Mobility Scooter.

[zabado]

The instructions with my mothers new mobility scooter says I can't use an electric cable extention when it has to be re-charged. Why this restriction and is there a way around it ?. thank you.

[Gavmacp]

I think it could be due to the heat therefore a fire hazard.

[Gavmacp]

I am sure you could get a heavy duty extension cable with a rcd on it.

[annieigma]

Really don't understand that. a normal extension lead can carry the current that it is designed for, being a u.k. standard of 13A at 250 volts. as long as the extension cable is not on a reel it will be fine. if its on a reel, and you only reel out enough to reach the plug, and therefore leave a coil on the reel, it will produce heat, and melt the insulation, short out and fuse or start a fire. some vacuum cleaners have rewind devices, and if you only pull out enough cable to reach around the room, the length left inside the rewind will get seriously hot and melt. So, I would say that using an extension lead will have no effect on the recharge, as voltage loss due to cable resistance over a few metrs will be almost nil.

[sancho1960]

I use an extention cable when i charge mine,had no problems

[zabado]

Thank you all for the info.

[woofgang]

Is it brand new with a guarantee? if it is then if anything went wrong, you might have voided the guarantee. You could phone the manufacturer and ask.

[heathfield]

I don't see any difference between using an extension lead (uncoiled) and running a mains spur to, e.g. a garage.

[alavahalf]

You have'nt given any info regarding the charging location or the scooters location, therefore any advice would be guesswork.
Is it indoors, outdoors, under cover, in a public place etc.

Think you will find that the manufacturers are making sure of wiping their hands of the blame, by telling you not to use an extension lead.
Because if you do use one and happen to trip a member of the public up,
who then makes a claim against you for negligence... you can't turn round and say it did'nt state... "not to" in the operators instructions.
Likewise if you start a fire by using the extension lead whilst still wound onto the reel. (many people are'nt aware of the dangers of long leads).

[Wak]

I don't know anything about mobility scooters but do they charge at mains voltage??? The lead supplied with the scooter doesn't have a special voltage reducing plug, does it??
Do they have a built-in battery charger??
Just a thought!!