How To Maintain Your Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooters have long been a vital tool for those who have limited mobility and are looking to regain their independence in their everyday lives. Whether you rely on mobility scooters for daily activities or for occasional outings, proper maintenance of your scooter will help to ensure it remains in top condition, safe to use, and gets you from A to B with minimal issues. In this article, we’ll be talking you through some of the main steps to best maintain your scooter. 

Step One: Regular Cleaning 

The first and easiest step that you can take to properly maintain your mobility scooter is to clean it regularly. When dirt, debris, and dust accumulate in different parts of the scooter, it can significantly affect its performance over time, meaning you may need to replace parts that you wouldn’t have needed to if you had cleaned the scooter regularly. 

For the exterior of the mobility scooter, use a damp cloth to wipe down and remove any grime build-up. Avoid using high-pressure jets, as they’re convenient but can damage electrical components. 

For the underbody of the mobility scooter, use a soft brush to remove dirt or mud build-up. 

For the seat and any other upholstery on the scooter, make sure to use appropriate cleaners to prevent wear and tear. 

Step Two: Battery Maintenance 

The battery is the true heart of your mobility scooter and it is the main component that will keep it working properly - meaning it should be maintain properly to help extend its life and ensure you always have the power you need for your journeys. 

Always regularly charge your battery, ideally after each use, and avoid letting it discharge completely, as this can shorten its lifespan dramatically. If you’re not using your scooter for a period of time, then ensure that the battery is stored in a cool, dry place to avoid any dampness or mildew build-up from getting to the battery. Again, make sure to keep it charged up periodically, even when not in use, to avoid the battery from going flat. You should always regularly check the battery connections to ensure that they are clean and secure. If they are loose or corroded, this could impact the performance of your scooter and make it unreliable. 

Step Three: Tyre Care 

The tyres of your mobility scooter are crucial for a smooth and safe ride, over both long and short distances. Make sure to regularly check how inflated the tyres are and their tyre pressure to keep them at the recommended level. If they are over or under inflated, this can impact the scooters handling and could even have an impact on battery life. 

Make sure to also inspect the tyre tread for signs of wear - similar to how you would a car. Worn-out tyres can reduce traction, making breaking more difficult and could even increase the risk of the scooter slipping. Tyres should also be aligned correctly, and misalignment could be caused by hitting kerbs or potholes quite aggressively during a journey. Misalignment of the tyres can lead to uneven wear and can also impact the scooter’s manoeuvrability and balance. 

Step Four: Carry Out Routine Inspections 

Regularly inspecting your mobility scooter can help to identify issues that require more professional fixes before they become serious. 

Some examples include testing the brakes regularly to make sure that they are responsive and effective, which is an important safety feature. If they are not braking as well as they were previously, or you’re noticing a lag between the handle push and braking time, then you should make sure they’re checked by a professional. 

Other checks that you can carry out regularly include ensuring all of the lights and indicators are working properly, which is vital for your safety, and that your horn is loud enough to alert others of your presence. 

Maintaining your mobility scooter isn’t just about the machine’s lifespan but about your ability to regain your freedom and independence over the long term. By properly maintaining your scooter yourself as well as having it professionally serviced by an expert each year, you can ensure that your scooter remains a reliable companion for many years to come. 

Related Article:

How To Choose The Right Mobility Scooter For Your Specific Needs