The difference between gel and AGM batteries

Mobility scooters provide an important way of getting around for many people across the United Kingdom. Those who are recovering from long-term injuries may need them to simply live their life as normal as they can, and others may need them as a permanent fixture in their lives to get out, run errands and see friends. If you’re going to be using a mobility scooter for a long time, you may be wondering how best to preserve their battery life. There are two main types of battery for mobility scooters: gel and AGM. If it’s not just price you’re looking at, here’s a little more information on both kinds.

AGM

One obvious bonus to AGM batteries is that they are much more cost-effective to produce, which means that they are inevitably much cheaper. If you prefer to choose price over anything else, then an AGM battery might already be your top choice. On top of this, they also have less of an internal resistance.

Remember to be careful about how you charge this type of battery: they like to be charged for a long period of time on a much lower voltage. The reason for this is they are very sensitive to overcharging. Although gel batteries are known to last for a very long time, and may even have a much longer life, AGM batteries are also known to last for years at a time.

Gel

While gel batteries might be a bit more on the expensive side, they are, however, much safer – if this is something that appeals to you. The reason for this is, because of the gel-like substance inside of them, they don’t have to be stored upright to avoid spillages. However, a drawback is that they also don’t perform well in cold temperatures – so if you happen to live somewhere that is regularly frosty, you may wish to get some expert advice on the matter.

They also may not necessarily hold an equal amount of power capacity to AGM batteries. However, they are completely maintenance free, which could be a huge bonus. Gel batteries also have a slow discharge rate, meaning they are a great long-life option. However, it’s wise to ensure that they are charged correctly. Failing to do so could result in them failing early.

Remembering to charge them in the correct way does mean that you will get at least an extra year’s life out of them so that it could be a worthwhile option.

If you’ve come to a decision or would like to browse for a little more information on mobility scooter batteries, then looking online for gel & AGM scooter batteries could help you find the right option.

If you’re looking for the right battery for your mobility scooter, you will have several components to consider: how much does price, longevity and overall safety matter to you? It may well come down to one or maybe a few of these futures, particularly if you are likely to be using your mobility scooter for many years.