Does My Mobility Scooter Need Servicing?
If you’re a mobility scooter user, you know how crucial your scooter is for maintaining your independence and quality of life. Although mobility scooters are blessedly lower maintenance than some other vehicles, your mobility scooter does still need regular servicing to keep it running smoothly and safely. We answer all your mobility scooter servicing questions here.
But how often should it be serviced, and what does servicing entail? In this article, we’ll answer the question “does my mobility scooter need servicing” plus when and how to get this job done.
Do I Need to Service My Mobility Scooter Regularly?
Yes, regular servicing is essential for ensuring your mobility scooter is safe, reliable, and lasts as long as possible. Think of it like a car; you wouldn’t skip its MOT or servicing. Your mobility scooter is no different.
Regular checks can help identify potential issues before they become serious, saving you time and money in the long run.
How Often Should It Be Serviced?
It’s generally recommended to have your mobility scooter serviced at least once a year. However, this can vary depending on how frequently you use it and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you use your scooter daily or for long distances, you might consider servicing it more often to ensure it remains in top condition.
Equally, if you have an older model or a second-hand mobility scooter, you might consider getting it serviced more frequently to make sure it’s running as it should.
What Should Servicing Companies Do?
A thorough servicing involves several key checks and maintenance tasks to ensure your scooter’s longevity and safety. Here’s what a reputable servicing company should cover:
- Battery Performance: Checking and testing the battery’s health and connections.
- Tyres and Wheels: Inspecting for wear and tear, ensuring they’re correctly inflated (if pneumatic), and checking the alignment.
- Brakes: Testing the efficiency and safety of the braking system.
- Controls: Ensuring all controls are working correctly and responsively.
- Frame: Checking the frame for any damage or wear that could affect the scooter’s integrity.
- Electrical Systems: Inspecting wiring and connections for any signs of wear or damage.
- Moving Parts: Lubricating all moving parts to reduce wear and ensure smooth operation.
Annual Servicing and Warranty Validity
To keep your warranty valid, many manufacturers and providers of extended warranties require that your mobility scooter is serviced annually by a professional.
This requirement helps ensure that any potential issues are identified and resolved early, reducing the risk of more significant problems developing that could affect your scooter’s performance and safety.
It’s always a good idea to check the specific terms of your warranty for any servicing requirements. Keeping a record of all services performed on your scooter can also be beneficial, especially when making a warranty claim.
What Else Should You Do To Keep Your Mobility Scooter Secure?
Below, we’ve covered some key points to keep your mobility scooter safe and secure year round:
- Batteries: Make sure your aware of how long the average mobility scooter battery lasts and when yours might need replacing.
- Long-term storage: Find out how to keep your mobility scooter safe and secure when stored away for longer periods of time (during extreme cold weather, for example).
- Pothole training: Potholes are one the biggest causes of punctures for mobility scooter uses. Find out how to avoid this happening to you!
- National scooter database: Our national scooter database is a way for the police to identify your scooter and reunite you with it should it ever be stolen. It’s free to sign up to and you’ll get a sticker to put on your scooter – which in itself is an excellent deterrent for mobility scooter users.
Conclusion
Regular servicing is crucial for maintaining the performance, safety, and longevity of your mobility scooter. By adhering to a yearly servicing schedule and following your manufacturer’s guidelines, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your scooter is in good condition.
Remember, taking care of your mobility scooter not only ensures your safety but also helps maintain its value over time. Happy scooting!
