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VI. BATTERIES AND CHARGING
How often must I charge the batteries?
Many factors come into play when deciding how often to charge the batteries. You may use your power chair all day on a
daily basis or you may not use it for weeks at a time.
Daily Use
If you use your power chair on a daily basis, charge the batteries as soon as you are finished using your power chair.
Your power chair will be ready each morning to give you a full day’s service. It is recommended that you charge the
batteries 8 to 14 hours after daily use.
Infrequent Use
If you use your power chair infrequently (once a week or less), you should charge the batteries at least once per week
for 12 to 14 hours.
NOTE: Keep your batteries fully charged and avoid deeply discharging your batteries. Do not charge the
batteries for more than 24 hours at a charging cycle.
How can I get maximum range or distance per charge?
Rarely do you have an ideal driving situation such as smooth, flat, hard terrain with no wind, hills, or curves. More often
you are presented with hills, sidewalk cracks, uneven and loosely packed surfaces, curves, and wind. All of these
factors will affect the distance or running time per battery charge. Below are a few suggestions for obtaining the maxi-
mum range per charge:
Always charge the batteries fully prior to your trip.
Plan your trip in advance to avoid inclines if possible.
Limit baggage weight to essential items.
Try to maintain an even speed and avoid stop-and-go driving.
What type of batteries should I use?
We recommend deep-cycle batteries that are sealed and maintenance free. Both AGM and Gel-Cell are deep-cycle
batteries that are similar in performance. Refer to the specifications table for more information regarding the batteries
used with your power chair.
WARNING! Corrosive chemicals contained in batteries. Use only AGM or Gel-Cell
batteries to reduce the risk of leakage or explosive conditions.
Why do my new batteries seem weak?
Deep-cycle batteries employ a much different chemical technology than that used in car batteries, nickel-cadmium (nicads),
or in other common battery types. Deep-cycle batteries are specifically designed to provide power, drain down their
charge, and then accept a relatively quick recharge. AGM and Gel-Cell batteries should be charged as often as possible.
They do not have a “memory” like nickel-cadmium batteries.
We work closely with our battery manufacturer to provide a battery that best suits your power chair’s specific demands.
Fresh batteries arrive regularly at Pride and are promptly shipped with a full charge. During shipping, the batteries encoun-
ter temperature extremes that may influence initial performance. Heat robs the charge from the battery, and cold slows the
power available and extends the time needed to recharge the battery (just as with a car battery).