Buying a mobility scooter

[5MUG]

Does anyone have any tips on buying a mobility scooter? They all seem to vary in price enormously whether they are second hand or new.

Will be looking for one that fits into a car and that will only be used to pootle about the garden in. No long distances or shopping trips!

Thanks S

[J4CKO]

Where are you based ? I have a mate in Manchesterwho buys and sells them, he has a disability himself so can give you good advice as to which are the best.

http://www.mosmobilityscooters.co.uk/


I have, through my friendship with him and helping him out occasionally ridden a few and though it is something we would all prefer to avoid, they are actually fun, comfortable and easy, very smooth, the main problem is weight, the larger ones weigh 100 kilos plus, they are pretty sturdy and have lead acide batteries, wonder if they are going to move to LiPo or similar ?

[skeggysteve]

If you want one to use in a garden then a car portable wouldn't really be suitable. Car portables are small scooters with small wheels and low ground clearance.

Larger scooters that would be suitable to use in the garden would be heavy to lift into a car boot if you are not fully fit.

The size of scooter will also depend on the weight of the person using it, car portables should be limited to maximum user weight of 16 stone, I'd be very wary of anyone advertising one with a higher user weight.

Buying:

Used ones can be had very cheaply (Gumtree etc.) but always allow for new batteries (expensive) and if it is a non runner walk away. If the main control box (think car ECU) is faulty then it will be very expensive to fix.

If buying new go to a few mobility shops before deciding and get a feel for the shop. If the shop is just trying to sell you anything rather sell one that suits your needs, you know where to buy from!
Don't ever think about replying to an advert in a mobility magazine as they advertisers are all direct sales companies and employ the same selling tactics as double glazing companies.

Other random points:

Mobility scooters are not waterproof - don't use in the rain or let any of the electronics get wet.
Tyres can puncture (thorns etc.) easily but you can get solid tyres.
Batteries - most scooters have two 12v batteries, sometimes in a case, the higher the ah (amp hour) the longer the batteries will run the scooter for and the longer they will last.
As Jacko says they are lead acid batteries but they are sealed. The few companies that have tried Lipos have failed to make them work.
Battery charging is important - always told customers the following:
If you use the scooter, whether it be for 100 yards or 10 miles then charge the batteries, if you don't use the scooter then charge once a week and always charge overnight, never for short periods.

If I can be of any further help just ask.

[condor]

I saw an advert in our local newspaper for renting mobility scooters for between £10-£15/week. Might be a good idea to rent one first and see how you get on with it. Some elderly folk refuse to use one even though it gives them greater mobility.

[5MUG]

Thank you all for your advice. We managed to find a local chap who sells them and he had some second hand ones which come with a warranty. Job done. Thanks again!

[karona]

AS skeegsteve says, don't use the lightweight ones in the wet, especially the brand that sounds like a town in Scotland. The 'ECU' box is under the seat in the chassis, and any damp spray off the wheels runs right into the box. It's bloody expensive to replace.

[rotarymazda]

My father in law needed one last year. As he previously served in the forces, the SSAFA charity provided him with one for as long as he needs it.

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/

[Crush]

I think a jet pack would be more fun