How often must I charge the batteries?

V I . B A T T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G

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 at least 8 to 14 hours after daily use. Pride recommends that you charge the batteries for an additional 4 hours after the battery charger indicates that charging is complete.

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 at least 24 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. Pride recommends charging your batteries for at least 48 continuous hours once per month to improve battery performance and battery life.

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.

Pride recommends charging your batteries for at least 48 continuous hours once per month to improve battery performance and battery life.

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.

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 and are promptly shipped with a full charge. During shipping, the batter- ies 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.

Jazzy Elite Series

V I . B A T T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G