A mobility scooter can offer unparalleled movement compared to other mobility aids. These sophisticated yet totally user-friendly vehicles can quickly become indispensable to your everyday life.

Running errands and catching up with friends and family will become effortless and enjoyable when you hire an Easy Pay Mobility scooter.

Beyond a comfy chair and powerful batteries are some subtle features that make mobility scooters so brilliant. These features are often overlooked, but can add a little magic to your scooter experience.  

It’s the little things that add up to make a big difference when you’re out and about. Read on to find out what key features make mobility scooters so special… 

Useful Scooter Features

1.    On-Board Storage

Most mobility scooters come with onboard storage. This can consist of a basket at the front or a top box at the rear.
 
If you have a basket, this will be centralised to help you maintain balance whilst on your mobility scooter. Balance is key in reducing the risk of your scooter tipping over – a very rare but extremely serious situation. 

Most baskets are deep enough to store your shopping and your belongings. This means that there’s no need to dangerously stack them up on your handlebars. We love the Galaxy Roadmaster Plus 4’s woven style basket for authentic market inspired storage. 
 
Some customers like to add a top box to their mobility scooters. These usually come with a lock and key, adding an extra layer of security.

A top box can fit snugly onto the back of your chair and is ideal for when you’re transporting precious cargo. The TGA Breeze S3’s lockable box is one of our favourites. 

2.    Freewheel Mode 

Your scooter has three different modes: drive mode, freewheel mode and ‘push too fast’ mode. 

Freewheel mode is a feature that enables you to manoeuvre your scooter into smaller, tighter spaces. This mode disengages the drive and allows your mobility scooter to be manually pushed or pulled into position. Perfect for parking. 
 
'Push too fast’ mode is a safety feature for freewheel mode. It’s absolutely vital that you remember to re engage drive mode once you have finished with freewheel mode, as this is the default safety mode. 

3.    Battery Indicator 

The Robin to your battery’s Batman, a battery indicator is worth paying attention to when you're out and about. 

Your battery indicator will either be an LCD light or estimated range figure on your control panel. This feature is a great way to plan your journeys and avoid becoming stranded. 

One of our top tips for battery health is making sure you never let them run flat. Overtime this can diminish battery quality and stop you travelling as far as you want and need to. 

Keep on top of battery levels with your battery indicator. Use it to track how much battery power you have left whilst on a journey. 

The indicator is also helpful when calculating how much charge your batteries need to undertake particular journeys. This lets you plan ahead to either extend or reduce the length of your trip next time. 

For more tips on how to maintain optimal battery power see here.  

4.    Lights

Your mobility scooter has been designed with safety features not too dissimilar to that of a small car. This can include indicators, mirrors, a horn and lights.
 
Most mobility scooters will be fitted with lights either in the front, or front and back. Lights enhance visibility for late night trips. They’re also essential for navigating poor weather and dimly lit routes. 
 
The lights on an 8mph mobility scooter are there to make others aware of your presence when you drive along on a main road. You must keep them flashing amber during these jouneys. See our tips for driving on the road here.  

Brake and turning lights are like car lights, in that they keep you and those around you safe. Activate these when you’re travelling on roads as well as on pavements. 

Boost visibility further, regardless of your scooter model, with clip on or detachable lights.  

5.    Keys 

Mobility scooters are very easy to drive. Simple stop-start mechanisms allow customers of all abilities to quickly become familiar with the process. 

Whilst this is definitely a benefit of mobility scooters, it can also make them a rare but very possible theft threat. 

That’s where your scooter’s key comes in. All scooters are activated by ignition keys. Though these may seem like an obvious feature, with a scooter being so easy to drive, keys are by default anti-theft.

Always keep your scooter key somewhere safe but easy to remember. Don't forget that your Easy Pay Mobility hire includes comprehensive insurance that covers you in the unlikely event of a theft. See how it works here.

Read more about scooter safety here. 

6.    Mirrors 

Most mobility scooters are fitted with mirrors. Though these aren’t there solely for topping up your lippie or slicking back your hair! 

Scooter mirrors have a function beyond aesthetics and are one of your most important safety features. 

A mobility scooter’s set of mirrors keep you and those around you safe. Using your mirrors to check for pedestrians and other scooter users is essential.  

You must always remain vigilant on your scooter – it goes a lot faster than a walking human, regardless of its classification. Mirrors help you stay in control. 

If you have a class 3 scooter and take it onto the road, you'll need to use your mirrors in the same way that you would with any other vehicle. Always keep an eye out for speeding cars and unruly drivers. 

Chosen a mirror-less mobility scooter? Not to worry, detachable and clip-on mirrors are purse friendly and widely available.

There are countless reasons to hire an Easy Pay Mobility scooter. Read more about the benefits here.

Want to know how our customers are getting on with their Easy Pay Mobility hires? Read our 5-star reviews here.