Can I charge a scooter battery via my car?
No. Do not attempt this. Your car uses 12v whereas your scooter uses 24v.
Can I fit two car batteries to a scooter because they are much cheaper?
No. Although they may look the same, a car battery and a traction battery are designed and built completely differently. If car batteries are used they will fail.
Why is it that some days a scooter can do more miles than other days?
This can happen if the weather is very cold and damp. The reason for this is that ALL batteries perform less efficiently under these conditions, that is why it is very important to keep batteries fully charged.
How much does it cost to charge a scooter up every night?
This depends on how much you pay per unit for your electricity. The unit cost is usually found on your electricity bill. As an average, your battery charger uses approximately 438 units of electricity per year. The annual cost is 438 times the cost per unit. For the daily cost, simply divide the answer by 365.
When should I charge a scooter up and for how long?
Charge your scooter every day whether you use it or not. It is quite safe to leave your vehicle constantly on charge for up to five days. Charge periods should last for at least 8-10 hours for normal use and 10-15 hours for heavy use. Please refer to your owners manual for charging information.
Can I put a scooter away for a long time, such as over winter months?
There are a few things you need to do when storing your vehicle for extended periods without use. Before storing, charge the batteries for 24 hours or more. When ready to store, disconnect the battery box or battery leads from the vehicle. If possible and it is safe to do so, release the parking brake (freewheel). Keep the vehicle as dry and warm as possible. Return to vehicle at least once a month to re-connect batteries and charge for 24 hours or longer. If you have an off-board charger it would be easier to remove the batteries from the vehicle and store them in a dry, well ventilated place where they can be charged every month.
How can I order a bespoke wheelchair?
You'll first need to contact your nearest authorised Sunrise Medical Dealership. They'll help you complete the standard order form for the product that you are interested in - and also the Built-4-Me order form (where you will include the details of the adaptation you need). Please include as much information as possible about your adaptation, as this will help us to understand what you need and offer the most appropriate solution.
What information will a dealership ask me?
They'll need to know the the product that you'd like the adaptation for, client measurements, social details (like the day-to-day environment the wheelchair will be used in) and of course details of the actual adaptation.
Please give as much information as you can - this will greatly help our experts to understand your existing/future needs and provide the best solution for you. Drawings, pictures or illustrations of the proposed solution are always useful, as well as a photo of how you are currently seated in your wheelchair.
I have a query about my Built-4-Me order. Who do I contact?
For any queries relating to your order, you always need to contact the Sunrise Medical dealership where the order was placed.
What are spokeguards?
Spokeguards are plastic covers that fit over your wheelchair's rear wheel. Attached using cable ties, they help to prevent your fingers getting caught between the wheel's spokes when propelling your wheelchair. They're also a great way of adding a flair of personalisation. Available in a variety of designs, our Built-4-Me bespoke wheelchairs department can even produce spokeguard covers with your own, unique design!
What are sideguards on a wheelchair?
Sideguards are mounted on the left and right side of your wheelchair. They help to protect your hands and clothing from the dirt and water that can be kicked up by the wheels of your wheelchair. Sideguards an be fixed or removable and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Where can I find my serial number?
If you have a folding wheelchair, your serial number will be on the cross-brace (the folding bars underneath the seat of your wheelchair). If you have a rigid wheelchair, the serial number will be on the rear side of the frame.
What is a handrim
Handrims (sometimes called pushrims) are the part of the rear wheel that you grip to propel your wheelchair. Attached to the outside of the wheel, they're available in a variety of materials (including aluminium, stainless steel or titanium). Handrims are also available with rubber coating or can be equipped with rubber strips that fits over the surface of the handrim to help increase friction. The distance of the handrim to the wheel can be adjusted according to your needs.
What does camber mean?
Camber is the angle of the wheelchair's rear wheels in relation to the ground. Traditionally, the rear wheels are at 90° to the ground, so the camber measurement is 0. A negative camber (usually seen in sports wheelchairs) adjusts the angle of the rear wheels inwards, so they're easier to grasp - helping to manouvre your wheelchair with less force. The increased width from the spacing of the wheels also helps to improve lateral stability (but can also make it more difficult when navigating narrow environments).
Which wheel size should I choose?
The choice of wheel size will depend on your height and desired seated position. Larger wheels can provide more comfort thanks to lower rolling resistance, especially when outdoors. Smaller wheels however are considered to make your wheelchair more agle. Youtrchoice of wheel size should allow you to sit comfortably whilst requiring the minimum effort to propel your chair.