A mobility scooter charger might seem like a small piece of the puzzle, but it plays a big role in keeping you mobile. The right charger ensures your batteries charge fully, safely, and efficiently — so you’re not left stranded or dealing with unreliable performance. Using the wrong charger, or one that’s faulty or worn out, can damage your batteries over time or even pose safety risks like overheating. Whether you're replacing a lost unit, upgrading, or unsure what type your scooter needs, choosing the correct charger helps protect your equipment and keeps you moving confidently around Aotearoa.

Look out for these signs:

✅ Battery light doesn’t come on, or the charger doesn’t power up
✅ Scooter takes much longer to charge than usual
✅ Scooter runs out of range early
✅ Charger gets hot, smells burnt or the connector feels loose

Getting the right charger and checking your batteries helps keep you safe, supports longer rides, and keeps your scooter ready for whatever day brings.

Mobility scooters typically use one of three battery types: AGM, gel, or lithium-ion. Each requires a compatible charger, and using the wrong one can damage the battery or reduce performance. Here's how they differ:

AGM batteries

AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are the most common type in NZ scooters. They are sealed, maintenance-free, and work with a wide range of compatible AGM chargers. Charger size is based on battery capacity:
AGM chargers are widely available and suitable for most standard mobility scooter setups.

Gel batteries

Gel batteries are also sealed lead acid batteries, but they use a gel-based electrolyte and charge more slowly than AGM types. Some AGM chargers are compatible, but it’s best to check with us first to confirm. Gel batteries are common in some hospital-grade or imported scooters and need a steady, lower-voltage charge to protect long-term performance.

Lithium-ion batteries ⚠️

Lithium-ion systems are completely different. These batteries require a specialised charger provided by the manufacturer. While the plug might look similar to an AGM or gel charger, lithium chargers operate with entirely different voltage and current controls.

⚠️ Using the wrong charger on a lithium battery can cause overheating, damage, or—in rare cases—a fire.

Lithium batteries charge faster and more efficiently but must always be paired with the correct charger. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it — contact our team and we’ll help you find the right match for safe, reliable charging.

If your scooter has stopped charging, it’s tempting to assume the charger is to blame — but that’s not always the case. Most mobility scooters use two 12 V batteries working together, and even one weak or failed battery can cause charging problems. In other cases, the fault might lie inside the scooter itself, such as a blown fuse, a loose connection, or a faulty wiring harness. Before you replace anything, it’s helpful to work through a few common scenarios:

Symptom: The charger doesn’t turn on (no lights or sounds)
✅ Most likely cause: The charger is faulty or completely dead
➡ Try plugging the charger into another power outlet and check the wall switch is on. If there’s still no light or noise, the charger has likely failed and needs replacing.

Symptom: The charger turns on, but the scooter doesn’t charge or run
✅ Most likely cause: Either the charger isn’t delivering a proper charge, or one or both batteries have failed
➡ A glowing light on the charger doesn’t guarantee it’s working correctly — it may not be pushing enough current to charge. Likewise, even one failed battery (out of the two) can stop the scooter from working. Both charger and batteries need to be tested.

Symptom: Charging takes too long or the scooter loses charge quickly
✅ Most likely cause: Undersized charger or ageing batteries
➡ If your scooter takes all night to charge or only runs for a short time, your charger may be underpowered, or your batteries may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Upgrading the charger or replacing the batteries may be necessary.

Symptom: You’ve replaced the charger, but nothing has improved
✅ Most likely cause: One or both batteries have failed, or there may be an internal scooter fault
➡ If a new charger didn’t solve the issue, the problem is likely in the batteries — or inside the scooter itself (e.g. blown fuse or wiring). We recommend testing the batteries before spending more.

Symptom: Nothing works and the scooter is completely unresponsive
✅ Most likely cause: Could be a combination of a dead charger, flat batteries, or a blown internal fuse
➡ If nothing lights up at all, check the fuse (often located near the battery wiring or under the seat) and test both charger and batteries. If unsure, contact our team.

Choosing the right mobility scooter charger isn’t just about plugging in — it’s about protecting your equipment, staying mobile, and avoiding unnecessary breakdowns. A good charger helps extend battery life, improves reliability, and gives you the confidence that your scooter will be ready when you need it.

At Mobility Plus NZ, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis find the right charger for their setup — whether they’re using a compact travel scooter or a full-size model. Every charger we sell is a smart charger, backed by a minimum 12-month NZ-based warranty, and supported by trusted advice from our family-run team in Tauranga.

Need help figuring out the right charger or battery setup?

We’re here to help — no pressure, just practical support from people who care.

📧 Email us anytime at info@mobilityplus.co.nz