Electric Scooters and Wheelchairs cost a lot of money and quite rightly you expect high performance. So don't skimp on your power source.
Battery technology has changed a lot over the past few years. Wheelchair batteries today especially gel/sealed batteries, offer more power in the same size case, provide more consistent performance and have turned past concerns into myths
TAKING CARE OF YOUR BATTERIES
How to prolong the life of your battery? When you first install your new battery, place it on charge for at least 24 hours.
Always keep your battery on trickle charge between uses and if your vehicle is stored for any length of time, firstly charge fully then disconnect your batteries.
Charging Battery technology has changed considerably over recent years. Batteries today, especially gell/sealed batteries, offer more power for their size and provide longer performance. Try wherever possible to fully cycle your battery before charging and then fully charge before re-use. Always use the correct charging system for the batteries in use. Never use Car chargers on Gell batteries. Never completely discharge your battery.
Warning!
Batteries can be hazardous. All batteries, wet, sealed and gell units contain lead and sulphuric acid, both are highly toxic and sulphuric acid is highly corrosive.
Charging
Here are some simple rules for proper battery charging.
- Use the chair manufacturer's automatic charger for all routine charging. (leave your automatic charger turned on whenever possible, you cannot over charge a battery when using automatic 3 stage chargers.)
- Never run your batteries completely flat.
Battery Life
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Your battery will wear out with age or frequency of use, as the battery gets older your scooter will travel slower or shorter distances.
- If you use your scooter very regularly then the battery will obviously wear out faster.
Distance
- The distance you can expect from fully charged batteries will be greatly influenced by weight and terrain.
How Often Should You Charge
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Daily users - charge daily as soon as you are done using it. Your scooter will be ready each morning to give you a full days service
- If you use your scooter infrequently(once a week or less),charge the batteries once a week for 12 to 14 hours
Battery Storage
- Store batteries fully charged. Check once a month and recharge as needed. Wet batteries can hold their charge up to three months, sealed models six to twelve months. Remember if storing your chair for longer than a few weeks, it's best to charge the batteries and then disconnect them.
Undercharging
A battery operated with insufficient charge over a long period of time may develop a type of sulphate on the plates. This sulphate is dense and hard, and cannot be readily converted to normal active material again. In this condition the battery is unable to deliver its full power
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