MDF Magazine Issue 62 7 August 2020 (7)

MD
It is essential that you keep
your batteries charged
By Electric Mobility
Right now, we as a nation are spending considerably
more time at home due to the advice and regulations
set by the Government, to tackle the Global Pandemic
of Covid-19.
Those who can are working from home, staying home,
and having limited exposure to the outside world in a bid
to collectively avoid unnecessary strain on the NHS and
to attempt to avoid infection.
While right now you may not be able to use your […]
Scooter or Powerchair to aid independence like you
once did, you will again and so it is important to ensure
when you come to rely on it as your outdoor mode of
transport, that it is in full working order to ensure the
maximum scooter or powerchair performance.
Regular usage and charging of the batteries increase
the longevity of the battery lifespan (just like a car)
and inactivity can half the expected lifespan of your
scooter or powerchair battery! Continue to charge your
[…] Scooter or Powerchair batteries on a semi-regular
basis so they don’t drain during this period of inactivity.
• Never let the charge fully drain or reach below 20%
• Charge for up to 12 hours (this may vary, read the
Owner Manual)
• Must be charged once per month minimum, we
recommend once a week if possible
The charger supplied with your mobility equipment
should fully charge your batteries overnight. Overcharging
is not a problem with today’s smart chargers as they
are voltage limited and shut off automatically. Always
use the correct charger with the correct batteries.
Chronic undercharging is a common cause of
sulfation and reduction in capacity, shorter run times
and premature battery failure. Daily charging for the
longest number of consecutive hours possible is
required. Minimum charge time of 8 hours is
recommended to return 80% of the capacity of the
battery. To return 100% of the battery’s capacity,
additional charge time may be required. To gain
lost capacity due to chronic undercharging and to
enhance battery life, it is recommended that up to a 12-
hour charge be performed at least once each week if
possible.
Electric Mobility highly recommend that you read
and follow the instructions given in the Battery
Charging Information section in the Product Owner
Manual. The amount of time to fully charge the battery
may range between 8 -16 hours depending on the type
of scooter or powerchair.
Article available at: https://www.electricmobility.co.uk/story/2020/05/20/it-is-essential-thatyou-keep-your-batteries-charged/208/
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