7 Tips to Boost Scooter Confidence
At Easy Pay Mobility we believe that transitioning to a mobility scooter can be truly life changing. Our customers often tell us that a scooter can bring a sense of independence and adventure back into their lives.
Hiring a mobility scooter, as opposed to buying outright, allows you to enjoy all its benefits, stress free.
Scooter hire also means that insurance, repairs and maintenance are all covered without you having to lift a finger. So you can confidently get out and about on your scooter as soon as it arrives. See more about hiring with us here.
Build your confidence and feel proud on your mobility scooter with our simple advice below. Before long you'll wonder what you did without it!
Mobility Scooter Confidence
1. Write a Checklist
It all starts with picking the right mobility scooter for you. Scooters have been designed to accommodate a whole range of mobility needs and requirements.
The best way to get what you want and need is to create a mobility scooter checklist. Consider the below when making your list:
- How fast does your scooter need to go?
- Does it need to be collapsible for travel?
- Where will you use your scooter?
- Will you need a scooter for long journeys?
- Does it need to be road-safe?
- What is your local terrain like?
Be specific and be fussy - you want your mobility scooter to enhance your daily life, not burden it. Having a checklist is a guarantee that all your needs will be satisfied. See more advice on picking the right scooter for you here.
2. Make Sure It's a Match
Comfort and manoeuvrability should be your top priorities when picking your mobility scooter. You'll spend a lot of time in your chair, so being comfortable is essential.
Likewise, being able to drive your scooter with ease is just as important. You can normally adjust a scooter’s seat and tiller for the perfect height and grasp. Once you are happy with these details, your mobility scooter confidence will flourish.
Another feature to get to grips with is your mobility scooter’s speed. Don't be swayed by top speeds if they're not suitable for your lifestyle. You may love the look of a TGA Supersport, but can you safely manage its speed?
You'll be surprised how fast a scooter can go. Always play around with this feature before hitting the road.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Once you've landed your dream scooter, dedicate time to understanding how it works. Our friendly staff will always show you how to use your scooter upon delivery. Once they leave, take your scooter out to a quiet location to play with speeds, steering and brakes.
Once you feel ready to make your first journey, it’s time to think about terrains and speeds. Being aware of where you can take your mobility scooter and how fast you can go is essential.
Car boot scooters can travel at 4mph in pedestrianised areas. Class 2 mobility scooters, as well as 8mph scooters, will also need to stick to the maximum speed limit of 4mph.
If you have an 8mph mobility scooter you can drive it on the roads. You'll need to follow the Highway Code and practise safe driving. A knowledgeable driver is a safe and confident driver. See our driving tips here.
4. Be Travel Savvy
One of the main benefits of hiring a mobility scooter is rediscovering travel. Maybe it’s a quick trip down the high-street, or perhaps somewhere further afield. With a mobility scooter the world is your oyster.
The perfect travel companion is a car boot scooter. Thanks to their lightweight, collapsible design, these mobility scooters can easily be transported. A model such as the Kymco Mini LS, can be fully dismantled within 40 seconds - perfect for a speedy get away!
If you drive an all-terrain mobility scooter and want to use it on public transport, you'll need to get pre-authorisation from the travel operator.
Due to their bigger size and heavier weight, all-terrain scooters are not always compatible with certain modes of transport. You may also need to complete basic training to ensure you are confident using certain services before you board.
Most transport operators are happy to help so always call ahead to discuss your options. Read our essential guide to travelling with a mobility scooter here.
5. Don't Be Shy
Even the most confident mobility scooter user can have moments of doubt. As an example, a kerb may be too high, or you may need support parking.
Always ask for help when you need it. You'll be surprised by how happy other people will be to give you a hand.
Always check a venue or event organiser’s accessibility pledge on their website before you visit. This is usually a great source of information that will help you plan a successful visit.
Public transport also has some brilliant online guides as well as in-person support to help boost your confidence. A lot of services have travel ambassadors who can accompany you on your first journey to show you the ropes.
6. Relax, You're Covered!
A common concern that prevents customers from truly enjoying their mobility scooter is the fear of breaking down. However, there really is nothing to worry about, your scooter is a tough little cookie!
A mobility scooter can take on the elements, tackle tough terrains and carry you and your shopping all day long. Even better, every Easy Pay Mobility hire includes fully comprehensive insurance as standard.
Our hire agreement protects you from theft, covers you for repairs and gives you peace of mind in the unlikely event of an accident.
Have confidence when you're out and about and enjoy all the benefits that your scooter can bring. See how it works here.
7. Add An Accessory
A simple accessory can go a long way in improving your mobility scooter confidence. Small tweaks here and there not only add personality but can bring reassurance.
If your mobility scooter is fitted with a USB port, then you'll be able to plug in a GPS tracker. This genius device is perfect if you have a class 3 mobility scooter.
A GPS tracker will guide you along main roads and alert you to traffic. A tracker can also keep you safe in the rare instance that you become stranded and your loved ones need to find you.
Feeling comfortable on your scooter is vital as you'll spend most of your time in your chair. A way to ensure optimal comfort all day long is with a seat cover.
Being comfortable sounds obvious but it really will go a long way in keeping you happy and confident on your scooter.
See some of our favourite mobility scooter features here.