Among the most common questions that most people ask before purchasing a mobility scooter is about maintenance. This is critical information that you should definitely seek to know before you settle on a specific model. Unlike normal vehicles, mobility scooters come with some maintenance needs that you should be aware of.
Mobility scooters come with a user manual with helpful guidance on how to maintain it accordingly. However, no matter what the manual recommends, it is always advisable to service at least once per year. Moreover, ensure it is serviced by an authorized service provider. Luckily, these service providers are exclusively available in multiple locations.
This article is an excellent guide to help you maintain your scooter with regard to storage and its various parts:
Battery
Battery maintenance is among the most critical maintenance drills to take care of your mobility scooter. Even after a long journey, it is always advisable to keep your batteries charged; this could come in handy during emergencies. With modern scooters, you do not have to worry about overcharging. These are designed to switch off charging as soon as fully charged automatically.
If you use your mobility scooter occasionally, it is important to charge your batteries to prevent unwarranted damages. Ideally, charging them once a week if the scooter is minimally used is quite healthy. If your batteries are not charged regularly, they can get damaged with ease, and of course, the cost of buying replacements is high.
Ideally, it takes about 24 hours to fully charge your scooter’s battery, but this depends on the individual features of your battery. However, you can always tell when your battery is fully charged; the green indication light pops up when fully charged.
Using the right charger is another critical battery maintenance drill. Of course, your scooter comes with its charger when you purchase it, and in case of damage, you can get a replacement from the recommended authorized service providers. Using the right and quality charger keeps your batteries healthy. During your annual maintenance, ensure the batteries are fully tested.
Keeping Them Clean And Dry
Cleanliness is another important maintenance drill that you should practice at all times to keep your mobility scooter healthy. The area around your battery terminals should be clean and dry. Moreover, the seats, mudguards, and wheels should also be kept clean since they spread dirt to moving parts, reducing your scooter’s performance. You can use a soft cloth to clean the outer parts but avoid using water near the battery terminals.
Do Not Part in Extreme Climates
If you want your batteries to perform better, ensure you keep your scooter from adverse winter climate.
During the rainy seasons, water may find its way to your batteries, compromising their health and performance. As such, you should keep it under shelter in such conditions. Moreover, your scooter should not be exposed to extreme temperatures. Always park your vehicle in moderate conditions. You can also use protection accessories to protect it from moisture, grime, and dust.
If you are caught up in heavy rains, ensure you dry it off with a towel. This prevents corrosion, capacity issues, and degradation.
Tyre Maintenance
Tyre maintenance means ensuring that your tyres have the right amount of air pressure. If your mobility scooter has pneumatic tyres, the only way to avoid damage is to maintain the appropriate pressure.