Guide to Battery Selection for Healthcare Equipment: Full Comparison of LIB vs LAB

In the global healthcare equipment market, battery selection is not only a technical decision but also a matter of scenario adaptation and market strategy. Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and lead-acid batteries (LAB) are the two main power solutions, each exhibiting significant differences in characteristics, safety, application scenarios, and compliance. Heinsy, with extensive experience in medical device exports, builds a full-category product matrix based on the core differences of these batteries, providing global buyers with clear “on-demand selection” solutions, including LIB-powered mobility scooters, lift chairs, electric wheelchairs, as well as LAB-powered mobility scooters and patient transfer devices.

1. Battery Characteristics: Key Differences in Endurance and Portability

1.1 Endurance and Lifespan

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) offer high energy density (120–200Wh/kg), achieving 50% more range than lead-acid batteries of the same capacity. Their cycle life reaches 800–1000 cycles, with lithium iron phosphate exceeding 2000 cycles. Heinsy LIB products retain 80% capacity after three years of use, and with proper maintenance, can remain stable for over five years.

Lead-acid batteries (LAB) have lower energy density (30–50Wh/kg) but can meet long-range needs through capacity expansion. Their cycle life is 300–500 cycles, typically declining after 1–2 years. Optimized charge-discharge management can extend LAB lifespan to about three years, suitable for cost-sensitive institutional scenarios.

1.2 Weight and Portability

LIBs are significantly lighter—about one-third the weight of LABs for the same capacity—making devices more portable. Heinsy products, such as the YL-985S mobility scooter (17kg), can be folded into a car trunk; the YL-211A (19kg) is suitable for small apartments; the HES-L609 lift chair (18.24kg) is easy to maneuver by caregivers.

LABs are heavier due to their material, with mobility scooters typically weighing 36–50kg, offering greater stability, especially on rough terrain. The YL-TK500 large scooter performs steadily on uneven surfaces.

2. Safety: Risk Types and Scenario-Based Protection

2.1 Core Safety Differences

LIBs primarily risk thermal runaway, potentially triggered by puncture, compression, high temperatures, or improper charging. Heinsy uses high-safety LIBs with high thermal runaway thresholds and flame-retardant casings, paired with original 24V2A chargers to minimize risks.

LABs do not suffer from thermal runaway and remain stable under high temperatures, but sulfuric acid leakage is the main concern. Heinsy LABs feature thick-sealed casings and anti-leak valves, plus constant-voltage, current-limited chargers, ensuring double-layer safety protection.

2.2 Scenario-Based Safety Adaptation

• Home Use: Prioritizing ease of operation and low maintenance, LIBs are ideal. The HES-L609 lift chair includes an emergency stop and manual descent system; YL-309S scooters feature BMS systems handling overcharge automatically.
• Institutional Use: High-frequency, multi-user operation favors LABs. HES-L621 transfer devices allow quick battery replacement; YL-09B scooters with sealed batteries withstand frequent operation and minor collisions.
• Special Environments: For high-rise home charging, LABs are safer; for outdoor mobility, LIBs with BMS adapt to vibrations and temperature changes in real time.

3. Application Scenarios and Environmental Adaptation

3.1 LIB Applications

• Home Care: HES-L609 lift chair’s lightweight design with 37.5cm electric height adjustment + 30° backrest tilt reduces caregiver burden; waterproof seat and safety belt ensure safe use.
• Urban Mobility: YL-309S and YL-985S scooters foldable and portable, 10–15km range, LED display + USB ports meet smart needs, popular in Japan, Korea, and Europe.

3.2 LAB Applications

• Institutional Care: HES-L621, HES-L617, and HES-L605 transfer devices complete 80–100 lifts per charge, supporting high-frequency use.
• Mobility: YL-02 and YL-07 scooters are cost-effective and low-maintenance; YL-TK500 has 45km range and 13-inch pneumatic tires, handling rough rural terrain.

3.3 Environmental Adaptation

• Temperature: LIBs suit 0–45°C environments, ideal for temperate winters; LABs retain over 70% capacity at −10°C, suitable for cold regions and storage.
• Terrain: LIBs lightweight design is ideal for flat urban roads; LABs resist shocks and vibrations, performing stably on rough roads, grasslands, and rural areas.

4. Compliance: Key to Global Market Access

LIBs target high-end markets with strict standards. Heinsy LIB products comply with EU MDR, US FDA safety standards, CE, and SGS certifications, meeting EN 62133 and UN38.3 transport requirements, ensuring smooth global logistics.

LABs face environmental restrictions in some regions, but Heinsy LABs meet IEC 60095 standards, RoHS certification, and include clear recycling guidelines. In Southeast Asia and South America, LABs can be marketed without additional testing, simplifying approval, while UN38.3 ensures safe international shipping, reducing market entry costs.

Conclusion: Scenario-Driven Selection is Key

Both LIBs and LABs have advantages; selection depends on scenario fit. Heinsy builds a clear product matrix:

• LIB Series: High-end, portable, long-lasting, serving households and urban markets.
• LAB Series: Practical, durable, cost-effective, tailored for institutional procurement and mid-range markets.

With international safety certifications and versatile products, Heinsy provides reliable healthcare equipment solutions for mobility-impaired individuals worldwide, supporting high-quality development in medical device exports.