Jazzy 1103 Ultra www.pridemobility.com 33
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, pavement cracks, uneven and loosely packed surfaces, curves and wind. All of these
factors will affect the distance or running time per battery charge. The following are a few suggestions for obtaining the
maximum range per charge:
! Always charge the batteries fully prior to your trip. Maintain 2.4 bar (35 psi) in pneumatic drive wheels.
! 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.
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 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 stabilise 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.