Purchasing an EVC and leaving in Florida Problem??

[wisbucky]

My DH and I are seriously considering purchasing an ECV and leaving it at our home in Florida. The ECV would sit for approx. 3-5 months at a time. I have heard that the batteries need to be charged constantly or they will no longer be any good very quickly. Does anyone else have any input on some issues we may have by doing this. The ECV would be kept in the garage and batteries stored in the house out of the humidity.

We go to Florida 4-5 times a year. Paying for a rental on a scooter of $120- $240 each time is adding up fast. And it certainly would be much more convenient to have on hand all the time.

 

[clkelley]

Our ECV sits out in the garage not plugged up when not in use. We just generally plug it up a few days before the trip and no worries. We go down also about 4 or 5 times per year.

I know for 12V batteries you can purchase what is known as "float" chargers where you can plug them to a battery indefinitely and it keeps them charged without damage. There may be a version that will work on ECV batteries. (Are they 6V or 9V??)

 

[wisbucky]

Our ECV sits out in the garage not plugged up when not in use. We just generally plug it up a few days before the trip and no worries. We go down also about 4 or 5 times per year.

I know for 12V batteries you can purchase what is known as "float" chargers where you can plug them to a battery indefinitely and it keeps them charged without damage. There may be a version that will work on ECV batteries. (Are they 6V or 9V??)

I'm not sure what size this scooter takes (Pride victory 350). I know it takes two batteries.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The spillproof "U-1" batteries used in most full-size ECVs are 12 volt.

A few years ago, before I got my lift, I had my repair shop make a special charging cable for me. This allowed me to take the two batteries out of the trunk and charge them, without having to get the rest of the ECV out of the car and put it together. It was "Y" shaped, the single connector plugged into the output cord from the charger and the other two connectors went directly onto the battery pack connectors. He charged me $40 to make this special cable, with all the right connectors.

When I donated my old ECV to Goodwill I included the cable with it.

 

[flounderman]

your scooter is 24 volts(2 - 12 volt batteries wired in sequence) if you attach float chargers you would need to disconnect the batteries and put 1 charger on each battery. why not take the batteries home with you so you can keep up with them? As Chesire Figment posted, you can get a "Y" cable made up. I personally would'nt leave my batteries for months at a time without being kept up

 

[wisbucky]

The spillproof "U-1" batteries used in most full-size ECVs are 12 volt.

A few years ago, before I got my lift, I had my repair shop make a special charging cable for me. This allowed me to take the two batteries out of the trunk and charge them, without having to get the rest of the ECV out of the car and put it together. It was "Y" shaped, the single connector plugged into the output cord from the charger and the other two connectors went directly onto the battery pack connectors. He charged me $40 to make this special cable, with all the right connectors.

When I donated my old ECV to Goodwill I included the cable with it.

Could this be left plugged in for months or does it have to be plugged and unplugged all the time. I am thinking I may be better off just taking the battieries out and letting them sit and then recharging them when I go back to Florida.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

For the answer to your last question you might want to contact a manucfaturer such as Pride Mobility and see what they say. Note they are in the business of making and selling mobility equipment and not batteries separately, so any advice they give you is not based on plans to sell you batteries.

 

[clkelley]

your scooter is 24 volts(2 - 12 volt batteries wired in sequence) if you attach float chargers you would need to disconnect the batteries and put 1 charger on each battery. why not take the batteries home with you so you can keep up with them? As Chesire Figment posted, you can get a "Y" cable made up. I personally would'nt leave my batteries for months at a time without being kept up

Well, if they are indeed 12V batteries, then I would say just bring them home, go to Harbor Freight and pick up a couple of float chargers (less than $10 each) and leave them plugged up.

(I'll have to check and see what ours are, that might be better on the batteries)

 

[wisbucky]

Well, if they are indeed 12V batteries, then I would say just bring them home, go to Harbor Freight and pick up a couple of float chargers (less than $10 each) and leave them plugged up.

(I'll have to check and see what ours are, that might be better on the batteries)

We would have to fly each time. I am not sure what they weigh. Actually never even looked at them. Any clue?

 

[clkelley]

We would have to fly each time. I am not sure what they weigh. Actually never even looked at them. Any clue?

oooh, not sure on that one. Not sure what the rules are on the airlines transporting the batteries without the ECV.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

U-1 batteries are 24 pounds each.

 

[wisbucky]

U-1 batteries are 24 pounds each.

I think that counts taking them home while flying since bag limites are 50lbs.

 

[genealle]

I never heard of a battery deteriorating due to not being charged.

You can OVER-charge and you can OVER-discharge.

What I would do is disconnect the batteries, and later give them a 24 hour charge when you arrive.

 

[wisbucky]

I never heard of a battery deteriorating due to not being charged.

You can OVER-charge and you can OVER-discharge.

What I would do is disconnect the batteries, and later give them a 24 hour charge when you arrive.

Thanks for the advice. I thought the same thing but wasnt sure.