Help CenterFor users of power wheelchairs and scooters, the battery and electronics are the heart of their independence. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also ensures your safety and reliability during daily use.
Following these guidelines from the Loh Medical technical team will help you get the most out of your mobility solution.
1. Understanding Your Batteries
Most modern power wheelchairs and scooters use Deep Cycle Gel or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries. Unlike car batteries, which provide a quick burst of energy to start an engine, these are designed to provide a steady flow of power over a long period.
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The "Break-in" Period: New batteries often require about 15 to 20 charge cycles before they reach their full capacity. During this time, you may notice a slight increase in range after each use.
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Depth of Discharge: Try to avoid letting your battery gauge fall into the "red" zone. Consistently draining a battery to 0% can permanently damage the cells.
2. Best Practices for Charging
Charging habits are the single most important factor in battery longevity.
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Charge Nightly: Even if you only used your chair for a short distance, plug it in at night. These batteries do not have a "memory effect," so frequent charging is beneficial.
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Use the Original Charger: Only use the charger supplied with your device. Aftermarket chargers may have different voltage outputs that can overheat or undercharge your batteries.
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Complete the Cycle: Ideally, let the charger reach the "Full" or "Green" light status before disconnecting. This allows the charger to perform a "float charge," which balances the cells.
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Ventilation: Always charge your device in a well-ventilated area and ensure the charger is not covered by blankets or clothing, as it needs to dissipate heat.
3. Electronics & Controller Care
The joystick and control module are sensitive electronic components. Protecting them from environmental hazards is key to preventing "ghost" errors or total system failure.
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Moisture Protection: While many controllers are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. If you are caught in the rain, use a joystick cover. If the electronics do get wet, turn the power off immediately and allow them to dry completely before restarting.
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Keep it Clean: Dust and hair can get trapped under the joystick boot, causing it to stick. Use a damp (not dripping) microfiber cloth to wipe down the controls. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or high-pressure air.
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Connection Checks: Periodically ensure that the main cable connecting the joystick to the power module (usually located under the seat) is secure and not frayed.
4. Storage & Temperature
Extreme temperatures are the enemy of battery chemistry and circuit boards.
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Avoid Extreme Heat: Storing your wheelchair in a hot car or in direct sunlight can cause the batteries to swell and lose capacity.
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Cold Weather Care: In cold climates, battery capacity can drop by up to 30%. If you live in a cold area, store your chair indoors when not in use.
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Long-term Storage: If you won't be using your chair for more than two weeks, charge the batteries fully first. If possible, disconnect the batteries or give them a "top-off" charge once a month to prevent them from self-discharging to a critical level.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your chair is not responding, check these three things before calling for technical service:
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Freewheel Levers: Ensure the motors are engaged. If the levers are in "push mode," the chair will not drive, and the joystick will likely flash an error code.
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Connections: Check that the battery plugs and joystick cables are firmly pushed in.
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Circuit Breaker: Locate the main circuit breaker (usually near the batteries). If it has tripped, simply flip the switch or press the button to reset it.
Need further assistance? If your device is displaying a specific "Flash Code" (a series of blinking lights on the joystick), please record the number of blinks and contact the Loh Medical support team with your Serial Number ready.