Batteries in the Meyra Optimus 2 Electric Wheelchair

Battery Issues with the Meyra Optimus 2

My battery issues were due to an incorrect selection of batteries. The powerful motor (700 W) caused the weaker batteries (65 Ah) to wear out after just two years of using the electric wheelchair.
After contacting Meyra and learning the cost of stronger, original batteries, I decided to look for a cheaper supplier. A company from Katowice provided new, stronger Exide gel batteries (100 Ah), but after two months, their capacity was down to about 80 percent. Under warranty, I received new batteries from Hoppecke (110 Ah), which also showed significant wear within a short period. It was quite strange that the batteries kept wearing out so quickly, despite being new and meeting the required specifications.
The wheelchair was sent for tests in Warsaw, which it passed without any issues. As a result, I received a third set of MK Battery 97 Ah batteries.

How Often to Charge Batteries in the Meyra Optimus 2

Suspecting that I might not be using the batteries correctly, I decided to contact the Meyra headquarters in Warsaw to ask how often to charge them for maximum longevity. I received the following response:
"Charge the first 10 times after driving approximately 15 km. If you don't cover 15 km within a week, please charge the batteries as well. Subsequently, charge after driving about 40-45 km. If you don't cover this distance within one week, please charge the batteries. If the wheelchair is not in use, charge the batteries once every two weeks for around 12 hours."

How Long Can You Drive on the Batteries in the Meyra Optimus 2?

Following these guidelines (which were similar to my previous usage), I can say, after twelve years of use and over 17,000 km, that MK Battery batteries with a 97 Ah capacity work excellently in the Optimus 2. Thanks to working with an honest and understanding battery supplier, I wasn't burdened with excessive costs for frequent battery replacements. There is a slight dissatisfaction, however, considering how many attempts it took to finally find suitable non-original batteries, even though they had the same specifications (12V / approx. 100 Ah).

How Much Do New Batteries for the Optimus 2 Cost?

After twelve years of using MK Battery batteries, the range was still about 30 km. However, that was a bit low for me, so I decided to buy new batteries. Of course, I only considered MK Battery. The purchase cost is quite high (1000 USD - June 2024), but it is possible to get funding through the Active Self-Government program. Unfortunately, the funding doesn't cover the full purchase cost, so a significant personal contribution is needed. Nevertheless, given that MK Battery batteries last for many years, the price-to-quality ratio is very attractive.

What to Do When the Batteries Run Out While Driving?

If you have a few hundred meters left to get home and the batteries are drained, don't panic. Just turn off the wheelchair for 5-10 minutes, and the batteries will regain a bit of power, enough to travel a few more meters. The "leapfrog" technique can sometimes help you get home without third-party assistance. However, keep in mind that deep discharging is very harmful to the batteries' lifespan. It's better to charge the batteries more frequently to ensure they last a long time. And it saves you the stress of wondering if you'll make it home on time.

How Long Does It Take to Charge the Batteries in an Electric Wheelchair?

The charging time for batteries in an electric wheelchair depends on the battery capacity, the level of discharge, overall wear, and the charger itself.
Examples for the Meyra Optimus 2:
- 12-year-old MK Battery 97 Ah batteries took around 5 hours to charge after about 20 km with a 24V/12A charger.
- New MK Battery 97 Ah batteries take 11 hours to charge after driving 45 km with a 24V/12A charger.