What is a 'smart' (some are labeled 'Intellect') charger anyway? We only use chargers that are UL listed and from companies that are ISO 9001 or better. We have multiple vendors with the same criteria. A charger that is 'smart' does a lot of things at the same time. The primary thing that makes these chargers smart is that they have a 'brain' that tells them exactly what the battery needs. The voltage (think pressure) of the charger modulates at between 38 and 44 volts depending on the current the battery needs to take. The amperage (think volume) will go from 0 to .1 of an amp on trickle charge to about 1.38 to 1.48 amps (from our empirical tests of a 1.8 amp rated charger) on normal or full charge. This regulation is happening by 'pinging' the battery electronically hundreds of times a minute and reading the return to continuously monitor the battery and it's needs. A chargers life is happiest when the battery terminals are kept corrosion free and dry. The less resistance that the connections encounter goes a long way to having the battery get a full charge and by the same analogy, providing the maximum output. A smart charger also lets you keep your scooter plugged in when not in use to keep the battery at it's peak. A sealed lead acid (SLA) battery is good for around 300 charge/discharge cycles. In normal use this will give years of performance. A WORD OF CAUTION. Under no circumstance should anything other than the approved 'smart' UL listed charger be plugged into the side of the scooter charging port. YOU CAN EXPECT A FIRE, EXPLOSION OR MORE. DO NOT DO IT! If you do not have a warning sticker next to the charging port just call us at 805-504-5808 and we will mail you one for free. Yes we know that a 1.8 amp charger can sell for $25 to $50 more than we charge. If you want to send more, it is OK with us. |