Pride Victory Owner's Manual page 25

V . B A T T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G
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), and 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 at Pride and are shipped fully charged to our customers. During shipping, the
batteries may encounter temperature extremes that can 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.
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.
More importantly, 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 and have properly
broken in your scooter’s batteries.
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. Batteries that are regularly and deeply discharged, infrequently charged, or
stored without a full charge may be permanently damaged, causing unreliable performance and limited service life.
How should I store my scooter and its batteries?
If you plan on not using your scooter for an extended period of time, it is best to:
n Fully charge its batteries prior to storage.
n Disconnect both battery harnesses.
n Store your scooter in a warm, dry environment.
n Avoid storing your scooter where it will be exposed to temperature extremes.
WARNING! If your scooter’s batteries do become frozen, do not attempt to charge them. Cold or
frozen batteries should be allowed to warm up for several days prior to recharging.
For prolonged storage, you may wish to place several boards under the frame of your scooter to raise it off of the
ground. This takes the weight off the tyres and reduces the possibility of flat spots developing on the areas of the
tyres contacting the ground.
Victory 25