Q: How often should I charge my mobility batteries?
A: The frequency of charging your mobility batteries depends on your usage. If you are a daily user who frequently relies on your mobility equipment outside of your home, it is advisable to charge your batteries on a daily basis. This ensures that your batteries are always ready for use. On the other hand, if you are an occasional user who only requires mobility assistance for outings and active use, it is recommended to charge your batteries before each outing and always after active use. It is generally considered ideal to maintain the battery charge level at around 50% on a scooter or wheelchair gauge.
Q: How do I charge my mobility batteries correctly?
A: To properly charge your mobility batteries, it is recommended to use the manufacturer's automatic charger that is specifically designed for your batteries. This charger is designed to provide the appropriate charging voltage and current for your batteries, ensuring a safe and efficient charging process. It is important to avoid using automotive or wet-type chargers on gel/sealed batteries, as these can quickly damage the batteries. Additionally, it is advisable to never run the batteries completely flat and to avoid frequent charging or "topping off" the battery, as this can have a negative impact on the battery's performance and overall lifespan.
Q: Why is charging voltage so critical to both gel and sealed lead acid batteries?
A: Charging voltage plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of gel and sealed lead acid batteries. These types of batteries are known as recombinant batteries, which means that the oxygen produced on the positive plate recombines with the hydrogen given off by the negative plate. This recombination process generates water, which replaces the moisture in the battery. As a result, these batteries are maintenance-free and do not require periodic watering like traditional lead acid batteries.
The sealing vent in these batteries is crucial for their proper functioning. It helps maintain a positive internal pressure within the battery, which ensures that the recombination of hydrogen and oxygen takes place effectively. This recombination process is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of the battery. The sealing vent also serves as a safety mechanism by safely releasing any excess pressure that may be produced during overcharging. If the pressure is not released properly, the battery can dry out and its performance can be significantly compromised.
It is important to note that overcharging can be detrimental to the performance of gel and sealed lead acid batteries. Overcharging causes the valve in the battery to release excessive pressure, which includes hydrogen and oxygen. The continuous release of these gases due to overcharging reduces the amount of oxygen and hydrogen available for recombination, causing the battery to dry out. This is why it is vital to charge these batteries with the correct voltage to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The recommended charging voltage for both gel and AGM batteries is 13.8 to 14.1 volts maximum at 68°F.
Q: Why am I not getting the run time I expect from my new Gel batteries?
A: Gel batteries are designed with thicker plates compared to other batteries. This design allows for a longer cycle life, meaning the batteries can endure more charge and discharge cycles before their performance starts to decline. However, due to the thicker plates, it takes a longer time for all the material inside these plates to become fully active. This means that it might take around 15-25 cycles of charging and discharging for the batteries to reach their optimal performance level. During this initial break-in period, you may experience lower run times than expected. However, once the batteries have been properly broken in, you should see an improvement in the run time and overall performance.
Q: How should a battery be stored?
A: Proper storage of batteries is crucial for maintaining their performance and longevity. When storing your mobility batteries, it is important to follow these guidelines:
Always store your batteries fully charged. This helps prevent the batteries from discharging completely, which can lead to irreversible damage.
Regularly check the battery charge level, at least once a month, and recharge as needed. This ensures that the batteries are always ready for use when you need them.
Wet batteries, such as traditional lead acid batteries, can hold their charge for up to 3 months when stored properly. Sealed batteries, like gel and AGM batteries, can hold a charge for up to 6 months. It is important to consider this when planning for long-term storage.
If you are storing a chair or scooter for more than 2 weeks, it is recommended to charge the batteries fully and then disconnect them. This helps prevent any unnecessary discharge that may occur during storage.
Avoid exposing the batteries to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, as it can negatively affect their performance. It is best to store the batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and areas prone to temperature extremes.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your batteries remain in good condition and are ready for use when you need them.
Q: Do gel or absorbed electrolyte batteries have a memory?
A: No, our gel and absorbed electrolyte batteries do not have a memory. This is only true for ni-cad batteries.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of gel and absorbed electrolyte batteries?
A:
Gel Battery Advantages:
- Superior shelf life
- Rugged and vibration-resistant
- Will not freeze to -20°F
- Totally maintenance-free
- No corrosion
- Spill-proof/leak-proof
- Can be installed upright or on its side
- Superior deep cycle life
- Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged)
- Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment
- Safe for marine use due to no chlorine gas in the bulge
- Low cost per month (cost per months of life)
- Low cost per cycle (cost per life cycles)
Gel Battery Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost
- Heavier weight
- Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged
- Automatic temperature sensing and voltage-regulated chargers must be used
- Charge voltage must be limited to extend life (13.8 to 14.6 volts maximum at 68°F)
AGM Battery Advantages:
- Superior shelf life
- Rugged and vibration-resistant
- Will not freeze to -20°F
- Totally maintenance-free
- Spill-proof/leak-proof
- No corrosion
- Can be installed upright or on its side
- Lower initial cost than gel batteries
- Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment
- Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged)
- Excellent for starting and stationary applications
- Will accept a higher charging voltage than gel batteries
AGM Battery Disadvantages:
- Shorter life cycle than gel in deep cycle applications
- Automatic temperature sensing and voltage-regulated chargers must be used
- Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged
- Charge voltage must be limited to 13.8 to 14.6 volts maximum at 68°F
Q: How often should I equalize my gel batteries?
A: Our gel batteries never need to be equalized. Tank formation is used to activate the plates during manufacturing, ensuring fully-formed and voltage-matched plates. This results in balance from cell to cell of the battery and also balance from battery to battery in a batch. Therefore, there is no need for equalization.
Q: Do I need to equalize my batteries to prevent stratification?
A: No, you do not need to equalize your batteries if you are using MK Gel Batteries. The thick-consistency gel electrolyte in these batteries prevents acid stratification, which can lead to reduced performance and shortened battery life. Stratification is more common in stationary applications where the battery is not moved.
Q: Can I store my batteries on concrete?
A: It is safe to store modern batteries on concrete. The idea that batteries sitting on concrete can discharge or be damaged is a myth. This misconception originated from the early days of lead-acid batteries, where glass cells enclosed in wooden boxes could be damaged by a damp concrete floor. The moisture could cause the wood to swell and break the glass. However, modern batteries with hard plastic shells are not affected by concrete. In fact, concrete can provide good thermal mass and help buffer extreme temperature changes in the battery compartment.
Q: How can I determine if I have a battery problem or a charging problem?
A: To determine if you have a battery problem or a charging problem, you can start by measuring the charge voltage of the batteries using a digital voltmeter. In a 24-volt system, the chances of two bad batteries are very low. By checking the voltage of each battery separately, you can identify if any battery is bad. If the voltage readings of the batteries show a significant difference, it may be necessary to replace both batteries. If the voltage readings are similar, make sure to fully charge the batteries before further testing. If both batteries have a voltage below 12.0 volts, you need to investigate the cause, such as checking if the battery charger is working correctly or if there are any wiring or component issues. The next troubleshooting step can be determined based on the voltage readings of each battery.