Instruction Manual

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Can I use a dierent baery charger?
You should use the charger supplied with the power chair. It is the safest, most ecient tool to charge
the batteries. We do not recommend using other types of chargers (e.g., an automotive battery
charger).
NOTE: Your power chair’s charger will not operate aer the baeries have been discharged to nearly
zero voltage. If this happens, contact your Authorized Freerider Agent for assistance.
How oen must I charge the baeries?
Many factors come into play when deciding how often to charge the batteries. You may use your
power chair all day on a daily basis or you may not use it for weeks at a me.
Daily Use
If you use your power chair on a daily basis, charge the baeries as soon as you are nished using
your power chair. Your power chair will be ready each morning to give you a full day’s service. It is
recommended that you charge the baeries 8 to 10 hours aer daily use.
Infrequent Use
If you use your power chair infrequently(once a week or less), you should charge the baeries at least
once per week for 10 to 12 hours.
NOTE: Keep your baeries fully charged and avoid deeply discharging your baeries. Do not charge
the baeries 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 situaon such as smooth, at, hard terrain with no wind, hills, or
curves. More oen you are presented with hills, sidewalk cracks, uneven and loosely packed surfaces,
curves, and wind. All of these factors will aect the distance or running me per baery charge. Below
are a few suggesons for obtaining the maximum range per charge:
1. Always charge the baeries fully prior to your trip.
2. Plan your trip in advance to avoid inclines if possible.
3. Limit baggage weight to essenal items.
4. Try to maintain an even speed and avoid stop-and-go driving.
What type of baeries should I use?
We recommend deep-cycle baeries that are sealed and maintenance free. Both AGM and Gel-Cell are
deep-cycle baeries that are similar in performance.
WARNING!
Corrosive chemicals contained in baeries. Use only AGM or Gel-Cell baeries to
reduce the risk of leakage or explosive condions.
Why do my new baeries seem weak?
Deep-cycle batteries employ a much different chemical technology than that used in car batteries,
nickel-cadmium(nicads), or in other common battery types. Deep-cycle batteries are specifically
designed to provide power, drain down their charge, and then accept a relavely quick recharge. AGM
and Gel-Cell baeries should be charged as oen as possible. They do not have a “memory” like nickel-
cadmium baeries.
We work closely with our baery manufacturer to provide a baery that best suits your power chair’s
specic demands. Fresh baeries arrive regularly and are promptly shipped with a full charge. During
shipping, the baeries encounter temperature extremes that may inuence inial performance. Heat
robs the charge from the baery, and cold slows the power available and extends the me needed to
recharge the baery (just as with a car baery)
It might take a few days for the temperature of the baery to stabilize and adjust to its new ambient
temperature. More importantly, it will take a few “charging cycles” (a partial drain — then a full
recharge) to establish the crical chemical balance that is essenal to the baery’s peak performance
and long life. It will be well worth it to take the me to break in your baery properly.
How can I ensure maximum baery life?
A fully charged deep-cycle baery will provide reliable performance and extended baery life. Keep
your power chair’s baeries fully charged whenever possible. Baeries that are regularly and deeply
discharged, infrequently charged, or stored without a full charge may be permanently damaged,
causing unreliable power chair operaon and limited baery life.
NOTE: The useful life of a baery is quite oen a reecon of the care it receives.
How should I store my power chair and its baeries?
If you do not use your power chair regularly, we recommend maintaining baery vitality by charging
the baeries at least once per week.
What about public transportaon?
AGM and Gel-Cell baeries are designed for applicaon in power chairs and other mobility vehicles.
These baeries are Federal Aviaon Administraon (FAA) approved, allowing safe transportaon on
aircra, buses, and trains, as there is no danger of spillage or leakage. We suggest you contact the
carrier’s cket counter in advance to determine that carrier’s specic requirements.
What about shipping?
If you wish to use a freight company to ship your power chair to your nal desnaon, repack your
power chair in the original packaging and ship the baeries in separate boxes.
CARE AND MAINTEN A N C E
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your FR-168W is a sophisticated power chair. Like any motorized vehicle, it requires routine
maintenance checks. You can perform some of these checks, but others require assistance from
an authorized service representative. Preventive maintenance is very important. If you follow the
maintenance checks in this section as scheduled, you can help ensure that your power chair gives
you years of trouble-free operaon. If you have any doubt as to your power chair’s care or operaon,
contact your Authorized Freerider Agent.
WARNING!
Do not service the power chair when the seat is occupied.
Your power chair, like most electrical equipment, is suscepble to damage from the elements. Avoid
damp areas of any kind.
WARNING!
Direct or prolonged exposure to water or dampness could cause the power chair
to malfuncon electronically and mechanically. Water can cause electrical components to corrode and
the chair’s frame to rust. Power chairs should be examined periodically for signs of corrosion caused by