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Everest Lite Owner's Manual
GF0600055RevA06, October 006
VII BAttERIEs
Batteries are of critical importance, require attention and maintenance, and will require
periodic replacement. As batteries age, their ability to hold a charge decreases. Old
batteries discharge much more quickly than new batteries under the same driving con-
ditions. This results in a decrease in the distance the wheelchair can travel before bat-
teries need to be charged. This decrease is often misinterpreted as a problem with the
wheelchair system, when in fact the batteries have simply reached the end of their use-
ful lives and should be replaced. Properly maintained batteries can be expected to last
approximately 9 to 18 months. The purpose of proper maintenance is to extend that life
as much as possible, and to minimize the incidence of unsatisfactory wheelchair perfor-
mance.
The Everest Lite uses two 12V 12AH deep cycle, sealed case batteries.
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Caution: Use only deep cycle, sealed case construction batteries in this device.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which can burn eyes, skin, clothes, etc.
Use caution! Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries. If
contact occurs, flush immediately with water and get medical attention.
GuIdELInEs tO EXtEndInG BAttERy LIFE
• Give the batteries a full charge before using them for the first time.
• Limit use of new batteries for the first ten charge/discharge cycles—avoid deeply dis-
charging the batteries. New batteries are not capable of their rated output until they
have been discharged a number of times.
• Recharge batteries after every discharge. Discharging batteries deeply before re-
charging them will shorten battery life. Do not leave partially discharged batteries
idle for several days; charge them as soon as possible after discharging.
• Charge batteries fully each time before using. Allow the charger to finish its charge
cycle once started. This will help prevent deeply discharging the batteries. Unlike
some rechargeable batteries, the batteries used on wheelchairs do not exhibit a sig-
nificant “memory effect”—they will recharge to their full capacity, even if only par-
tially discharged before each charge.
• If you must store your wheelchair for a long period of time, charge the batteries
weekly.
• Perform regular maintenance on the batteries. See maintenance schedule in Section
VIII, MAINTENANCE, for recommended regularity.
