Pride Mobility PMV5001 Wheelchair User Manual


 
23Hurricane www.pridemobility.com
IV. BATTERIES AND CHARGING
Can I use a different charger?
For the safest, most efficient, and balanced charging of your PMV’s batteries, we prefer and highly rec-
ommend simultaneous charging of both batteries with the supplied off-board battery charger.
How often must I charge the batteries?
Two major factors must be considered when deciding how often to charge your PMV’s batteries:
All day PMV use on a daily basis.
Infrequent or sporadic PMV use.
With these considerations in mind, you can determine how often and for how long you should charge your
PMV’s batteries. We designed the battery charger so that it will not overcharge your PMV’s batteries.
However, you may encounter some problems if you do not charge your batteries often enough and if you
do not charge them on a regular basis. Following the guidelines below will provide safe and reliable battery
operation and charging.
If you use your PMV daily, charge its batteries as soon as you finish using it for the day. Your PMV
will be ready each morning to give you a full day of service. We recommend that you charge your
PMV’s batteries for 8 to 14 hours after daily use.
If you use your PMV once a week or less, charge its batteries at least once a week for 12 to 14 hours
at a time.
Keep your PMV’s batteries fully charged.
Avoid deeply discharging your PMV’s batteries.
How can I ensure maximum battery life?
Fully charged deep-cycle batteries provide reliable performance and extended battery life. Keep your
PMV’s batteries fully charged whenever possible. Batteries that are regularly and deeply discharged, infre-
quently charged, or stored without a full charge may be permanently damaged, causing unreliable perfor-
mance and limited service life.
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.
Often, you will face hills, pavement cracks, uneven and loosely packed surfaces, curves, and wind, all of
which affect the distance or running time per battery charge. Below are a few suggestions for obtaining
the maximum range per battery charge.
Always fully charge your PMV’s batteries prior to daily use.
Maintain but do not exceed the psi/bar/kPa air pressure rating indicated on pneumatic tires.
Plan your route ahead to avoid as many hills, cracked, broken, or soft surfaces as possible.
Limit your baggage weight to essential items.
Try to maintain an even speed while your PMV is in motion.
Avoid 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 AGM and Gel Cell are deep-
cycle batteries that are similar in performance. Do not use wet-cell batteries, which have removable caps.
WARNING! Corrosive chemicals are contained in batteries. Use only AGM or Gel-
Cell batteries to reduce the risk of leakage or explosive conditions.
NOTE: Sealed batteries are not serviceable. Do not remove the caps.