Why is a mobility aid battery different from an e-bike battery?
The technology is similar. The difference is in everything around it. The aid has to be back in use quickly, the battery has sometimes been out of production for years, and an organisation with several locations gains nothing from separate repairs that each branch has to arrange itself. That is why we look at the battery and also at how it travels from branch to workshop and back.
How do we set it up for several branches?
- central agreements that apply to all locations;
- intake with your own references or purchase order numbers per branch;
- a diagnosis and a record for each battery;
- repair when a single part is defective;
- refurbished batteries and reuse where that is justified;
- cell replacement when the cells are worn;
- return logistics from the branches;
- a separate, safe process for critical batteries and batteries that cannot be repaired;
- central invoicing and reporting by arrangement.
From pilot to a fixed process for several branches
For a mobility aid provider we run the battery service for several branches. Batteries are collected at the branches, tested in our workshop in Beugen and, where possible, repaired or put back into use as refurbished batteries. Only when that is not possible does replacement or disposal follow. Branches order under their own purchase reference, receive a test report and are invoiced centrally.
It started as a pilot. There is now a fixed process across several locations.
What do we do with damaged or critical batteries?
A swollen, leaking or burnt battery does not belong in an ordinary return container. We discuss such batteries with you in advance and handle them separately, in transport as well as in the workshop. How we store, test and dispose of lithium batteries safely is described under quality and safety at KWS Seuren.
Frequently asked questions
KWS Seuren works on lithium batteries from adapted bicycles, mobility scooters and wheelchair power assist units, among others. Whether a specific battery type can be repaired becomes clear from the technical assessment.
Yes. At KWS Seuren each branch can order under its own purchase reference, while the agreements and invoicing stay central.
Then KWS Seuren looks at whether repair, cell replacement or a refurbished battery is possible. For a number of older battery types KWS Seuren has developed its own technical solutions.
KWS Seuren transports and handles critical batteries and batteries that cannot be repaired through a separate process and sends them to controlled disposal. If a battery is visibly damaged, contact us before you ship it.
Discuss your battery returns
Several branches, different mobility aids and no overview of the batteries? We map the current process with you and propose one workable way of working.
You can also read about cell replacement and repair, or see the case studies.