Batteries And Charging - Sunrise Medical Sterling Midi Owner's Manual

Batteries and charging

General information
Batteries are the power source for
almost all of the modern mobility
products available today. The
design of batteries used in mobility
products is significantly different
from the batteries used to start a
car for example. Car batteries are
designed to release a large amount
of power over a short period of
time, whilst mobility batteries
(commonly called deep cycle
batteries) release their power,
evenly, over a long period of time.
Therefore, due to the lower
production volumes and increased
technological requirements,
mobility batteries are typically more
expensive. Commonly two 12 volt
batteries are used together in a
mobility product giving a total
voltage of 24 volts. The size of the
battery, (e.g. its available power) is
expressed in amps per hour (e.g.
30amp/hr.). The higher the number,
the bigger the battery size, weight
and, potentially, the greater the
distance you can travel.
Battery types
Your Scoota will be fitted with one
of two types of batteries either lead
acid or maintenance free.
Lead acid
In this type of battery the charge is
generated and carried by a dilute
sulphuric acid solution. As a result,
this type of battery needs regular
maintenance to ensure its optimum
performance. Extra care must be
taken when transporting the
batteries due to potential spillage of
the acid.
Maintenance free
This type of battery uses a different
method of carrying the electrolyte
commonly referred to as 'gel', that
is totally sealed within the battery's
outer case. As the name implies,
no maintenance is required other
than regular charging. As the
battery case is sealed, you can
safely transport this type of battery
without fear of acid spilling.
Furthermore, they are approved for
transportation on aircraft.
Battery care
Because of the different
characteristics of the two types of
batteries, each must be cared for in
a different way. Below is set out
a Battery Care Plan for each type
of battery. This has been agreed
between Sunrise Medical and the
battery manufacturers to enable
you to get the best out of your
batteries. If a different care plan is
followed, this may result in lower
than expected performance from
your mobility vehicle.
Note: Do not expose any part of
the battery to direct heat and
when charging always place on a
hard surface in a room with good
ventilation.
25
Issue 1