How to Look After Your Mobility Scooter
In our last blog entry, we talked about how often you should service your mobility scooter to keep it in good working order. Today, we’re taking a look at more ways to ensure your scooter works better for longer by keeping it regularly maintained. These are just a few simple hints and tips that you can follow at home to improve the longevity of your mobility scooter and maybe even extend the time between services.
Storing your scooter
Environmental factors such as moisture and dirt can damage your mobility scooter, affecting the electrical and moving parts. When you bring your scooter in after a journey, take the time to wipe it down with a cloth to remove any excess moisture. It should also be stored somewhere clean and dry, preferably with access to a plug socket, so it can be charged after each use.
Batteries
To extend the service life of your scooter’s battery, you should charge it to full capacity after every journey. If you only use your scooter occasionally, we also recommend charging the battery fully every couple of weeks or so, to prevent it from deteriorating. If you have a spare battery for your scooter, don’t wait for one of them to fail. By rotating the batteries every few journeys, you keep them both regularly topped up, ensuring you always have a suitably charged battery ready to go when you are.
Tyres
Whether you use your scooter regularly or occasionally, every time you take it out, you are wearing down the tread. Your owner’s manual should indicate the recommended tread depth for your make and model, so keep an eye on this, checking it every couple of months or so. Before going on a long trip, be sure to check your tyres for any signs of damage and also ensure that they are suitably inflated.
Brakes
If your brakes aren’t working properly, you’re putting yourself and others at significant risk, so be sure to check them before each trip. This should include being able to brake slowly as well as performing an emergency stop. Also, check that your rear brake lights activate properly when you do so.
Lights and indicators
Most modern mobility scooters are fitted with flashing side indicators and rear brake lights that allow other road and pavement users to know when you’re turning or stopping. These are crucial for avoiding accidents, particularly if you drive your scooter on the road. Make sure all lights are working before each trip and check them for signs of damage (including cracked glass, faulty wiring, and blown fuses) prior to any longer journeys.
By following these tips, you should enjoy years of effective service from your mobility scooter. If you are based on the Wirral and experiencing any problems with your scooter, give Easi-way Mobility a call today to book it in for a service or inspection. You can contact us on 0151 346 1186 to arrange a time and date that’s suitable for you.