Mobility scooter maintenance checks

The shorter winter days means it’s essential to make sure your lights are clean and dirt free so you can see and be seen by other road users and pedestrians. Regularly give all lights, including indicators, a good clean to clear off any dirt and maintain maximum visibility.

If any lights aren’t working, a bulb might need replacing or connections checking to ensure nothing has come lose. If your scooter does not have lights it is a good idea to put hi-vis strips or reflectors on your vehicle to increase your visibility to other pavement users. You can also buy high-vis clothing to further improve your visibility.

The last thing you want is to be stranded away from your destination in the cold or wet. Before you take on any journey during the Winter always check your battery is charged and ready to get you where you want to go.

Be aware that winter weather can have an affect on the distance your battery can cover. Strong winds, or a tricky terrain, can make your battery have to work even harder to cover the range you require. Account for this in your journey.

If your mobility scooter is stored outside, and your battery can be removed, we recommend detaching it and bringing it inside in extremely cold conditions. This will help protect the battery life from degrading.

We’ve produced some separate information on charging, storing and caring for your scooter battery.

With winter comes a combination of rain, ice and snow which can cause problems for tyres that are past their best. Check for wear and tear. If there are bald patches or low treads then you should consider replacing these in time for winter.

You should also make sure pneumatic scooter tyres are correctly inflated to provide extra grip in slippery conditions. Before you pump up your tyres, check your scooter manual to make sure you inflate to the correct pressure.

Also keep an eye out for any of your tyres deflating at a faster rate than the others. This could indicate a slow puncture which you should have repaired before the colder weather puts additional pressure on this tyre.

During winter your scooter will pick up mud, oil or rock salt used to melt ice during its journey. This can cause erosion and rust on metal parts and chrome surfaces. Giving your scooter a quick clean after every journey will help keep it in good condition and looking great.

Having a regular clean also makes it more likely that you’ll spot any faults or bodywork repairs that are needed to maintain its life and performance.

For mobility scooters that are stored outside we recommend that you protect it from the harsh winter weather with a waterproof cover. This will help keep it rust free and ready for action whenever you need it.

A regular mobility scooter service is always a good idea to maintain good working order. Scheduling this before winter sets in is a particularly good idea as it will run through the above checks.

RB Mobility offer a comprehensive mobility scooter service that will find and fix any problems to ensure your ongoing safety.

Even more important than your scooter is your safety and making sure you are ready and equipped to deal with any mishaps that might occur.
a) Plan your journey and let others know what this is
When you travel to see a friend or family member, or for an appointment, let them know you’re on your way, when to expect you and the route your are taking before you set off.

Just in case something does go wrong along the way it means you won’t be stranded long before help arrives.
b) Take a winter survival kit with you
To keep you safe and comfortable whilst taking on the unpredictable British weather we recommend a few essentials for any journey:

• A quick check of the weather forecast to make sure you won’t be caught in bad weather, or to make alternative travel arrangements.
• A fully charged mobile phone to call for help if required (make sure it’s got your emergency numbers pre-programmed so you can make the calls quickly).
• Something warm (thermals, hats, gloves, scarf, warm jumper)
• Something waterproof
• High visibility clothing (like a hi-vis tabard) so you can be seen easily in the dark
• Extra money for taxis, or a warm drink whilst waiting for help
• You will feel better about yourself and gain self-confidence

c) Don’t take unnecessary risks in bad weather conditions
If the weather is particularly unfavourable don’t risk your safety by taking out your scooter:

• Reschedule non-urgent appointments or visits
• Ask friends, family or neighbours to pick up prescriptions or shopping
• Sign up for an on-line grocery shopping service for delivery of essentials to your door
• Arrange for alternative travel arrangements

We hope the above helps keep you mobile and safe over the Winter months. If you are at all concerned about the condition of your mobility scooter, need it repaired or would like to book a service, please call us here at RB Mobility on 01753 710055.

From our base in Hertfordshire, our friendly engineers travel to our customers across London and the Home Counties to carry out mobility scooter repairs and servicing on-site.