Your battery-powered wheelchair typically gets you where you need to go with ease and speed. A fully charged device should last around eight hours or 10 miles. But, when your device malfunctions, it can interrupt your plans and leave you stuck between points A and B. Look out for these signs that you need a new wheelchair battery to get ahead of any inconvenience. 

How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Wheelchair Battery

1. Charger Won't Recognize Battery

Your charger will not recognize your wheelchair battery if its charge drops below about 11 volts. This is a safety feature that keeps your battery from overheating. So if your battery has been left around for a long time, it might fall below this requirement and fail to charge.

2. Reduced Range

If your wheelchair no longer travels the distances it used to, your battery might be operating at a reduced capacity. When you charge your battery, it pushes ions from the cathode to the anode. As you use the battery, it reverses the flow of ions. With time, the process wears out the cathode and reduces your battery capacity. To return to longer battery life, you'll need a replacement.

3. Old Age

Batteries should be replaced around every two years, but check your owner's manual for more specific information. Be sure to mark the date you purchased your battery, as well as a tentative replacement date. Whether or not your unit starts to show signs of age, replacing it might save you the hassle of an interrupted or failed journey.

Get your battery replacement at Victory Battery Co. in Covington, KY. This family-owned business has the expertise to solve a range of battery issues. They'll inform you of other battery warning signs so you know when to come in for service. In addition to wheelchair batteries, they provide scooter, watch, toy, and small device batteries. Call (859) 581-0343 to schedule your free estimate. Learn more about their wheelchair services online.