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Properly maintaining your mobility scooter isn’t just about keeping it running smoothly. In fact, it’s crucial to ensure safety and reliability and even extend its lifespan. With regular upkeep, you can help prevent breakdowns, which can lead to costly repairs. In this article, we’ll guide you through eight tips for maintaining mobility scooters, which you should follow to keep your scooter in top condition.

#1 Battery Care

The battery in your mobility scooter is its heart – and that makes it vital. Make sure to always charge the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to avoid letting it run completely flat. If you have lead-acid batteries, double-check the water level every month and top up if needed. This can help to prevent them from drying out and suffering damage.

#2 Tyre Maintenance

Proper tyre maintenance can help to maintain a smooth ride even with excessive usage. Tyres also impact the safety of your mobility scooter, so ensuring that the tyre pressure is checked regularly and inspecting them for signs of wear or damage can help to keep them in perfect health. Proper tyre maintenance can also help with the scooter’s handling and efficiency, giving you even more benefits.

#3 Cleaning & Storage

Dust and grime can build up on a mobility scooter and cause numerous mechanical issues. Keeping your scooter clean by regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals will help to protect your scooter’s surfaces and mechanics. When you are not using the scooter, place it in a dry environment to avoid any rust or deterioration.

#4 Lubrication Of Moving Parts

Mobility scooters are made of lots of moving parts. This means that different areas like the hinges, levers and wheels can suffer from wear and tear over time. Use a spray lubricant designed specifically for mechanical scooters and electrics to help keep these parts operating smoothly. This can prevent squeaks and stiff movements which could impact the smoothness of your ride.

#5 Brake System Checks

The brakes on a mobility scooter are the most important safety feature. Regularly check your breaks for wear and ensure that they are properly adjusted to give you peace of mind. If the breaks are loose or they fail to stop the scooter as promptly as expected, make sure to take it to a professional to check and service.

#6 Electronic Cables & Controls

Electric mobility scooters will come with a number of connections, cables and controls which can be prone to wear or corrosion. Make sure to inspect all connections and cables for any looseness or rust, and clean off this corrosion with a contact cleaner or book in for a service and replacement. This will help to avoid electrical failures which can significantly impact safety.

#7 Regular Professional Servicing

Even if you are regularly inspecting your scooter at home, it’s important to have a professional service at least once per year. These services conduct more in-depth technical checks and can carry out repairs to keep your scooter in optimal condition.

#8 Software Updates

Some scooters come with complex software and firmware that require regular updates for proper maintenance. Many manufacturers will release regular updates to improve functionality, boost safety features, and patch fixes.

By following these maintenance tips, you can enhance the performance and lifespan of your mobility scooter. Regular maintenance, even just at home, can save you money in the long run but also ensure that your trusty scooter is ready and safe for you to use whenever you need it.