First of all, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the manual that came with the mobility scooter as each scooter will have different instructions. Depending on the instructions, you may need to recharge your scooter after each time you use it. Or, you may only need to recharge it when it when the battery gauge tells you that battery charge is low.
If you have a small / boot electric scooter you may be able to take the battery pack off the scooter and charge the batteries independently of the scooter. This means that you can leave the scooter in the car, and charge the batteries indoors, such as at home, in a hotel room or caravan. Other mobility scooters need to have the batteries left on them to charge them. The charging point is on the scooter itself, rather than the battery pack. This means that the disabled scooter battery has to be charged near a mains outlet, and so the mobility scooter is likely to be kept in a garage or shed if it's too large to be kept inside the house. As a rough guide, depending on use, terrain, and user weight, the batteries can last 1-2 years. Obviously if the mobility scooter is used for a travelling a few miles a week on flat terrain, the batteries will last longer than if the scooter is used for travelling 20 miles a day up and down hills and off road.
The mobility scooter manual may say that bigger batteries can be fitted to your disability scooter. This will provide you with a greater range, meaning that you can go further before needing to charge your batteries. The batteries are available from mobility dealers and the price will depend on the battery capacity. The batteries are often the heaviest item on a mobility scooter. Bigger batteries will mean heavier batteries, which is one thing to consider if you often dismantle the scooter to transport it in the car.
Like a car, your mobility scooter will need a service from time to time. The mobility scooter manual will advise you how often your scooter needs servicing. As a rough guide it will need servicing every 12 months or so, depending on use. An authorised mobility dealer will be able to carry out the scooter service, and ensure that the scooter is functioning to its full capability. Depending on the dealer, and the model and age of the scooter, the scooter service may take two hours. The service may also include a test ride by the mechanic to fully check the mobility scooter and make sure that it is running smoothly and as it should do. The mobility scooter may need to be taken to a mobility dealer to be serviced, or the dealer may carry out the service in the user's home. This means that the user won't be without their scooter, and can ask the mechanic any questions regarding their scooter. The manual will also describe and weekly or monthly maintenance checks that are required. This can include pumping up the tyres, lubricating the brake, checking the seat mechanism and so on.
The mobility scooter bodywork is usually made out of plastic, and so may be subjected to some wear and tear during the life of the scooter. Replacement shrouds (bodywork) for the front and rear might be available depending on the model of scooter. These are usually easy to fit, and can be fitted by the user or a local mobility dealer.
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Submitted: 2006-08-04
Article Source: GO Articles
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