Why can't you use an extension lead to charge up a mobility scooter?

Question

I noticed in the manual and on a label on the plug that you cannot attach an extension lead to the charger of a mobility scooter, why is this and what can you do if you cannot get the lead close enough to an electric socket?

Answer 1

This is for safety reasons.



If you were to use an extension cable you'd have the following risks...



1) Fire because:

a)the cable may not have thick enough copper and so may over heat.

b)the cable may be damaged and so be thinner in one point and so over heat.

c)the cable may be coiled and a coil carrying large AC currents will get hot as it's creating and reversing a magnetic field 50 times a second.



2)Electric shock - the extension cable or its connector may not be sufficiently insulated - especially if you let it get wet :-)



3)Trip hazard...



If you can mitigate all of these and are sure there are no other issues then you'll be ok. Possibly the best bet is get someone to install a socket nearer the scooter - or ask the scooter supplier to advise on / supply an extension lead (and don't coil it )

Answer 2

Hello



If the Scooter is to be charged in a garage then you can extend with an Extension lead that fits between where the current socket is and where you want the charger. (Ensure correct rating of Extension and Fuse)

The thing is not to have coils of wire in the Extension.

Personally I would use a Normal Plug and cut lead to fit and Pin lead in place and fit normal switched socket at end.

This would mean you can just switch off the socket or unplug the Charger.



Andy C

Answer 3

The fact that I use a high pressure hose may appear to be irrelevant to your question, however when I used an extension lead it ceased to work. Then I realised that the wattage or voltage was incompatible with my high pressure hose. Thankfully I was able to overcome this problem by getting a more powerful extension lead.



I suspect that because the scooter needs more power than any other appliance on the market that none of the extension leads on the market can provide this.



Have you thought about contacting the supplier of your scooter and asking them to provide a longer cable?.

Answer 4

I think the manual may refer to an extension cable on the OUTPUT side of the charge & not the mains in side. As they may use a special (heavier) gauge of wire & special charger sockets. As to the reasons NOT to use an extension cable to run the charger, other posters have it covered - Coiled wires with electric current running through heats up so stretch them out

Answer 5

Probably because the charger is not waterproof and needs a proven ground connection through the built-in lead and plug. Any old extension lead might not be safe.

Answer 6

Ive never heard of a mobility scooter having an alternator????? cars yes but electric scooters i think not some how?? the only thing i can think of is have the batteries got enough water in them?? good luck mate

Answer 7

hmmmm,ide say thats bull!.

as long as the lead is above the required amp rating and it MUST,i repart MUST it must be fully UN-WOUND before charging.