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.
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.
Motability Assist
If you breakdown, the Motability Assist helpline and recovery staff are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to get you and your scooter home safely. In the event of an emergency, you can contact Motability Assist on 0800 953 5000.
Alternatively, if you have a smartphone, you can download the Motability Assist app. Simply search ‘Motability Recovery’ on the Google Play Store or App Store and follow the installation instructions.
Once the app is downloaded on your phone, if you ever break down, simply open the app, click ‘Rescue me’ to generate a text message with the coordinates of your exact location and press send.
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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