We hope that you are able to get great use out of your scooter whether it’s to shop for groceries, attend a family event or explore a nearby nature trail. With all of this use comes the inevitable wear and tear. You can prolong the life of your scooter with some simple maintenance steps. Keep this list handy as you enjoy your scooter so you can take care of it while it takes care of you.
Clean Weekly
Any item that gets used daily should be cleaned weekly. No matter if you have an indoor or outdoor scooter, it can become dirty fast. Aside from looks, it can have a significant impact on the functionality of the device.
Light Dusting: Dust and debris can cause issues with the scooter’s ability to run smoothly. With a rag or duster, be sure to wipe down the entire scooter, especially in the crevices where debris like leaves and crumbs hide. You should not use any wet cleaning products or dusting solution on the scooter.
Light Washing: Keep the device shiny and gunk free! It’s easy for the scooter to need more than a light dusting. Simply spot clean by getting a cloth dampened with water and rub the area. If you must use a cleaning solution, be sure it is mild and never bleach.
Read the Manual
If you’ve used the scooter for a while, you may feel that you already know the ins and outs of the machine. We suggest that you still keep this tip on your list. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of your machine and what it takes to keep it in tip-top shape.
Pay Attention to the Battery
The battery is the heartbeat of the machine. You must do your best to make sure you are taking the proper steps to increase the longevity of your battery. You can do this by charging the scooter appropriately. The battery should be charged for 8-10 hours at a time. So, if you thought giving your 70 percent charged battery a boost was a good idea, it can actually harm the life of the battery. Try to minimize battery usage when you can, such as limiting headlight usage and rough terrain. Additionally, you should always keep an eye out for battery corrosion.
Tire Inspection
This means more than a little kick to see if the tires are full. Just as you would a car, keep an eye on the tread of the tires in addition to how well they are holding air. The tread will be different on each type of scooter, so refer to your manual for tread height recommendations.
Mind the Weather
Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but you should do your best to avoid exposing your scooter to the elements of the weather. Moisture can be particularly damaging as it can cause erosion and rust. Keep it covered whenever possible.
The Yearly Inspection
When it comes down to it, it’s best to have the professionals take a look to see if they notice any issues or potential problems with your scooter. They are able to inspect all aspects of the device to let you know if there are any major concerns. You don’t want to find yourself dealing with a stalled machine while you are out and about. Taking it in yearly to have the brakes and other functionalities tested is a safe choice for you and the scooter.
Keep these tips close by as you enjoy your mobility scooter. As we age, we find ourselves getting less and less mobile, and finding it more difficult to get around. If you are looking for a mobility device, take a look at our gallery and give us a call!