Drive Medical Sunfire General User manual

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POWER CHAIR
Sunfire General
OWNER’S MANUAL

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1. PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION ……..………………………………… 3
2. SAFETY NOTICE……………………..………………………………...……
Before driving
While driving
Labeling
4
3.
4.
EMI……………………………………………..………………………………..
PARTS INTRODUCTION……………………………………………..……….
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11
5. OPERATION…………………………………………………………………....
Control panel
How to operate your power chair
How to set to freewheel mode
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6. BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE………………………………………....
Charging the battery
Battery
Replacing batteries / charger
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7.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE……………………………………..….
Inspection
Regular checking record
Battery, fuse and tire
Storage
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8. TROUBLE SHOOTING AND SPECIFICATION…………….…………… 26
9. WARRANTY………………………………………………………………….....
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Please carefully read this owner’s manual before using the power chair. Improper use of the power chair
could result in harm, injury or traffic accidents.
This owner’s manual includes operating instructions for every aspect of the power chair, including
assembly instructions and how to deal with possible accidents.
 The symbols used in this manual are explained below:
Read carefully the notes marked with these symbols:
Warning Improper usage could result in serious injury or death
Attention
Improper usage could lead to injury and/or damage to your power chair.
Suggestion
Follow these instructions to keep your power chair in a good operating order.
This manual includes a copy of repair and maintenance record chart and warranty information.
Please keep it in a safe place.
If someone else uses the power chair, please make sure that you provide them with the instruction
manual for his or her consideration.
We reserve the right to make design modifications. As designs change some illustrations and
pictures in the manual may not correspond to the power chair that you have purchased.
Sunfire General Power Chairs have been designed and manufactured to provide a comfortable, secure
and affordable solution for some mobility requirements.
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a
practitioner licensed by the law of the State in which he/she practices.”
1 . PR E FAC E A N D I N T RO D U C T I O N

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2. SAFETY NOTICE
2.1 BEFORE DRIVING
The user needs to be familiar with the usage and operation of this power chair before driving. Therefore,
please always keep the following safety notices in mind.
The same traffic rules apply to the use of this power chair as apply to pedestrians
For your safety, please therefore follow the rules that apply to pedestrians.
Drive on the pavement, single carriage roads, or pedestrian areas only. Never drive on motorways
or dual carriageways.
Please do not drive your power chair after consuming alcohol or when you are tired.
Please be careful when driving your power chair in low light. It has not been designed for use at
night.
Practice operating your power chair
Before using the power chair in busy or potentially dangerous areas, familiarize yourself with the
operation of your power chair. Please practice in a wide open area like a park. In order to avoid
accidents with your power chair while driving, please bear in mind the different driving motions, such
as accelerating, stopping, turning, reversing, up-and down ramps.
Please turn the speed dial to value 1. Please use the lowest speed for your initial practice.
Be sure someone accompanies you for safety when driving on the roads for the first time.
Only use higher speed setting when you are confident that you can easily operate and control your
power chair.
The Sunfire General Power Chair is only to be used by one person at a time.
Do not carry passengers on your power chair. (including children)
Do not use this power chair to carry or haul goods.
The maximum weight can be carried, please refer to “MAX LOAD WEIGHT” in “9.
SPECIFICATION”
2.2 WHILE DRIVING
Carry out daily inspections. Refer to the section “DAILY CHECKING”
Do not move your body out of the power chair while moving.
Such action may cause you to lose balance and risk injury from falling.
Pay attention that your clothes do not tangle in the wheels

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2. SAFETY NOTICE
Do not use your power chair under any of the circumstances below.
On roads with heavy traffic or roads that are muddy, gravelly, bumpy, narrow, snow-covered, icy,
or on canal towpaths not protected by any fence or hedge. Keep away from places where you
might get the wheels stuck.
Do not drive at night or when it is raining or snowing, misty or windy.
Do not drive your power chair in an “S” pattern or make erratic turns.
Do not take the power chair onto escalators.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE POWER CHAIR BE USED AS A SEAT IN
ANOTHER POWERCHAIR (E.G. CARS, BUSES, TRAINS, ETC).
About Mobile Phones and other electrical equipment:
Do not use a mobile phone or other wireless communication device while driving.
Always switch off the power chair and remove the ignition key before using a mobile phone.
Do not charge the mobile phone or any other electrical device from the power chair battery.
Automatic Power Shut Down:
In order to avoid accidental battery run down, your power chair is equipped with an automatic power
shut down facility. If the power chair is turned on, it will automatically turn off after remaining
undisturbed for a period of thirty minutes. When this situation occurs, simply switch your power
chair off and back on and it will be ready to use once again.
Ramps, inclines and drops:
Do not drive onto ramps greater than the specified gradient. Refer to the section entitled
“CLIMBING ANGLE” in “9. SPECIFICATION“
Always use a low speed setting when ascending or descending a gradient.
Do not drive on roads with large drops or potholes. Refer to the section entitled “MAX.
GROUND CLEARANCE” in “ 9. SPECIFICATION”.
Please slow down when driving on roads with inclines.
Do not make sudden turns when driving on gravel roads or ramps.
Always lean forward when climbing a steep gradient.
Starting and Driving:
1. Make sure the seat is installed properly.
2. Fold down the armrests so that you can rest your arms on them.
3. Turn the power switch to “ON”.
4. Check battery indicator to see whether there is enough power for your journey. If you have any doubt
about the remaining power, recharge the batteries before departure.
5. Set the speed dial to a position, you feel safe and comfortable.

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2. SAFETY NOTICE
6. Check the joystick lever works correctly.
7. Make sure the electromagnetic brake works correctly.
8. Make sure it is safe around you before you drive onto the street.
Warning!
Do not set in the freewheel mode when driving on a gradient.
Always engage the freewheel device before use. Failure to do so may result in injury.
To protect your safety, the power will automatically cut off and electromagnetic brake system will
activate while driving down a steep gradient. This will limit the speed to a safe level. Turn the
power on again to re-start your power chair.
Maximum User Weight Limit
Refer to section “MAX. LOAD WEIGHT” in “ 9. SPECIFICATION “. Overloading past
the weight limit may lead to damage of your power chair or cause it to malfunction and will
endanger your own safety. The warranty does not cover this type of damage.
Attention
1. Avoid putting all of your weight on the footrest. This may cause the power chair to tip, possibly
resulting in injury.
2. Do not turn the power switch to OFF while driving as this will lead to an emergency stop and
possible risk of accident and injury.
3. Do not set to the higher speeds while driving indoors.
4. Do not adjust the speed dial while driving; a sudden change in speed may cause danger to you and
others, and may damage your power chair.
5. Do not place magnetic devices near the area of the controller as this could affect the safe operation
of your power chair.
6. Do be careful while driving in heavy traffic or crowded areas.
7. While reversing the power chair, beware of people or objects behind you.
Stopping:
Release the joystick control lever completely. The power chair will naturally brake and stop.
Turn the power switch to (OFF). Then remove the key.

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2. SAFETY NOTICE
The limit switch can be set to the fastest setting for use on the road or on private ground.
Attention: When climbing an incline, do not zigzag or drive at an angle up the face of the of the
incline.
Always drive your power chair straight up the incline. This greatly reduces the possibility of
a tip or a fall. Always exercise extreme caution when negotiating an incline.
Never travel up or down an incline that can be potentially hazardous. Use caution on uneven
surfaces (for example, areas covered with snow, ice, sand, dirt or grass).


Inclines and uneven terrain:
When climbing an incline, try to keep your power chair moving. If you must stop, start up again
slowly and then accelerate cautiously. When driving down an decline, do so slowly and in the
forward direction only. If your power chair starts to move faster than you anticipated or desired it
would, allow the chair to come to a complete stop by releasing the joystick. Sudden stops on steep
declines can push the user and chair forward. Push the joystick slightly forward and continue
traveling slowly down the incline.
Maximum recommended incline:
The Sunfire General Power Chair has undergone extensive incline testing. Our results show that
the maximum incline your Sunfire General can safely climb is five degrees at 400 lb. for the 701
and 500lbs for the 701-22 (with 22inch seat) weight capacity. Five degrees is the angle of most
handicap access ramps. Any attempt to climb a steeper slope may put your Sunfire General into an
unstable position.

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Labeling
Please carefully read all the labeling on the power chair before driving it. For your future
reminding, do not remove these labels.
2. SAFETY NOTICE
NEVER LIFT POWER CHAIR BY THE
FRONT OR REAR SHROUD
WARNING:
Radio waves may affect power chair control.
Radio wave sources, such as radio stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios,
and cellular phones can affect powered motorized power chair. Following the warning listed
below should reduce either of the chance of unintended brake release or powered power chair
movement which could result in serious injury.
1. Do not turn ON hand-held personal communication devices, such as citizens band (CB) radios
and cellular phones, while the power chair is turned ON.
2. Be aware of near by transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to avoid driving close
to them.
3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the powered power chair OFF as soon
as it is safe.
4. Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the powered power chair, may
make it more susceptible to interference from radio wave power chair. (Note: There is no easy
way to evaluate their effect on power chair.)
5. Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to your distributor or dealer and
nothing whether there is a radio wave source nearby.

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2. SAFETY NOTICE
This section provides the user with basic information that describes the problems with electromagnetic
interference (EMI), known sources of EMI, protective measure to either lessen the possibility or
exposure or to minimize the degree of exposure, and suggested action should unexpected or erratic
movement occur.
Attention: It is very important that you read this information regarding the possible effects o
f
electromagnetic interference on your Sunfire General power chair.
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) FROM RADIO WAVE
SOURCES
Powered power chair may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is interfering
electromagnetic energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio
(HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular phones. The interference (from radio wave sources)
can cause the power chair to release its brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions. It
can also permanently damage the powered wheelchair’s control system. The intensity of the
interfering EM energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each power chair can resist EMI up
to a certain intensity; this is called its “immunity level”. The higher the immunity level, the greater
the protection. At this time, current technology is capable of achieving at least a 20 V/m immunity
level, which would provide useful protection from the more common sources of radiated EMI.
There are a number of sources of relatively intense electromagnetic fields in the everyday environment.
Some of these sources are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are not apparent and exposure is
unavoidable. However, we believe that by following the warning listed below, your risk to EMI will
be minimized.
The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classified into three types:
1. Hand-held portable transceivers ( transmitter-receivers with the antenna mounted directly on the
transmitting unit. Examples include: citizens band (CB) radios, “walkie talkie”, security, fire, and
police transceivers, cellular telephones and other personal communication devices.
Attention: Some cellular telephones and similar transmit signal while they are ON, even when not
being used.
2. Medium-range mobile transceivers, such as those used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and
taxis. These usually have the antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
3. Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast transmitter (radio and TV
broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.

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Attention: Other types of hand-held devices, such as cordless phones, laptop computers, AM/FM
radios, TV sets, CD players, cassette and small appliances such as electric shavers and
hair dryers are not, so far as we know, likely to cause EMI problems to your power
chair .
POWER CHAIR ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI)
Because electromagnetic energy rapidly becomes more intense as one moves closer to the
transmitting antenna (source), the electromagnetic fields from hand-held radio wave sources
(transceivers) are of special concern. It is possible to unintentionally bring high levels of
electromagnetic energy closer to the power control system of power chair while using these devices.
This can affect power chair movement and braking. Therefore, the warnings listed below are
recommended to prevent possible interference with the control system of the power chair .
WARNINGS
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources such as radio and TV stations, amateur radio
(HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular phones can affect power chair and motorized
power chair. Following the warnings listed below should reduce the chance of unintended brake
release or power chair movement which could result in serious injury.
1. Do not operate hand-held transceivers-receivers, such as citizens band (CB) radios, or turn ON
personal communication devices such as cellular phones, while the powered power chair is
turned ON.
2. Be aware of nearby transmitters such as radio or TV stations, and try to avoid coming close to
them.
3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the power chair OFF as soon as it is safe;
4. Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the powered power chair, may
make it more susceptible to EMI (Note: There is no easy way to evaluate their effect on the
overall immunity of the powered power chair ).
5. Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to the powered power chair
manufacturer, and note whether there is a source of EMI nearby,
3. EMI

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4. PARTS INTRODUCTION
PARTS DESCRIPTION
1Controller
2Armrest
3Headrest
4Seatback
5Seat
6Seatback Release Lever
7Drive Wheel
8Caster Wheel
9Footrest
10KnobTo Adjust The Armrest
11Shroud

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5. OPERATION
JOYSTICK AND CONTROLLER
Your Sunfire General is operated by a joystick and controller. The Sunfire General is
currently available with a PG VR 2 controller.
VR2 Series CONTROL FUNCTIONS
1.ON/OFF Button 2. Battery Gauge 3. Joystick
4. Maximum Speed / Profile Indicator
5.Speed / Profile Decrease Button 6.Horn Button
7. Speed / Profile Increase Button

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR SUNFIRE GENERAL
ON/OFF Button
The ON/OFF button applies power to the control system
electronics , which in turn supply power to the power chair’s
motor. Do not use the ON/OFF button to stop the power chair
unless there is an emergency.
Attention:
If you use the ON/OFF button to stop the power chair, it may shorten the life of the
drive components
Battery Gauge
The battery gauge shows you that the power chair is switched on. It also indicates the operating status
of the power chair
Joystick
The primary function of the joystick controls the speed and direction of the power chair. The further
you push the joystick from the center position the faster the power chair will more. When you release
the joystick the brakes are automatically applies.

Maximum Speed / Profile Indicator
This gauge shows the maximum speed setting of the power chai r.
4
2
6
3
7
5
1

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5. OPERATION
There are five speed settings-step 1 is the lowest speed and step 5 is the highest speed.
Attention:
We recommend that the first few times you operate your Sunfire General you turn the speed
control to the slowest setting until you become familiar with you new power chair.
Speed / Profile Decrease Button
This button decreases the maximum speed setting or , if the control system is programmed for drive
profile operation, selects a lower drive profile.

Horn Button
Press button to sound the horn.

Speed / Profile Increase Button
This button increases the maximum speed setting or , if the control system is programmed for drive
profile operation, selects a lower drive profile.
Locking /Unlocking the power chair
To lock the power chair.
1. While the control system is switched on, depress and hold the on/off button.
2. After 1 second the control system will bleep. Now release the on/off button.
3. Deflect the joystick forwards until the control system bleeps.
4. Deflect the joystick in reverse until the control system bleeps.
5. Release the joystick, there will be a long bleep.
6. The power chair is now locked.
To unlock the power chair.
1. Use the on / off button to switch the control system on. The maximum speed / profile indicator
will be rippling up and down.
2. Deflect the joystick forwards until the control system bleeps.
3. Deflect the joystick in reverse until the control system bleeps.
4. Release the joystick, there will be a long bleep.
5. The power chair is now unlocked.
Attention:
This feature is disabled by default; if required, it must be enabled by programming.

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5. OPERATION

JOYSTICK DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
Your power chair may be equipped with a adjustable joystick. This function enables you to move
the joystick from the armrest to the desired position .

Suggestion
1. You should recharge the batteries after each time the power chair is used to ensure maximum range.
The batteries should be charged at least once a week even if the power chair is not used.
2. After charging or replacing a new battery, drive the power chair for 2-3 minutes to make sure the
battery capacity is sufficient.
3. In wintertime, the battery may respond more slowly and the battery range may be reduced.
4. When driving on a gradient, the battery indicator light might move up and down. This is a normal
phenomenon and should not cause concern.
5. Even with proper care and use of the battery it is natural for the battery’s capacity to reduce with
time. Therefore, the battery’s range is about 50% of the range when the batteries were new, it is time
for it to be replaced. Please contact your dealer about replacement batteries. If an old battery
continues in use it can lead to a rapid decline in performance.
6. The battery range will be reduced when driving frequently on a slope or rough terrain, as this requires
a greater consumption of power.
7. The batteries have a six-month warranty covering manufacturing defect. This warranty does not
cover faults due to incorrect battery recharging.
BRAKING
Electro-magnetic brake: Release the speed control lever completely, and the electromagnetic brake
will be activated automatically, and the power chair will stop.

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5. OPERATION
Warning

When on a gradient NEVER switch the power chair to the freewheel mode. The
electromagnetic brakes will not be applied and this may result in injury.
HOW TO ADJUST THE SEAT
To adjust the seatback angle
Pull up the seatback release lever.
Move the seatback down or up to the desired position .
Release the seatback release lever.
To adjust the armrest width
Loosen the knobs
Slide the armrests in or out to the desired width .
Tighten the knobs.
To adjust the armrests angle
Lift-up the armrest.
Loosen the nut.
Adjust the socket screw up or down to the desired arm angle position.
Tighten the jam nut
To determine the same angle for the opposite armrest, count the exposed threads after the jams nut
has been tightened.
If necessary, repeat the steps for the opposite armrest.
Seatback Release Lever
Knob
Jam Nut

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5. OPERATION

To adjust the armrests height
Push to button to raise and lower the arm height
To adjust the headrest
To raise headrest , lift it to the desired position.
To lower headrest, push release tab towards the inside of the chair and lower the headrest to the
seat(lower case’s).
To remove the seat
Turn the power OFF.
Make sure the Sunfire General is not in freewheel mode.
 Lift lever and remove seat.

Knob
Adjust The Headrest

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5. OPERATION
To change the seat height


Remove seat (See “To remove the Seat”)
Remove the shroud.
Disengage and remove the seat height adjustment bolt from the seat post.
Remove the height adjustment bolt from each of the three posts.
Raise or lower each post to the desired position.
Reinstall the seat height adjustment bolt through the seat post.
Reinstall the shroud.
Reinstall the seat.
HOW TO ADJUST THE FOOTREST
To adjust the footrest angle
You can adjust the angle of the footrest with a hex wrench (M6).
Turn the setscrew clockwise to raise or lower the front of the footrest.
To adjust the footrest height
Remove the quick release pin.
Adjust footboard to one(1) of three (3) mounting positions.
Install the quick release pin. Make sure the detent ball is engaged with the outer edge of the tube.
HOW TO SET TO FREEWHEEL MODE
For your convenience, the Sunfire General is equipped with a freewheel level. This level allows you
to disengage the drive motors and maneuver the chair manually.
To engage the drive and take power chair out of freewheel
Pull the freewheel lever to ”DRIVE” position(left and right).
Activation of the joystick automatically releases the brake so the powered wheel chair can be
drive.
To disengage the drive and place power chair in freewheel
Push the freewheel lever to “NEUTRAL” positionleft and right)

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5. OPERATION
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The Sunfire General Power Chair has a circuit breaker protruding through the shroud cover at the right
of the power chair.
- In the unlikely event of a short circuit or heavy overload ,all power to the power chair will be shut
off.
- To reset , depress the circuit breaker button. A few minutes wait is required before he circuit
breaker will reset.
- If the power chair continues to shut down after resetting have it serviced by a dealer.
Warning
Do not use your Sunfire General Power Chair while the drive motors are disengaged unless you are in
the presence of an attendant! Do not disengage the drive motors when on an incline as the power chair
may roll down, causing injury!
Suggestion
If the freewheel lever is difficult to move in either direction, gently rock the power chair back and
front; the level should then move to the desired position.
Circuit

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6. BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE
BATTERIES
The Sunfire General Power Chair uses two long- lasting, 12 volt, deep-cycle batteries. These batteries
are sealed and maintenance free. Since they are sealed, there is no need to check the electrolyte (fluid)
level. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to handle a longer and deeper discharge. Though they are
similar in appearance to automotive batteries, they are not interchangeable. Automotive batteries are
not designed to handle a long, deep discharge and are unsafe for use in power chairs.
These batteries are maintenance free and there is no need to refill with water.
Do not expose the battery to temperatures below 50 or above 122F when charging or storing
the power chair. Under the above temperature range can cause the battery either to freeze or overheat,
causing damage and shortening its life.
Warning
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling!
Use proper batteries

Your power chair operates on two 12 volt batteries.
They should be U1 size with minimum of 36 ampere hour rating . Only deep cycle sealed case
construction batteries should be used in the power chair.
When you buy a replacement, insist on a deep cycle sealed case. Do not use any other type.
CHARGING THE BATTERIES
The battery charger is essential in providing long designed to optimize your Sunfire Geneeral‘s
performance by charging safely, quickly and easily. The ammeter and charger plug are located on
the utility tray for easy viewing. The ammeter indicates the rate of charge being administered to
fully recharge the batteries. It is also a good indication of whether or not the charger is working.
The ammeter and the charger are only functional when the charger power cord is plugged
into a wall outlet.
To charge the batteries using the onboard charger
Position the rear of Sunfire General close to a standard wall outlet
Be certain the controller power is turned off and the freewheel levers are in the engaged position.
Slide the cover of charger plug.
Extend the charger power cord and plug it into the wall outlet.
The ammeter indicates how mush charge is needed to fully charge the batteries. Wait about a
minute for the charger to warm up. The ammeter may move as high as 3 amps, then gradually
move back down to 0 amps as the batteries charge.
We recommended you charge the batteries for 8to 14 hours. As the batteries charge, the ammeter
needle slowly drops to zero. When the batteries are fully charged, the needle vibrates on or near
the zero mark on the ammeter scale.

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6. BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE
When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Replace the cover of charger plug.
To charge the batteries using the on-board charger

To charge your battery, plug your power cord into the back of your chair and into your wall outlet.
Warning

Keep away from flammable objects while charging as it may lead to fire or explosion of battery.

Do not smoke while charging as the battery may release hydrogen gas. Always charge the battery in
a well-ventilated space.

Never connect or disconnect the plug or cord with wet hands while charging. Do not connect or
disconnect the plug or cord when they are wet.
Onboard Charging
AC plug
Ampere meter