Travelling with your scooter or powered wheelchair should always feel enjoyable, whether you’re off on a big adventure or just popping to the shops.
Thinking about your next trip? Now’s a great time to start planning for new adventures. A little preparation can make your journey smoother and stress-free.
Here are some simple and practical tips to help you travel with confidence:
- Get to know your vehicle
- Check the weather
- Plan your route
- Clean your product ahead of travelling
- Charge and care for your battery
- Take a bottle of water
- Pack vital medication
Get to know your vehicle
If you’re travelling somewhere new or using a different scooter or wheelchair, take a little time to get familiar with it.
Understanding the controls and how your vehicle handles will help you feel more confident and safe on your journey. You can always check your manual or speak to your dealer if you’re unsure.
Practising in a familiar area before venturing further can make all the difference.
Check the weather
A quick look at the weather forecast before you leave can help you prepare.
If it’s sunny, wear a hat and sunglasses to reduce glare, and apply sun cream to protect your skin.
It’s also important to look after your product in warm climes, especially during a heatwave. Follow our tips below for battery and tyre care to keep your vehicle safe during hot weather.
Battery care
Batteries can overheat, especially in high temperatures, so follow these tips to keep your battery cool:
- Keep it cool: Store your wheelchair or scooter in the shade and avoid leaving it in a hot car
- Charge safely: Charge in a cool place and unplug once it’s full
- Check for damage: If the battery feels unusually hot or looks swollen, stop using it and get it checked
Looking after tyres
Hot weather can change tyre pressure, which might make your wheelchair or scooter harder to control.
These tips will help stay safe while travelling:
- Check tyre pressure: Heat makes air expand, so check your tyres often to make sure they’re not overinflated
- Look for damage: High temperatures can cause cracks or wear. If you spot any damage, replace the tyre
- Avoid hot surfaces: Pavements and roads get very hot in the sun, which can affect tyre pressure. Try to stay in the shade where possible
By keeping an eye on your battery and tyres, you can travel safely and enjoy your journey, even in the heat.
Rain is always a possibility if you’re travelling in the UK. Scooters and powered wheelchairs are electronic, so too much water can cause damage. If you get caught in an unexpected shower, try to find shelter until it passes.
After it’s rained, you could use a dry cloth to remove any water, dirt and debris from your product.
You should always follow the manufacturers charging process and stipulations and these can be found in the User manual.
Read more tips on keeping your scooter or powered wheelchair safe and secure.
Plan your route
Knowing where you’re going in advance can help you avoid any unexpected obstacles.
Check if there are narrow pathways, steep slopes, or other potential barriers. Look out for accessible routes with drop kerbs and ramps.
You should also check the laws of the country you’re travelling to if you’re going abroad with your powered wheelchair or scooter.
We encourage you to check your user manual before travelling as most manufacturers state that extra care should be taken when around water ways, docks and harbours. The maximum gradient that each product is tested to will also be stated in the manual.
Using UK public transport as part of your journey? Follow our advice for a smooth journey.
Clean your product ahead of travelling
A clean wheelchair helps keep you comfortable and makes sure your equipment lasts longer, especially before you travel. Here’s how to keep your product in great shape:
Before you start
Switch off your wheelchair and, if you can, disconnect the battery. This helps prevent any electrical issues while cleaning.
Wipe it down
Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the frame, seat, armrests and footrests.
Keep water away from electrical parts to avoid damage.
Clean the wheels
Remove dirt and debris using a brush.
Dry it properly
Use a soft towel to dry everything fully. This helps stop moisture from causing damage.
Disinfect regularly
If you’ve been in public places, wipe down areas you touch often with a safe disinfectant.
Read Scheme customer Shona Louise’s top tips for maintaining your scooter or powered wheelchair.
Charge and care for your battery
Did you know a flat battery is the most common reason for breakdowns? Before you head out, check you have enough charge for a return journey.
Most mobility scooter batteries last between one and two years with regular use. Very hot, cold, or damp weather can affect how long your battery lasts. For example, being in high heat often can make it wear out faster.
If you’re using a new mobility aid, taking care of your battery from day one will help it last longer and keep your wheelchair or scooter running smoothly.
Following these simple steps will help keep your battery in great condition for longer.
Charge it fully before first use
When you get a new battery, charge it fully before using your wheelchair or scooter. This helps it work at its best from the start.
Recharge regularly
Try not to let your battery run completely flat. This can wear it out faster. It’s best to charge it after each use, no matter how far you’ve travelled.
Use the right charger
Always use the charger that came with your mobility device or one recommended by the manufacturer. The wrong charger could damage the battery or make it less effective.
Plan ahead
Charging your scooter overnight helps keep the battery in good condition. If you’re going on a longer trip, you might want to take your charger with you.
It’s also worth checking your scooter or wheelchair’s general health before you set off, especially if you’re travelling further than usual.
Avoid unnecessary extra weight
Hilly routes or carrying extra weight, like shopping bags, can use more power. If your journey includes steep slopes or extra luggage, plan for shorter distances.
Read our top tips on maximising your scooter battery life.
Take a bottle of water
Staying hydrated is important, especially on warm days.
Dehydration can cause headaches and affect your energy levels. Keeping a bottle of water with you can help you stay refreshed.
Pack any vital medication
No one expects to break down, but if it happens, we’ll do our best to get you moving again as quickly as possible.
However, if you’re in a rural area, it may take longer for Motability Assist to reach you.
It’s always a good idea to bring any essential medication or equipment with you, just in case you need to wait a little while.
With a little planning, you can relax and enjoy the journey, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Ready for your next adventure?
With a little planning, you can travel with confidence and enjoy the journey. Why not take a moment to check your scooter or wheelchair now, so you’re ready for whatever comes next?
Interested in joining the Motability Scheme?
Join over 800,000 customers who already enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive package through the Scheme.
You can exchange part or all your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new vehicle of your choice. Remember, you’ll get insurance, breakdown cover, servicing and maintenance included in your lease.
Check now to see if you’re eligible to join the Scheme.
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