From time to time, many problems may encounter with mobility scooters. Each issue may be related to scooter models that are common or frequently occur with them. Sometimes the user can experience a sudden stop of the scooter; for example, when it runs a few meters and it suddenly stops and runs some more and then stops again. It is an instance that is stressful for others.
There are chances that a mobility scooter will not run—many users are stressing themselves in such situations. Suppose a mobility scooter is new and does not have any elements affecting its motor but still not running. There are also chances that when you are ready to use the scooter, that is also the time when it will not work. In those cases, the causes may be a low/dead battery or improper ignition turning. Thus, check the battery if the charge is sufficient and properly connected to its location. Aside from checking the battery, the other thing to consider is the wiring to see disconnected or faulty wires.
Whether your scooter works a few meters or not at all, it is vital that you also check the fuse to find out if this is the cause of the issue or not. And again, check if something overheats like the motor.
Compared to other vehicles, the mobility scooter has fewer parts, so it is easy to know which features are causing the problem. If the issues you are experiencing with your scooter are common to its model, you can easily find fixes as there is a lot of information available regarding it. But sometimes problems are not uncommon, especially with the class of scooter you are using. So it is essential that first, always check the wiring, any signs of overheating and fuses. Next, check the manual if it has equivalent fixes, and finally, contact a professional technician for assistance.
For continuous freedom and comfort it brings you, this blog will give the significant parts of mobility scooters that often have issues and the fixes or maintenance needed. I will provide each problem and then share the repairs and the proper care to prevent such issues from reoccurring.
Motors
Mobility scooters have a durable electric motor designed to withstand everyday use. The engine is responsible for moving the scooter, similar to the body muscles. When it comes to motor reliability, it provides long-lasting service. But over time and irregular use gradually develops problems, and when neglected, it results in total broken down.
Issues
- Flat spot–it occurs when the motor temporarily drops the output resulting in the scooter bumping forward. When you often experience this bump in your scooter, it means that its engine is failing.
- Damage due to dropped curb
- Exposure to deep, deep puddle
- Accumulation of dirt, debris, grit, and grime around the motor–when they enter the engine, it will significantly affect the motor’s moving parts.
Solutions
You can look at the manual to check what the real condition is, and once you find out the real cause of the problem, you can fix or replace your motor. But I do not recommend it because it is a complicated process for non-professionals. As much as possible, do not touch your scooter’s engine in this situation because fixing it requires more knowledge and training, so I advise that you call a licensed mobility scooter technician to do this. It is an inexpensive service that is fast and without hassle.
Battery
If the motor is responsible for moving the scooter, the battery supplies energy to the engine to run the scooter and do its job. However, the battery lasts less than the motor, thus makes it the most common cause of mobility scooter breakdown.
When it comes to the battery issue, especially with defects or damage, it is essential to consult a professional repair service or technician because the battery problem may be due to another problem that may not have originated with the battery. To mobility users and non-professionals, all they see is the problem’s impact or effect, not its real root.
Issues
- Faulty battery
- Faulty charger
- Wear down or degrading over time — this leads to the reduced range, speed, and malfunction of the scooter
- The battery does not recognize the charger when it is connected.
- The scooter is no longer able to travel the usual or expected distance.
- The scooter starts to be cut out or stopped while it is running.
- The battery no longer reaches full charge and stops at a certain percentage.
Solutions
For a guide on adequately maintaining the battery for your particular mobility scooter model, check and read the manual. You must follow all the instructions there to avoid issues or battery damage.
If the battery or charger is faulty, replace it, but only buy from your local mobility scooter service center. You can also use a new and inexpensive charger as long as it conforms to your battery specifications stated in the manual.
When it comes to wearing out or battery degradation, there is nothing more to do about it. It should now land in the battery bin. Like faulty batteries, it also needs to be replaced.
Here are tips on how to prolong health and extend the battery lifespan of your scooter.
- Do not allow the battery to overcharge, and frequent charging of the battery can also damage the battery, whether at low energy. When you use your scooter often, it is good to charge the battery up to 90% and up to 50% if you do not use it for a few weeks.
- Most modern scooters will provide an alert when the battery needs replacing. However, check your battery connection first to make sure they are secure and correctly placed, as there are chances that the battery will give out simply due to improper or loose placement on it.
- Don’t let it drain for long and unused, especially for weeks and more. It will lessen the lifespan of the battery and its capacity to hold energy longer.
- Regularly test the battery with a voltmeter to ensure that the battery can still hold a 12V or 24V charge.
- Keep your battery clean. Like a motor, dirt can also build up in it and cause an issue or irregularity in its performance. Clean it with a wire brush or battery cleaner spray regularly.
- The mobility scooter battery is a pack. That means it consists of many smaller batteries. If your battery is severely depleting and can only hold a small amount of charge, you can try charging each of its small batteries with a 12V charger. This way, there is a possibility to return the battery pack to its former good condition. But this is only one option, as it will consume time and require enough effort.
Tire
Like other parts of the mobility scooter, the tire is subject to wear out, but even so, it has enough capability to sustain its durability and efficiency. But try to imagine the things it often goes through every time you use your scooter. It is susceptible to dirt, mud, grass, debris, and more. Typically, the most frequently worn-out part of the tire is its smooth areas or where the tread is.
There are three common types of tires:
Pneumatic tires: This is probably the most comfortable tire. But because it is full of air, it tends to flatten when passed over through sharp objects like screws and nails.
Urethane tires: These are more resistant to wear out than pneumatic. This flat-free tire doesn’t evenly wear out.
Foam-filled (Tyrfil) tires: This is usually the type of tire used on bulldozer tracks. It has two components, liquid urethane pumped inside the tire through the valve stem and the polyurethane liquid formed to be a solid elastomer. Compared to pneumatic tires and urethane tires, it is less prone to wear out, thus lower repair and replacement costs.
Issues
- Damage due to hitting hard objects such as ditch or curb
- Flat tire (for pneumatic tires)
- Deteriorated inner tubes
Solutions
- Make it a habit to inspect tires regularly to ensure they are safe and not wear out.
- If the tires get broke, or you notice any issues consider replacing them. You can replace it or with the help of an assistant or service. The process of replacing mobility scooter’s tire is similar to that of lawnmowers.
- Check if your scooter is still under warranty because the tires are subject to wear out; you can get a replacement for free through it.
Potentiometer
It is related to throttle control because it dictates how slow or fast the scooter will run. When it fails, you will notice that your scooter is slowing down even though you did not intentionally lower its speed.
Issues
- An automatic decrease in speed while driving
- Exposure to elements that can cause corrosion here, such as moisture and rust.
- Popping circuit breakers due to power surge
Solutions
- Check all fuses as well as the fuses inside the potentiometer. If broken, replace it.
- Use a multimeter to make sure its wires are showing the correct voltage. The reading must be both positive and negative on both sides, potentiometers, making the reading centered or open. For example, if the right and center wires measure 3.5 ohms, it should be -3.5 ohms on the left side.
- Check the circuit breakers of the mobility scooter located on the shroud’s battery case’s front side.
- For popping circuit breakers, you can reset the circuit breaker by pushing the button.
Replacing a broken potentiometer is inexpensive and easy. But if you are not sure, ask for assistance from an experienced mobility scooter technician.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch of a mobility scooter is very similar to that of riding lawnmowers or other cars.
Issues
- Corroded due to age and exposure to elements that damage it
- The keys are easy to break and, when left inside the throttle, it is difficult to remove
Solutions
- When cleaning the ignition, you can use a pressurized can of air to blow away grime, dirt, and other elements. Sometimes, this method fixes some ignition issues.
- To remove a broken key, you can use a pair of pliers or tweezers. You can also use a paper clip to remove it, bend it at a 90-degree angle, insert it into the ignition near the broken key, and twist it. But as long as you don’t have the replacement key, don’t remove the damaged key first because you can still turn on your scooter by using needle-nose pliers to twist the head of the broken key. If you cannot remove the broken key, you will need to contact the nearest locksmith in your area for immediate support.
- If the ignition switch is unrepairable, replace it and call your scooter provider or manufacturer for a key replacement for the broken key.
How to clean mobility scooters?
- Wipe the exposed parts with a soft, smooth, and dry cloth.
- Clean it with liquid detergent or glass cleaner.
- Wipe the seat with soft disinfectant wipes.
- Avoid reading other components.
- Do not spray watery liquid cleaners directly on the scooter.
- Do not use wax, harsh, or oil cleansers.
- Wipe the scooter thoroughly until it is dry.
- Cover the scooter to prevent dust from accumulating.
How to inspect and maintain your scooter?
- Check the tires.
- Check upholstery for parts that have irritation on your skin.
- Check the battery. Check the indicator light if it is a red charge it.
- Adjust the parts such as wheels, swivel seat, levers, mirrors, steering tiller, and more.
Fix or buy a new one?
Honestly, you can choose either of the two. It just depends on your budget. When deciding first, calculate the cost of repairing any broken or damaged parts of the scooter, then compare the total cost with what you will spend on buying new ones. Depending on the damage and quantity of parts affected, it may be cheaper to repair or, otherwise, buy a new one.
FAQs
Do mobility scooters need servicing?
A mobility scooter is an investment, and like a car, it needs to be maintained regularly to ensure that it is always in good condition. When it comes to service, it is different from the car, but it is almost the same when it comes to importance.
Should I leave my mobility scooter on charge all the time?
When the mobility scooter is new and has just come from the dealer, the battery is full charge, but as a recommendation, charge the battery before the first use. When you finish using the scooter, charge it and leave it connected until it fills up. However, don’t let it overcharge.
Does rain ruin a mobility scooter?
Yes. Mobility scooters have electronic parts expose to water and dampness that can damage them and the motor. Water can cause corrosion to electrical components and rust the scooter frame.
How long will a mobility scooter last?
Five years or more, but it depends on the frequency of use of the scooter and its maintenance manner.
How do you test a mobility scooter battery?
While the scooter is not moving, press or push the levers. Make sure it is on a flat surface for better testing. If the LED light is quickly fading as you start moving while the battery is full, this may mean that the battery is weak and replaceable.
Can you overcharge mobility scooter batteries?
No. When you charge the battery overnight, be sure to disconnect it in the morning. Do not charge the battery for more than ten hours.
Why does my mobility scooter keep losing power?
Because of the battery, if the battery is full and your scooter is still losing power, the battery may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
Can mobility scooters go uphill?
Yes. Other types of mobility scooters can take challenging slopes. Some models can take up to 10-degree slopes due to their lightweight frame and lithium power battery with 120W.
Why does my mobility scooter keep stopping?
The common cause of this is the battery. It may be because of its age, or it may be faulty. If it is not due to the battery, it may have something to do with the motor.
Can a mobility scooter be made to go faster?
Yes. You can increase the scooter’s speed by replacing a more powerful battery or removing the speed limiter if it is present in the engine. For more detailed ways to speed up your scooter, you can read this.
Can you use car batteries in mobility scooters?
No. Do not use automotive or wet-type charge on Sealed Gel or AGM batteries as they may break down.
How long do electric scooter batteries last?
One to three years, depending on the class and quality of batteries, including proper maintenance.
How do I reset my electric scooter?
First, make sure the scooter is on a flat level surface. Next, turn off the scooter and wait five minutes. Then. Press the reset button. And finally, the power switch will illuminate, and at this point, the scooter should work or run properly.
Can you push a mobility scooter?
Yes, via freewheel mode.
What do you do if your mobility scooter breaks down?
If your scooter suddenly breaks down, you can inform passersby or, if you have to walk some distance, take it to the shop or any other place where you can call for assistance.
Can mobility scooters use cycle lanes?
No for cycle paths marked “cycle only.” Mobility scooters are legal to travel at speeds of 4mph on footpaths or in pedestrian areas.
What are the disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries?
The lithium-ion battery can explode when overheated or overcharged. It is because the gases formed by electrolyte decomposition will increase the internal pressure of the cell. Overheating or internal short circuits can also ignite electrolytes and result in fire.
How do I know if my electric scooter is charging?
You can check it using the charger indicator light. If it is a solid green color after a full 12 hours of charging, the battery is full charge. If it is green in the short charging time, it might be due to a broken charger or faulty battery.
Can you upgrade mobility scooter batteries for a greater range?
Upgrading your mobility scooter’s battery for a more extended range depends on the model of your scooter. Some models will allow you to change the battery size. In such models, you can replace the standard battery for higher capacity, which will help for long-distance travel.
How do you remove a battery from a scooter?
Disconnect the battery with the screw. Unscrew the head bolt from the negative terminal first. Then, remove the head bolt from the negative terminal. Pull the battery out of its tray and close the seat or battery panel.
Can you jump-start a scooter?
Yes. But the scooter’s electrical system is designed to operate at low amperage. Jumping start the scooter with the car can damage its electronics resulting in costly repairs.
Final Thoughts
Mobility scooters are a useful asset and life-changing for people with disabilities and the elderly. These mobility devices allow them to stay social and independent. But like other mechanical devices, it is prone to breakdown, and as a result, its users hinder from doing the things they want to do with their scooter. That is why mobility scooters require continuous maintenance and repairs on the parts that often break down.
By implementing the tips I have mentioned on every mobility scooter part that often has problems, your scooter should function properly and reduce the risk of breaking down. Most issues will manifest early, which is ideal for further examination.
Maybe some of the tips mentioned here are simple that you can do without assistance. However, others seem easy, but when done, it turns out to be complicated. So if you are not that confident or think you are not a jack-of-all-trades, hire a licensed mobility scooter technician for professional service. But whether you rely on your skills or hire someone else, it is crucial to address the issue immediately to limit the risk of permanently damaging your scooter.
To know more about mobility scooters and more tips and guides visit https://mobilitytouch.com. I’ve got a decade’s worth of experience with mobility aids to share with you real and honest reviews based on expe
