Types of Mobility Batteries: Pros & Cons

Deep Cycle AGM and Gel Sealed Lead Acid are the most common mobility batteries and both are mobility batteries that we are proud to manufacturer, distribute, and sell here at MK Battery. Both of these are fantastic batteries, especially when used in mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, golf carts, and similar devices. But while both of these mobility batteries will serve you well, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The following is a quick look at those to help you determine the best battery for your needs.

Types of Mobility Batteries: Pros & Cons

What They Have In Common

First, let's talk about what these two mobility batteries have in common. Both the deep-cycle AGM and gel sealed lead acid battery have the following shared characteristics:

• Both are fully sealed for the big benefit of being virtually maintenance-free.
• Both are deep-cycle, meaning that they can be regularly discharged of most of their stored charge.
• Both are low self-discharge, meaning they are less prone to draining a significant amount of their charge.
• Both are safe for use in areas with limited ventilation.

Defining the Differences

It is because of these big shared characteristics that both AGM and gel lead-acid batteries are great for use in mobility devices. But remember, there still are differences (which we'll outline below), and the cause of the differences is primarily due to the volume and makeup of the electrolytes in each battery. Electrolytes are what power the battery and thereby power your mobility device. 

In an AGM battery, the electrolytes exist as a liquid held between absorbent glass mats and those mats separate the two battery plates. This liquid acid substance within the AGM battery provides a higher discharge rate which results in more power but over a shorter period.

In a gel battery, the electrolytes exist as a gel-like substance that separates the two battery plates. The thicker gel of the gel battery provides a slower discharge rate which results in sufficient power over an extended period.

Mobility Batteries Pros & Cons

The AGM Battery

With AGM batteries, their biggest benefit is the increased power they can provide. If you regularly take your mobility device on long day journeys, then we recommend the AGM battery. AGM batteries also are the least expensive mobility batteries, making them a good budget choice. 

However, while the AGM battery does offer excellent power, it burns out faster than alternative mobility batteries. To get the most out of the lifespan of an AGM battery, one should avoid ever going below a 50% discharge and always recharge overnight.

The Gel Battery

The slower discharge rate of a gel battery makes it a great choice for those who use their mobility device every day for a long part of the day but don't need high power to do so. The make-up of a gel battery also makes it a good choice for use in higher temperatures and more humid climates. You can also discharge a gel battery to up to 90% of its charge and won't risk any damage to it or any subsequent loss of performance. Furthermore, they have an overall greater lifespan than any AGM battery. 

Of course, all of these benefits come with a cost. Literally. Gel mobility batteries are undoubtedly the better choice when it comes to most mobility needs, however, due to a higher quality design, they are a higher sticker price. 

Learn More About Costs & Order Your Mobility Batteries Today

For more information about the cost differences, or any other differences between AGM and gel mobility batteries, give our team at MK Battery a call today.