Battery power

[tomo256]

Hi All.
Right the time has come to buy the battery for my, sorry my twins toylander!, but which battery do i buy? gel or absorbed glass mat, is 35 amp ( as suggested ).  big enough to pull my two six year olds around long enough to give them both a long enough drive before it runs flat, incidently i am running one motor as purchased from real life toys when i purchased the kit, your opinions greatly appreciated, also where is the best and cheapest place to get the battery from.

Regards Martin

[dale]

Hi,

We bought the batteries from Real Life toys, at the same time as buying the motors.  Running with two 12v batteries (24v) and two motors.  So far, we've run out of steam before the batteries have.  As it's still a bit chilly out, the longest continuous run we've had is about 1.5 hours.

[markh15]

Hi Martin,
Like Dale, I am using two 35ah batteries, but I'm running a Single 'Motor and Diff' unit from a Mobility scooter.
During the summer, when the car is in daily use, it takes about a week to discharge the batteries, and about 6 hours (overnight) to re-charge them.

Like Dale says, you'll run out of steam before the batteries. Harvey's (grandson) car will pull me (18+ stone) and him around happily with no problem, so a couple of 6 year olds shouldn't be too much of a challenge, although a single battery might not last as long as two.
I re-connected the batteries on Harvey's car yesterday, after 8 months layed up for the 'Winter Re-fit' and they are still showing about 3/4 charge, the same as they were when I took them off.

I would look on Ebay, under 'Disability, Mobility and Medical' (It's in 'Health and Beauty')for a battery, you should be able to get a 'Gel-filled' one for around ?40 or so. Unless you know the history, or can prove the age of second hand ones, I'd be wary, although they might just be an alternative if you don't mind charging them up a bit more often.

I was going to suggest keeping an eye out for a complete scooter, as this would have solved a lot of problems, but you have already bought the motor from Richard, so there's no point.

Hope this helped,
Regards,
Mark.

P.S. I've just had a look on Ebay and found these, Item No 108337465855, a 'Pair' of scooter batteries for ?50. They are in Weston Super Mare, I don't know how this is for you Martin, as I your location isn't on your profile. Take a look and see what you think, Mark.

[Richard]

Hi Martin,

We use 33Amp Hr GEL batteries. They are as effective as an 85 Amp Hr lead acid caravan battery but they don't leak acid, they are half the size and half the weight. Pete at Little Rovers [they do parties and run an offroad course for our cars] uses the next size up but reckons he does not get any great advantage in terms of running time. Mind you he has to keep changing them and carry them about ;-) He is going to test this out for me this summer.
Keep on rolling
Richard

[multisync]

Hi martin
I have a pair of 35 Ah gel batts, ex mobility scooter, the kids run out of interest, well before the batteries are exhausted.
The car has been in the garage unused for weeks, and not charged since it's last outing. We got it out on Saturday, and again on Sunday, and it was only after several hours that we began to notice any loss of battery power. I think it would be quite a challenge to discharge a set of batteries in a day.
When they do use it, it gets quite heavy usage, as there are 3 girls taking it in turns to drive, usually two passengers as well!
A pair of 35Ah batts seems the ideal solution, invalid scooters quote 20 miles range for them.
Best wishes
Walter

[jimmyybob]

I have these on the tractor, although I paid ?10 less than they are now listed for.?
They also delivered them no problem.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-NUMAX-12V-34AH-MOBILITY-SCOOTER-GOLF-BUGGY-BATTERY_W0QQitemZ260377273518QQihZ016QQcategoryZ75068QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262