Battery Care and Maintenance Guide

Proper Charging Guidelines

  • MK BatteriesUse the equipment manufacturer’s automatic charger for all routine charging.
  • Never use an automotive or wet-type charger on Sealed Gel or AGM batteries as doing so will damage your battery.
  • Depth of discharge affects cycle life. The harder a battery has to work, the shorter its life expectancy.
  • Avoid ultra-deep discharges and never drain your batteries completely.
  • Do not leave your batteries in a low state of charge for an extended length of time. Charge a discharged battery as soon as possible.
  • Do not cycle your batteries at a low state of charge without regularly recharging them fully.

When to Charge?

  • Charge Daily.The charger supplied with your mobility device should fully charge your batteries overnight. Overcharging is not a problem with today’s smart chargers as they are voltage limited and shut off automatically. Sealed Gel and AGM batteries do not exhibit a “use it or lose it” capacity-robbing effect known as “memory”.

Storage and Maintenance

  • Stored BatteryAlways store your batteries FULLY CHARGED.
  • Check all stored batteries once a month and recharge as needed, Fully charged Sealed Gel and AGM batteries can hold a charge for up to 6 months, however, they should always be charged before use.
  • When storing a power chair or scooter for more than 2 weeks, charge the batteries first and then disconnect them for storage
  • Avoid hot and cold extremes when storing.
  • Sealed Gel and AGM batteries require no watering. Any performance-related issues should be handled by a properly trained wheelchair or scooter technician.

Safety

Batteries can be hazardous. Dropping a tool or touching a watch or bracelet across the terminal can result in an electrical shock, sparks, smoke, fire and even an explosion. Use extreme caution around exposed battery terminals.

  • Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, and other chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
  • BE CAREFUL! Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away from batteries at all times. ALWAYS wear safety glasses and a face shield when working on or near batteries. Ventilate well. Do not install in an airtight container.
  • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN VENTS.
  • All old batteries are considered “hazardous material” and must be recycled through an approved agency to prevent improper disposal. Lead-acid batteries are virtually 100% recyclable. Be sure to return your used lead-acid batteries to a retailer. In most areas it is illegal to discard sucha battery in the trash.

Break-In Period

Breaking In BatteryActive users of power wheelchairs cycle their batteries daily (deep cycling). This stringent application requires a unique battery design that will sometimes compromise initial capacity in return for longer battery life. Gel battery performance improves once the battery has been cycled (discharged and recharged) 15-20 times. This break-in period is necessary to fully activate the battery for maximum performance and longevity. Thus, range and running time of your mobility device could initially increase with use.