Friday, September 25, 2009

Charge

How To Charge and Maintain Your Mobility Scooter BatteriesWhat is the best regime for charging my batteries?It is very important that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the manual that came with the mobility scooter, as each scooter will have different instructions.However, as a rule, we recommend that you charge your batteries after every trip. Even if you have not been very far, it is wise to ensure that your batteries are full before each journey. Don't leave your batteries for long periods without being charged, even if you have not used your scooter. How do I best care for my batteries?Try to keep your batteries clean, particularly the terminals. Make sure the connections to the terminals are tight and un-obstructed. Do not store your batteries in extreme temperatures.What is the difference between GEL and AGM batteries?The two battery types use different technology but generally speaking, gel batteries will perform better and last you longer. Although they are more expensive than AGM, they tend to represent better value. We can advise on all aspects of battery suitability, according to your particular model of scooter.Are my mobility batteries the same as car batteries?No. Mobility batteries are designed to give a slow and consistent discharge. Car batteries are designed to give a more focused burst of power, for the starting of an engine, for instance.Are all mobility batteries the same?No. There are many different types and sizes of battery available. If you are unsure what type you need, you either should contact your scooter manufacturer or us for guidance.How long should my batteries last for?Battery life can vary enormously. A battery will have a pre-ordained life cycle but this will be affected by a number of environmental factors such as frequency of use, depth of discharge, length and frequency of charge time and storage temperature. Experience tells us that the average life span is around two years but can be longer or shorter than this. Obviously if the mobility scooter is used for travelling a few miles a week on flat pavements or roads, then the batteries will last longer than if the scooter is used for travelling 20 miles a day up and down hills and on rough terrain.Your mobility scooter manual may suggest that bigger batteries can be fitted to your scooter. This will provide you with a greater range, meaning that you can go further before needing to charge your batteries. The batteries are available from mobility dealers such as ourselves and the price will depend on the battery capacity. The batteries are often the heaviest item on a mobility scooter. Bigger batteries will mean heavier batteries, which is one thing to consider if you often dismantle the scooter to transport it in the car. How can I tell if my existing batteries are spent?Battery failure or degeneration usually manifests itself in poor performance. If your scooter feels sluggish or you are not getting very much range (distance), it is probably your batteries that are to blame. However, it is prudent to have this checked as problems can be caused by a variety of technical areas within your product.How else can I properly maintain my scooter?Like a car, your mobility scooter will need a service from time to time. The mobility scooter manual will advise you how often your scooter needs servicing. As a rough guide it will need servicing every 6 to 12 months or so, depending on use.A scooter repair and servicing company, such as ours, will be able to carry out the scooter service, and ensure that the scooter is functioning to its full capability. Depending on the model and age of the scooter, the scooter service may take between 2-3 hours. The service should also include a test ride by the mechanic to fully check the scooter and make sure that it is running smoothly and as it should do.The manual will also describe any weekly or monthly maintenance checks that are required. This can include pumping up the tyres, checking the seat mechanism and so on. We hope you found this guide informative and useful, please get in touch if you need free personal advice on any aspect of mobility scooter repair or maintenance.

Orignal From: Charge

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