The battery is the lifeline of your Personal Mobility Aid (PMA). Proper battery care is crucial, especially in Singapore’s tropical climate, which can affect battery performance and lifespan. By following a few simple tips, you can extend the life of your battery, save on replacement costs, and ensure your PMA is always ready to go.
1. Charge Consistently, but Not Excessively
The “golden rule” of battery care is to charge frequently, but not fully discharge.
Do: Try to charge your PMA battery after every use, even if it was a short trip. Keeping the charge level topped up is healthier for the battery cells than letting it drain to a very low level.
Don’t: Don’t let your battery sit for long periods at 0% charge. This can cause unnecessary stress on the battery and reduce its capacity over time.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Batteries are sensitive to heat.
Do: Store your PMA in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A shaded area or indoors is ideal.
Don’t: Never leave your PMA charging in a hot car boot or under the scorching sun for extended periods. The heat will accelerate battery degradation.
3. Use the Correct Charger
Not all chargers are created equal. Using an incompatible charger can severely damage your battery.
Do: Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer or a certified replacement from a trusted repair shop like DrWheelchair.
Don’t: Avoid using cheap, generic chargers that are not specifically designed for your PMA model. This is a common mistake that can lead to irreparable battery damage or even a fire hazard.
4. Perform a “Refresh” Charge
If you plan to store your PMA for more than a month (e.g., if you’re on holiday), a simple maintenance tip can save you a lot of trouble.
Do: Before storing, charge the battery to 100% capacity. Then, check on it every few weeks and give it a quick top-up charge to prevent the battery from going completely flat, which can make it impossible to recharge later.
5. Know When It’s Time for a Replacement
Even with the best care, all batteries have a finite lifespan, typically 9months -2 years depending on battery type & usage.
Signs of a dying battery:
- The PMA’s range is noticeably reduced.
- The battery takes a very short time to charge, or the charger light never turns green.
- The battery pack feels unusually hot during charging.
Our Solution:
If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to consider a professional battery replacement. At DrWheelchair, we provide a free battery health check and can replace your old battery with a new, certified one, restoring your device’s performance and giving you peace of mind.