SCOOTERS

Weight Capacity - Click here.

Performance: Power and Speed - Click here.

Range - How far can you go? -Click here.

Tires - What size? What type? -Click here.

Drive types -Click here.

Seating - Standard or custom? -Click here.

Dimensions -Click here.

Batteries -Most scooters and powerwheelchairs utilize gel cell or sealed lead acid batteries. These batteries come in a range of different sizes and strengths and their application is usually determined by the weight rating of the scooter or powerchair. Of course, larger batteries for higher weight ratings or more demanding performance requirments. Before you purchase a scooter, a brief check on what your requirements for power should be is a good thing to be pondered. Too often we see the expections of the end user unmet when a little forethought could have met them with no problem. 32 to 33 Amp hr. (U-1)batteries are generally used for weight ratings up to 300 lbs. but start to get questionable at 350 lbs if you have to negotiate ramps or steeper grades in the environment of intended use. More Amp hrs on the battery not only means increased range but greater depth of power when place under higher load conditions eg. hills, ramps, loose dirt, etc. with the higher weight load. Some scooters, (Pride Legend and Celebrity, Shoprider XL) can accomodate a larger size battery such as a 40 Ah. as an option. When a scooter has this option, it simply means that there is enough room in the battery storage area to fit the larger casing of the stronger battery. The next size up, Group 22, uses the same size casing in a variety of Amp Hr ratings usually 50 to 60 AH. Group 24 are the same way with ratings of 65 to 80 Ah. So when some says "this scooter uses Gr 22 or 24 batteries" remember that there is a range of Ah choices in these classes and the price usually follows the number of Amp hrs in the battery. You usually get what you pay for so if you need more power for your requirements in a scooter then spend the extra bucks on the larger batteries if they will fit. There's nothing worse than getting stuck with something that you are not happy with in an effort to save a couple of dollars and this is more true with scooters than just about anything because most scooter users are on them everyday.
How do you know what are good batteries? There are many brands out there and most are made by the same manufacturer and sold under a different name. Regardless, a "good battery" is one that is time tested by the scooter dealer and even more so by the actual battery supplier. Neither wants batteries coming back but it is the supplier who is most concerned since he may working with a number of scooter dealers. A reputable dealer will make sure he is supplying his customers with a time tested quality product, one that may cost a little more but one that he knows will do a good job. A less reputable dealer will try to pass off the the cheaper product to make more money but will seldom escape the consequences of time consuming paperwork, extra product handling, and negative customer sentiment.
As far as caring for your batteries, the sealed lead acid and gel batteries are slow charging "trickle" type batteries which must be charged at a slower rate. Your average charger for these types of batteries ranges from 1.5 to 3 amps. Some people prefer to use higher amp chargers for quicker charges but this is not recommended all the time since it is harder on the battery. Also, these are not nicad type batteries which must be discharged totally for max performance and there is not really a "memory". Keep a good charge on them, never discharge them completely, and theyll work fine. Just keep in mind that what wears a battery out the most is continuous charging and discharging.

Basically, if you use your scooter alot (charging and discharging also called a charging cycle), expect to go through batteries faster. Its that simple. We carry a premium U-1 33 Ah battery which will go through 400 to 500 charging cycles which is phenomenal. It costs more but you get more for your money. (click on "Batteries" page link.)
Keep a good charge on them, no extreme heat or

Transportability -Do I need a lift? -Click here.

Selecting a scooter -Click here.