Lithium Mobility Batteries

How do lithium batteries differ from the traditional lead acid and gel mobility batteries?

The energy density of lithium-ion is typically ten times that of the standard lead acid battery. This means there is higher energy density potential. Essentially, it equates to a longer life span and a lighter weight (approx. one third the weight of a lead acid battery) for the same output of power. Like lead acid and gel mobility batteries, Lithium-ion batteries are also maintenance-free and rechargeable. By comparison to lead acid and gel mobility batteries, Lithium-ion batteries have only been on the market for a short time, however, they are changing and improving daily. However, since they are still relatively new, there is still a lot of misconceptions about the uses and benefits of Lithium-ion batteries.

A commonly held idea is that Lithium batteries are only good for powering phones and laptops. This is wrong as there are lithium batteries on the market for solar, telecom, backup UPS systems, portable power, golf carts, mobility scooters, military vehicles, boats, cars, RVs and electric vehicles. If a vehicle can be powered with lead acid batteries, there is a comparable lithium-ion battery on the market that is more lightweight and durable.

Lithium batteries discharge evenly over their cycle unlike lead acid, AGM or Gel mobility batteries. You will not only get at least 40% more range but your scooter or powerchair will not slow down and labour up hills any more. The speed of your scooter or powerchair will not be altered by Lithium-ion batteries, it will just be more even and consistent.

Another myth is that Lithium batteries are a fire hazard. Again, this is incorrect, our Lithium-ion batteries are completely safe for use. The cells in our lithium batteries have been tested and proven over the last 15 years. Coupled with that the Battery Management Systems (PCB) have been designed over years of experience. The manufacturing processes include various safeguards to protect against fire hazards. For example, there are safety mechanisms within the battery cell to prevent overheating and a device to prevent power surges. 

What about charging our Lithium batteries? Do you need a special Lithium-ion charger? Conveniently, most mobility chargers work for lithium-ion purposes. However, we do recommend that you use a lithium battery charger to get the optimum life out of your batteries. The lithium charging algorithm is very similar to that of absorbent glass mat (AGM) and gel mobility batteries, most mobility chargers will simply adjust to charge the Lithium batteries adequately. The on-board battery management system on each Lithium battery will ensure your current charger works as it does with your current batteries. Once again, though, we recommend you use a lithium battery charger to get the most out of the lithium batteries.

Another misconception is that there is not much of a difference in the life span for lead acid or gel mobility batteries and lithium-ion batteries. A single lithium battery lasts 10 times longer than its lead acid counterpart. The life span of batteries is measured in cycles - how many times a battery can be drained and recharged before it needs to be replaced. AGM mobility batteries offer around 500 cycles at 80% DOD (depth of discharge), gel mobility batteries offer around 800 cycles at 80% DOD and lithium offers 5000 cycles at 80% DOD. If you used and charged your mobility scooter or powerchair fitted with lithium batteries once a day, it would offer more than 13 years of life, while the standard AGM and Gel mobility batteries last less than two years.

The initial cost of lithium is worth the long-term value. Each of our Lithium-ion batteries comes with a 5-year warranty.

This leads to our next misconception that Lithium-ion batteries are too expensive to be practical. Yes, the upfront cost is a lot more than AGM or Gel mobility batteries, however, you will get 10 times the life out of Lithium-ion batteries. Look at the replacement cost of your AGM or Gel mobility batteries and multiply it by 10, now compare it to the price of the equivalent Lithium-ion battery. Which is more expensive now?

Will there be a Lithium-ion battery to fit my scooter or powerchair? Absolutely, yes! Our Lithium-ion batteries come in the same case size as AGM or Gel mobility batteries so they can be fitted easily as direct replacements.

Lithium batteries are the perfect green alternative to lead acid batteries. Not only does the long lifespan of lithium batteries generate less waste than lead acid batteries, which are frequently purchased and thrown away, but lithium battery parts are also recyclable.