How to Charge and Maintain Your Mobility Scooter
5

It takes you to the park, the mall and the supermarket. Without its help, you might rarely leave the house, but what have you done for it lately? Just a few minutes a day spent caring for your mobility scooter will pay off in the end. Here are some ways to extend its life.

Keep the Battery Charged

While some models may require charging after every use, other manufacturers recommend waiting until your battery gauge tells you that it's time. Many experts, however, recommend charging your scooter's battery every night, regardless of whether you'll be using it the next day. Most batteries should remain on the charger for at least eight hours, but overcharging is never a good idea. Anything over 18 hours will only cause harm. With a small electric scooter, it is often possible to remove the battery pack entirely and perform the charge at some distance from the vehicle. Other models, however, require that the batteries remain on the scooter while charging. If such a scooter is too large to bring inside, you will have to provide an outlet in your shed or garage.

Prolong the Battery's Life

While a mobility scooter's battery will normally last between one and two years, its longevity will depend on such variables as: - The terrain it usually navigates. - The distances it normally covers. - The maintenance it generally receives. Regularly scrubbing the battery's terminals with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water can help prolong its life. Be sure to let everything dry completely before reconnecting.

Invest in a Battery Upgrade

Traveling long distances at a clip over hills and valleys will take the moxie out of any battery. If your mobility scooter will accept it, a larger battery will allow you to go further on a single charge. It will also add to the scooter's overall weight, which may be a consideration if you intend to transport the scooter frequently.

Storing the Battery

When putting your battery into storage, remember that a cool, dry spot combined with periodic charges will prolong its life while stashing it in a hot, cold or damp location will cause its death knell to sound rather quickly.

How Often Should I Service My Scooter?

Although the vast majority of scooters thrive on once-a-year servicing, the recommended frequency depends upon the use to which their owners subject them. The service itself should normally include a check of the seat mechanism, a lubrication of the brakes and a replenishment of air in the tires.

Maintaining Your Scooter at Home

Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your mobility scooter while preventing serious problems. On a regular basis, you should think about: keeping it dry, clean, and keeping an eye on the placement and security of all nuts, bolts, fuses and cables. Without good wheels, your scooter won't take you very far, so attention here is crucial. If the tires are inflatable, check the pressure. If the wheels are hard, inspect them for excessive wear and tear.

Care is a two-way street; your mobility scooter provides you with a quality of life you might not otherwise enjoy. If you give it the care it deserves today, it will continue to serve you long into the future.