As the nights draw in and the weather becomes more unpredictable, it’s important to prepare for any eventuality before you head out on your scooter or powered wheelchair. We’ve put together five simple tips to help you stay safe and mobile in the coming months.

Speak to your dealer

If you have any concerns about your scooter, now is the time to speak to your managing dealer and make sure everything is working as it should. It is always best to err on the side of caution and get any issues checked out as soon as possible, even if it is only a minor concern.

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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 of the larger scooters have lights, but if yours doesn’t, it may be worth buying a high-visibility jacket or vest so that you’re more noticeable.

Watch out for kerbs

Fallen leaves can accumulate against kerbs and make them appear lower than they are, or disguise them altogether, so it is worth using dropped kerbs and designated crossings wherever possible. You should always be careful, and reduce your speed, when mounting or dismounting pavements and kerbs. Your dealer should have explained the maximum kerb height that your product can climb, but if you don’t know then please ask your dealer or refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

Check the forecast

Always check the weather forecast before you travel. If you have a smartphone, you may also want to consider downloading a weather forecasting app so that you can check for any changes whilst out and about. In the event of snow, or where snow is forecast, it’s really best to avoid any journeys that aren’t absolutely necessary.

Plan your route

If it’s icy outside, try to avoid any hills by taking an alternative route, and stay clear of rural roads or places you know may be hazardous. This may add more time to your journey but it will be worth it to stay safe. If you do go on a longer journey than normal, ensure your product is fully charged – you could even take your charger with you in case you need to top up the battery while you’re out.

Pre-journey checks

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

• Tyres: Are your tyres sufficiently inflated? Are there are 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 breakdown, 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 affect when you next need to take this? If so, it might be worth taking it with you.

 

About the Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme offers an all-inclusive package. If you are in receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance you can use it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand new, reliable vehicle of your choice. As well as a great choice of cars, we also provide a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs.

If you’d like to find out more about the Scheme, request an information pack below and we’ll send you all the information that you need to make the right choice.

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