Mobility scooters, just like a motorbike and a car, need to be serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance and long life. Servicing a scooter is relatively more straightforward than with larger automobiles like cars. Most people can service and maintain their scooters in good condition for years without ever needing to call an expert or mechanic. See here a few simple tips on mobility scooter servicing and maintenance.
Scooter maintenance is pretty straightforward. You only need to know where and what to check, or fix, to ensure your scooter is performing optimally. Most manufacturers provide a detailed manual on how to service and maintain your scooter. Experts also recommend getting a full service at least once every year or two.
How To Maintain Your Scooter
- Keep The Scooter Clean
Dirt and grit buildup, especially on the undercarriage, leaves your scooter vulnerable to elements of weather and other forms of damage. Cleaning the scooter every once in a while or after a trip can help keep these elements at bay, leaving it looking new and protected from the effects of dirt and grime buildup. Cleaning the scooter will also help preserve it’s original look and feel.
In addition to keeping the scooter clean, you’ll also need to protect it from unnecessary moisture, such as getting rained on or riding through puddles. Leaving the scooter exposed to moisture can accelerate rusting, a reason you should strive to keep it dry most of the time. Consider investing in a scooter cover to protect it from rain. It would also be advisable to leave the scooter to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly before covering it. Avoid riding in the rain or through puddles if possible.
- Battery Care
Mobility scooters run on batteries. You might want to check with the manufacturer’s manual to confirm the type of batteries and how to care for the same. Regardless of the type of batteries on your scooter, it is always good to charge up your batteries before putting the scooter in storage or going for a long ride. Every scooter comes with a specific battery charger – use the proper charger to charge your batteries. Using the wrong charger could damage the batteries or even worse, cause them to explode. Although the batteries may be sealed, it is advisable to keep them in a dry environment, away from moisture and water.
- Check The Tires For Wear And Tear
Torn and worn-out tires greatly affect the scooter’s rideability and safety and should be replaced as soon as possible. For example, worn-out tires do not provide sufficient traction on the road, making it harder to ride on wet and icy roads. Check the tire treads for signs of wear and tear, and consider replacing them with new ones. Depending on the scooter, your tires might be pressurized. In this case, you need to check for the correct tire pressure and have any punctures (slow) fixed before riding off. Experts also recommend checking the tire pressure once every month as well. Riding on low-pressure impacts riding comfort and the scooter’s efficiency and will also drain the battery fast.
Mobility Scooter Servicing: Tips And Tricks
Although most scooter owners can/do handle much of the maintenance needs, only an experienced and certified engineer should be allowed to service the same. Although there might be dozens of ‘qualified’ engineers to choose from, it would be advisable to check their credentials and qualifications first, and only settle for the best qualified for the job. Most engineers also offer scooter servicing and maintenance at the client’s house too. You thus do not have to go looking for their physical garage, saving you tons of time and effort.
The engineers will check to ensure everything ‘under the bonnet’ is in good condition and working optimally. Only a certified and experienced technician can handle this kind of task. Special skills and equipment are required to make it happen. The engineer will also check the wheels, alignment, and brakes and then advise accordingly. Other areas the engineer should/will check include:
– The batteries
– Scooter frame
– Control module
– Scooter motors
– Castors and steering
– Charger
– Lights
– Drive set
He/she will need to do a final test run before giving everything an all-clear.
Conclusion
Proper scooter servicing and maintenance go a long way in keeping the scooter in good shape and performing optimally. In addition to keeping, it clean and keeping it charged, you might want to schedule regular servicing with your preferred engineer for even better performance, reliability, and lifespan.
