How To Store And Care For Your Mobility Scooter
03 Oct 2018
A mobility scooter can be vital for getting out and about so it is important to give it the best possible care, to keep it going for longer. At Blue Badge Mobility Insurance, we want you to have the freedom to live you life how you want to, so we’ve put together some handy tips for mobility scooter care and storage.
Does it need shelter? Where can it be stored?
A mobility scooter will last much longer if it does not get wet and it not exposed to the elements as much. Storing it in a secure, sheltered area is always preferable. You may find a sudden rainstorm starts when you are out and this is something that cannot always be avoided so make sure you have suitable rain covers for your scooter (not to mention for yourself!).
If you do not have a secure area to keep the scooter in, such as a garage or shed, then you need to make sure that appropriate covers, such as a storage cover, are applied to the vehicle and that it is only charged using extension cables that are safe and suitable for outdoor use. Where possible, you should try to store it in a place that will not be affected by extreme temperatures, as this will damage the scooter over time.
Check your insurance policy to make sure your storage solution meets the terms and conditions for theft.
How often does it need servicing?
It is recommended that you have a service at least once a year but if your mobility scooter gets a lot of use, you may want to get it checked or looked at more often. Your warranty or insurance may be affected if you don’t keep up with services, as per your manufacturer’s or seller’s instructions, so book these in regularly.
Does it need to be switched on every so often when it is not being used regularly?
This may vary from model to model but it is important to remember that your batteries will decay and lose charge over time if they are not used so you will need to keep them charged, ready for you next excursion.
Charge the batteries as soon as you return from a trip so that they are always ready for you next time you want to go out. If your mobility scooter has the option of a spare battery, you can always set up a consistent charging rotation to make sure you will always have enough battery power.
What can be used to clean a mobility scooter?
You will need to keep your mobility scooter clean to make sure that all the parts are functioning normally. The best product types to use with your mobility scooter are a soft, dry cloth to gently dust the exposed or electrical parts, disinfectant wipes for the seat, and a cloth with a small amount of liquid detergent on it for the other areas. Do not spray water or other liquids directly onto the scooter. Wax or oil cleaners are not recommended for mobility scooters, as they can damage paint and make the scooter slippery.
Make sure that the mobility scooter is off and not connected to the mains, before undertaking any maintenance or cleaning work.
Never overload your scooter
Pay attention to the max. load weight of your scooter. While they can be useful for carrying shopping and other items around with you, make sure that you are not adding more weight than the scooter can handle. Excess weight will speed up the wear and tear on the vehicle and it is known to decrease battery life.
How are your tyres looking?
Check your tyres regularly for signs of wear and make sure the tread stays within the acceptable limits set by the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications. It is also possible for debris and loose screws to become caught in them so it is important to make sure that these are dealt with before using the scooter. While completing these checks, it is also worth looking under the scooter, where possible, to check for damage and debris.
Stay alert for issues
Take note of anything out of the ordinary that happens with your scooter. Speed fluctuations, trouble starting the scooter and difficulty cornering can be signs of issues with your scooter. When you have these issues, be sure to get them checked by an expert.
If you need any more information about proper upkeep for your scooter, review your instruction manual or get in touch with our friendly team today!
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