How to Replace Wheel Chair and Scooter Batteries

This is a step by step guide on how to replace wheelchair and scooter batteries. If you are in doubt contact your wheel chair or scooter manufacturer.

While wheelchairs and mobility scooters have rechargeable batteries, they gradually lose their ability to hold a charge. As the Wheelchair or Scooter Battery is recharged over and over you may begin to notice that the charge lasts a shorter amount of time as the battery ages, making more frequent recharging necessary. This is an indication that your Wheelchair Batteries or Scooter Batteries need replacing.

1. Make sure that the power switch is in the off position. If your Chair has a joystick control on the arm, disconnect the joystick from its power source. Usually this is done by tracing the wire on the joystick to the chassis of the chair. You should find a connector along this wiring harness which will allow you to unplug the joystick from the power source.
2. Various manufacturers attach the seat in different ways. Remove any bolts or safety mechanisms that hold the seat in place. There may be a locking lever under the seat. Carefully lift off and set aside the seat.
3. Remove the base cover to expose the Wheelchair or Scooter Batteries.  This cover can be held on with latches, screws or similar fasteners.
4. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery, making sure to observe which wire is positive and which is negative. Most Chairs have two batteries. Replace them both at the same time, as they are wired to work in tandem. Replacing only one of a pair of batteries will not repair your problem with reduced runtime.
5. Carefully remove the old Wheelchair or Scooter Batteries and place the new batteries in the battery compartment. There may be straps or clamps to hold down the batteries in the compartment. Remove and replace these hold downs as necessary.
6. Reconnect the battery cables, replace the base cover and seat. Plug in your joystick and you are good to go. While your chair will operate immediately, the new batteries should be charged before prolonged usage.