Why Your Scooter Might Not Be Serving You Well

Why Your Scooter Might Not Be Serving You Well

With mobility scooters, even the physically challenged and elderly can move from one place to another without walking aids or assistance from caregivers. However, these mechanical devices can break down while in use, causing distress and loss of mobility independence.

To prevent such scenarios, you can practice various preventive measures. This article will reveal the most common problems that can make your scooter not serve you well. Further, you will learn multiple maintenance practices to keep your mobility scooter working well.

Batteries

Since batteries power the mobility scooters, they are the leading cause of breakdowns. Due to the frequent discharging and recharging, the battery may start malfunctioning and lose its charge-holding capabilities.

You should always check if the battery is seated correctly and hassecure connections. Battery connections may become loose, or the battery sits improperly. If everything looks fine and the battery isn’t yet working, you need to check its voltage. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage; if it is less than 11.8, it shows that the battery has a 25% charge or less.

Plug the scooter into the charger and recheck the readings. If the voltage does not charge, use another charger to confirm the faulty charger. After replacing the charger, the battery should charge, but you need to replace the battery if it doesn’t. You can buy a new battery from a local dealer or your manufacturer’s service center.

Motors

Manufacturers usually install extremely reliable motors on the mobility scooters. However, older models may experience some flat spots. Flat spots occur when the motor’s output level temporarily decreases, making the mobility scooter bump along.

When your scooter starts bumping, your motor may malfunction and must be checked. Have a professional mobility scooter technician check and repair it to avoid more damages.

Tires

Mobility scooters are either fitted with solid or pneumatic tires. Solid tires are more durable but do not offer much comfort than pneumatic tires. You should regularly check the tires around their treads and sidewalls for signs of tear and wear. If the tread pattern is worn or the tire is cracked, it will negatively affect the braking performance and stability when negotiating corners.

Replace damaged tires to prevent punctures or accidents and regularly service your scooter so that you can notice any tire damages.

Potentiometer

Faulty throttle pots or potentiometers cause the mobility scooter’s speed to fluctuate unreasonably. The potentiometer allows you to use a simple level to control the scooter’s forward and backward motions.

However, due to corrosion, it can fail to function correctly. You can check the voltage using a multimeter to ensure the voltage is okay. If you lack the experience, have a professional check, repair, or replace it.

Ignition Switch

Since ignition switches are exposed to elements that cause corrosion, they usually become faulty. After corrosion, they can make the ignition key break when starting the engine. If the key breaks off and gets stuck in the ignition switch, you can use tweezers to remove it.

You can also use needle-nose pliers to twist the broken key and start the engine. However, you should take it to the repair shop as soon as possible.