Athena www.pridemobility.com 27
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. Below are a few suggestions for obtaining
the maximum range per charge:
Always charge the batteries fully prior to your trip.
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. Refer to the specifications table for more information regarding the
batteries used with your power chair.
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.
How can I ensure maximum battery life?
A fully charged deep-cycle battery will provide reliable performance and extended battery life. Keep your power
chair’s batteries fully charged whenever possible. Batteries that are regularly and deeply discharged, infrequently
charged or stored without a full charge may be permanently damaged, causing unreliable power chair operation
and limited battery life.
V I . B A T T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G
