Mobility scooters are some of the safest vehicles out there. Not only are they easy to drive, but they are also extremely secure. Whether you’re new to life with a scooter, or have plenty of experience, it’s always a good idea to refresh your memory or learn a new trick when it comes to scooter safety. 
 
Our team will offer you a safety demonstration when you first receive your mobility scooter. Use this opportunity to ask them any questions that you may have about staying safe on your scooter. After that, follow our tips below or feel free to give us a call whenever you’re in doubt. 

Scooter Safety 101

Safe Driving

Modern day mobility scooters are practically foolproof to drive. They use a simple stop-start mechanism that has a safety brake built into it. This means that you’ll never run the risk of losing control of your scooter when in motion. When you’re on the go maintain your focus and avoid distracted driving.  

It doesn’t take long to get to grips with driving your mobility scooter. The best way to build your confidence is to find a large, open space to put in some practice. Play around with speeds, steering and braking before your first journey. 

When using freewheel mode to park or store your scooter, always make sure you switch back to drive mode once complete. This will keep your breaks activated and safety measures on.  

See our top driving tips here.

Battery Care

Looking after your scooter batteries means looking after your own safety. A malfunctioning battery can at best leave you feeling frustrated, and at worst, leave you stranded.

Priming your batteries for longevity keeps you out and about on your scooter for longer. Easy ways to do this include:

-    Reducing speed before coming onto or off a kerb
-    Avoiding steep inclines or rough terrain
-    Never letting your battery run to empty 
-    Always ensuring your batteries are fully charged before making a journey 
-    Keeping your scooter light and free of excess weight and baggage 
-    Storing your battery charger in a clean, dry environment 
-    Only using the battery charger provided to you by Easy Pay Mobility

Read our frequently asked mobility scooter battery questions here.

Speed Safety

Your mobility scooter is classed as a small vehicle and therefore must be treated like one. Speeds can vary from 4mph to 8mph. You’ll be surprised just how fast those can both feel once you’re in the driving seat! 

A maximum speed of 4mph is required when using your mobility scooter on the pavement or in pedestrianised areas. This may sound slow, but it’s a lot faster than a walking human! 

Be aware of those around you, they may be hard of hearing or sight. Making those around you aware of your presence is essential in keeping everyone safe.

Reducing your speed as you approach a ramp or a kerb will ensure a smooth transition and reduce the risk or your scooter tipping over.

On Road Safety

You can enjoy a faster pace when using your scooter on a road if it falls into the category of a class 3 model. Scooters such as the TGA Breeze and Kymco Maxi have maximum speeds of 8mph.

When taking these scooters onto the road you must always follow the highway code and take extra precautions, including:

-    Having your amber lights flashing at all times
-    Looking both ways before joining a road or turning at a junction
-    Avoiding roundabouts; these are notoriously hard to safely navigate when using a mobility scooter
-    Staying off motorways out of cycle and bus lanes 

Avoid Tipping Over

Your mobility scooter becoming imbalanced and tipping over is a very rare but very serious situation. Your scooter will have many built-in safety mechanisms to avoid this, but there are a few things you can do too. 

It all comes down to balance and maintaining equilibrium whilst on your mobility scooter. Simple ways to do this include:

-    Using your basket to store belongings and shopping. Avoid using your handlebars for this so you can keep all weight centralised 
-    Keeping a forward-facing posture on your scooter, avoiding sudden turns and leaning to one side, even when stationary
-    Knowing your scooter’s maximum kerb height so you don’t attempt a kerb that is too high
-    Approaching a kerb with caution will ensure you make it onto or off a kerb safely
-    Use a dropped kerb where possible to ensure a smooth transition from one pathway to another that avoids any tilts or bumps 

Thief-Proof Your Scooter

Thefts are rare but do happen, so it’s always advised to put some safety measures into place for peace of mind. 

Scooter security doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Buying a padlock and chain to secure your mobility scooter whilst out and about is a great place to start. A lock is a must-have if you plan to store your scooter in an outbuilding, such as a shed or a porch.

For added security you can invest in a GPS tracker which follows your scooter 24/7. A GPS tracker can be plugged into your mobility scooter’s USB port. In the rare instance that you become lost or stranded, the GPS will keep you trackable and help others to come to your assistance. It can also track down your scooter in the case of a theft. 

Visibility

Wearing a reflective jacket or adding reflective strips to your scooter are purse-friendly safety solutions. These simple accessories are brilliant ways to keep you visible when out and about.

Mobility scooters are fitted with front and back lights. Always use both lights when there is fog, or when the weather causes visibility issues. Battery powered lights can also be added to your scooter if you’d prefer a little more illumination.  

Weather Watch 

Mobility scooters are designed for outdoor travel and can weather you through all kinds of storms. Give them a helping hand and invest in a waterproof cover. These cost-effective accessories will keep both you and your scooter safely protected from the elements. 

Taking your time in wet or cold conditions is imperative for maintaining safety whilst out and about. Mobility scooters have robust tyres, but always avoid snow and ice if you can. 

Terrain Safety

Where you can take your scooter will depend on its classification. Class 3 mobility scooters are normally large, robust vehicles with powerful batteries. These scooters can tackle tough terrains, such as hills, grassy levels, gravel and uneven ground.
 
Class 2 mobility scooters tend to be lighter models with a maximum speed of 4mph. They can be safely used on pavements or pedestrianised areas, such as shopping malls. Avoid taking them up hills or out in unpredictable weather.
 
We always advise avoiding surfaces that look slippery or uneven. It’s also best to keep a safe distance around open water or drops and edges without obvious safety infrastructure in place.

Always check your tyres before you head off on your travels. Take a few minutes to check for punctures, rips or mislodged items. Leaving home without addressing these issues can cause an unnecessary accident.  
 
Don’t forget that every Easy Pay Mobility scooter comes with free, fully comprehensive insurance. This protects you against all eventualities including theft, accidents and repairs. It keeps you, those around you and your scooter safe. See how it works here.