Redman Power Chair CHIEF 107 SERIES Owner's/Operator's Manual page 49

12 Battery Gauge
The battery gauge is included to let you know how much charge is left in your batteries. The best way for you
to use the gauge is to learn how it behaves as you drive the wheelchair. Like the fuel gauge in a car, it is not
completely accurate, but it will help you avoid running out of "fuel".
The battery gauge works in the following way:
When you switch on the control system, the battery gauge shows an estimate of the remaining
battery charge. The battery gauge gives you a more accurate reading about a minute after you
start driving the wheelchair.
When you replace worn out batteries, fit the type recommended by the
wheelchair manufacturer. If you use another type the battery gauge may be
inaccurate.
The amount of charge in your batteries depends on a number of factors, including the way you use your
wheelchair, the temperature of the batteries, their age and the way they are made. These factors will affect the
distance you can travel in your wheelchair. All wheelchair batteries will gradually lose their capacity as they
age.
The most important factor that reduces the life of your batteries is the amount of charge you take from the
batteries before you recharge them. Battery life is also reduced by the number of times you charge and
discharge the batteries.
To make your batteries last longer, do not allow them to become completely flat. Always recharge your batteries
promptly after they are discharged.
If your battery gauge reading seems to fall more quickly than usual, your batteries may be worn out.
12.1 How to Read a Battery Gauge
If the battery gauge shows red, yellow and green, the batteries are charged. (Bars 1 – 10)
If the battery gauge shows just red and yellow, then you should charge the batteries as soon as you can.
(Bars 1 – 7)
If the battery gauge shows just red, either steady or flashing slowly, then you should charge the batteries
immediately. (Bars 1 – 3)
Do not operate the control system if the battery is nearly discharged. Failure to
comply with this condition may leave the user stranded in an unsafe position,
such as in the middle of a road. PGDT accepts no liability for losses of any kind
arising from failure to comply with this condition.
44