Page 69 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book

‰ Do not drive your chair or scooter through puddles or any type of deep water/snow. This could cause
damage to the controllers and/or motors.
‰ Electric motors do not require any type of lubrication, (grease, oil, WD40, etc…). If there seems to be a
problem with the motor(s) contact your local Norco Branch.
‰ Keep clothing or outerwear (sweater, jackets, coats, etc…) away from moving parts such as the tires. They
can get caught and cause damage and/or injury.
‰ Be sure to read the information in your owner’s manual about Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). Laboratory test performed by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) have shown that radio waves can cause unintended motion of powered wheelchairs or scooters.

If you should have any questions about your powered mobility device please consult the owners manual
that was included when the equipment was delivered. Your local Norco Branch will also be available to
answer questions and troubleshoot your device. Finally, you can also contact the manufacturer of your
powered mobility device, the phone number can be found in the owner’s manual.

WHEELCHAIR/SCOOTER BATTERY INFORMATION

Lead-acid batteries contain a sulfuric acid electrolyte, which is a highly corrosive poison and will produce gasses when recharged that will
explode if ignited. When working with batteries, you need to have plenty of ventilation, remove your jewelry, wear protective eyewear (face
shields offer the best protection) and clothing, and exercise caution. Do not allow battery electrolyte to mix with salt water. Even in small
quantities of this combination will produce chlorine gas that is very dangerous! Whenever possible, please follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for testing, installing, charging and equalizing batteries.

*This information is to be used as a guide. Always consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s
recommendations. You can also contact your local Norco Branch for more information.

♦ Power wheelchairs and scooters use deep cycle batteries. If an automotive battery is used in place of a
deep cycle battery, the unit may run but it will not recharge properly and will not sustain a significant
life.
♦ There are several different types of deep cycle batteries. Norco recommends that the deep cycle battery
be a sealed battery. Some batteries give you direct access to the electrolyte (battery acid) in the battery.
If this type of battery is placed on its side, the electrolyte will leak out of the battery. Sealed deep cycle
batteries do not give you access to the electrolyte making them safer than non-sealed batteries.

TYPES AND TRANSPORTATION OF SEALED BATTERIES

♦ Sealed liquid. This type of battery is the least expensive but is limited to hazardous transportation.
Many transportation authorities, such as the FAA, treat sealed liquid lead acid batteries as they would
wet-acid batteries. This makes transportation inconvenient and expensive.
♦ Gel Cell and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat). Both types are sealed but are more expensive than sealed
liquid batteries. The gel cell has it’s electrolyte in a gelled state. The electrolyte in the AGM is held in a
fiberglass sponge. Most are approved for general public transportation such as air travel. Batteries that
pass the International Air and Transportation Association (IATA) code are approved for travel on
commercial airlines. All batteries that are approved for air transportation should have labeling on the
battery that states they are within tolerance.
♦ There are many sizes and capacities of batteries used for powered mobility. The group (size)
classification only determines the physical size of the battery. U-1, NF22, Group 24 & 27 are some
common group classifications. Batteries also are classified by the capacity, this is know as Amp Hours