Lithium or sealed lead-acid batteries: what to know before you choose

October 17, 2026

Most scooters and power chairs run on one of two kinds of battery: sealed lead-acid (often shortened to SLA, and including the AGM and gel types) or lithium. Some models are offered with either. The choice affects how much the product weighs, how far it goes, how the battery is warranted and, if you fly, what the airline will ask. Here is how the two compare, using makers' published figures rather than general claims.

The two types in brief

Sealed lead-acid. Usually a pair of 12-volt batteries. Pride's specification notes call for deep-cycle batteries of the AGM or gel cell type on its products (Pride Jazzy EVO 613 specifications, Pride Victory 10 4-Wheel specifications).
Lithium. Usually a single pack. Makers use more than one lithium chemistry; the Pride Jazzy EVO 613 Li, for example, uses a 25-volt lithium-iron phosphate battery (Pride specifications).

One chair, two batteries: a direct comparison

The clearest comparison is a chair sold both ways. Pride publishes the Jazzy EVO 613 with either battery on one page:

Battery weight: two U-1 SLA batteries at 23.5 pounds each, or one lithium battery at 18.5 pounds.
Total chair weight: 189 pounds with SLA, 160.5 pounds with lithium.
Range at 300 pounds: up to 14 miles with SLA, up to 17.6 miles with lithium.
Battery warranty: 13-month limited for SLA, 3-year limited for lithium.

All four figures come from Pride's Jazzy EVO 613 specifications. We carry both versions: the Jazzy EVO 613-SLA and the Jazzy EVO 613 Lithium.

A scooter pair tells a similar story

Golden's Buzzaround XL family shows the same pattern on a travel scooter:

The Buzzaround XL 4-Wheel uses two 12 Ah batteries weighing 18 pounds, weighs 110 pounds assembled and lists an operating range of 8 miles (Golden Technologies).
The Buzzaround XL+ 4-Wheel uses a 12 Ah, 24-volt lithium-ion battery weighing 7 pounds, weighs 97 pounds assembled and lists up to 9.2 miles (Golden Technologies).

In both pairs, the lithium version is lighter and goes a little farther. Those are the makers' figures for these models; other models may differ, so compare the specific products you are considering.

Why the weight difference matters

If the product stays at home and you drive it everywhere, a few extra pounds may not matter much. If you lift it, or lift its battery out to charge it indoors, it matters a great deal. Some lithium packs are small enough to carry in one hand: the battery on the Golden Ally folding chair weighs 5 pounds (Golden Technologies). By contrast, the two NF-22 SLA batteries on the Pride Jazzy 600 ES weigh 37 pounds each (Pride specifications). Neither is wrong; they are made for different jobs.

Warranty terms differ by battery and by maker

Battery warranties vary widely, so read them for the exact product:

On the Jazzy EVO 613, Pride covers SLA batteries for 13 months and lithium for 3 years, as shown above.
Pride covers the lithium battery on the Go Go Endurance Li for 2 years (Pride warranty), while the batteries on its Go Go Elite Traveller Gen 3, which uses two 12-volt sealed lead-acid batteries (Pride specifications), carry a 6-month warranty (Pride warranty).
Golden's scooters list batteries at 1 year on many models (Golden Technologies).

Batteries wear with use, so the battery warranty is often shorter than the frame warranty. That is normal. Just know what you are getting.

Charging

Use the charger the maker supplies or specifies. Pride, for example, lists a lithium battery charger for its lithium travel scooters (Pride Go Go Endurance AL+ specifications). Do not assume a charger from another product will suit your battery; if you need a spare or replacement charger, check the part with the maker first. Follow the charging routine in your owner's manual.

When replacement time comes

Every battery eventually needs replacing. Makers list the battery size each model takes, so note it when you buy. Pride, for instance, lists two 12-volt Group 24 batteries for the Jazzy 1450 (Pride Jazzy 1450 specifications), two NF-22 batteries for the Jazzy 600 ES (Pride specifications) and two U-1 batteries or one lithium pack for the Jazzy EVO 613. When you replace a battery, order the size and type the maker specifies.

If you plan to fly

Air travel is where battery type matters most. The FAA sets rules for lithium-ion batteries in wheelchairs and mobility devices. Where the battery must be removed, the FAA limits it to 300 watt-hours, allows one spare up to 300 watt-hours or two spares up to 160 watt-hours each in carry-on baggage, and says individual airlines may have more restrictive rules (FAA PackSafe: Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices). To find a battery's watt-hours, the FAA says to multiply its voltage by its amp-hours (FAA PackSafe: Lithium Batteries).

Makers sometimes state which battery option is airline compliant. Pride says the 8 Ah battery on the Go Go Endurance AL+ is airline compliant and the 16 Ah battery is not (Pride specifications). Always confirm with your airline before you book, and allow extra time at check-in.

Which should you choose?

Choose with lifting in mind. If anyone will lift the product or its battery, lithium's lower weight is a real advantage.
Look at range for your weight on the exact model, with each battery option.
Compare the battery warranties.
If you fly, check the battery's watt-hours and the maker's airline statement first.

Browse our power wheelchairs to compare battery options, or email us at info@faithmobility.com.

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Sources

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