Battery Care
After the recent problems at Eastern Golf Club, MGI has released a statement on caring for your Batteries. Please see below. If you have any questions please let Pro Shop staff know.
MGI Golf – the market leader in electric buggies.
Understanding and care of your MGI buggy and battery will give you peace of mind and years of enjoyment on the golf course:
Lithium batteries have many positive features, making them a popular choice for numerous applications. Their ability to recharge hundreds of times and support many sizes and shapes further enhances their versatility, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and solar energy systems. They are lightweight and possess high energy density, enabling longer device runtimes and improved portability.
Lithium batteries have low self-discharge rates, meaning they retain power when not in use. Additionally, they are more environmentally friendly compared to older battery technologies, with fewer harmful chemicals and longer lifespans.
Proper care and understanding of lithium batteries is crucial. Mishandling or lack of care can lead to thermal runaway, potentially causing fires or explosions. Ensuring batteries are charged and stored at appropriate temperatures, avoiding contact with water, and avoiding extreme conditions is essential for safety. Moreover, correct charging and discharging practices can extend the battery’s lifespan, reducing the need for replacements and minimising environmental impact. By taking care of lithium batteries, users can maximise their performance, reduce waste, and mitigate safety risks, making them an efficient and responsible choice for various applications.
You do not need to be worried about the safety of lithium batteries if you care for them and use them correctly.
Caring for your MGI lithium battery
Your MGI lithium battery leads, casing and connections must be regularly inspected for damage and wear. Do not use your battery if you notice worn or damaged connections as they can cause battery fires. If you notice any damaged or wear on the battery lead, casing, and connections, please contact MGI or an Authorised MGI Service Centre for inspection and a potential repair or replacement.
We recommend cleaning away excess dirt or debris with a brush and wiping down the battery casing, carefully, with a damp cloth after playing golf. Under no circumstances clean your buggy or battery using a pressure washer, tap, or hose.
When charging your lithium battery, ensure that that battery is charged under cover, preferably indoors in a well-ventilated area, on a solid floor such as concrete. Batteries must not be charged in a car, or on surfaces such as carpets or rugs.
Be aware of the surroundings where you charge the battery.
Keep the charging battery clear of items such as heaters, radiators, air conditioners, naked flame and away from rain or water.
Be sure the power connection has no faults and do not use power boards and extension leads, as sparks can cause battery fires. The battery must be charged after every use, regardless of the time used. When charging, ensure the ambient temperature is between 5°C – 30°C degrees however the optimal temperature is 15°C degrees.
We recommend not leaving your battery connected to the powered charger for longer than 10 hours.
Knowing the signs of a damaged lithium battery
There are two terminals on the battery, these will engage to the buggy when the locking lever is engaged. A locking lever that is difficult to operate could indicate that the battery is damaged.
Pay attention to the plastic shell of your battery; cracks and damage to the battery housing can let water into the battery, causing a risk of fire. You may not be able to see physical damage if your lithium battery has water damage.
Newer models have water indicators; however, these need to be inspected by an MGI repairer. If you are unsure on the state of your battery, cease using the battery and do not charge. If in doubt, do not charge your battery. Being knowing and aware is vital to the safety of your buggy, your battery, and your surroundings. Contact MGI or an Authorised MGI Service Centre for immediate expert advice.
For the safety of our repairers, you must be honest and open about the damage that your battery and buggy may have incurred. If in doubt do not charge your battery. This can cause a hazard.
What must you do if your MGI lithium battery becomes immersed in water?
If your MGI lithium battery becomes submerged in water, [fully or partially] even for a moment, discontinue its use immediately. It will need to be disposed of appropriately. Avoid driving your buggy through deep puddles whereby the water reaches the base of the axle. MGI classifies this depth of water as a deep puddle and the battery must not be used. Whether the battery was fully or only partially submerged, please disconnect it from your buggy immediately. It cannot be reused and must not be reconnected to the buggy or charger.
Residual water and debris will remain in the terminals of the battery and subsequent connection to a charger or buggy could cause arcing and/or short-circuiting. Water-damaged lithium batteries pose a significant fire risk and must be disposed of responsibly. Please note, ingress of water or moisture into the battery and or buggy will void all stipulated warranties on the effected parts. If in doubt do not charge the battery, this can cause a hazard.
Do not attempt to open a lithium battery for any reason. Your battery is an electrical device and must never be tampered with.
Tips for when you are around water!
MGI buggies are designed to be used in all weather conditions. MGI buggies are water resistant, but not waterproof. We recommend carrying a hand towel to wipe away any excessive water from the top box during use.
When possible, keep your buggy on the fairway and paths and avoid boggy, muddy terrain, deep puddles and avoid using the buggy too close to a water hazard.
If your buggy and or battery becomes submerged [partially or otherwise] in water or the battery is physically damaged, under no circumstances are you to charge you battery or ever used again. It is to be disposed of responsibly.
Impact battery damage
We have covered several different types of lithium battery damage that you need to be aware off, these include water damage, worn battery leads, casing, connections and an aging battery. There is also impact damage that can affect the buggy’s battery.
Impact damage can be caused from dropping the battery when unloading or loading the buggy and battery from the boot of your car and it accidently drops to the ground. The buggy may have crashed into a bunker and the battery sustained damage.
To identify damage please inspect the battery thoroughly and look for any visible signs. In some cases, not all battery damage is visible, you may start to see signs of lack in performance. If you have any concerns or have visible signs of battery damage, you should contact MGI or an Authorised MGI Service Centre for immediate expert advice.
Tips for retailers and golf courses
- If you receive a faulty buggy back for repair, please do not place battery on charge. Our technician does not require a fully charged battery for assessment.
- If your members charge their batteries at your golf course, we recommend getting external advice on charging best practice.
- Unless inspected and recommended by an external advisor, MGI does not recommend charging batteries on multiple power boards, this could cause power overload.
- As per our guidelines above, ensure batteries are charged on solid surfaces such as concrete and we do not recommend charging on wooden shelving units or carpeted areas.
- Ensure the batteries are charged in a well-ventilated area and as per our guidelines above, be aware of the charging surroundings. Keep the charging battery clear of items such as heaters, radiators, air conditioners, naked flame and away from rain or water.
- We recommend your customers to upgrade or replace their lithium batteries every 5 – 7 years dependent on usage and battery maintenance.
- When selling an MGI buggy, it is important to educate your customer on the importance of care and maintenance of buggy and battery and make them aware of potential hazard if not followed.
- We regularly review safety and maintenance requirements of our products. Refer to our website for the latest maintenance and care guidelines.
- This eDM is comprehensive but not exhaustive. Please contact MGI Golf for further information.
We all love our game of golf. MGI products are designed to help enhance your golfing experience. Many of our products are powered by lithium batteries which are safe and reliable if you follow our care instructions and maintenance guidelines. Happy Golfing!
– Team at MGI
