How to Choose an Electric Wheelchair (Batteries: Lead-Acid vs. Lithium-Ion)

The least considered factor when purchasing an electric wheelchair is the battery. But it also dictates your daily commute, the time you spend to be recharged, the frequency of battery replacement and even the ease of flying by air. The two prevailing technologies are lead acid (old-fashioned, heavy, cheap) and lithium ion (new, lightweight, high-quality). In Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd., we provide both alternatives on our aluminium, carbon fiber, steel and magnesium powered wheelchairs. There are four major comparisons to make a choice below.

Weight and Portability

Lead acid batteries are heavy. A 12V, 35Ah lead acid battery is a weight of 10 12 kg. The electric wheelchair has two batteries (24V system), which contributes 20-24 kg to the weight, only to get power. That weight causes it to be hard to lift the chair to a car trunk or to climb stairs.

The weight of lithium ion batteries is 60-70% lower than that of the same capacity. A similar lithium pack has a total weight of 4-6 kg. Our aluminium and carbon fiber-based power wheelchairs with lithium, usually weigh less than 18-25 kg, compared to 35-45 kg with lead acid. Lithium ion is the obvious winner in case you travel a lot, have to move your chair, or lack the support of a caregiver.

Range and Runtime

The capacity of the batteries is expressed in ampere hours (Ah) or watt hours (Wh). The peukert effect afflicts lead acid batteries: the higher the current rate, the lower the usable capacity. Practically, a lead acid pair of 35Ah may only provide 25-30Ah when driving in reality.

Lithium ion batteries provide almost their full rated capacity at any rate of discharge. The practical range of a 20Ah lithium pack is equal to a 35Ah lead acid pack. Also, lithium does not reduce the voltage as the battery gets depleted, and as a result, your wheelchair does not slow down. Lithium has a superior run time among users who require uninterrupted range of days out.

Charging Time and Lifespan

Lead acid batteries normally require 6-10 hours to be fully charged and must be recharged after usage to avoid sulfation (permanent capacity loss). They have a life of 300-500 charge cycles (approximately 1-2 years on a daily basis).

Lithium ion batteries can be charged back up, and take 2-4 hours to charge. They last 1,000-2,000 cycles (4-8 years). Lithium will be cheaper over the life of the wheelchair even though initially it may be more expensive since you change it half the time. Lithium is the preferable investment for users who pay daily and do not like experiencing downtime.

Airline Compliance and Safety

This is what makes many travelers to break the deal. Aircraft are severely restricted in the use of lead acid batteries (spillable or sealed). Most airlines demand them to be taken off and transported as hazardous material- impractical to most users.

Most airlines allow lithium ion batteries less than 300 watt hours (Wh) on mobility devices, but you might be required to take the battery out and bring it on board. Our lithium pack power wheelchairs are made of carbon fiber and aluminium and have quick release battery trays to ensure that air travel is compliant and feasible. Lithium is necessary in case you fly regularly.

Conclusion

Select lead acid batteries when: you are only indoor or local to your house, you have somebody to carry the heavy weight, and you hardly fly. Select lithium ion when: you are concerned about portability, require extensive and sustained range, require quicker charging, or plane travel.

We have both types of batteries in our entire product line in Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd. Our production area is more than 20,000 m2 with 4 assembly lines, where we assist you to choose the correct power source to your lifestyle. Today, call us to discuss the lead acid and lithium alternatives to your next electric wheelchair.