The battery in your mobility scooter powers your ride, but what powers the battery? Most modern mobility scooters use rechargeable batteries that come with off-board chargers. Similar to a mobile phone, your scooter plugs into a wall outlet to charge, and the energy is stored in the battery for later use.
We will explain the difference between on-board and off-board chargers and how different chargers can impact how far your scooter can travel.
Off-Board vs. On-Board Chargers
An off-board charger is separate from your scooter. It usually consists of a small black box with two cords: one that plugs into a wall outlet and another that plugs into your scooter. The size and shape vary depending on the battery and charger specifications.
Wall outlets supply alternating current (AC) power. AC power travels from the electricity grid into your home. Household items such as fans, microwaves, or hairdryers run on AC power.
Direct current (DC) power, on the other hand, cannot travel long distances, so it is stored in a battery. DC power delivers a steady voltage, making it ideal for electronics such as mobility scooters.
The off-board charger converts AC power from the wall into DC power, which is stored in the battery and ready to power your scooter.
An on-board charger performs this conversion inside the scooter itself. You simply plug the scooter into the wall, and the AC power is converted and stored as DC power without the need for an external charger.
Are All Off-Board Chargers the Same?
No. The type of charger and battery will vary depending on the scooter. Chargers typically range from 2 to 8 amps. Higher amps mean faster charging.
Battery capacity and charger type directly affect the range of your scooter. For example:
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Small batteries with low-amp chargers are suitable for short-range travel, typically 15–20 km per charge.
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Medium batteries with moderate-amp chargers can provide 25–35 km per charge.
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Larger batteries with high-amp chargers may allow travel of 40 km or more, depending on the weight of the rider and scooter.
Other factors, such as terrain, speed, and rider weight, can also affect range.
Lithium-Ion vs. Sealed Lead Batteries
Many modern scooters use lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter, smaller, and more efficient than traditional sealed lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries store more power for their size and can often be charged using either on-board or off-board chargers.
Sealed lead batteries are heavier but still provide reliable power for most standard scooters. Choosing the right battery type depends on how far you intend to travel, portability needs, and personal preference.
