Hints and Tips

As a provider of powered wheelchairs and scooters, we meet many people all with one aim in mind, I want to get out more. Life doesn’t end, if you end up in a wheelchair. Here are some suggestions for what you can do to help remove the boredom factor.

One tip we give a lot of customers is to stay fit. Yoga is a great way if staying supple and keeping muscles active and so is swimming. Both activities can be done whatever disability you carry.

Alongside this we do encourage users to keep going out. I know they might have just bought a mobility scooter so they can get out, sometimes through whatever reason, users still don’t go out much. Instead of waiting for an invite, start visiting your local park, feed the ducks, have fun. But get out. We encourage people to volunteer and take on new challenges in life.

Three things you can do once you are outside:

• Gardening – even with a small garden you can use containers or maybe go and get an allotment. Growing your own herbs can be done simply and easily or go for something bigger with a container fruit tree and under-planting.
• Take up photography – you have a camera on your mobile phone and with social media sites you can share those photos easily. Start a daily photo journal.
• Painting – not the next Banksy! Take a sketchbook on your next journey around the park and start sketching. There are many ways you can teach yourself technique and going to an evening class, gets you out more and you will meet new people.

We haven’t mentioned up skills you can learn, cooking, woodwork, basketball! Don’t let boredom get you down, try something new.

Similar to a motorcycle and car, a mobility scooter requires routine upkeep to remain in excellent working condition. Daily cleaning is recommended if you use the scooter on a regular basis. For safety, always turn the power off on the mobility scooter before cleaning. Mobility scooters come in various models and it is highly recommended to follow specific instructions for cleaning found in the owner’s manual. The cleaning tips below are general and beneficial for most mobility scooters.

Dust exposed parts

Use a dry, soft, smooth cloth to gently dust exposed parts. Carefully slide the cloth over the mobility scooter to remove debris.

Remove sticky surface grime

Regularly used mobility scooters often get sticky substances stuck to the surface. To remove stuck on grime dampen a cloth with liquid glass cleaner or water and gently scrub the grime until it is completely removed. You can also use cleaning wipes to do the job successfully. Avoid using wipes that contain bleach, as they can cause damage to the paint on your mobility scooter

Avoid wetting electrical components

During the cleaning session, you may be using damp towels and wipes. It is important to avoid getting any exposed electrical components wet with cleaning liquid. Never spray liquid cleaners or water directly on the scooter. Only use a dry, soft cloth to dust around these areas instead.

Avoid wax

Many mobility scooter users take pride in keeping their mobility scooter looking sparkly clean. Regular cleaning with a dry, soft cloth will keep the shine perfectly. Avoid using oil cleaners or wax on your mobility scooter. While the intention may seem good, it can actually damage the paint and cause a slippery surface in the rain.

Spot washing

It is tempting to use a garden hose to clean your mobility scooter in a hurry. It is important to know water can seep into electrical components and cause damage to your scooter. This type of damage can lead to numerous replacement parts and shorten the lifespan of the mobility scooter. To give your scooter a good cleaning use a soft cloth saturated with water or glass cleaner. Carefully wipe down the external parts of the scooter and immediately dry with a towel. Never wash your mobility scooter using a garden hose.

Protect the scooter

If your scooter tends to have regular dust build-up you can invest in an affordable scooter cover. Try to use the cover when your mobility scooter is not in use to protect it from collecting dust.

Cleaning the tyres

Mobility scooter tyres are durable and can pick up debris that gets stuck in the tread of the tyre and the surrounding components. Common debris includes strands of hair, small pebbles, dirt and grime. To remove a pebble stuck in the tyre tread try using the tips of your fingers. Avoid using any sharp object that can slip, puncture or damage the tyre. If you notice strands of hair built in the surrounding areas near the tyre, carefully remove the strands using your hands or a small safe object to reach hair strands. If grime and dirt are stuck to the tyre, use water and a damp cloth to clean it safely. Avoid using any type of detergent or cleaner on the tyres since it can become oily and greasy. Oily tyres can cause the mobility scooter to become unbalanced on surfaces and become dangerous to the user.

Regular maintenance of your battery is hugely important and at The Mobility Centre South West we can help. If your battery is over 3 years old, bring it in for us to check it over and determine how much longer it will last. Good maintenance will ensure a long life and maximum performance.

Charging Your Battery

When your batteries are new, we recommend that you use them as close as possible to their full discharge before charging them again. So wait until your ‘fuel gauge’ is showing less than half before recharging. If you do this for the first few times, there is a better chance for your batteries to work at their maximum capacity for the longest time.

Following this the best idea is to put your scooter or power-chair on charge over night. Don’t interrupt charging unless you have to, let them reach their full charge. Only use the charger supplied. If you need a new one we can supply you for your vehicle.

Keeping your batteries dry

Store your scooter and batteries in a cool dry place if possible. Batteries do not like extremes of temperature. Ensure the terminal fittings are secure and clean – this will prolong the life of the battery. Should your batteries get wet, remove them if possible and wipe them down with a dry cloth.