6 Tips To Maintain Your Scooter

Like a car or motorbike, mobility scooters need regular maintenance and care. From monitoring batteries to cleaning your scooter on a regular basis, there are plenty of simple ways to ensure your mobility scooter runs at peak performance.

Mobility scooters can be life-changing for those with limited mobility, so it’s essential to keep up with regular servicing and maintenance. In this article, we share some simple tips for maintaining your mobility scooter and answer some common questions we get from our customers.

Maintaining your Mobility Scooter

Maintaining and caring for your mobility scooter should never be a daunting task. There are a  few simple steps for maintaining your scooter, including: 

If you’re experiencing difficulties with your mobility scooter, get in touch with the team from Active Mobility Systems. We have more than 30 years of experience servicing the brands that we sell and have equipped workshops, service vans and trained technicians on-hand to service or repair your mobility scooter.

How often should my mobility scooter be serviced?

The better you care for and maintain your mobility scooter, the better it will perform over time and the longer it will last. Generally speaking, it is recommended to service your mobility scooter every six to 12 months, depending on how frequently you use your scooter. 

If you use your mobility scooter sparingly, you can service your mobility scooter every one to two years.

Should my mobility scooter be on charge all the time?

We recommend charging your mobility scooter batteries before your first use. However, your batteries should not be on charge all the time.

When you’ve finished using your mobility scooter for the day, charge your batteries overnight. It won’t add too much to your power bill and so long as you have the appropriate charger. There is no reason to disconnect the charger until your batteries are next needed for use.

How do I test my mobility scooter battery?

If your mobility scooter’s performance is a little lack-lustre and you haven’t changed the battery in a year or two, it might be time to replace it. However, before calling a technician, it’s worth testing the battery yourself.

There are a couple of ways to test your battery. 

Locate your battery’s indicator and try riding your mobility scooter up a slope grade that’s 75% of your mobility scooter’s capability. A six-degree angle would work for most scooters. The indicator should have digital LED lights or an analogue amp meter.

Take note of the reading of your LED lights or what percentage the needle shows on the indicator then ride up the slope. If the battery indicator is nearly full and then drops below halfway, your battery probably needs replacing. 

Alternatively, while your scooter is stationary, test the levers that make your mobility scooter run. If the LED lights or needle begin to drop as you take off, then your battery is weak and will need to be replaced.

How long will my mobility scooter last?

Thinking of investing in a mobility scooter, but worried it won’t go the distance? The good news is a mobility scooter will last five years or more if you take care of it properly. 

Be sure to keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning, drive your mobility scooter safely, and check in with your local technician if you have any concerns about your scooter’s performance. This will ensure your mobility scooter lasts for years to come.

Will my mobility scooter be affected by the rain?

Unfortunately, mobility scooters are not made to be waterproof. If left out in the rain, the electronics in your scooter could get damaged and the warranty could be void. However, there are ways to protect your scooter even in the event of a surprise storm.

• Check the weather forecast before heading out for the day. If rain is expected (or it’s already raining), consider a different form of transport, or stay inside and stay warm!
   
• Find a covered area. If it starts raining unexpectedly, try and find a covered area where you can protect your scooter.
   
• Dry your scooter as much as possible after returning home. Wipe down the electronic controls and don’t neglect your seat and upholstery. This will prevent the seat’s material from getting damaged. Also, if your scooter needs a general clean, be sure to use a damp cloth and dry your scooter immediately afterwards.
   
• Always keep your charging port closed. The charging port on your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair should always be closed, especially when it’s raining. Water could get in the charging port and cause damage.
   
• Invest in a waterproof rain cover. If you need to keep your mobility scooter outside for any reason, we recommend investing in a waterproof cover to prevent any electrical damage.

Why is my mobility scooter losing power?

There are a number of reasons why your mobility scooter’s performance may be low: 

• The battery needs to be replaced. The most common reason for a scooter breakdown is the battery. As you’re often charging and discharging your scooter battery, it will eventually fail to hold its power. A modern scooter should tell you if your battery needs charging or replacing.
   
• The motor may need to be replaced. If your scooter is starting to “bump along” even on flat surfaces, it might mean your motor needs to be serviced or replaced. We recommend booking a service with an experienced mobility scooter technician like Active Mobility Systems.
   
• The tyres need to be replaced. While mobility scooter tyres are made to last hundreds of kilometres, they will need to be replaced periodically. Worn tyres can affect braking performance, so be sure to check your tyres regularly for any cracks and balding.
   
• You may have a faulty ignition switch. Your mobility scooter’s ignition switch is exposed to the elements, which means it can become corroded. This can cause the ignition key to get stuck or break off. If you have a broken-off key in the ignition, it can often be removed with a pair of tweezers until you can get your ignition switch repaired.
   
• You may have a faulty potentiometer. Like the ignition switch, the potentiometer is exposed to the elements and can become corroded. This can cause the speed of your scooter to fluctuate. If you suspect a faulty potentiometer, be sure to book a service with your local technician.

Book a mobility scooter service with Active Mobility Systems

If you ever notice any problems with your mobility scooter, our experienced team of technicians can assist. We have large workshops in both Sydney and Newcastle where we can diagnose the source of the problem and repair it on the spot.

We will also advise if any new parts are required and provide recommendations to keep your mobility scooter in good working condition. 

Book a service or repair with Active Mobility Systems today!