Showing posts with label Technical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technical. Show all posts

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Shoprider - Mobility Scooters and Powerchairs

Are the most reliable and most technically advanced products.

Allrounder Gas Adjustable Tiller Lever

 Sydney Shoprider , Perth Shoprider, Melbourne Shoprider, Adelaide Shoprider, Brisbane Shoprider Call : 1800 672 633

This post is for George who asked - 

"Where  is the steering column adjustment  located on the Allrounder Mobility Scooter?"

As pictured the adjustment lever is on the right hand side below the hand grips were it is easily accessible from the seated position. The lever allows you to set the incline angle of the handlebars (known as tiller) anywhere that is comfortable between its lowest point and its highest point. The added advantage of the gas tiller is that you can "lift" the steering column to get in and out of the scooter if its in the way.

Monday, 30 April 2012

Fault Finding On Shoprider Scooters

Common Fault Finding And Diagnostics For Breakdowns with the Shoprider Mobility Scooter:

Shoprider Mobility Warranty Breakdowns

Often if there is a fault with the Shoprider Mobility Scooter these few tips will assist you to determine where the fault may be. Generally the mobility scooters are fault free if they are serviced and maintained regularly (12 months).


UNIT LIGHTS UP/HORN WORKS BUT UNIT WILL NOT MOVE
Possible Cause:
  • This often occurs when the scooter is in free wheel mode and is not in drive mode. Re-Engage the free wheel lever which is located down near the rear wheels (normally a yellow or red lever).
  • If you hear a beeping noise, the beeping you hear is a fault beep indicating the scooter main control box has detected a problem. Contact your dealer who can diagnose the beep code.
  • Check batteries with load tester - If either battery drops more than 1 volt under a load, the battery(s) are bad. Replace “both” batteries.
UNIT WILL NOT TURN ON
This is a power problem. A power source problem would be between the batteries and the main controller, or from the key to the main controller.
Possible Cause:
  • Check the circuit breaker/reset button and Check the in line fuses located on the battery cables (one for each battery).
  • Load test batteries. If either battery drops more than 1 volt under load, replace “both” batteries (you should never replace just one battery).
  • Use a fault meter to see if power is going to the key switch.
  • If the batteries have just been changed, check that the black battery cable wires are connected to the minus terminal and that the red wires are connected to the positive terminal. If they are reversed you would have the same symptom of unit showing no power. Also check the terminals are not loose.
UNIT CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING
Possible Cause:
By far the most difficult problem to diagnose is an intermittent problem. Most times the problem must occur in order to locate it. Sometimes you do have some clues. Test drive the unit to find out if the unit shuts off when hitting a bump or maybe even when turning. If the unit turns off whenever it turns right, the problem is most likely the front to rear cable.

SCOOTER HAS REDUCED POWER, LIMITED SPEED AND RANGE
Possible Cause:
  • One or both batteries are defective-check batteries and replace both batteries if necessary.
  • Insufficient charging time, batteries are not fully charged.
  • Batteries are not receiving charge (low battery voltage).
  • Cable connectors not making proper contact, corrosion or bad connection at battery terminals.
ERRATIC THROTTLE CONTROL, SURGING OR HESITATION
Possible Cause:
  • Faulty throttle potentiometer.
  • Faulty speed potentiometer.
  • Loose connections or battery terminals.
  • Worn or dirty motor carbon brushes, or carbon brush spring.
CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPS FREQUENTLY
Possible Cause:
  • Overload caused by excessive demand on motors (low tire pressure, sticky brake, seized wheel bearings, etc).
  • Heavy load on steep incline.
  • Loose batteries terminal connections.
  • Moisture on connections.
REDUCED BRAKING POWER, SLIPPING ON INCLINE
Possible Cause:
  • Brake worn out/weak brake.
  • Faulty main control box.

 Your Local Shoprider Dealer in Sydney , Perth, Melbourne ,Brisbane. Tasmania, Canberra and across Australia is able to assist you with sales and after sales services for your shoprider electric power wheelchair and mobility scooter (sometimes called a gopher).

Click here for more service and repair info.

Your Shoprider Scooter has a comprehensive warranty. Click here.

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Care and Maintainence of the Shoprider Mobility Scooter Batteries or Battery.

Mk Batteries are stocked by Many Shoprider Dealers


 The care of your Mobility Scooter or Power chair Batteries is important.

Replacement batteries for your Shoprider are available in Perth , Sydney and Australia Wide from all Shoprider Dealers.

Shoprider Australia sells and recommends 

MK Gel Batteries.

Q : Why is it critical to charge gel  batteries regularly?

A: These MK gel batteries are recombinant. This means that the charging process refreshes the moisture in the battery. This makes the battery maintenance free and sealed . The battery is vented so that when it charges it can create the correct pressure to 'recombine' gases to water. Overcharging a battery will damage the valve and reduce the life of the battery. Scooter chargers are designed to 'slow down' charging once the battery is fully charged. However do not leave the battery on charge 24/7 as this will damage the battery over time. So not charging is as bad for the battery as overcharging!

Q : How is a Gel battery different from a SLA (sealed Lead Acid) battery?

 A: The gel is in the battery is in a sponge like material. If the battery is tipped or badly damage there is no dangerous liquid to escape form the battery.

Q: Are Gel batteries approved for Air Transport?

A : Yes. gel batteries are approved. The information is on their labels.
More Info on this is available here.

Q: Do Scooter Batteries have a 'memory"?

A : No. The batteries can be topped up on charge at any time after sustained use. Don't "top up" the batteries after very short runs too frequently. Never run your batteries flat. Only ni-cad batteries have memories.

Q: How often should I charge my power chair / scooter batteries?

A: Daily Users - Charge daily. Occasional Users - Always be sure to charge before an outing and always after active use. The ideal charge point is 50% on the mobility scotter or power chair. Try to use the equipment regularly to charge and discharge the batteries. Never run your batteries flat.
  
Q: My batteries will not charge?
A : When the batteries are fully drained (over discharged) the chargers will not charge the batteries.
This is a safety feature built into most chargers. A dealer may be able to charge the batteries again using a special process. It may take the batteries up to 15 cycles of charge to perform like they originally did.

 Q: How long will my batteries last?

A: Mk Gel batteries are manufactured in the USA and imported to Australia with a 12 month manufacturer guarantee against manufacturer faults. These batteries are always fully charged prior to being sent to your Shoprider Australia retailer. When you buy a replacement battery you will have a twelve month warranty. All new Shoprider scooters that are sold with batteries have the same warranty period of twelve months. Mobility batteries are different from car batteries and must always be of the sealed variety. The durability of your batteries will often depend on how often and well they are charged using the guidelines in the link at the end of this post.

Q: How should I store my mobility scooter for long durations?

Answer:

  • Always store your batteries fully charged.
  • Check the batteries at least once a month and recharge as needed.
  • Sealed batteries can hold a charge for up to 6 months.
  • Avoid storage in extremes of hot or cold.
  • When the batteries are stored for more than 2 weeks with no use disconnect the them. 
  • Do not leave the batteries on charge for extended periods of time.

Q:  Will a larger battery make my scooter or power chair go faster?

A:  No. Larger batteries will make your Shoprider run longer and go further on one charge. You are only limited by the size of your battery compartment as to how large a battery you can use. There is however no power increase as you must always use two matched 12 volt batteries.

Shoprider Battery Guidlines Leaflet - Click here


Friday, 20 April 2012

About the Shoprider CrossOver GK10 Portable Scooter

The Shoprider GK 10 Scooter is Available in Perth, Sydney and around Australia from our Mobility Scooter Retailers.

GK10 Shoprider

GK 10 Cross Over Portable

Shoprider portable Mobility Scooter

About the portable Gk 10 Shoprider Scooter


The Gk10 is the largest of the shoprider portable mobility scooters. This is a scooter that is suited to a person that wants all the range and comfort of a full sized scooter but requires the convenience of a portable.
This scooter is fitted with 32 amp batteries that can be charged with the scooter or the battery pack can be removed and charged seperately while the scooter remains in storage.
The Gk 10 portable scooter seperates into modules that will easily fit into the boot of a car so the machine is transportable. The heaviest module is only 21 kilograms which is much lighter than the previous models which only fold flat. To seperate the modules there are quick release levers so no tools are required.

Technical Specifications of The GK10 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter

  •  260mm pneumatic tyres - for a comfortable ride. Solid tyres can be fitted.
  • Adjustable tiller ( steering ), with horn and key lock.
  • Split battery pack in two parts with large handles for easy transport.
  • Twin globe headlight (only portable scooter to feature a light).
  • Front carry basket with provision for rear bag carrier behind the seat.
  • can be disassembled or reassembled in under one minute with no tools required.
  • This scooter is suitable for users up to 136 kilograms on flat ground.
  • Length 1285mm and width 550mm
  • Color choices - check availability with your Shoprider dealer.
  • Each module features large handles for easy transport and portablity.
  • Padded loop handle bars and mirrors included.
  • Deluxe sliding & swivel padded seat with adjustable armrests which also lift.

Warranty For the Gk 10 Portable 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter

As with all the Shoprider Scooters the Crossover Gk10 comes with a comprehensive warranty which you can see HERE.

Where can I Purchase Or Test A Shoprider mobility Scooter In Australia?

We have over 100 Shoprider Dealers Australia Wide who can assist you to test and select the right scooter to suit your busy and active lifestyle. Our Shoprider retailers can also assist you with mobility aids and powerchairs. We have mobility scooter dealers in all capital cities including Sydney , Melbourne , Perth
& Adelaide . Also we have Shoprider dealers in many country areas. To locate your nearest seller to inspect or buy the Shoprider products you can contact us HERE.

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

How Far Would You Go?


Where have they gone?

A common Mobility Scooter Question is:

 How far can I go in one trip?

It's a good question that we'll try to answer now.
The Shoprider Scooters and PowerChairs have two 12 volt batteries each.
The size of the batteries varies with the size of the scooter.
 If you think of your electric powerchair or mobility scooter like a car the battery is the fuel tank.
So ....the larger the battery the more fuel you have and the further you can go.
When you run out of electricity its time to recharge your scooter or powerchair for another use.
Most charging takes all night.
You can charge your batteries at any time
... the same as if you would top up your petrol tank occasionally in your car.  
It is better if you do not  run your batteries completly flat.

So how far can I go??

Scooters 

  •  QT 4 .. up to 15km 
  •  GK 9 .. up to 20km
  •  GK 10.. up to 28km
  •  888SE Explorer.. up to 40km
  •  889ers.. up to 40km
  •  889ersf.. up to 40km
  •  889sl ..up to 40km
  •  Allrounder 9LSP...up to 40km
  •  Rocky 4 ..up to 60km
  •  Rocky 6.. up to 60km
  •  778ER.. up to 40km
  •  778HD ..up to 60km 
 * The distance you travel is affected by many
    environmental conditions including but not limited to:
    driving style, battery condition and charge rate,
    tyre air pressure,air and ground temperature,     
    user weight,  driving  surface, operating speed,
    and incline of operating surface.

                                                                  

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Lets start the tyre rolling by talking about Shoprider mobility Scooter tyres.


  • They come in many different sizes but the most common are 3.00-4 ( 260x85 ) and 4.00-5 (330 x 100)
  •  Its important to keep your tyres in good condition throughout the life of your scooter. Check the tyre pressures and make sure that the the front are at around 25 PSI at the front and 30psi at the rear 
  • Never inflate the tyres over 40 PSI!
  • There are two varieties of treads. 1 variety is interchangeable between the front and rear (innova). The other variety is specific to the rear or front (shoprider).
  • There are no left or right sides, but the mobility Tyre does need to go on the rim in the correct direction so the tread grips properly and clears the water correctly.
  • Tyres are available in grey or black.
  • The size of your tyre is embossed on the side wall of the tyre.
  • Always try and match the same tread if you are only changing one tyre.
  • The tyres are 4 ply.
  • You  can get a solid tyre that cannot get a puncture!
  • When you buy your Shoprider most of the models are fitted with pnuematic tyres.
  • Tyres do wear out at different rates depending on how you use your scooter. A good tip is to slow down around corners and  always allow room for safe braking.
  • When it comes time to change your tyres always check that the inner tubes are reusable.... sometimes its more cost effective to replace the inner tubes at the same time.
  • The rear pouch behind the seat is a great place to keep a spare tube! In the instance of a puncture if you have a spare tube and a mechanical service you can have the tube replaced in minutes and be back on your way.
  • The tyres that we use on many of the Shoprider powerchairs are the same as we use on the mobility scooters.
  • Always ensure that when a tyre is replaced that the bolts holding the wheel together are fastened correctly!
  • Always ensure that before a tube is removed from a rim that all the air is released before any bolts are loosened!
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