Storing your mobility scooter safely over winter
With winter fast approaching, it’s a good time to consider how you’ll safely store your mobility scooter. After all, it’s a hugely important tool for your daily independence and a valuable item that can get damaged if exposed to the elements.
Even if you are planning to use your mobility scooter over winter, it’s best to have a safe and dry space to leave it away from rain and freezing temperatures. In this guide, we’ll look at storage ins and outs for your mobility scooter and list some vital maintenance checks to perform when you aren’t regularly using it.
Where and how to store your mobility scooter
If you can find a dry and sheltered spot for your mobility scooter, it should last you for years. A sheltered porch area is ideal, or you could opt for a garage or shed if these offer access to a charging point. Otherwise, your hallway could be a good location. If you don’t have anywhere suitable, consider investing in a specific mobility scooter storage unit which is designed to fit scooters inside securely. You could also buy a waterproof cover to keep off the elements during the worst of winter.
Consider your charging point as well. When your mobility scooter isn’t being used, it’s worth keeping it on a trickle charger so that its charge is maintained, and the battery life is good. You can then add a short extra charge as needed before you use the scooter. These are affordable and many can hold up to four batteries at any one time. Remember to disconnect the battery leads after charging to avoid corrosion or any passive power discharge.
If you live in supported or independent living accommodation, you will find that there is a specific space for charging and storing your mobility scooter away from rain, wind, snow or frost. On-site staff may also carry out your maintenance for you or organise this as a service. This is just one of the reasons that many disabled or older people choose to live in supported living or have a regular carer visit their home.
Essential maintenance checks
Here are some useful tips to maximise the lifespan of your mobility scooter:
- Never let the charge go into the red zone
- Keep your scooter clean and free from debris and dirt. You can rub it down with a little rubbing alcohol and water, or a specialist cleaning product. This will go a long way to helping it run as it should.
- Check your scooter’s maximum weight and incline rating so that you don’t overstress it by taking journeys up steeper hills than it is designed for or carrying heavy shopping that exceeds the weight limit.
- Keep away from puddles and other sources of water, as these spell bad news for electrics. Use the waterproof cover when it’s raining and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines at all times. This will also help to avoid any rust build-up. If your scooter does get wet, try to dry it with a towel after use, or place it somewhere warm as soon as possible to dry off.
- Read the manufacturer’s guide so you can use the scooter in the proper way and avoid any problems building up over time.
- Check your tyres regularly for any punctures or wear and tear that reduces the tread to an unacceptable level.
- Book a regular specialist mobility scooter service so that a professional can check every element of your scooter and ensure it is working as it should be.
Insurance
It’s also a great time of year to check that you are fully and adequately insured when taking your mobility scooter out and about. Here at Fish we can provide specialist mobility scooter insurance to protect your scooter against accidental damage, third-party liability, and theft, as well as benefits you might not expect, like personal accident cover. For further information click here.
