Mobility scooters are rechargeable, so naturally, they’re powered by batteries – and sometimes, we need to replace these to get the most out of our mobility aids. So what kind of batteries are we looking at? Power wheelchair and mobility scooter batteries can be sealed lead acid (SLA) or lithium, with SLA batteries being spillage-free and sealed, and therefore travel-safe. Sealed lead acid batteries can be either gel-cell types or absorbed glass mat (AGM) varieties, though the latter has gained more popularity due to its more efficient rechargeability, discharge and charge cycles. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, need to be separately stowed into protective casing for air travel, and tend to be more expensive. Typically, mobility scooters use battery packs of two 12 volt batteries – 24 volts altogether. The output, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), determines the size of the battery and its suitability to your scooter – the higher the power your scooter demands, the higher the Ah and the larger the battery you’ll be needing – for instance for an outdoor scooter intended for inclines compared to an indoor scooter. For the purpose of this article, we’ve rounded up our best picks of universal U1 batteries, which work not only for powering mobility scooters but also motorized wheelchairs, golf carts, alarm systems, toy cars and more, as well as batteries which will be compatible with most standard scooters intended for indoor or moderate outdoor use rather than specialized, all-terrain scooters.
Typically, mobility scooters use battery packs of two 12 volt batteries – 24 volts altogether. The output, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), determines the size of the battery and its suitability to your scooter – the higher the power your scooter demands, the higher the Ah and the larger the battery you’ll be needing – for instance for an outdoor scooter intended for inclines compared to an indoor scooter. For the purpose of this article, we’ve rounded up our best picks of universal U1 batteries, which work not only for powering mobility scooters but also motorized wheelchairs, golf carts, alarm systems, toy cars and more, as well as batteries which will be compatible with most standard scooters intended for indoor or moderate outdoor use rather than specialized, all-terrain scooters.
KEN’S PICK
Universal Power Group UB12350 (Group U1) Battery
This pair of 12 volt UB12350 batteries gives you the complete set for a mobility scooter requiring an output of 35 Ah, convenient and cost-effective, especially as it’s imperative you use the same batteries of the same type and from the same manufacturer in a battery pack for your scooter. These sealed lead acid batteries have the benefits of being spillage-free, and FAA compliant for air travel without needing additional protective casing as is the case with lithium batteries. Of the absorbed glass mat (AGM) variety, these batteries are also great at holding their charge, as well as charging and discharging more efficiently. Great for powering not just scooters – and compatible with any scooter specifying the stats 12V, 35Ah, U1 – but also wheelchairs, solar panels and motorbikes, these reliable and efficient rechargeable batteries can last you up to 8 to 9 hours at full charge, and 12 hours on stand by.
KEN’S BUDGET PICK
ExpertPower EXP12120 12 Volt 12 Amp Rechargeable Battery
The 12 volt battery delivers an output of 12 amps, with these units being better suited for lightweight mobility scooters intended for indoor or indoor-outdoor use – typically suited to the more sedate speeds of three-wheeled scooters used to maneuver indoors as a nimble and more compact unit or to take to even outdoor spaces like pavements or shopping streets and centres. With F2 style terminals, this sealed lead acid battery is both more affordable compared to lithium batteries and travel ready when you need to be on the go. Of the absorbed glass mat (AGM) variety, the electrolyte of these batteries is suspended in close contact with the plates, preferred over gel-cell batteries since they improve efficiency in chargeability and discharge, and are completely spill-proof and safe. Not requiring any additional maintenance and intuitive to insert and replace, these batteries are protected by high impact-resistant cases of non-conductive ABS plastic, built for shock absorptiveness and durability. This is essential, as many scooters come with disassembly mechanisms that allow us to take the scooter apart for transport, and the rugged outer shell can protect the battery pack from damage when we’re on the go.
RUNNER-UP
Universal Power Group UB12120 F2 Terminal Battery
The 12 volt unit generates an output of 12 Ah suitable for low power requiring scooters intended for indoor use and low range travels outdoors in even, low-traffic spaces. Sealed lead acid makes this a non-spillage, travel-safe and FAA compliant battery unit to take with you on the go, especially for air travels, and is a compatible replacement for NP12-12, UB12120 (D5775), PS-12120, YT-12120D, RT12120 and LP12-12 units. It also bears a guarantee for compatibility with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) batteries (simply put, OEMs are brands reselling a different manufacturer’s product under their own label, licenses and warranties). Apart from electric mobility scooters, these batteries are also used to power fire and burglar alarms, wheelchairs and other mobility aids and emergency lighting systems.
RUNNER-UP
Powersonic PS-12120F2 Battery
Another 12 volt unit delivering an output of 12 Ah per unit, this sealed lead acid battery has dimensions of 5.95 inch by 3.86 inch by 3.70 inch, the sturdy construction and protective casing making this a maintenance-free unit as well as a spillage proof and travel friendly battery to carry with you. This battery can be used with mobility scooters, UPS systems, fire and burglar alarms and kids’ toy cars. These batteries also replace the Panasonic LC-RA1212P.