Pride Mobility JET 1HD Owner's Manual page 38

I X . B A T T E R I E S
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the charger work?
The battery charger takes the standard wall outlet voltage of 120 VAC (alternating current) and converts it to 24
VDC (direct current). The Jet batteries use direct current to run your power chair. When the battery voltage is low,
the charger works harder to charge the battery. This is why the charging ammeter initially reads five or more amps.
As the battery voltage approaches full charge, the charger doesn’t work as hard to complete the charging cycle.
This explains why the charging ammeter drops as it approaches a full charge. When the battery is fully charged, the
amperage from the charger is nearly at zero. This is how the charger maintains a charge but does not overcharge
the battery.
Can I use a different battery charger?
You should use the charger supplied with the Jet. It is the safest, most efficient tool to charge the batteries. We do
not recommend using other types of chargers (e.g., an automotive battery charger). Your Jet’s charger will not
operate after the batteries have been discharged to nearly zero voltage. If this happens, call your authorized Pride
provider for assistance.
How often must I charge the batteries?
Many factors come into play when deciding how often to charge the batteries. You may use your Jet all day on a
daily basis or you may not use it for weeks at a time.
n Daily Use
If you use your Jet on a daily basis, charge the batteries as soon as you are finished. Your Jet 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. Do not charge the batteries for more than 24 hours at a charging cycle.
n Infrequent Use
If you use your Jet 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, sidewalk 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:
n Always charge the batteries fully prior to your trip.
n Plan your trip in advance to avoid inclines if possible.
n Limit baggage weight to essential items.
n Try to maintain an even speed and avoid stop-and-go driving.
38 www.pridemobility.com
A N D C H A R G I N G
Jet1 HD/Rev H/Feb03