Baja
™
BA300
17
I I I . B AT T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G
What type and size of battery should I use?
Your scooter requires
two deep-cycle batteries
. We recommend only sealed, maintenance-free types
such as AGM or Gel-Cell. Do not use wet-cell batteries, which have removable caps. Refer to the
specifications table for size as batteries differ depending on manufacture.
WARNING! Corrosive chemicals are contained in batteries. Use only AGM or Gel-Cell batteries
to reduce the risk of leakage or explosive conditions.
NOTE: Sealed batteries are not serviceable. Do not remove the caps.
Why do my new batteries seem weak?
Deep-cycle batteries employ a different chemical technology than that used in car batteries, nickel-
cadmium batteries (nicads), and other common battery types. Deep-cycle batteries are specifically
designed to provide power, drain down their charge, and then accept a relatively quick recharge (8 to
14 hours).
We work closely with our battery manufacturer to provide batteries that best suit your scooter’s specific
electrical demands. Fresh batteries are shipped fully charged to our customers. During shipping,
the batteries may encounter temperature extremes that can influence their initial performance. Heat
diminishes the charge on the battery; cold slows the available power and extends the time needed to
recharge the battery.
It may take a few days for the temperature of your scooter’s batteries to stabilize and adjust to their new
room or ambient temperature. More importantly, it takes a few charging cycles (partial draining followed
by full recharging) to establish the critical chemical balance that is essential to a deep-cycle battery’s
peak performance and long life.
Follow these steps to properly break in your scooter’s new batteries for maximum efficiency and
service life:
1. Fully recharge any new battery prior to its initial use. This charging cycle brings the battery up to
about 88% of its peak performance level.
2. Operate your new scooter in familiar and safe areas. Drive slowly at first, and do not travel too
far from your home or familiar surroundings until you have become accustomed to your scooter’s
controls and have properly broken in your scooter’s batteries.
3. Fully recharge the batteries. They should be at over 90% of their peak performance level.
4. Operate your scooter again, then fully recharge the batteries.
5. After four or five charging cycles, the batteries are able to receive a charge of 100% of their peak
performance level and are able to last for an extended period of time.
What about public transportation?
AGM and Gel-Cell batteries are designed for application in scooters and other mobility scooters.
These batteries are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved (United States only), allowing safe
transportation on aircraft, buses, and trains, as there is no danger of spillage or leakage. We suggest
you contact the carrier’s ticket counter in advance to determine that carrier’s specific requirements.
