Tag: what to look for in a mobility scooter

Information

Mobility Scooters Facts & Information

Caring Comes First Mobility

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The Travel Mobility Scooter
The “Boot Scoot” as it is known in the trade is a scooter that comes apart easily and can be packed into the boot of a car.
This type of Mobility Scooter is ideal for going out for walks with the family & friends; and can be taken away on holiday.

Kymco Midi XLS ForU

Medium Mobility Scooter
A Medium Mobility Scooter is more suited for keeping at home, to be used to go to the local shops, pub or park.
It has suspension and a comfortable seat, ideal for rough pavements and crossing roads

Kymco Maxer ForU

Large Mobility Scooters
Large Mobility Scooters are for the more adventurous user, as they are capable of a larger range (25 miles), and are built for optimum comfort.
They are available with 6 or 8 mile per hour options, with lights and indicators and therefore suitable for road use.

For more detailed information please use the links below

Continue reading “Mobility Scooters Facts & Information” →

Buying a Mobility Scooter, Information

Information on buying a Mobility Scooter

Caring Comes First Mobility

Buying a Mobility Scooter

Buying a Mobility Scooter can seem like a mine field, but by reading this article, all will become clear. You will find help, advice and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) answered.

This article was written by a Mobility Engineer with years of experience with all types of Mobility Equipment including Mobility Scooters.

Continue reading “Information on buying a Mobility Scooter” →

My Mobility Scooter won't go

My Mobility Scooter won’t go

Caring Comes First Mobility

As a Mobility Engineer I am often asked

“Why won’t my Scooter move?”

Surprisingly in about 80% of cases, just by talking to the owner over the phone and asking them to carry out simple checks, can rectify the problem.

So if your “Mobility Scooter Won’t Go”, follow these simple checks and hopefully you will be among the 80%, and will soon be back on the road!!!

Just follow the the simple checks in order …….NEXT

 

My Mobility Scooter won't go

2. Is your battery charged

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2. Is Your Battery Charged

Check the fuel gauge to make sure the gauge is in the green or yellow.

If the gauge is pointing to the red, then your battery requires charging, your scooter can sense this and will not run.

Remedy

  • If you have a scooter that comes apart (a boot scooter), then check the battery is seated correctly on the scooter, or if connected via a lead ensure the plug is fully engaged.
  • Reset the scooter – (switch off and then on)
  • Charge your scooter for at least 12 hours

NEXT

My Mobility Scooter won't go

3. Are you in Gear

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3. Are You In Gear

Check to ensure you are in gear; get off the scooter and see if you can push the scooter freely. If you can push the scooter then you are in free wheel.

Remedy

  • Move the lever at the back of the scooter to the picture that shows a person sitting on the scooter, or the word “Drive” 
  • Reset the scooter – (switch off and then on)

NEXT

 

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Mobility Batteries Safe?

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Q: Are Mobility Batteries Safe?MK Battery

A: Yes they are Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, maintenance free and are accepted on all forms of transport including aircraft.

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to pass a test to ride my Mobility Scooter on the road?

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Q: Do I need to pass a test to ride my Mobility Scooter on the road?

A: Not at the moment, you come under a similar judgment as a bicycle.

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drink and ride my mobility Scooter?

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Q: Can I drink and ride my mobility Scooter?

A: If you are on the road you are the same as any other road user, i.e. you can be prosecuted for drink driving.

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a road tax For my Mobility Scooter?

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Q: Do I need a road tax For my Mobility Scooter?

A: If your Mobility Scooter is a class 3 (has the capability of going over 4mph / 6kph) then yes, you need to register the scooter with the DVLA.

At the moment this is free.

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I ride on the road, do I need to follow the Highway Code?

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Q: If I ride on the road, do I need to follow the Highway Code?

A: Yes, you are the same as any other road user.

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What speed will my Mobility Scooter go?

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Q: What speed will my Mobility Scooter go?

 

A: Depending on the scooter you are buying or have bought, the normal speed is 4mph (6kph), or if you have bought a road scooter it could be 6mph (9kph) or 8mph (12.5kph).

A road scooter has a switch to drop down to 4mph (6kph) for pavement use.

Note: It is against the UK law to go faster than 4mph (6kph) on pavements.

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my Mobility Scooter on the motorway?

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Q: Can I use my Mobility Scooter on the motorway?

 

NO … NO … NO !!!

Information

VAT Exemption For Mobility Products

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Who Qualifies for VAT Exemption

The zero-rating of goods for disabled people depends in part upon the status of the recipient and part upon the use of the goods.

The person must be chronically sick or disabled, and the goods must be used for their own domestic or personal use only.

Definitions
A person is ‘chronically sick or disabled’ if he/she is a person:

  • With a physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial adverse effect upon his/her ability to carry out everyday activities.
  • With a condition which the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness, such as diabetes

Who is terminally ill.

  • It does not include a frail elderly person who is otherwise able-bodied or any person who is only temporarily disabled or incapacitated, such as with a broken limb.
  • If a parent, spouse or guardian acts on behalf of a ‘chronically sick or disabled’ person, your supply is treated as being made to that ‘chronically sick or disabled’ person.
  • Domestic or personal’ use means that the supply must be made available specifically for the use of an eligible individual (or series of eligible individuals).

Excluded from the terms ‘personal’ or ‘domestic’, and not eligible for VAT relief are:

  • Goods and services used for business purposes
  • Supplies made widely available for a whole group of people to use as they wish. For example, a stair lift in a charity building for the use or convenience of all chronically sick or disabled persons who might use the building would not qualify for relief. This is because the charity is making the lift available for the general use of all those people who might require it, rather than for the personal use of specified individuals.

For further information please use this link to go to the

Customs & Revenue website

Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Mobility Scooter Batteries

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Mobility Scooter Batteries

MK Battery

  • Q: Are Mobility Batteries Safe?
    A: Yes they are Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, maintenance free and are accepted on all forms of transport including aircraft.
  • Q: What is the difference between a AGM and a GEL battery?
    A: An Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) is the standard Mobility Scooter battery, and is for general use.The Gelled Electrolyte (GEL) is capable of a deeper discharge and can be charged / discharged (cycled) more than a AGM battery; it is usually used by people who use their Mobility Scooter for frequent long journeys.
  • Q: Can I use car batteries in my Mobility Scooter?
    A: NO    , car batteries are designed to give a short burst of very high current, but Mobility Scooter batteries are designed to provide long periods of constant low current.
  • Q: What is battery capacity?
    A: Battery capacity is the amount of charge you battery can hold. i.e. If you have a 50 amp/hour battery then when it is new, it will supply 50 amps for a period of 1 hour (100%) capacity. After some time, the capacity may drop to 75%, then the battery can only supply 50 amps for a period of 45 minutes.
  • Q: What is the lowest battery capacity I can use my Mobility Scooter?
    A: It is recommended by the battery manufactures that when a Mobility Scooter battery falls below 65% then the battery should be renewed.
  • Q: How can I measure my battery’s capacity?
    A: when you have your Mobility Scooter serviced, the engineer can check your batteries for you. Ask the engineer to let you know what the capacity of each battery is.
  • Q: How long will my batteries last before I need to renew them?
    A: My answer is always it depends upon how you look after them. If you keep them charged, even during the winter when you are not using the Mobility Scooter, and work them frequently (use your Scooter frequently). Do not let them get too cold during winter, then a set of batteries can last for at least 3 years.
Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Mobility Scooters in the snow

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Mobility Scooters in the snow

Caring Comes First Mobility Wokingham near Reading Berkshire

I have received an email from one of our customers asking if there is any way to use a mobility scooter in the snow?
This conjures up many mental images, mobility scooters with snow chains, 4×4 mobility scooters, scooters with skies strapped to the front wheels.

The answer is of course do NOT use your mobility scooter in the snow or on icy pavements / roads
The majority of mobility scooters are rear wheel drive, so the rear of the scooter will tend to slide sideways.

 Winter Tips for Mobility Scooter Owner

  • Do not go out in the cold unless absolutely nessesary.
  • Keep your Mobility Scooter in the dry, in a shed, garage or under cover.
  • Before storing your Mobility Scooter for long periods, ensure the tyres are fully inflated as flat tyres will crack, and fully charge your battery.
  • Place a blanket over the motor and battery end of the Mobility Scooter, to prvent condensation and the battery from freezing.
  • Remember to charge your scooter for at least 12 hours (over night) once a month, while you scooter is in storage. This will top up the charge and help to preserve your batterie’s life.
Mobility Scooters Frequently Asked Questions

Mobility Scooter Battery Charging

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Mobility Scooter Battery Charging

Mobility Scooter Battery

  • Q: How often do I need to charge my Mobility Scooter batteries?
    A: Charge it over night after each time you use the Mobility Scooter using the supplied battery charger.

    Or better still leave it on charge untill you use it next – Come in …. Plug in

    • (Do NOT wait until it gets into the RED band)
    • If you are NOT using your mobility scooter for a long period of time, then charge it once a month for 12 hours, to maintain the charge.
  • Q: How long should I charge my Mobility Scooter?
    A: You should charge it for at least 12 hours. Note when the green light on the charger comes on, the battery is about 90 to 95% charged, and should be left on for a further 1 to 2 hours.
  • Q: If I leave my Mobility Scooter on charge for a day or more, can it damage the batteries?
    A: No, the charger will switch itself off internally once it is fully charged. If left connected to the charger, (with the mains power switched on) for a long period of time (2 weeks plus) then the charger will keep the battery charge topped up.
  • Q: If I have finished charging my Mobility Scooter do I need to disconnect the charger?
    A: I would always recommend switching off and disconnecting the charger at the end of a charge. Due to some chargers are prone to discharge the batteries if only the mains are switched off and the batteries are left connected to the charger.
  • Q: Can I use a car battery charger to charge my Mobility Scooter?
    A: No, it will damage the batteries.
  • Q: How much will it cost to charge my Mobility Scooter batteries?
    A: Depending upon the size of your batteries, the charger is only 36 to 96 watts which at 16 pence a kwh and a 12 hour charge would be about 7 to 18 pence per charge.
  • Q: How far can I go on a single charge?
    A: The distance given in your user manual is for, a flat run with a new scooter with new batteries and no head wind. And probably could never be achieved in normal use, I always quote about 2 miles less than the distance in the manual.