Finding the perfect battery for your mobility scooter can be tricky because there is no one-size-fits-all solution available. Probably the most important part of you mobility scooter is its battery, which acts as the driving force enabling you to get from one place to another. It is important that you choose the right battery make and power output level when buying mobility batteries for scooters.
How well your mobility scooter performs for you is directly proportional to the quality and performance of the battery. Mobility scooter batteries can differ on the basis of composition and this can affect how long your battery lasts, the recharging time needed and the life-span of your battery and when you should consider replacing it for a new one.
LifeLight Mobility Limited offer a range of different mobility scooter battery types to suit your mobility scooter make and model:
Almost all mobility scooters use a 24 Volt battery system, where two 12V battery units are linked together to perform as one power source. So for example your mobility scooter may be installed with two (SLA) Sealed Lead Acid Batteries.
SLA batteries operate as completely closed units that are maintenance free. Because these batteries are sealed it means that none of the battery contents can boil and escape from their casings. Probably the most common choice for electric mobility scooters today are the SLA batteries because of their convenient maintenance-free status and the fact that they are the most cost-effective choice for most battery buyers.
(AGM) Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries were originally devised and developed for use by military aircraft. They were created because there was a need for a safe, spill-proof battery that would be robust and stable enough to be used in aircraft.
A very good choice of battery because of its endurance in cold weather conditions. The battery remains stable and reliable in extremely cold weather, so you don't need to worry that your battery voltage is going to suddenly drop during a chilly trip to the shops on a cold winter's day!
Despite being a very robust and enduring battery, you still need to take good care of them because they are still at risk of damage through overcharging, so just be mindful of this if you want to get the maximum lifespan out of your batteries.
Gel batteries offer a very stable battery choice and level of endurance. They can generally stand a higher number of charging cycles in their lifetime than a standard SLA battery can take, so are a good choice if you are looking for a battery with longevity and less frequent replacement needs.
You will notice that mobility batteries for scooters all come with an AH rating. This stands for ampere hour and is the amount of charge a battery is able to supply to your mobility scooter once the battery is fully charged.
Ampere hour is also referred to as the length of time the battery will supply a consistent current once it is charged completely. So you can get a rough idea for each battery AH level by checking out the batteries on our website. For example you can see from our AGM (SLA) battery page that we have batteries ranging from 7.2 AH that are suitable for most small and car transportable mobility scooters and power-chairs through to the 12V 100ah Leoch Mobility Battery a high quality affordable deep cycle battery that is suitable for all mobility applications.
Lithium batteries are the newest addition to the mobility scooter battery market. Lighter and smaller than standard SLA batteries, lithium batteries have an extremely long life expectancy. The only downside would be the price of a lithium battery when compared to a standard SLA battery. OK they do cost more to purchase initially, but you can recoup the price you pay over its longer lifespan.
With the energy density of lithium-ion being around ten times that of the standard lead acid battery, this makes for a much longer life span for your battery and also because of the lightweight design, you can get the same output of power with much less effort. Being maintenance free and fully rechargeable makes lithium batteries a great choice for those who don't want to overly concern themselves with the more frequent care and maintenance of a standard mobility scooter battery.
Remaining mobile and keeping your independence is an important factor for everyone. The freedom that mobility scooters give to the mobility-impaired can be a lifeline to maintaining even the most mundane of daily tasks, such as popping to the shops or running errands.
It is also essential for your mental health and well-being that you can get out of the house and visit friends and relatives. Being able to do this in an effective and efficient way will very much depend on the performance of your mobility scooter, and most especially your choice of mobility scooter batteries.
When you are planning to buy new or replacement mobility scooter batteries you should carefully consider your day to day needs and how frequently you use your mobility scooter. LifeLight Mobility Limited offers a fabulous range of high-quality, cost-effective and very competitively priced mobility products from mobility scooter batteries, tyres and spares to new and used scooters and other mobility aids to help you stay mobile and enjoy your life!
If you need any advice or assistance with your new or replacement mobility scooter batteries, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be pleased to talk you through your options to find the best possible solution for you.
There are lots of designs of mobility scooter canopies.
One feature that many have is that they have a soft, plastic windscreen area. But what about if you prefer something a little more solid for your Mobility Scooter Canopy?
The answer to this question comes in the form of a polycarbonate windscreen Mobility Scooter Canopy. These are ideal for keeping the wind and rain off you when you use your mobility scooter while also making sure you have a clear and solid windscreen area to view the roads ahead.
This style of mobility scooter canopy comes with clear side windows and a rear clear panel that can also be rolled up as needed. The fabric is a heavy duty style and fits around the mobility scooter with a solid polycarbonate plastic windscreen to allow you to easily see out.
In addition, the lights of the mobility scooter are not impacted by the canopy and doors can easily be rolled up. There are even built-in ties if you want to keep them up while the heavy duty zips make certain that the wind doesn’t come through. There are also waterproof seals on the zips to further reinforce them.
This type of mobility scooter canopy is custom made so will be an exact fit for the model of mobility scooter you provide when ordering it. There are front and rear brackets that are bolted to the chassis of the mobility scooter to ensure the weight is handled and all fixings and brackets are supplied with the product.
The mobility scooter canopy comes in a choice of colours and offers a top level of protection against the elements that lets you use it during the bad weather. And the polycarbonate plastic windscreen also means that you can have the clearest view of the road or path ahead and be confident as you travel.
If you need help do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer our expert help and advice.
When you buy a new or refurbished mobility scooter, you will often be buying it just as it comes. For a first-time mobility scooter owner, you may not think too much about adding useful accessories that can really enhance your mobility scooter user experience.
There are a few mobility scooter accessories that you may want to consider, one of the most useful is a good mobility scooter canopy that can help protect you and your mobility scooter from wind, rain and snow during the winter months. Well fitting mobility scooter canopies can really help you to feel more comfortable and protected, no matter how many hours you want to spend outdoors.
Mobility scooter canopies come in a wide range of colours and styles to fit your mobility scooter. They have clear side windows that allow you to see everything around you, while keeping the rain off you while you are out and about. Your mobility scooter canopy is also very useful during the hot summer months as it can provide you with some shade from the sun and help to prevent you getting sun burn. So you can see why having a mobility scooter canopy is a great idea – you can use it all-year-round and will get plenty of use out of it.
Take a look at our Simplantex Mobility Scooter Canopy for a good example of a well designed canopy that provides excellent protection against the elements, while being superb value for money.
We stock a high-quality range of mobility scooter canopies and only offer our customers the very best tried and tested makes and designs. If we don't sell them, they don't meet with our high standards.
If you need help deciding which type of mobility scooter canopy would suit your mobility scooter make and model, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer our expert help and advice.
When it comes to choosing a battery for your mobility scooter, there are three main options – AGM (SLA) batteries, gel batteries and lithium batteries. Each has their merits and are suitable for different people and different mobility scooters. In this article, let’s look at the lithium battery option and see if it is the right one for you.
Lithium batteries are usually 10 times as energy dense as a standard lead acid battery. This means they have a higher energy density potential. What this means in terms of mobility scooter batteries is that the battery has a longer lifespan and also weighs less than normal batteries – about one third the weight of a lead acid battery.
Lithium batteries are maintenance free and can easily be recharged. They are newer on the market than other types of batteries but have already proven to be a great option. People sometimes think they are only suitable for smaller devices such as smartphones or laptops, but this isn’t correct.
Currently, you can get lithium batteries for everything from golf carts and mobility scooters to boats, cars and electric vehicles. If there’s a lead acid battery that can power it, there’s also a lithium version that will do the job.
These batteries are lightweight which means they reduce the weight needed on your mobility scooter and are also easy to move around if you want to have a spare always on charge. One myth is that they don’t discharge their power evenly – they actually do a better job than AGM or Gel batteries in terms of even release of energy.
Another myth is that they are a fire hazard. The batteries have been on the market for around 15 years and have an extensive testing system in place to make sure they are as safe as any other option. There are also safeguards in place to protect against things like overheating and to stop if there is a power surge.
Lithium batteries don’t need anything special to charge them. They work the same as other types of mobility scooter batteries and a standard charger will usually do the job. Each battery has an onboard management system that means it can charge to the correct level and avoid overcharging.
One of the big things that makes these batteries stand out is the lifespan. They can last as much as 10 times the lifespan of a lead-acid battery. The lifespan is measured in cycles, which simply means how many times it can be completely drained and charged again before you need to replace it. AGM batteries have around 500 cycles while lithium batteries have around 5,000 cycles. For a standard mobility scooter user, this would mean an AGM battery would last around two years while a lithium one would last around 13 years.
Many of the general best practices for mobility scooter batteries apply to lithium batteries. For example, it is best to recharge them before they get completely flat so turning off things like lights when the mobility scooter isn’t in use is a good idea.
You should charge the mobility scooter batteries before an outing and after use. And if you are having a period of not using the mobility scooter, it can be a good idea to fully charge the batteries and then disconnect them. Unplug the charger when not in use as some chargers can actually drain batteries when not switched on.
Lithium batteries are clearly a popular option of mobility scooter batteries and offer a good range of benefits. They do tend to be more expensive than other batteries but make up for this with their substantial lifespan and ease of use.
Do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer our expert help and advice.
Here at LifeLight Mobility Limited, we are often asked by our customers if they can buy replacement mobility scooter batteries from us directly. Our answer of course is – yes, you can!
Mobility scooters come in a wide range of models, so their battery power will differ according to their capacity and brand. You can help to keep your battery working for longer with proper care and maintenance. Looking after your mobility scooter battery is very important to keep it functioning to its full capacity and efficiency.
Remember to keep your mobility scooter and battery in a cool and dry environment. Keeping your battery protected from severe weather elements will keep it in peak condition for longer. Remember to keep the battery terminals well greased to really enhance the functionality and performance of your battery.
All mobility scooter batteries will eventually wear out. When the time comes to replace your mobility scooter battery, or should your battery fail and you need to find a replacement, then we are here to help! You can browse our range of batteries to find a suitable replacement, or if you are unsure about which battery is best suited to your make and model of mobility scooter, you should contact one of our friendly team members to discuss your needs.
We can offer you one of the most comprehensive ranges of mobility scooter batteries in the UK, so you shouldn't have any difficulty finding the right battery replacement to suit your mobility scooter, especially when looking for a like-for-like replacement.
We also offer very speedy next-day delivery, so there is no need for you to be sitting around waiting for a long time for your replacement battery to arrive. In most cases we do suggest that you replace the pair at the same time. This will ensure that you get the best efficiency from your mobility scooter batteries.
Here is a run-down of the mobility scooter batteries we stock and supply:
Mobility Battery 12V 7.2ah: A high quality ultra-deep cycle mobility scooter battery for use in most small and transportable mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
Mobility Battery 12V 10ah: This ultra-deep cycle mobility scooter battery will provide a long service life and will not let you down. Suitable for all brands of mobility scooter.
MK Mobility Battery 12V 10ah: MK is a market leading brand of mobility scooter batteries that will provide your powered mobility product with an exceptionally long service life
12V 18ah Gel Mobility Battery: This mobility scooter battery is suitable for all brands of mobility scooters. A quality product to provide you with a long service life.
12V 36ah Gel Mobility Battery: This mobility scooter battery is suitable for all brands of mobility scooters. A quality product to provide you with a long service life.
12V 31ah Gel Mobility Battery: This mobility scooter battery is suitable for all brands of mobility scooters. A quality product to provide you with a long service life.
Lithium mobility scooter batteries are not only approximately one third the weight of a regular lead acid battery, but they also have a higher energy density. This means that they have a longer life span than a regular battery with the same output of power – not bad, right?
While lithium batteries are more expensive to buy than regular lead based or gel batteries, you have to consider that you will get ten times the lifespan out of your lithium battery when compared to your other battery options. Well worth considering, yes?
If you need any help with mobility scooter battery replacement, then do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
For most mobility scooter users, the scooter is a way to get around at all times of the year. Using a mobility scooter in the summer is no problem but during spring and autumn, there is the rain to consider. And when the winter comes around there are fresh considerations. So here are some professional tips to keep your mobility scooter on the go, no matter what the conditions.
Regular cleaning makes the mobility scooter look nice but in the poorer conditions, it also helps to ensure it is working properly. Take the grit on the roads, for example, which helps the scooter tyres grip in icy conditions. But it also can cause problems with the bodywork if it is left on the scooter. Regular cleaning can help reduce the chance of salt damage and ensure it doesn’t work its way into anywhere sensitive.
Choosing mobility scooter canopies is a key part of making your mobility scooter all-weather. There’s nothing pleasant about sitting on your scooter, soaking wet from the rain. Or driving into town shivering with the cold. Mobility scooter canopies come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you want to ensure you get one that works with your style of mobility scooter. And also consider having blankets to use inside the canopy to help keep you snug and warm while travelling.
While a good mobility scooter canopy can keep the majority of the water away from the scooter, it is a good idea to keep it somewhere dry, so all the rest of the parts can naturally dry after wet use. A garage, a shed or even a conservatory or part of the house is the ideal place to store the mobility scooter, allowing moisture to evaporate and the scooter to naturally dry when not in use.
Keeping your mobility scooter fully charged is a standard part of owning a mobility scooter. Sometimes, in very cold weather, mobility scooter batteries can lose their charge a little quicker than normal. So it is worth keeping an extra eye on those charge levels to ensure the mobility scooter is ready when you need it. Overnight charging is the best option and keeps an eye on the manufacturer’s recommendation about how often you need to replace your battery.
In the worst of the weather, it is definitely the wheels on the mobility scooter than do the hardest work and these are the part you need to protect the most. It is a good idea to have someone inspect the wheels as the summer is coming to an end to make sure they are in good condition and have plenty of tread – just like with a car. And if there are signs of wear or the tread isn’t good, you may want to replace them before the wet and icy conditions come along, when the tread is needed the most.
In the cold weather, there’s the temptation to really wrap up well when you go outside, and this is a good thing. But always remember that whatever you wear, you need to be able to operate the mobility scooter properly. You also want to be able to sit comfortably on the scooter and not feel your clothes are stopping you sitting in the seat.
Add a high visibility jacket as a final clothing layer as the duller days come along and if you have a mobility scooter for use on the road, make sure your lights are bright and clean, so you can be seen at all times.
For many mobility scooter users, there’s a determination not to let the weather stop you where possible. Just because it is raining, you shouldn’t have to stay in the house. The key to having this all-weather freedom is to have protection for yourself and your mobility scooter and there are a few different options available.
The mobility scooter rain cape is a perfect solution for light weather conditions that offers head to toe protection for you and your mobility scooter. These are designed for three or four wheel mobility scooters and feature Velcro slots to easily fit over mirrors and mean you can still see all around yourself. There are clear panels at the front of the rain cape so you can see the different controls on the mobility scooter and also so that you can use lights if your model has them.
Rain capes also come with night time reflective safety strips which are ideal in low light, rainy day conditions. They are simple to use with a climb in and out style and a single zip fastening to close them up. Some styles also have elasticated hems so that the rain cape doesn’t blow up and stays in place around the bottom of the mobility scooter.
If you want something simple to protect yourself, then there are other options. The easy fit mac is ideal to cover yourself and includes Velcro neck fastening as well as soft cuffing at the wrists. These cover down to your knees and have a drawstring hood to protect your head.
The other option is a mobility scooter cosy which slips over the back of the seat of the mobility scooter and creates a pocket for you to sit in. It zips up to chest level and has an inner fleece to make it warm as well as protective.
If you need any help, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
When you have a mobility scooter you want to be able to use it all year round. Most types of mobility scooters can easily take on the normal weather we get even in the winter, but they do need a little assistance and extra consideration. Here are some tips to get your mobility scooter ready for winter and make sure it can handle the cold months.
There are likely to be times when you want to go out, but it is raining or even snowing. As long as conditions are otherwise safe, then all you need is one of the different mobility scooter rain canopies available to protect you and the mobility scooter and you are much more weatherproof.
There are various types of mobility scooter rain capes and canopies available that range from pocket styles that cover your legs through to entire canopies that cover you and the scooter with clear panels with things like the lights and instrument panel. Using one of these protects you and the mobility scooter and means you don’t become housebound in the bad weather – but always be cautious that the rain isn’t too heavy, or the snow makes going out dangerous.
As the dark nights come in, keeping visible when on your mobility scooter becomes even more important. If your mobility scooter has lights, make sure they are clean and bright, so other vehicles can see you. When the sun goes down as early as 3:30 pm or there is rain or mist making visibility less than normal, you need to take steps to ensure you can be seen.
One idea is to add an outer layer with high visibility stripes on them, so you can be seen. Some of the different rain canopies also include reflectors on them to help make you more visible in the weather. Even consider those headlight bands that some cyclists use if you think it might help.
Just like on a car, the wheels on your mobility scooter need to be in top condition for winter to handle the conditions. Everything from ice and snow to dead leaves can make the road surface tricky so you want to be certain your wheels can handle it.
Most mobility scooters have chunky tyres with extra grippy thread that are durable and long-lasting. But like car tyres, they do wear so it is worth checking the tyres before winter comes around and see if they need to be replaced before the weather turns. If you are unsure what they should be like, call an expert who can check them for you.
Cold weather can cause problems for mobility scooter batteries meaning they don’t charge as well or don’t hold their charge as long. Be extra vigilant about your mobility scooter battery and power levels in this weather to make sure you don’t run out of power somewhere. Make sure you charge the battery overnight, every night even if you hardly used it during the day. When you are out, make sure that the battery power is enough to get you home.
Going out in a light rain shower is one thing but being on a mobility scooter in high winds and snow is a bad idea. But the weather can change quickly. So get in the habit of checking the forecast and even looking at it while you are out if you have a smartphone so there are no nasty surprises in the weather. And make sure to wear plenty of cold weather gear when you are on your mobility scooter as they don’t offer the protection of a car.
If you need any help, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
For many people, reduced mobility can mean that getting around is a lot more difficult than it used to be. Having a mobility scooter, however, can make a huge difference to the quality of life. Scooters can cost anything from a few hundred pounds upwards of £5000 depending on the model and size. But is there any help out there such as a grant for mobility scooters?
Motability charity
One of the top places to go to see if you can get a grant or other help with the cost of a mobility scooter is the Motability charity. They help people with mobility problems to get a car, scooter or electric wheelchair to improve their ability to get around and give them greater freedom.
You can join their scheme if you receive one of a number of benefits:
Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
Enhance rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Once you are accepted for the scheme you can look at getting a mobility scooter along with accessories such as spare electric mobility scooter batteries and mobility scooter canopies that allow you to use your scooter in all weather.
AFTAID
AFTAID is another charity who offer a range of grant requests to older people on low incomes. hey offer grants for mobility scooters as well as a whole range of other items to help make life easier including rise/recliner chairs and walk-in showers.
Their criteria are that you must be a UK citizen aged 65 or above. You must be on a low income and have no savings or only a very minimal amount. You also need written confirmation from a medical professional that the scooter is required. Then they can look at offering a grant to help with the cost of the scooter.
Get in touch with Lifelight Mobility for more information on Mobility Scooter. Visit our shop to purchase a new mobility scooter or the spare parts.
If you have a long term or permanent mobility issue, then you can get help from the NHS to make getting around easier. Depending on the condition and your mobility, this might mean anything from walking sticks to a mobility scooter.
Starting out
To start with, you will see a physiotherapist or other medical professional who will assess what you need. For example:
· Walking sticks are great if you have good mobility but need extra confidence or a boost to your balance
· Walking frames offer a greater support than walking sticks for people who can still get around
· Wheelchairs are for people who need full support to get around
· Mobility scooters are for people who are able-bodied enough not to need a wheelchair but have limited mobility and want greater freedom
Wheelchairs and scooters
There are lots of different types of wheelchairs and scooters that offer different features. Most are either electric powered or sometimes self-propelled or pushed by another person. They can be used indoors or outdoors and often need to go into a car to cover greater distances.
When deciding which one is best for you, a medical professional will look at things like:
· Your physical ability – if you can stand up, a scooter is ideal but otherwise, a wheelchair may be needed
· How you will use it – do you need to get upstairs or through narrow doors that would mean a scooter wouldn’t fit?
Other considerations like if you have somewhere to charge electric mobility scooter batteries when they are not in use and how far you want to be able to travel with your scooter. If you want to use it in winter, then things like the ability to add mobility scooter canopies will also factor in as these often can’t be added to wheelchairs due to their design.
How to get a wheelchair or scooter
Wheelchairs are often provided by the NHS depending on your location and the nature of your condition. Sometimes these will be on a loan basis while other times they may be provided permanently. The NHS doesn’t provide you with mobility scooters because they don’t tend to own them.
However, there are other options to help you with the cost of a scooter if this proves to be the best option for you. For starters, there’s the Motability Scheme which can help with the cost of hiring or buying an electric wheelchair or scooter. This is a not-for-profit scheme that is for people receiving the high-rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
Buying a mobility scooter
The other option when it comes to getting the scooter you want is to buy one and there are lots of specialists out there who can help with this. There is a great range of scooters with costs starting from just £400 up to as much as £5,000 for larger, roadworthy models.
It is important to have a clear idea of what scooter would be best for you and also what you want it to be able to do. For example, some smaller scooters are ideal to fold up in the car while other bigger models are designed to use on the road but don’t fold up.
Also look at things like the extras – spare batteries, weatherproof canopies and other accessories such as spare tyres that will help with what you want to use the scooter for. Ask about parts if there is a breakdown and how easy it is to get the scooter fixed as you don’t want to be left without it once you are used to using it.
If you need any help, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
There are lots of concerns and questions when you are buying a mobility scooter, but the questions should always start with the basics – what type of mobility scooter suits your needs? There are three main types of scooter – small, medium and large road-legal. But what makes these different as well as just size?
Small scooters
Small mobility scooters are the ones that are easy to dismantle to pop into the boot of a car and have a light frame that can easily be lifted. This also means there are some limits to them including how heavy the person using them can be and how far they can travel.
Most have a maximum weight capacity of around 21 stone, depending on the model. Because they use the smaller version ofmobility batteries for scooters, they typically only have a range of around 10 miles.
Medium scooters
Medium mobility scooters are also known as Class 2 and 3 scooters and can travel at speed of up to 6mph with some models. They can usually hold someone up to 25 stone in weight depending on the model and typically can have a range of around 20 miles on a single mobility battery charge. Some can be dismantled to transport in the boot of the car while others can’t. If they have road tax, some models can be used on the road.
Large road worthy scooters
These are the biggest of the mobility scooters and can be used on the road up to 8mph and have extras such asmobility scooter canopies added to them to make them suitable for all weather. These mobility scooters are the largest models that aren’t able to fold into cars but have a much bigger maximum capacity, often up to 30 stone. And with road tax, they can be used on most roads apart from dual carriageways and motorways. They can usually travel 25-30 miles on one mobility battery charge.
If you decide that a mobility scooter might be the right solution to your problem, there’s lots of help out there to get the right one. But it is still nice to understand what all the different options mean so here’s our beginners guide to choosing the right mobility scooter.
Mobility scooter basics
There are several variations of mobility scooter and different models within each. Class 2 mobility scooters are the ones that can be used on pavement and in shopping areas. So if you can get to your local shopping mall, you can then use the mobility scooter to move around the shops. These are lighter and smaller than the mobility scooters designed for the road and can have three, four or even five wheels.
Class 3 mobility scooters are those designed to be used on the road. These are larger and heavier, and you can use them on any roads apart from motorways and dual carriagew
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