As the colder weather approaches, there are some different hazards and potential risks to consider when using your mobility scooter in Autumn. For example, more leaf debris on the pavements and roads, increased rainfall, and the beginning of darker mornings and evenings all pose a potential risk while driving your scooter.
In this guide, we’ve provide a few potential risks to look out for while driving your scooter, plus some key safety tips to ensure you’re staying safe!
If you haven’t already got mobility scooter insurance for your scooter, make sure you look into this additional safety measure, too. Starting from just £3.80/month, our mobility scooter insurance covers you for puncture repair, accidental damage, theft, and a host of other things to keep you and your scooter covered while out and about.
Skip straight to the Autumn Safety Tips. Reading this in winter? Check out our mobility scooter winter safety guide.
In 2024, we launched our Safer Mobility Campaign to promote safer roads for mobility scooter users in the UK. Sign up and get your free copy of our mobility scooter safety guide and visibility sticker bundle.
Potential Risks When Using Your Mobility Scooter in Autumn
- Falling Leaves: Wet or decomposed leaves on pathways can make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of skidding.
- Reduced Visibility: Fog and mist are common in autumn and can hinder visibility, making it harder for the user to see and be seen.
- Shorter Daylight Hours: Darkness falls earlier, increasing the risks associated with driving in low-light conditions.
- Changeable Weather: Autumn can bring unpredictable weather, from sunny spells to sudden rain showers, leading to varying road conditions.
- Dampness: Morning dew and increased rainfall can make surfaces slick, even if they appear dry.
- Hidden Obstacles: Falling leaves can conceal hazards like holes, uneven surfaces, or debris.
- Chilly Temperatures: While not as cold as winter, autumn can still bring a chill that might affect users, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
- Battery Efficiency: Cooler temperatures can begin to impact the scooter’s battery life, albeit not as severely as in winter.
- Wind: Autumn storms and gusty winds can make controlling the scooter more challenging and can blow debris onto paths.
- Sun Glare: The sun sits lower in the sky during autumn, which can result in blinding glare during certain times of the day.
9 Tips For Keeping Safe on Your Mobility Scooter This Autumn
1. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your mobility scooter is essential. That includes things like ensuring that the brakes are responsive and free from wear, especially since slippery conditions are more likely in autumn.
Tyres should be checked for appropriate tread depth to ensure optimal grip on potentially slippery surfaces and should be inflated to the recommended pressure. Additionally, all lights, including front, back, and indicators, must be functioning correctly to enhance visibility during the earlier dusks or foggy conditions of the season.
Read out guide on keeping your mobility scooter in top condition year-round.
2. Enhancing Your Visibility
To enhance your visibility to others, consider wearing a reflective vest or attaching reflective strips to your clothing. Additional reflective stickers or materials on the back and sides of your scooter can also be beneficial.
3. Navigating Leafy Paths
Wet leaves, often present in autumn, can be as slippery as ice, so it’s prudent to manoeuvre around them whenever possible.
Even dry leaf piles can be deceiving, as they can hide potential hazards such as potholes. Our guide to navigating potholes as a mobility scooter user covers this in more depth – this is frequently the number one cause of punctures for our customers!
3. Weather Preparedness
Staying informed about the weather is crucial. Always be aware of potential temperature drops which could lead to frosts or icy patches on the ground.
If rain is forecasted, try to avoid travelling during heavy downpours to reduce the risk of skidding.
4. Dressing for Autumn
Dressing appropriately for the season is also vital. As temperatures can vary throughout the day, wearing layered clothing allows you to adjust your attire to remain comfortable.
Having a waterproof jacket or poncho on hand is wise in case of unexpected rain showers.
5. Battery and Efficiency
Battery efficiency can decrease in cooler temperatures, so it’s a good practice to regularly check and charge your scooter’s battery.
If you’re going on a longer journey, think ahead and consider locations where you might recharge your scooter if necessary.
Find out more about mobility scooter battery maintenance and how long your battery should typically last.
6. Route Planning
Route planning can greatly improve your safety. It’s best to choose paths that are well-lit and regularly cleaned or maintained while avoiding areas known for pooling water or excessive leaf accumulation.
7. Safe Driving Practices
Driving cautiously is always a good idea, especially on wet or damp surfaces. These conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to reduce speed and take wider, gentle turns when necessary to prevent tipping or skidding.
Make sure you’re up-to-date on mobility scooter rules and regulations, including speed limits.
8. Use of Polarised Sunglasses
For those sunny yet wet days, wearing polarised sunglasses can be beneficial. They reduce glare from wet surfaces or the low autumn sun, ensuring a clearer view of the surroundings.
9. Use Caution on Windy Days
Lastly, be cautious on windy days. Strong gusts can affect your scooter’s stability, especially when moving from sheltered areas to open spaces.
If you have to venture out on a particularly windy day, be extra cautious near roadways and aim to stay in areas that provide some wind protection.
If you haven’t already got mobility scooter insurance for your scooter, make sure you look into this additional safety measure, too. Starting from just £3.80/month, our mobility scooter insurance covers you for puncture repair, accidental damage, theft, and a host of other things to keep you and your scooter covered while out and about.