How to Maintain a Mobility Scooter: 6 Steps

Mobility scooters are essential for many people, offering increased independence and freedom to move around comfortably. Like any piece of equipment, they require regular maintenance to ensure they function optimally and last for as long as possible. Proper care can prevent unexpected breakdowns, extend the scooter's lifespan, and ensure it operates safely and efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore six practical tips for maintaining your mobility scooter, covering aspects such as cleaning, battery care, and regular maintenance checks.

1. Clean Your Scooter

Keeping your mobility scooter clean is more than just an aesthetic concern; it’s crucial for its proper functioning. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate over time and affect the scooter's moving parts and electronics. Here’s how to keep your scooter clean:

Exterior Cleaning

• Use a Soft Cloth: Wipe down the scooter’s exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surfaces.
• Mild Detergent: If necessary, use a mild detergent mixed with water to clean stubborn dirt. Be sure to rinse with a damp cloth afterward to remove any soap residue.
• Avoid Excess Water: Do not use high-pressure water sprays or immerse any part of the scooter in water, as this can damage the electronic components.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry the scooter thoroughly with a dry cloth to prevent moisture from causing rust or electrical issues.

Wheel and Undercarriage Cleaning

• Remove Debris: Regularly check and remove any debris or dirt stuck in the wheels and undercarriage. Use a small brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Inspect for Wear and Tear: While cleaning, inspect the wheels for any signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged or excessively worn wheels to ensure smooth operation.

Upholstery Cleaning

• Vacuum Upholstery: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt from the seat and backrest.
• Spot Clean: For stains or spills, use a fabric cleaner appropriate for the material of your scooter’s upholstery. Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

2. Scooters Need Healthy Batteries

The battery is the lifeblood of your mobility scooter. Proper battery care is essential for maintaining the scooter's performance and ensuring it has a long life. Here are some tips for taking care of your scooter’s battery:

Charging Practices

• Regular Charging: Charge your scooter's battery after each use, even if you only used it for a short time. This helps maintain the battery’s capacity.
• Avoid Overcharging: Most modern scooters come with smart chargers that prevent overcharging. If your charger doesn’t have this feature, unplug it once the battery is fully charged to avoid overcharging.
• Use the Right Charger: Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer or a compatible one recommended by them. Using an incorrect charger can damage the battery.

Storage Practices

• Store Properly: If you won’t be using your scooter for an extended period, charge the battery fully before storage. Recharge the battery at least once a month to prevent it from discharging completely.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Store the scooter in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can adversely affect the battery’s performance and lifespan.

Battery Replacement

• Monitor Performance: Pay attention to how your scooter performs. If the battery doesn't hold a charge as long as it used to or if it takes longer to charge, it might be time to replace it.
• Choose the Right Battery: When replacing the battery, choose one that meets the specifications recommended by the scooter’s manufacturer. Using an incompatible battery can cause performance issues or damage the scooter.

3. Regular Maintenance Checks

Regular maintenance checks can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Establish a routine to inspect various parts of your scooter and ensure everything is in working order.

Tires and Wheels

• Check Tire Pressure: If your scooter has pneumatic tires, check the tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels. Properly inflated tires ensure a smooth ride and prevent excessive wear.
• Inspect Tires: Look for signs of wear, cracks, or punctures. Replace tires that are damaged or excessively worn to maintain safety and performance.
• Wheel Alignment: Ensure the wheels are aligned properly. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear and affect the scooter's handling.

Brakes

• Test Brakes Regularly: Test the brakes frequently to ensure they engage and disengage smoothly. If you notice any issues, such as the brakes feeling loose or not responding as they should, have them inspected and adjusted by a professional.
• Check Brake Pads: Inspect the brake pads for wear and tear. Replace them if they are worn down to maintain effective braking.

Electrical Components

• Inspect Cables and Connections: Regularly check all electrical cables and connections for signs of wear or corrosion. Ensure all connections are secure and free of damage.
• Test Lights and Indicators: Test all lights and indicators to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs immediately.

4. Lubrication Is Always A Good Idea

Proper lubrication of moving parts can prevent wear and tear, reduce friction, and ensure smooth operation. Yes, this is still about mobility scooters. Here’s how to lubricate your scooter:

Identify Moving Parts

• Check Manual: Refer to your scooter’s manual to identify which parts require lubrication. Common areas include the wheels, axles, and joints.
• Use Appropriate Lubricant: Use the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid using regular WD-40 as a lubricant, as it’s more of a water-displacing spray than a proper lubricant. The lithium variant of WD-40 is acceptable.

Lubrication Process

• Clean Before Lubricating: Clean the parts to be lubricated to remove any dirt or old lubricant. Use a dry cloth or a small brush for this purpose.
• Apply Lubricant Sparingly: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts. Too much lubricant can attract dirt and cause buildup.
• Wipe Excess: Wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent dirt from sticking to the surfaces.

5. Professional Servicing

While regular maintenance can be done at home, professional servicing is essential for the longevity and safety of your mobility scooter. Schedule regular check-ups with a qualified technician to ensure all components are in optimal condition.

Annual Servicing

• Comprehensive Check: During an annual service, the technician will perform a comprehensive check of all parts, including the motor, battery, brakes, wheels, and electrical systems.
• Firmware Updates: If your scooter has a digital control system, the technician may update the firmware to ensure it’s running the latest version for optimal performance.

Addressing Issues

• Prompt Repairs: If you notice any issues with your scooter, such as unusual noises, reduced performance, or difficulty in handling, don’t wait for the annual service. Schedule a repair immediately to prevent the problem from worsening.
• Warranty Service: If your scooter is still under warranty, ensure that any repairs or servicing are done by an authorized service center to avoid voiding the warranty.

6. Scooter Safe Storage

Proper storage of your mobility scooter can prevent damage and ensure it remains in good condition. Here are some tips for storing your scooter safely:

Indoor Storage

• Cool, Dry Place: Store your scooter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity can damage the scooter’s components.
• Cover: Use a cover to protect the scooter from dust and debris. Ensure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup.

Outdoor Storage

• Sheltered Area: If indoor storage isn’t possible, store the scooter in a sheltered area, such as a carport or garage. Protect it from rain, snow, and direct sunlight.
• Weatherproof Cover: Use a weatherproof cover designed for mobility scooters to provide additional protection from the elements.

Security

• Lock: Use a lock to secure your scooter, especially if it’s stored outdoors or in a shared space. This can deter theft and ensure your scooter remains safe.
• Remove Key: Always remove the key from the scooter when not in use to prevent unauthorized use.

What To Expect

Maintaining your mobility scooter is essential for ensuring it remains in good working condition, providing you with the freedom and independence you rely on. By following these six tips—regular cleaning, proper battery care, routine maintenance checks, adequate lubrication, professional servicing, and safe storage—you can extend the life of your scooter and ensure it performs optimally.

Remember, taking the time to care for your mobility scooter not only enhances its performance and longevity but also ensures your safety and comfort. Whether you use your scooter daily or occasionally, these maintenance practices will keep it running smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the mobility and independence it provides.

Explore our complete collection of mobility scooters HERE. Please consider shopping with Legacy Living Goods for your next mobility purchase.