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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
Buyers Guide - Battery Chargers For Wheelchairs
ILC Reference NO 43:71:001
Item sourced from ILC NSW database
Short Description
The four major interdependent factors are: - the user, wheelchair, batteries and charger.
Price Guide
Approx Price: $0.00
Price Date: 14/03/2008
More Details
THE USER: (INCLUDING LIFESTYLE, AGE, WEIGHT)
. Should be instructed on how to use his/her charger correctly.
. Regular routine charging each night is recommended whether the chair is used or not.
. The battery should be left on charge for as long as possible. There is an automatic cut out on most chargers which prevents overcharging.
. Batteries should be limited to 30% discharge, as they are damaged if they run into deep discharge. Regular small bursts of charging will lengthen the life of the battery.
THE WHEELCHAIR: (INCLUDING MOTORS AND CONTROLLER)
. Bigger batteries will provide greater range but are not more powerful. They will also make the chair heavier.
. Some chairs have built in chargers.
. Some chairs have more powerful motors e.g. Klaxon motors.
BATTERIES:
. These are the fuel tanks and not the power source.
. Big batteries do not improve speed or performance and may actually reduce it due to their greater weight.
. They also take longer to charge, e.g. a 40 amp battery needs 12 hours to charge.
. The main advantage is that they provide greater range in distance.
WET CELL BATTERIES:
. The older style are not sensitive to over charging to any great extend, and can simply be topped up with distilled water if over charged.
. Modern ones seldom need topping up and need only low maintenance.
GEL BATTERIES:
. Are hermetically sealed and very susceptible to incorrect charging
procedures.
. A specialised charger is recommended.
. They are more expensive than the wet cell.
. Chargers which do not cut out automatically when full, cause the battery to burst.
. Safety features include: no spillage and ability to be used at any altitude.
They are the only kind approved for air travel.
CHARGERS: DESIRABLE FEATURES:
. Instructions should be easy to follow and permanently attached to the unit.
. There should be instructions about what to do in case of repairs required under warranty.
. There should be no sharp corners or protruding pieces.
. Should be approved by electricity authority.
. Easy to carry and use (including handles, clear indicators, etc).
. Should dissipate heat evenly.
. Should be specifically designed for the battery and the application.
. Manufacturer's back up warranty, spares, service, facilities, etc.
. Must be capable of charging the batteries in the time available to the user.
RECOMMENDED FORMULA:
. Charger current (written on battery charger) x available time for charging = battery capacity (amps) (written on battery).
SAFETY FEATURES:
. Chargers are on electrical circuitry and dissipate a significant quantity of heat.
. Allow for adequate ventilation and avoid charging on a carpet.
. Check that the charger has been approved by the electrical authority
(chargers which have been built into a chair do not need electrical
authority approval, so caution is recommended).
. Avoid sharp edges and confusing indicators. Instructions should be
permanently attached to the charger.
. Handles are recommended for ease of transporting chargers.
. Consider warranty, service facilities and availability of spares.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
. Details compiled by Mark Hartridge, Rehabilitation Engineer, Novitatech Regency Park.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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