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Burton-Brewers
15 Jun 15 20:05
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Date Joined: 01 Feb 12
| Topic/replies: 18,524 | Blogger: Burton-Brewers's blog
I have a mobility scooter that is powered by 2 x 12volt 50 ah batteries. I've seen an advert for a small solar panel that charges a 12v 55 ah battery and I've had the bright idea of fixing it to the scooter. Now this isn't my forte so am I correct in thinking that this would not work unless I set up 2 of them? If it could work I would be able to travel miles without the worry of the batteries going flat.
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Report naydam June 15, 2015 8:33 PM BST
Firstly, you should check the charging rate of the aforementioned solar panels. Your present charger probably 'reloads' your batteries with a charge of 5 or 8 amps. If it was possible to run your scooter, or any other vehicle, from a solar panel, they would ALL be doing it! It is not practical at this time.
What you would need is a big solar panel with a small motor attached. And a lot of nice weather.
Report Burton-Brewers June 15, 2015 8:39 PM BST
thanks naydam. There is no mention of the charging rate of the panels, you're right if it was viable it would already be in operation. Blush oh well at least I never jumped in first.
Report elise June 15, 2015 8:43 PM BST
your solar panel is going to be about 200ft across and with your scooter hung underneath that just about constitutes a hang glider, so you needn't worry about battery life
Report Burton-Brewers June 15, 2015 8:50 PM BST
it was a small one advertised for leisure use ie boats, campervans and golf buggies. It was only 6" square but the spec sounded ok.
Report Makybe_Diva June 15, 2015 8:53 PM BST
Is this the one you mean, BB?

.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trickle-Charger-Batteries-Mobility-Disability/dp/B005F98IKU

It might be worth giving it a try.
Report Burton-Brewers June 15, 2015 9:00 PM BST
yes that's it MD but that's not the ad I saw, it specifically mentions scooters on the one you've found
Report Burton-Brewers June 15, 2015 9:01 PM BST
seems like it wouldn't charge fast enough while the scooter was in use
Report Makybe_Diva June 15, 2015 9:25 PM BST
Something for you to invent, BB Happy
Report Just Checking June 15, 2015 9:58 PM BST
I've a little solar panel about 10x8" and it can barely charge a mobile phone :(

It's handy if in the great outdoors though, for when we flee to the countyside after the zombie apocalypse.

That panel posted above is apparently just 1.5w and that's probably in full sun, mine is probably similar but folds like a book.
Report Capt__F June 15, 2015 10:00 PM BST
move to Benidorm Burt suits madge
Report Just Checking June 15, 2015 10:04 PM BST
How about a little suitcase petrol generator? :)

It's not unusual in modern ships for example to have a hybrid power system where there is a say a turbine to create electricity that powers electric engines, rather than powering it directly using fossil fuels. Our new aircraft carriers work that way I think.

I wonder what the rule is if you did the exact same principle, and had a normal electric scooter with a mini petrol generator stuck on the back powering it? LaughLaughLaugh
Report naydam June 15, 2015 10:40 PM BST
Hmmm. I think the solar 'trickle charger' is to keep a battery 'topped-up'. Batteries in cars or scooters slowly lose their charge when left unused. I would guess that this simply covers that 'leakage'.
It might be able to generate enough power to cover your car's losses caused by leakage, the clock and alarm system but it would be useless to charge the battery in any meaningful time-frame.

This is just my, totally unprofessional, opinion.
Report naydam June 15, 2015 10:42 PM BST
Just Checking. They would call it a hybrid.
Report polybot June 16, 2015 12:06 AM BST
have you considered installing a wind turbine on it?
Report Capt__F June 16, 2015 12:10 AM BST
farting ?
Report naydam June 16, 2015 2:09 AM BST
Or even a pedal-powered generator?  You could make the world's most inefficient method of transport.
Report Burton-Brewers June 16, 2015 9:06 AM BST
naydam if I could pedal I wouldn't be using a scooterLaugh a chap put a motorbike engine in his scooter and raced it at Santa Pod and got around 70mph out of it.Excited
Report s.kenbo June 16, 2015 9:21 AM BST
Without prying too much, did you have a work accident BB? I remember you mentioning something about it on the thread I started about my missus. You seemed to be able to relate to her.
Report Burton-Brewers June 16, 2015 9:36 AM BST
yes is your wife still recovering s.k. ?
Report s.kenbo June 16, 2015 9:47 AM BST
She's still recovering, I don't know how much better she'll get though. Her left arm has very little movement (she gets more movement from involuntary spasms) and her left leg is weak. She can get around the house without a stick but couldn't/wouldn't go outside without it. She's walked about half a mile so far without needing a break, we never thought she'd manage that.

Since it's all happened I'm amazed at the amount of people I see each day who need help with walking, whether that be with a stick, crutches or wheel chair. Until something like this happens then you don't really notice it.
Report Burton-Brewers June 16, 2015 9:54 AM BST
yes that is very true, I hope she can improve some more
Report s.kenbo June 16, 2015 9:55 AM BST
Cheers mate. Cool
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