The introduction of electrically powered wheelchairs had done a remarkable amount of good in bringing mobility to many disabled people. With motorized power, these wheelchairs are suitable for both interior and exterior use; however, like all technologically advanced items, they come with a price tag far higher than those attached to manually-operated wheelchairs. The average cost of a no-frills electric wheelchair is $1500.

Electric wheelchairs are ideal for those who have very limited mobility, enabling them to navigate their surrounding with the aid of wheelchair batteries and a joystick to control their direction. An electric wheelchair is both highly efficient and highly maneuverable; it can make a complete 360 degree turn quickly and quietly.

The wheelchair batteries used most commonly to power electric wheelchairs at sealed lead acid, or "SLA" wheelchair batteries. Their big drawback is lengthy amount of time they need to recharge.

Recharging Time

The usual time required to recharge wheelchair batteries is between eight and sixteen hours, depending on the model of chair. Because most wheelchair users need to have their chairs ready for action at all times, they are wise to keep a fully charged set of wheelchair batteries in reserve. Having a spare set of wheelchair batteries "just in case" will let them avoid serious trouble should an emergency arise.

Precautions

Wheelchair batteries should never, ever be allowed to lose their charges completely. Fully discharging a set of wheelchair batteries puts an additional strain on them, and each time it is done the batteries lose a bit of their charging capacity.

A set of discharged wheelchair batteries should never just sit for any amount of time; if they are allowed to do so, they will experience sulfation, making it difficult or impossible to recharge them.

You will know which wheelchair batteries to purchase by making a note of their standard number. Wheelchair batteries are usually grouped by size in the stores, so that wheelchair users will have an easier time distinguishing them. The most important thing you need to know about your wheelchair batteries however, is that recharging them before they are completely worn down will greatly improve both their performance and lifespan.

Having your wheelchair batteries give up on you just when you need them most can be one of the most annoying parts of being confined to a wheelchair. It's your responsibility to have your electric wheelchair ready to go 24/7; you paid to have the convenience of such an amazing machine, so why slack off on taking care of the batteries which make that convenience a reality?