When I decided to use a mobility scooter, I started to learn how to use it. And after using it for a long time and experiencing the challenges of using it, finding fault and troubleshooting was the next step I studied.
So in this article, I will share with you all the things I learned in mobility scooter fault finding and troubleshooting. I am also going to give you tips to prolong its lifespan.
In finding faults that can happen to your mobility scooter, check the common parts where issues might occur: motors, tires, batteries, ignition switch, and potentiometer. Now, once you know the source of the problem, you can apply the troubleshooting steps accordingly.
First, I will give you common mobility scooter problems, then after that, I will provide basic tips on how to fix them. But it is essential to have a good starting point to figure out the source of the issue.
Mobility Scooter Parts Where Usual Problem Take Place
Here are the common parts to check when scooters break:
Mobility Scooter Motors
We can say that the motor is the most active part of a mobility scooter. For new scooters, you might not experience any problems. However, for older scooters, you may encounter bumps.
Sudden bumps are caused by irregular drops in motors’ output. If you are experiencing it, it is a sign that your mobility scooter motors, if not degrading, might have a serious problem.
For motor concerns, I won’t ask you to repair it yourself. Motors are a complicated piece of mobility scooter parts.
You have two options. You may need to contact a professional to fix the motors, or you may need to purchase new ones since they are not that expensive.
Mobility Scooter Tires
Tires are designed to cope with long miles of travel without being slightly damaged. It simply means to stay in shape even for an extended period of use. Given the design of tires, you still need to replace them occasionally.
If your tires are worn, it can affect your scooter break and its ability to turn. If you are experiencing a puncture or worn-out, get the tires replaced as soon as possible. It is, in fact, a good and the safest idea.
Mobility Scooter Batteries
Oh! Here comes the most common of them all. The batteries.
For sure batteries can store a charge, but with never-ending charging and discharging, expect that they will degrade and lose their ability to hold energy longer.
The good news is that most modern mobility scooters today will alert you when the battery is telling you to replace it. But are they always that accurate?
The steps you should take in troubleshooting your batteries are as follows:
- Check their connections. Are they in a proper place and secure?
- Using a multimeter check the voltage of the battery. Now, if the voltage is below 11.8, that simply means it is equivalent to 25% of the charge.
- You can remove the batteries from the scooter. Then, try to charge each battery individually with a 12V charger. This process is applicable for depleted batteries.
After charging and reading the voltage shows you the same result, either the battery or the charger is faulty. For faulty batteries or chargers, replacement is the best option.
Don’t worry, because changing your mobility scooter battery is simple. And you can find cheap battery chargers as well.
Mobility Scooter Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is also one of the most common parts of a mobility scooter that can cause a problem. Simply because they are exposed to corrosion.
A corroded ignition switch can make your ignition key stick and break. How can you remove the broken key safely?
You can remove a broken key inside the ignition switch using a pair of tweezers. If it doesn’t work, you can still start your scooter using pliers with needle-nose. Simply twist it to turn on your scooter. This will buy you some time while waiting to fix it properly.
Mobility Scooter Potentiometer
Have you ever wondered why some scooters’ speeds are inconsistent? Probably has something to do with the motor. But what if it is not about the engine but alternatively caused by something else?
If your mobility scooter’s speed fluctuates, you can consider checking your potentiometer, or some call it a throttle pot. By the way, the potentiometer is responsible for making your scooter go backward or forward.
As the ignition switch, the potentiometer is prone to corrosion that can cause this device to fail. How to check your potentiometer?
To check the potentiometer, you can use a multimeter. Using that tool, you will see if the correct voltage runs in the wires.
Also, replacing a potentiometer is not that expensive, and you can easily find a correct fit. However, it might require some electrical experience, though.
Other Causes and Solutions for Troubleshooting Your Mobility Scooter
Free-Wheel Lever
Free-Wheel will allow you to push your scooter. Now, when you forget to lock your scooter’s free-wheel lever for the regular ride, it may cause you to think that there is a problem with it. If that is the case, first check the free-wheel lever, disengage it, and your scooter will start moving.
Mobility Scooter Fuses
The fuse prevents your scooter from the potential danger of electric overloading. Since different units of your scooter are connected through a fuse. Now, if one part is not working while the others are, then there is a possibility that it has something to do with a fuse.
Check your manual to check the location of your scooter’s fuse panel. Once you find it, notice the thin wires inside of the fuses. If the wires are broken then, it needs replacing.
Irregular Steering
When the scooter is not steering as you expect it to be. It is both annoying and dangerous. Irregular steering is due to the age of the scooter or caused by bumps on the road or paths.
Fixing your mobility scooter steering wheels will only take you to hold the wheels still and try to align the turning mechanism to the proper spot. However, there are some scooters with a more challenging steering unit. And for those kinds of scooters, realignment from a professional is a good option.
Electrical Related Issues
Electrical issues are also common in scooters especially, if your scooter is exposed to rain. Obviously, water or moisture damages your scooter’s electronics. It can also be caused by vibrations from bumpy roads or paths.
Since internal electronics parts of mobility scooters are critical—damaging it can affect some components, or all can stop working.
For a simple fix, check any loose wires and tighten them. If that doesn’t work, you can ask for assistance from your trusted professionals. Remember, it can be as complicated as it looks.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are common parts of a mobility scooter that cause it to not work as expected. There are five common parts, and there are still more.
I also share some simple fixes that can help you address them immediately. However, those fixes are not rocked solid. I suggest that you still seek assistance from your trusted technicians.
Citations
5 Most Common Mobility Scooter Problems And How To Fix Them
How to Fix a Mobility Scooter: Top 10 Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Common Problems With Mobility Scooters
Troubleshooting a Mobility Scooter that Keeps Stopping
