Pride DESTINY Owner's Manual page 15

V . B A T T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the charger work?
When your scooter's battery voltage is low, the charger works harder, sending more electrical current to the
batteries to bring up their charge. As the voltage approaches full charge, the charger sends less and less electrical
current to the batteries. When the batteries are fully charged, the current sent by the charger is at nearly zero
amperage. Therefore, when the charger is plugged in, it maintains the charge on your scooter's batteries, but
does not overcharge them. We do not recommend that you charge your scooter's batteries for more than 24
consecutive hours.
What if my scooter's batteries won't charge?
Ensure that both ends of the off-board charger power lead are inserted fully.
How often must I charge the batteries?
Two major factors must be considered when deciding how often to charge your scooter's batteries:
! All day scooter use on a daily basis.
! Infrequent or sporadic scooter use.
With these considerations in mind, you can determine how often and for how long you should charge your scooter's
batteries. The off-board charger was designed so that it will not overcharge your scooter'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 scooter daily, charge its batteries as soon as you finish using it for the day. Your scooter will be
ready each morning to give you a full day of service. We recommend that you charge your scooter's batteries
for 8 to 14 hours after daily use.
! If you use your scooter once a week or less, charge its batteries at least once a week for 12 to 14 hours at
a time.
! Keep your scooter's batteries fully charged.
! Avoid deeply discharging your scooter's batteries.
! Do not charge your scooter's batteries for more than 24 consecutive hours.
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.
! Fully charge your scooter's batteries prior to use.
! Plan your route 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 scooter is in motion.
! Avoid stop-and-go driving.
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V . B A T T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G
What type and size battery should I use?
Your scooter comes equipped with two 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 re-
movable caps.
WARNING! Corrosive chemicals are 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 different chemical technology than that used in car batteries, nickel-cadmium bat-
teries (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.
We work closely with our battery manufacturer to provide batteries that best suit your scooter's specific electrical
demands. Fresh batteries arrive daily and are shipped fully charged with the scooter. During shipping, the batteries
may encounter temperature extremes that may influence their initial performance. Heat diminishes the charge on the
battery; cold slows the available power and extends the time needed to recharge the battery.
WARNING! If your scooter's batteries become frozen, do not attempt to charge them. Cold
or frozen batteries should be allowed to warm up for several days prior to recharging.
It may take a few days for the temperature of your scooter's batteries to stabilise and adjust to their new room or
ambient temperature. It takes a few charging cycles (partial draining followed by full recharging) to establish the
critical chemical balance that is essential to a deep-cycle battery's peak performance and long life. Follow these
steps to properly break-in your scooter's new batteries for maximum efficiency and service life.
1. Fully recharge any new battery prior to its initial use. This charging cycle brings the battery up to about 88% of
its peak performance level.
2. Operate your new scooter in familiar and safe areas. Drive slowly at first, and do not travel too far from your
home or familiar surroundings until you have become accustomed to your scooter's controls.
3. Fully recharge the batteries. They should be at over 90% of their peak performance level.
4. Operate your scooter again.
5. Fully recharge the batteries again.
6. After four or five charging cycles, the batteries are able to receive a charge of 100% of their peak performance
level and are able to last for an extended period of time.
How can I ensure maximum battery life?
Fully charged deep-cycle batteries provide reliable performance and extended battery life. Keep your scooter's
batteries fully charged whenever possible. Protect your scooter and batteries from extreme heat or cold. Batteries
that are regularly and deeply discharged, infrequently charged, stored in extreme temperatures or stored without a
full charge may be permanently damaged, causing unreliable performance and limited service life.
What about public transport?
If you intend to use public transport with your scooter, you must contact the transportation Provider in advance to
determine their specific requirements.
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