Whether it’s your mobility scooter, your Veehop ATV, or your Kaaspeed golf ride — the battery is the real engine behind the scenes.
But not all batteries are created equal… and they don’t all like to be treated the same.
Here’s a simple breakdown 👇
🧓 Mobility Scooters: AGM Hybrid & Gel (VRLA)
Our Kiwi Mobility range — and most mobility scooters we support and replace batteries for — use VRLA batteries.
VRLA stands for Valve Regulated Lead Acid. The two common types are:
- AGM Hybrid (Absorbent Glass Mat)
- Gel
They’re sealed, low maintenance, and very safe — perfect for mobility use.
What they have in common:
- Reliable, proven technology
- Designed for steady, consistent power
- Don’t like being left flat
- Prefer being kept charged regularly
Think of them like a water tank — if you let it run dry and leave it that way, it shortens its life.
🔌 Top Tip:
If you’ve used your scooter today — plug it in tonight.
Even if it was just a short trip.
Letting AGM or Gel batteries sit partially discharged is one of the biggest causes of premature failure.
🚗 Are VRLA Batteries the Same as Car Batteries?
Short answer: No — they’re related, but designed for different jobs.
Car batteries are also lead-acid, but they’re built for short bursts of high power — like starting your engine — and then they’re immediately recharged by the alternator.
Mobility VRLA batteries are built differently. They’re designed for:
- Deep-cycle use (longer, steady energy output)
- Regular discharge and recharge
- Ongoing power delivery over time
So while they’re cousins in chemistry, they’re designed for completely different purposes.
Veehop & Kaaspeed: Lithium Power
Now this is where things shift.
Our Veehop electric ATVs and Kaaspeed models use Lithium batteries — a completely different chemistry.
Lithium batteries:
- Are lighter
- Hold voltage more consistently
- Charge faster
- Don’t mind partial charging
- Have a longer usable lifespan when treated properly
Unlike lead-acid, lithium batteries don’t need to be kept at 100%.
In fact, they don’t love sitting at full charge for long periods either.
🔋 Lithium Storage Tip:
If storing long-term, aim for around 40–60% charge.
Not full. Not empty. Somewhere comfortably in the middle.
They’re a bit more like your phone battery — smarter, more energy dense, and happier with flexible charging habits.
⚖️ Why the Difference?
It all comes down to chemistry.
Lead Acid (AGM & Gel)
- Heavier
- Older, proven technology
- Lower energy density
- Sensitive to being left discharged
- Very reliable when maintained properly
Lithium
- Modern chemistry
- Higher energy density
- Lighter weight
- More charge cycles
- More forgiving with day-to-day use
That’s why lithium has become so popular in recreational vehicles, farm bikes, golf carts and beyond.
The Bigger Picture – Battery Tech Is Moving Fast
Battery chemistry isn’t standing still.
We’re seeing:
- Safer lithium formulations (like LiFePO4)
- Better battery management systems
- Improved thermal safety
- Increased lifespan and cycle counts
- More focus on recyclability
Globally, there’s huge investment going into:
- Solid-state batteries
- Sodium-ion alternatives
- Lower environmental impact materials
- Faster charging capability
The “engine” of electric vehicles is evolving every year.In the next 5–10 years, we’ll likely see batteries that:
- Charge faster
- Last longer
- Use fewer rare earth materials
- Are safer and more sustainable
The “engine” of electric vehicles is evolving every year.
Final Thought
No matter what chemistry your ride uses:
Batteries don’t like:
- Being ignored
- Being left flat
- Being stored incorrectly
They do like:
- Correct charging
- Regular use
- A bit of care
Look after your battery, and it’ll look after you.
If you’re ever unsure what your specific model needs — just ask us. We’re always happy to help 🔋🙂
