An electric mobility scooter can give you a new lease on life, providing a renewed sense of freedom and independence. Because electric scooters become such an integral part of your life, it’s important to carefully maintain and service your unit to keep it running in tip-top shape.
Yearly maintenance is important, but it’s equally important to give your scooter daily care to maximize its lifespan. A few simple tasks will keep your scooter in good working condition.
Check and Clean the Tires
Your scooter’s tires are one of its most important features. Many modern electric scooters come with flat-free tires, which means that they are filled with foam. You may not have to deal with flats, but the tires can still become damaged or punctured.
Check the tires daily for signs of punctures or objects stuck in the treads. Old or damaged tires should be removed and replaced right away to prevent bigger problems in the future.
For flat-free tires, the most important thing is to check the bearings. If they’re loose, they’ll need to be serviced. It’s also important to check the tread. If it’s worn too low, you’ll need to replace the tires.
If the scooter has regular, air-filled tires, make sure that you check the tire pressure when you do your daily inspection. Slack tires will cause the motor to work harder and the battery to die faster.
Charge and Clean the Battery
A scooter’s battery is its lifeline. Without, you can’t get anywhere. It’s important to maintain and care for the battery on a regular basis.
When you’re done using your scooter, allow the battery to cool and begin recharging as soon as possible. Fully charging the battery on a daily basis will help extend its lifespan and improve efficiency.
Failing to charge the battery every day could eventually lead to battery failure.
Even if you’re only going on a short trip, make it a point to recharge after you get home. Allowing the battery to cool down before charging increases conductivity and ensures that the battery will hit maximum charge.
Along with recharging, it’s important to wipe down the battery if it gets dirty or wet. Store it in a cool place and check it regularly for signs of corrosion.
Clean and Store the Scooter
It’s important to keep your scooter clean to maximize performance and its lifespan. It’s impossible to completely avoid wet weather, but ensuring that you scooter is thoroughly dried after use will keep it running in tip-top shape.
Here’s how to clean your scooter:
- Dust exposed parts with a soft, dry cloth (microfiber is a good option).
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean the seat.
- Do not spray liquids directly onto the scooter.
- Do not use oil, wax or harsh chemicals to clean the scooter.
- Dry the scooter thoroughly after each cleaning session.
Along with cleaning, it’s important to store your scooter properly. Ideally, you want to store your scooter in the garage, the shed or the home. Keeping your scooter sheltered will help ensure that it stays dry and prevents rusting. Cold temperatures can also hinder the battery’s performance, so storing it indoors can help prevent this from happening.
Protect the Controls
Electric scooters come equipped with control panels and other electrical components that should not get wet. For maximum protection, invest in a cover shield to keep the control panel dry.
Check the Seat
While checking your tires for wear and tear, take the time to inspect the seat. Look for any worn or ripped areas that may irritate the skin.
If the seat is worn, consider replacing it or reupholstering it to prevent further irritation and deterioration.
Read the Owner’s Manual
It’s important to take the time to read through the owner’s manual for your scooter. The manufacturer may recommend or require certain maintenance tasks that are unique to your scooter model. The manufacturer may also recommend using certain techniques for carrying out simple maintenance tasks.
Reading through the owner’s manual may be the last thing on your to-do list, but it’s important to take the time to do it.
Be sure to follow the maintenance recommendations outlined in the manual to preserve your warranty and keep your scooter running optimally.
** This post was originally published on https://www.upliftingmobility.com/mobility-scooter-care/
