Whether you are a new user of a mobility scooter or have been using one for many years, safety is the number one priority when you are using your scooter. Here are our eight top tips for your mobility scooter safety.
Learn how to use the scooter properly
When you are purchasing your scooter, listen carefully to the instructions of the sales person in the mobility shop. They will demonstrate how to steer, reverse, turn corners, go up kerbs and most importantly how to stop. Even though you have been riding a mobility scooter for many years, every scooter is different so make sure you know how to use a new scooter safely.
Before heading out on your own, practise how to use your scooter but in a safe environment such as an empty car park. Make sure you are confident in using all the controls and that the seat is in the correct position. Plus know how far you can travel on the scooter before the battery runs out.
Carry out regular checks on your scooter
Check the tyre pressure on your scooter regularly. When they get worn, replace them as soon as possible. All your lights should be working and replace bulbs when they stop working. Always make sure that you get your scooter serviced every year to keep it in optimum working order.
Insure your mobility scooter
While scooter insurance is not compulsory, it is a good idea as this will give you protection in case of accidental damage or theft. Some insurance policies even include breakdown cover which means you will be brought home if you break down.
Get your eyes tested regularly
Good vision is essential for driving a mobility scooter safely and you should be able to judge distances, recognise hazards and be able to see pedestrians. Please follow your optician’s advice and get your eyes tested regularly.
Be careful with your personal possessions
Handbags, wallets and mobile phones should be tucked away safely and not in easy reach of pick pockets. Please don’t hang your handbag or shopping bags on the handlebars as this will make the scooter unstable and harder to control. But make sure that handbag straps or scarves don’t get tangled up with the wheels.
Drive carefully
Class 2 mobility scooters may only be driven on footpaths and their maximum speed is 4mph. On the other hand, Class 3 mobility scooters can travel on roads at speeds up to 8mph but they should not exceed 4mph on pavements. When on a crowded busy pedestrian precinct, a slower speed would be advisable. Pedestrians actually have the right of way, not your scooter. Watch out for children who may run into your path. Corners are tricky too so slow up before corners to make sure you don’t crash into a hidden obstruction around the corner. Of course, driving around a corner too fast could lead to you toppling off the scooter so please take it easy at corners.
Extra care is needed to drive a scooter on the road as you are travelling much more slowly than other vehicles. Your lights, indicators and horn should be working perfectly at all times.
Plan your journey
Even though a certain route may be the shortest one to reach your destination, it may not be the safest one. High kerbs or steep hills may make a route impossible so it may be better to select an alternative route. Mobility scooter safety has to come first at all times.
Never ever drink and drive
Just like driving a car, you should never use your scooter if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. They will impair your judgement and could put yourself or other people at risk.
Make sure you are clearly visible to other people
Wear fluorescent clothing by day and reflective clothing by night so that road users and pedestrians can see you easily. Remember to switch on your lights too.
Additional guidance about mobility scooter safety is available from the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
Hopefully these tips will help you to use your mobility scooter more safely in future. If you have any concerns about how to operate your scooter, please feel free to call us on 028 3833 5771 and we will be delighted to help you.
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