How To Take Care Of Your Mobility Scooter

Maintenance for a mobility scooter sounds like a lot of work—but it’s not! Simple cleaning and upkeep can keep your scooter in good shape for years.

Aside from accidents (in which case you should call a professional), mobility scooter maintenance can be performed by just about anyone!

The next few sections will contain easy-to-read tips, tricks, cleaning methods and more.

The Golden Rule (of Mobility Scooter Care)

Always remove the battery pack and unplug any charging devices before performing maintenance on your scooter.

If you use your scooter every day, charge it every day! Keeping your batteries charged will keep your batteries healthy AND prevent the scooter from dying unexpectedly.
Always charge your scooter once a week, regardless of use. The lead batteries that fuel mobility scooters can actually lose charge capacity over time due to use (or lack thereof)!
Always turn the scooter off and remove the key when not in use.
If you notice one or several beeps, check the owner’s manual to see what is wrong. If the problem is something you don’t understand, call your retailer for more information.
Slow speeds may be due to battery degradation. If you’re having issues with scooter speed you may have to call your retailer.
Try to check out your tires once a month. If anything seems ‘off,’ call your retailer or the manufacturer. Modern scooter tires can take a beating but certainly aren’t indestructible.
If you notice exposed wires at any time, call your retailer. Exposed wires could lead to major problems.

Avoid using liquid cleaners around electrical components. Charging ports, battery docks, and the steering tiller face should be cleaned with care.
Use the cleaner of your choice to clean the plastic, non-moving parts of your mobility scooter. Cleaners like Formula 409 work just fine. Windex will make the colors on your scooter shine!
Make sure to use disinfectant cleaning solutions for the seat and handgrips. Disinfectant wipes are the easiest cleaning solution for scooter seats and handgrips.
If you store your scooter for the winter, consider purchasing a cover. Months of dust isn’t good for anything. Don’t forget to charge the battery of any stored scooter once a week!

Make sure any car you’re using for short trips has enough room to store your scooter. Heavier scooters may require special lifts to travel with.
If you are using a scooter that breaks down into manageable pieces, make sure the person doing the lifting is in good health. Even lighter scooters have pieces that weigh over 30 lbs.!
If you are taking your scooter on vacation, make sure to call the airline you are flying with. Some mobility scooters may have flying restrictions and you don’t want to make an extra trip.
Always remember to bring your charger. Finding a specific scooter charger can be almost impossible to find on short notice.
Get measurements of doorways for anywhere you will be staying (hotel or house). Older homes have narrow doorways, which may not be built to accommodate mobility scooters.
If you are planning to use your scooter for outside trips (national parks, graduations), bring disinfectant wipes with you. Wiping a scooter down is easier than finding a large sink or hose.
Always check your tires at the end of the day. You don’t want to drag dirt or worse inside!
Renting a scooter is a great way to travel ‘scooter-free.’

Many scooter manufacturers offer battery docking ports for easy off-season charging.
Cup holders are available to prevent spills. Even though most scooters have baskets and ample foot room they are not built to securely hold drinks.
Large baskets can be added to many scooters for large grocery purchases. Large baskets can prevent crumbs or scraps from getting on the footrest of your scooter.
Bags are great ways to hold small items that may fall out of the stock scooter baskets.
Replacement shrouds are available for most scooters. If one of the colored panels on your scooter gets scratched up, call your retailer—they’re easy to replace!