Preparing for the colder weather: advice for powered wheelchair and scooter users

When you head out on your scooter or powered wheelchair, it helps to be ready for whatever the weather brings. Winter weather can change quickly, so it’s even more important to plan ahead and stay prepared before you set off.  

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With that in mind, we’ve put together a few top tips for scooter and powered wheelchair users to stay safe and mobile in the colder months: 

1. Stay visible
2. Protect the battery
3. Check the forecast
4. Plan your route (and make sure you’ve downloaded Motability Assist)
5. Watch out for kerbs
6. Pre-journey checks
7. Speak to your dealer

Top tips for scooter and powered wheelchair users:

1. Stay Visible

The shorter days mean it’s more likely you’ll be travelling outside of daylight hours. If you need to travel after dark, make sure you’re as visible as possible. Many larger scooters have lights, but if yours does not, it may be worth buying a high-visibility jacket or vest so that you’re more noticeable.

2. Protect the battery

Cold weather can affect your scooter’s battery. Try to store your scooter away from the elements, ideally indoors, such as in a shed or garage.

If that’s not possible, keep it under cover to help stop the battery from freezing. In winter, your range can be lower, so it’s a good idea to charge your battery more often. And if you’re storing your scooter for a while, keep it topped up with regular charging. 

3. Check the forecast

Check the weather forecast before you travel. If you have a smartphone, you can download a weather app to keep an eye on changing conditions while you’re out.  

If snow is expected, or is already falling, it’s best to avoid any journeys you do not need to make. 

4. Plan your route

If it’s icy, try to avoid hills by taking another route, and stay away from rural roads or places you know can be unsafe. This might add time to your journey, but it’s worth it to stay safe.

If you’re going further than usual, make sure your scooter or powered wheelchair is fully charged. You could also take your charger with you in case you need to top up the battery while you’re out. 

5. Watch out for kerbs

6. Pre-journey checks

Before you set off, we recommend taking a moment to check the following:

• Tyres: Are your tyres sufficiently inflated? Are there any signs of damage? If you notice anything, speak to your managing dealer for advice.
• Battery: Do you have enough battery charge to complete your planned journey? If you’re in any doubt, you might want to consider delaying your trip.
• Clothing: If you break down, will you be warm enough while you wait for recovery? If not, take an extra layer just in case.
• Medication: If you take any prescription medication, would an issue with your scooter impact when you next need to take this? If so, it might be worth taking it with you.

Check out our guide for travelling on your scooter or powered wheelchair.  

7. Speak to your dealer

If you have any concerns about your scooter, speak to your dealer. It’s always best to get any issues checked out as soon as possible. 

Find your local dealer.