Power Chair Battery Not Holding a Charge? What to Check Before You Call

Quick Checks: Power Chair Battery Not Holding a Charge

Always follow your chair's manual. Don't open the battery box or handle the batteries yourself.

1. Charger and outlet: Make sure the charger is plugged into a working outlet and firmly connected to the chair. Try a different outlet. Look at the charger lights; your manual explains what they mean.
2. Cables and connections: Look at the charger cord, the charging port and the joystick cable for cracks, bent pins or loose plugs. Don't force anything.
3. Charge fully overnight: Let the charger finish its cycle. Unplugging early can leave you with less range. Try not to run the batteries completely flat.
4. Battery gauge: After a full charge, note the reading on the joystick gauge. Does it drop quickly or suddenly as you drive?
5. Range over time: Compare how far the chair goes now with a few weeks ago. A slow drop points to wear. A sudden drop points to a problem for a technician.
6. Heat, cold and storage: Very hot or cold spots and long periods of storage can affect how batteries perform.

If your chair won't move at all, see our guide: Power Chair Won't Move or Died While You're Out? What to Check and When to Call for Repair.

When to Call a Technician

Stop using the chair and call us right away if you notice a burning smell, heat, swelling or leaking. Don't open the battery box or handle damaged, swollen, leaking or hot batteries.

Also call us if:

• The chair won't hold a charge after a full overnight charge.
• The range keeps getting shorter.
• The charger doesn't light up, or the lights show a fault listed in your manual.
• You see cracked cords, bent pins or loose or damaged connectors.
• The chair cuts out or slows down suddenly.

Our team includes certified ATPs, we're Florida licensed, and we repair most brands, including Permobil, Sunrise Medical, Pride, Invacare, TiLite and more. Choose a Mobility House Call, where we come to you, or drop off your chair at our Stuart office. Warranty coverage depends on the repair and the parts used. We'll explain what applies before any work begins.

Learn more about our mobility repairs, service and sales, or call (772) 277-7746.

Need a Power Chair or a Replacement?

If your chair is past repair, or you or a loved one may need a power chair, we can help you find the right fit. Power chairs can be rented or bought. See our power wheelchair rentals and sales or call (772) 277-7746.