Wheelchair batteries are an essential component of electric wheelchairs, providing the power necessary to move and operate the chair. However, in order to function properly, these wheelchairs require high-quality batteries. By delivering higher performance, longer battery life, and faster charging, the correct battery may improve an individual's mobility experience. There are different types of wheelchair batteries available on the market today, each with its unique features and benefits. In this article, Starlight Power will explore all the information you need to know about wheelchair batteries and explain why LiFePO4 battery pack is the preferable option.
Types of Wheelchair Battery
1. Lead Acid batteries: Lead Acid batteries have been used for many years in electric wheelchairs. Lead Acid batteries offer a good balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. They are also low maintenance and easy to use. There are two kinds of lead-acid batteries: flooded lead-acid batteries and sealed lead-acid batteries (SLA) .
2. Lithium batteries: Lithium batteries are the latest technology in wheelchair batteries. They are more expensive than lead acid batteries, but they offer several advantages. Lithium batteries are lightweight, have a longer lifespan, and are more energy-efficient. They also do not require regular maintenance.
3. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries: NiMH batteries are not as common as Lead Acid batteries or Lithium batteries, but they are still used in some electric wheelchairs. They are similar to Lead Acid batteries in terms of performance and maintenance requirements. However, NiMH batteries have a slightly longer lifespan than Lead Acid batteries.
Why LiFePO4 Battery Packs are Beneficial for Wheelchair Users
1. Battery capacity:
The battery capacity of a wheelchair battery refers to the amount of electrical energy it can store. A higher capacity battery will last longer before needing to be recharged. However, a higher capacity battery is also usually larger and heavier than a lower capacity battery.
2. Battery voltage:
The voltage of a wheelchair battery determines the power output of the motor. Most electric wheelchairs require a 12V, 24V or 36V battery, although some models may require a higher or lower voltage. What we need to know is that in order to get the maximum performance from your wheelchair, it is critical to choose batteries with the same chemistry and battery capacity in Ampere-hours (Ah). Ampere-hours are the number of amps that a battery can provide during one hour. The higher the amp-hour capacity of the battery, the longer your wheelchair will run. When shopping for a wheelchair battery, look for one with a similar chemical composition and amp-hour rating.
3. Battery weight: The weight of a wheelchair battery is an essential factor to consider, especially for people who need to regularly transport their wheelchair. When compared to the large weight of lead acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries can reduce the overall weight of the wheelchair, making it easier for the user to negotiate tight spaces and slopes. This relieves pressure and tension on the user's arms, shoulders, and back, improving comfort and lowering the chance of injury.
Lithium batteries are generally lighter than SLA batteries, which can make a significant difference in overall wheelchair weight. For example, a typical Starlight Power 12v 100ah lifepo4 battery weighs 8.5kg approximately , while the equivalent lead-acid battery may weigh 29.2kg .
4. Battery lifespan: The lifespan of a wheelchair battery depends on several factors, including usage frequency, temperature, and charging habits. Lithium batteries tend to have a longer lifespan than SLA batteries.
5. Battery maintenance: SLA batteries require regular maintenance, such as topping up the electrolyte and checking the battery's voltage. LiFePO4 battery packs are maintenance-free but need to be charged correctly to ensure optimal performance and lifespan.
6. Environmentally Friendly:
Compared to lead-acid batteries, the environmental performance of lithium iron phosphate batteries(LiFePO4 batteries) is reflected in the following aspects:
1). No heavy metal pollution: the main active substances of lead-acid batteries are lead and sulphuric acid, of which lead is a toxic metal, if lead-acid batteries are improperly disposed of, lead will enter the environment and pollute the soil and water. In contrast, the main active substance of lithium iron phosphate batteries is lithium iron phosphate, does not contain toxic and harmful metal elements, use and disposal will not cause pollution to the environment.
2). Production process environmental protection: lithium iron phosphate battery production process is less polluting to the environment, unlike lead-acid batteries require large amounts of energy and water, Starlight power's lithium iron phosphate batteries are produced using modern equipment and high technology level, the production process released by the exhaust gas and wastewater are treated to meet environmental standards.
3). Lithium iron phosphate batteries are 100% recyclable, meaning they may be processed and reused to manufacture new batteries or other goods. When compared to lead-acid batteries, which have a lower recycling rate, this reduces waste and saves resources.
Battery Maintenance and Care
Properly charging the wheelchair battery is crucial to maintaining its performance and lifespan. Here are some tips for charging a wheelchair battery:
1. Use the charger that comes with the battery. Using a different charger may not provide the correct voltage and could damage the battery.
2. Charge the battery before it is completely drained. Charging a battery that has fully discharged can cause damage to the battery, so it is best to charge when the battery reaches 50% charge.
3. Charge the battery in a cool, well-ventilated area. High temperatures can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.
4. If the battery is not going to be used for an extended period, such as several months, store it in a cool, dry place and check it regularly to ensure it is holding its charge.
5.Check the battery connections on a regular basis to ensure they are clean and secure. Loose or corroded connections can cause the battery to malfunction, resulting in decreased battery life and performance.
Conclusion
When shopping for wheelchair batteries, users can consider the factors we have discussed above, such as capacity, voltage, weight and maintenance requirements. With proper care and maintenance, wheelchair batteries can provide reliable power over a long period of time and improve the user's mobility and quality of life.
If there are any more questions about wheelchair batteries, drop us a line and Starlight Power will provide a professional technical Q&A service.
