Pride Mobility Sidekick manual How can I get maximum range or distance per charge?

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

How can I get maximum range or distance per charge?

Rarely will you have ideal driving conditions—smooth, flat, hard driving surfaces with no wind or curves. You will often face hills, sidewalk cracks, uneven and loosely packed surfaces, curves, and wind. All of these driving conditions affect the distance or running time per battery charge. Below are a few suggestions for obtaining the maximum range per battery charge.

νAlways fully charge your Sidekick’s batteries prior to your daily use.

νMaintain 30 psi (pounds per square inch) in all of your Sidekick’s tires.

νPlan your route ahead to avoid as many hills, cracked, broken, or soft surfaces as possible.

νLimit your baggage weight to essential items.

νTry to maintain an even speed while your Sidekick is in motion.

νAvoid stop-and-go driving.

What type and size of battery should I use?

We recommend deep-cycle batteries that are sealed and maintenance free. Both Sealed LeadAcid (SLA) and Gel Cell are deep-cycle batteries that are similar in performance in your Sidekick. Do not use wet-cell batteries, which have removable caps.

NOTE: Do not remove the caps from sealed batteries. Water cannot be added to sealed batteries. Cap removal voids the battery warranty and may cause damage to the batteries and to your Sidekick.

Use these specifications to reorder deep-cycle batteries:

Type:	Deep-cycle (sealed lead-acid or gel cell)
Size:	U-1
Voltage:	12 volts each
Amperage:	32 AH (amp hours)

To change a battery in your Sidekick:

WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com- pounds. Wash hands after handling.

1.Remove the seat and the rear shroud. See IX. “Disassembly and Assembly.”

2.Disconnect the battery cables from the electronic controller assembly.

3.Disconnect the battery cables from the battery terminals.

4.Remove the old battery.

5.Place a new battery in the battery well.

6.Connect the red battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal.

7.Connect the black battery cable to the negative (-) battery terminal.

8.Reconnect the battery cables to the electronic controller assembly.

9.Reinstall the rear shroud and the seat.

Why do my new batteries seem weak?

Deep-cycle batteries employ a different chemical technology than is used in car batteries, nickel-cadmium batter- ies (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.

Sidekick 19