As mobility scooters can be a significant investment, it is crucial to maintain and service them regularly so that you can get the most out of them. Having a mobility scooter as your key means of transport makes it essential to take care of your scooter through proper maintenance. A well maintained scooter has  safe and reliable operation for smooth travel between destinations and reduces the risk of accidents or unexpected breakdowns.

A bit of maintenance can go a long way and, for the most part, can be performed in the comfort of your home. Read on for our guide on the best ways to keep your mobility scooter in top-notch condition and things you can do to extend their lifetime.

How often do mobility scooters need to be serviced by a professional technician?

For those heavily dependent on their mobility scooters, it’s recommended to schedule professional servicing every six months or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Our technicians will conduct detailed checks, address minor issues, and provide valuable advice on maintaining your mobility scooter in peak condition.

How much does it cost to service a mobility scooter?

The cost of servicing a mobility scooter can vary based on several factors, including the service provider, the extent of the service required, any replacement parts needed, and your location. Our standard servicing charge in our workshop starts at $88, but more extensive repairs and servicing could cost more.

What is involved in a mobility scooter service?

Regular servicing is crucial to keep your mobility scooter in top condition and ensure safe driving. At ARE, our experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect all the key mechanical and safety components of your scooter to ensure they are functioning properly before you hit the road. These include the following:  

• Tyre inspection
• Batteries and charger
• All electrical components, including lights, indicators, and controls
• Front end/Steering system
• Frame
• Motor brushes
• Seat
• Suspension
• Accessories (flag, rear bags and baskets etc)
• Grease and lubrication of all moving parts
• Shroud condition inspection

Ways to maintain your mobility scooter at home:

While any complex maintenance tasks should be undertaken by a professional, there are some actions that you can do at home to help prevent damage and improve your scooter’s longevity. Here are some maintenance tips that you can do at home:

• Regular cleaning: Use a warm, soapy cloth to clean your scooter, preventing the accumulation of dirt. Ensure the mobility scooter is turned off before cleaning.
• Check tyre pressure and wear: Check your tyres for any signs of damage before taking it out on long trips. If your tyres are too worn down, they may no longer be safe and require replacement.
• Check tyre pressure regularly: Check that the tyres of your mobility scooter are suitably inflated.
• Battery care: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for charging and storing the battery. Keep the battery charged regularly, and avoid fully depleting it if possible. You should only charge the batteries with the proper charger, which is supplied with the scooter.
• Lights and indicators: Regularly inspect the electrical components, including lights and indicators, to ensure they are working correctly.
• Listen out for any rattling sounds: Don’t keep using your scooter if there are any rattles or noises and get them checked before they progress into a problem.

How to prolong the life of your mobility scooter batteries:

It is vital to look after your mobility scooter's battery, as this will help prevent potential problems such as breakdowns or technical faults when you are out and about. Here are some tips you can do to help maximise your scooter's battery life so that you can continue getting the most from it:

• Use only the provided charger when charging your scooter’s battery.

• Be aware of the distance traveled before your scooter needs charging again, which is a good sign of battery condition.
• Avoid allowing the battery to fully deplete, as this can cause damage and affect the scooter's performance and reliability.
• Ensure the battery is fully charged after each use to enhance its longevity and optimise the scooter’s functioning.
• If immediate charging is not possible, try to recharge the battery as soon as possible, and refrain from leaving it uncharged for more than 24 hours.
• Always charge the scooter for a minimum of eight hours, preferably overnight.
• Note that overcharging is not an issue with modern smart chargers, as they have voltage limitations and automatically shut off when the battery reaches its full capacity.
• If the scooter will be inactive for an extended period, remember to fully charge it approximately every two weeks to maintain its condition.

Should I leave my mobility scooter on charge all the time?

Modern batteries do not experience "overcharging," so you need not worry about leaving your mobility scooter on charge all the time. In fact, keeping your scooter charging continuously when not in use contributes to maintaining the batteries' excellent condition. If continuous charging isn't possible, we strongly recommend  an extra long charge from time to time.

How often do mobility scooter batteries need replacing?

With appropriate care and usage, an average mobility scooter typically remains functional for eighteen to twenty-four months. However, in optimal conditions, these batteries can endure for as long as three years when properly charged and maintained. Manufacturers often suggest preparing for a replacement every eighteen months, especially if you notice that your battery is sluggish or does not hold as much of a charge as it used to. 

How do I know if my mobility scooter batteries need replacing?

The battery is the core component of every mobility scooter, impacting its performance and safety. Recognising the signs of a deteriorating battery is crucial for maintaining a reliable and safe ride. If any of these indicators arise, don't hesitate; invest in a new battery to ensure your mobility scooter continues to provide a seamless riding experience. Here are some signs that your mobility scooter battery needs replacing:

• Reduced traveling distance: If you observe that your ability to cover a distance on a single charge has decreased, it is probable that your battery's capacity to hold a charge has diminished. This reduction in range might occur gradually over time or it may be a sudden change.
• Slow charging time: If your battery now takes longer to reach a full charge, this change likely indicates that its ability to retain power has declined. You might notice an extended charging time or a delay in reaching a specific charge level.
• Goes slower than normal: If you find that your mobility scooter is not operating at the previous speed, or if it encounters difficulty on hills or slopes, it suggests that the battery is no longer providing the required power for effective operation. You may notice a decrease in the scooter's speed or its struggle to maintain consistent performance.
• Sluggish: A key indicator that it might be time to replace your mobility scooter battery is a noticeable decrease in responsiveness, even after a full charge. The scooter is slow to react, doesn’t achieve the speed you would expect or doesn’t respond to controls quite as quickly as normal.  
• Lights and indicators are dim: If lights and indicators appear dim while you are moving, it means that the batteries are weak and require replacement.

Who repairs mobility scooters?

At ARE, we have specialised in-house technicians who can service your scooter in our workshop while you wait. If you can’t get to us, we also have service technicians who can travel to you and complete a service at your home. Choosing to bring your scooter to our workshop offers the benefit of having a readily available stock of most replacement parts. 

We also have a wide range of the best mobility scooters for elderly people considering to upgrade their electric scooter.

FAQs

Is it safe to leave a mobility scooter on charge overnight?

Yes, it is safe to leave a mobility scooter on charge overnight. Charging your mobility scooter overnight will not lead to overcharging the battery, so feel free to leave it plugged in without any concerns. Most modern chargers will automatically cut out once the battery reaches full capacity. However, it’s always a good practice to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations to ensure the longevity and safety of your scooter’s battery.

Why is my mobility scooter battery draining so fast?

If you notice that your mobility scooter's battery is draining faster than usual, there could be several reasons for it. It is possible that the battery has aged and needs to be replaced. Additionally, issues with the scooter's charging system may prevent the battery from charging fully or efficiently, leading to faster drainage. User habits such as rapid acceleration, high speeds, or frequent stops can also contribute to increased battery usage.

For more scooter guides check out:

• Where to purchase a second hand scooter 
• 4 wheel scooter vs 3 wheel scooter
• How to charge mobility scooters