Rechargeable wheelchair batteries come in three types: wet cell, gel, and AGM. They are interchangeable between chairs and brands, but require specific chargers. Gel and AGM batteries are less prone to leaking and can be left attached to an electric wheelchair during air travel. Additional chargers and a travel charger are useful accessories to have.
Rechargeable wheelchair batteries look like small car batteries. They provide power for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Power wheelchairs require a certain size and type of battery. Many of the batteries are interchangeable between chairs and brands, making it easier to purchase. There are three basic types of wheelchair batteries, each requiring a specific type of charger: wet cell, gel, and AGM batteries.
Wet cell batteries are the least expensive because they use older technology. The casing contains sulfuric acid and lead which create a chemical reaction to provide an electrical charge. Distilled water can leak from these batteries if they’re damaged, so airlines will remove them from a motorized wheelchair. They will be placed in a special container and transported separately from the chair.
Gel batteries, often called sealed batteries, also contain sulfuric acid, but the water in the battery is gelled by the phosphoric acid. Damaged batteries of this type are less prone to leaking. Some airlines will leave these batteries attached to an electric wheelchair. Gel wheelchair batteries are heavier than other types and cost more than wet cell models.
The third type of battery is a fairly new technology that uses an absorbent glass mat that contains electrolytes, giving the battery its name AGM. These wheelchair batteries cannot leak as they contain no liquid or gel. They’re also sealed, like gel batteries, but cost about three times as much.
Most power wheelchairs can use any type of battery, as long as it’s the correct size. There are usually no such things as special sports wheelchair batteries or beach wheelchair batteries. This is convenient for people who use a standard motorized wheelchair in addition to a specialty model, such as a beach or rough terrain chair. The battery is interchangeable between devices, so you don’t need to buy different chargers or batteries.
Some wheelchair accessories that aren’t absolutely essential are still useful to have on hand. An additional charger, for example, is useful while traveling in case the original one is lost in transit. Sometimes wheelchair parts need to be removed for transport and occasionally an airline will lose pieces. An additional charger helps ensure that a wheelchair is always available for use.
A travel charger that will allow wheelchair batteries to charge from a car battery can be a useful addition for travelers as well. Wheelchair batteries shouldn’t be left dead for more than a day or two, so making sure a charger is always available is a good way to keep an electric wheelchair in good working order.
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