Properly charging your electric wheelchair's battery could be the difference between it lasting six months or two years. 

While charging a phone or laptop is easy, there are nuances when it comes to wheelchair batteries. Our experienced complex rehab equipment team is here to guide you through properly maintaining your new power wheelchair! 

Here's how to charge your electric wheelchair batteries, answers to common questions, and a few tips on maintaining the batteries! 

How to Charge an Electric Wheelchair  

Some power wheelchairs have different charging instructions, so make sure to check your wheelchair's owner's manual for specifics. 

In general, here is how to charge an electric wheelchair: 

  • Park your electric wheelchair close to an outlet 

  • Turn the wheelchair controller off 

  • Put the wheelchair in drive mode 

  • Connect the three-pinned plug from the battery charger to the port underneath the controller

  • Plug the off-board charger into the electrical outlet 

  • Let the battery charge for 8-14 hours, depending on your manufacturer's instructions

  • There should be an indicator light that comes on when the battery is charging and lets you know when the battery is fully charged 

  • Unplug the wheelchair battery charger from the power outlet 

  • Unplug the three-pinned plug from the controller 

Charging Batteries on a New Electric Wheelchair

When you first receive an electric wheelchair, it takes a few charging cycles for the batteries to operate at 100% capacity.  

Before you use the wheelchair, fully charge the batteries. Don't be alarmed if the batteries only charge to about 90% for the first few charges — this is completely normal. 

When you use a new electric wheelchair, don't fully deplete the battery. Keep the battery at around 50-60% capacity, then charge it again. 

How Long Should You Charge a Wheelchair Battery? 

It's recommended to charge your wheelchair battery for 8-14 hours. Some batteries will charge in eight hours, while others require 12-14.  

Most power wheelchair users charge their batteries overnight while they're sleeping, especially if it's a wheelchair, they need to use daily. 

How Often Should You Charge a Wheelchair Battery?  

How often you need to charge your wheelchair battery depends on how often you use your electric wheelchair: 

  • If you use your wheelchair every day, the batteries should be charged daily. You can charge the batteries once you get home or while you're sleeping. 

  • If you don't use your wheelchair daily, you should charge the batteries once or twice a week, depending on your use. 

Should I Leave My Wheelchair Battery Charging All the Time?

No, you should not leave your wheelchair battery plugged in and charging all the time. Even if you don't use your chair every day, the battery should not remain charging when not in use. 

Charge up your battery to 100% and then unplug it. If you don't use your wheelchair often enough to deplete the battery every day, charge it once or twice a week to 100%, then leave it unplugged. 

Tips for Charging Wheelchair Batteries 

We recommend following the instructions in your owner's manual for tips on maintaining a healthy battery. 

Here are some general tips: 

  • Keep the battery at room temperature - Avoid extreme cold or heat, as they can decrease the lifespan of the battery 

  • Always keep the battery charged - Even if you don't use the power wheelchair daily, it's important to regularly charge the battery at least every few weeks. If you use it daily, fully charge the battery each day after depleting it

  • Don't let the battery die completely - Avoid draining your battery to 0%, as this puts more strain on it

  • Don't leave the battery charging once it's fully charged - When the battery is charged to 100%, unplug it 

How Long Does an Electric Wheelchair Battery Last? 

An electric wheelchair battery should last 1-2 years with proper maintenance. The lifespan of a wheelchair battery can be affected by how often it is serviced, the weight the chair carries, the environment it's used in, and if it's charged properly. 

Do You Need an Electric Wheelchair in California? 

We help individuals in California find the perfect rehab equipment for their medical needs.

We also provide expert wheelchair repair services, so feel free to reach out if you're having issues with your power wheelchair's battery! 

Do you want to regain independence? Contact us today to set up a consultation or see if you qualify for a power wheelchair!