Battery Break-in, Frequently Asked Questions

Figure 25. Battery Charging

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To charge the batteries using the off-board charger: 1. Position the front of your power chair next to a

standard electrical outlet.

2. Be certain the controller power is turned off and the freewheel levers are in the engaged position. See III. “Your Power Chair.”

3. Plug the off-board charger into the off-board charger/ programming socket on the controller. See figure 25.

4. Plug the off-board charger into the electrical outlet.

NOTE: The LED lights on the charger indicate different

charger conditions at various times: charger power on, charging in progress, and charging complete. Refer to the manual supplied with the charger for a complete explanation of those indicators.

5. When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the off- board charger from the electrical outlet and then from the controller.

Battery Break-in

To break in new batteries for maximum efficiency:

1. Fully recharge any new battery prior to its initial use. This brings the battery up to about 90% of its peak performance level.

2. Operate your power chair throughout the house and yard. Move slowly at first, and do not travel too far until you become accustomed to the controls and break in the batteries.

3. Give the batteries another full charge of 8 to 14 hours and operate your power chair again. The batteries will now perform at over 90% of their potential.

4. After four or five charging cycles, the batteries will top off at 100% charge and last for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the charger work?

The battery charger takes the standard electrical outlet voltage of 120 VAC (alternating current) and converts it to 24 VDC (direct current). The power chair batteries use direct current to run your power chair. When the battery voltage is low, the charger works harder to charge the battery. As the battery voltage approaches full charge, the charger does not work as hard to complete the charging cycle. This explains why the ammeter drops as it approaches a full charge. This is how the charger maintains a charge but does not overcharge the battery.

Can I use a different battery charger?

You should use the charger supplied with the power chair. It is the safest, most efficient tool to charge the batteries. We do not recommend using other types of chargers (e.g., an automotive battery charger).

NOTE: Your power chair’s charger will not operate after the batteries have been discharged to nearly zero voltage. If this happens, call your Quantum Rehab Provider for assistance.

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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. Refer to the manual supplied with the battery charger for charging instructions.

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 maximum 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 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-cad- mium (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 encounter 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).

It might take a few days for the temperature of the battery to stabilize and adjust to its new ambient temperature. More importantly, it will take a few “charging cycles” (a partial drain—then a full recharge) to establish the critical chemical balance that is essential to the battery’s peak performance and long life. It will be well worth it to take the time to break in your battery properly.

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