charge Before Storage
Always store your batteries in a fully charged state. - Monthly Top-Up
Charge once a month during storage for at least 24 hours with the manufacturer’s charger. - Temperature Extremes
Avoid placing your batteries in extremely hot or cold environments to maintain their performance. - No Watering Required
Sealed VRLA Gel and AGM batteries don’t require watering. - Professional Support
If you notice any performance issues, consult a qualified wheelchair or scooter technician to diagnose and resolve problems quickly.
Safety
Batteries contain potentially hazardous materials and should be handled with care.
- Risk of Shock and Sparks
Dropping a tool or allowing metal objects (e.g., jewellery, bracelets) to contact battery terminals may cause electric shock, sparks, smoke, fire, or explosion. Use extreme caution around exposed terminals. - Lead Warning
Battery posts, terminals, and accessories contain chemicals (including lead) known to cause health issues. Always wash hands after handling. - Explosive Gases
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep them away from sparks, flames, and cigarettes. Use protective eyewear and ensure proper ventilation. - Do Not Open
Never attempt to open or remove vents on top of the battery. - Safe Disposal
Old batteries must be recycled properly. Lead-acid batteries are almost 100% recyclable. In many regions, discarding batteries with general waste is illegal, so return them to a retailer or authorised recycling centre.
There’s Only One Place to Buy Batteries for Your Mobility Equipment
For over 40 years, MK Battery has set the standard for Genuine Gel Technology and AGM batteries in the power mobility industry. Manufacturers worldwide trust MK for consistent, top-tier performance in their wheelchairs and scooters.
At TPG Disableaids, we proudly stock quality MK Batteries and provide an expert installation service by our highly trained technicians. Our team thoroughly understands mobility equipment mechanics, ensuring the correct battery selection for your specific needs. If you’re unsure when or if your battery requires replacement, we’ll give you honest, accurate guidance.
Whether you’re looking to maintain your current system or need a full battery replacement, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Rely on us—and on MK Battery’s renowned reliability—to keep you moving smoothly.
Need Assistance or Replacements?
- Contact our friendly team at TPG Disableaids for expert advice and support.
- We’ll help you choose the right MK Batteries for your wheelchair or scooter.
- Our trained technicians ensure safe installation, optimal performance, and prolonged battery life.
Following this comprehensive guide will maximise the lifespan and performance of your MK Batteries, keeping you mobile whenever you need it. For any further questions, advice, or battery replacements, remember that TPG Disableaids is here to help—backed by the quality and reliability of MK Battery products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do mobility scooter batteries last? On average, a well-maintained pair of mobility scooter batteries lasts between 18 to 24 months. Heavy daily users may need replacements sooner, while casual users might see up to 3 years.
Why is my stairlift beeping? A beeping stairlift usually indicates it is not parked correctly on its charging station. Move the lift slightly up or down until it clicks into place and the light turns solid. If it continues beeping while charging, it may signal a battery fault requiring professional service.
Can I leave my mobility scooter on charge all the time? Modern smart chargers provided with TPG Disableaids equipment are designed to switch to a “float” or “trickle” mode once full. However, for safety and energy saving, we recommend unplugging once the green “fully charged” light has been active for a few hours, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.
