Several factors affect battery range in a mobility scooter, one of which is cold weather. During the winter and in chillier conditions, mobility scooter batteries will certainly offer fewer miles per charge. However, there are ways to maximise your battery range.
What factors affect mobility scooter range?
Manufacturers often provide a maximum range for their mobility scooters. This results from testing in preferable conditions to indicate the furthest possible distance per charge. The maximum range of a mobility scooter varies depending on factors such as driver weight, temperature and the driving environment. It’s worth noting that some manufacturers post more realistic maximum ranges than others. At A6 Mobility Shop, we are always keen to point out that whilst the advertised maximum range is a useful indication of battery performance, you should always consider that your ‘real world’ range may be less depending on the following factors:
Temperature
It is undisputed that cold temperatures reduce battery performance. In electric cars, for example, drivers can expect up to 35% less range per charge in very cold weather. The same principles apply to mobility scooters. For a mobility scooter that offers a maximum range of 12 miles, we would expect a drop to 8 miles or less in winter. Cold weather can also cause excessive wear and tear on your battery, leading it to degrade faster.
Inclines and Terrain
Driving uphill and over loose terrain, for example, requires more energy than driving on a smooth flat surface with no resistance. Routes with more inclines will result in fewer miles per charge as the motor and batteries work harder.
Driver Weight
Mobility scooters carrying more weight will achieve fewer miles per charge compared to those with a lighter load. For example, the Pride Alumalite Plus mobility scooter with a 12AH lithium battery has maximum range readings for 2 different driver weights. A driver weighing 21.4 stone can expect a maximum travel range of up to 8.9 miles. Meanwhile, a driver weighing 14.3 stone could achieve up to 11.5 miles per charge.
Battery Age and Condition
It is normal for mobility scooter batteries to naturally degrade with age. This shouldn’t affect speed but does affect the range. In our experience, the lifespan of a well-looked-after lead acid battery is around 3 years. A lithium battery pack usually has a lifespan of over 5 years. Most drivers will notice a small gradual decline in range after 12 months.
Idle Time
Most mobility scooter journeys are stop-start. This could be to talk to friends, wait to cross the road, visit shops, etc. All of these mini-stops add up to reduce battery range as the scooter sits turned on but not moving. Many modern scooters automatically turn off after several minutes of inactivity to preserve battery power.
How to Maximise Mobility Scooter Battery Performance in Winter?
Storage
It is always preferable to store your mobility scooter in a dry, warm environment. However, we know this isn’t always possible. If your mobility scooter is stored outside or in a cold shed/garage, we recommend bringing your batteries inside during cold weather. This is usually only possible with ‘boot scooters’ fitted with removable battery packs. If outside, it is essential to cover your mobility scooter and protect it from rain.
Charging
Follow manufacturer guidance on charging your mobility scooter. This should help keep the batteries in optimal condition. This advice may vary depending on the make/model of your mobility scooter and also the type of battery. If you bought your scooter from A6 Mobility Shop and need advice, feel free to contact us.
Turn Off
Turning your scooter off when not driving is an easy way to preserve battery life. Even if you stop for a couple of minutes, by turning the scooter off you’ll save energy. This habit could add up to improve your travel range.
Replace Old Batteries
Replacing old or worn batteries will prevent you from running out of charge. Avoid cheap batteries from online sellers. Buying poor-quality batteries will be more expensive in the long run. In our experience, it’s best to have decent branded batteries from a reputable supplier.
Discover more tips on how to prepare your mobility scooter for the winter months.
Using a Mobility Scooter in Winter
If you are seeing a drop in your mobility scooter’s range in colder conditions, this is normal battery behaviour and isn’t usually something to be concerned about. However, if you see a significant decrease in range, it may be time to replace your batteries.
If you are in the market for a new mobility scooter, it’s worth taking into account the impact of cold weather and other factors. For example, if you want to travel 8 miles per charge, you should look for a model with an advertised maximum range of over 12 miles to ensure you have enough leeway for variable conditions.
Discover the best mobility scooters for the winter.
Our knowledgeable mobility specialists and qualified engineers are on hand to help with any queries you may have.
For the best selection of mobility scooters and personalised recommendations, visit A6 Mobility Shop. You can contact us via phone at 0161 429 6000 or visit our showroom in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
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