At Hieline Mobility, we’re dedicated to helping you get the most out of your power wheelchair. Whether you’re new to using a motorized wheelchair or an experienced user, understanding how to maintain and optimize your chair’s performance is essential.
Understanding Your Power Wheelchair Batteries
Your wheelchair is powered by two 12-volt, deep-cycle batteries that are sealed and maintenance-free, so there’s no need to check fluid levels. These batteries are specifically designed to handle longer, deeper discharges, which sets them apart from vehicle batteries. It’s crucial to use only wheelchair-specific batteries, as car batteries are not built for the demands of a power chair and can be unsafe.
To maintain optimal performance, always ensure that the two batteries you use are the same type, chemistry, and amp-hour (AH) capacity. The charger that comes with your power wheelchair is designed to enhance battery life by charging them safely and efficiently.
How to Properly Charge Your Wheelchair
- Position your wheelchair near a standard electrical outlet.
- Ensure the wheelchair’s controller is turned off and that the chair is in drive mode.
- Plug the off-board charger into the charging port on the controller.
- Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.
- Once charging is complete, unplug the charger from the outlet and then from the wheelchair.
The LED lights on your charger will indicate the charging status, including when charging is complete. If the LED light doesn’t show that charging is complete within 24 hours, unplug the charger and contact Hieline Mobility for assistance.
Breaking in Your New Batteries
New batteries need a few charging cycles to reach peak performance. Here’s how to break them in properly:
- Fully charge the new batteries before their first use. This will bring them to about 90% of their capacity.
- Use your wheelchair gently at first, staying close to home to familiarize yourself with the controls and allow the batteries to adjust.
- Recharge the batteries for 8 to 14 hours after initial use. Repeat this process for the first few uses.
- After 4-5 cycles, your batteries should reach full capacity, providing optimal performance.
How Often Should You Charge Your Batteries?
- Daily Use: Charge the batteries after each day’s use for 8 to 14 hours.
- Infrequent Use: Charge the batteries twice a week for 8 to 14 hours to keep them in good condition.
Avoid charging your batteries for more than 14 hours to prevent overcharging. Always refer to the manual provided with your wheelchair charger for additional details.
At Hieline Mobility, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have questions or need support, feel free to reach out to our team of experts. We’re committed to ensuring your mobility needs are met with top-quality products and exceptional service.
