Looking after your mobility aid is the best way to keep it in good working condition for longer. But sometimes, certain repairs cannot be helped, so it’s helpful to know what to expect if your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair needs repairing.
As a Motability Scheme customer, you’ll get our worry-free package, including maintenance, insurance, breakdown cover, and servicing. This should give you peace of mind if you have a problem when you’re using your powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
What’s covered by the Motability Scheme?
Servicing and routine repairs
Regular servicing and maintenance are included in your worry-free package with the Scheme at no extra cost. Your dealer will support you with these.
Breakdown cover
If your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair breaks down, gets damaged, or you have an accident when you’re outside of your home, you can contact Motability Assist. They’re available all day, every day, all year round, and are trained to handle your calls.
Motability Assist
The Motability Recovery app is the easiest way to get help if you break down. Motability Assist can pinpoint your exact location and get to you as quickly as possible.
If you have an Apple phone, use the App Store
If you have an Android phone, use the Google Play Store
Once your mobility aid has been recovered, Motability Assist will take you home. Then you’ll need to contact your dealer so they can arrange your repairs.
Tyres and batteries
Replacements for your tyres and batteries are also included in your package with the Scheme. This means any tyre damage that is from normal use can be serviced at no extra cost, subject to our fair usage policy. This also covers punctures if you have air-filled tyres.
For batteries, you’ll have to get your dealer to look into this for you. They’ll be able to confirm if it needs repairing.
What are the most common repairs?
We spoke to Tracy from Parkgate Mobility, a dealership that supplies and services Motability Scheme products. He highlights the most common repairs for powered wheelchairs and scooters and shares how to avoid them.
Lack of battery care
The most common issues that occur with powered wheelchairs and scooters are related to the battery. “Batteries do not last forever, sadly,” says Tracy. “With care, they can last five or six years, but the average can be lower.”
The key to extending the battery life, he says, is to charge it up every day, never allowing it to run flat. “We always advise good long charges, never short bursts. You ideally need a 12 to 14-hour charge. Every time you go out, you should be on a fully charged battery if possible.”
Damage to the suspension
While your power assisted wheelchair or mobility scooter is made to deal with bumps and bangs, it’s important to take care when using it.
Trays says, “One of the most common breakdowns is caused by the vehicle being bumped up and down pavements or by them being taken off-road and bashing and smashing the wheels. That can cause suspension problems that need to be fixed.”
Overworking your mobility aid
Another common issue is the vehicle being used for long journeys that would usually be made by car. Tracy shares “We’ve seen that some users are using their scooters for distances like you would do in a car. It’s perfectly fine to use your mobility aid as much as you need, but it’s important to check the recommended daily usage. Covering 20-30 miles a day can affect the vehicle’s condition, potentially leading to repairs.”
Powered wheelchair user, Shona Louise, shares her maintenance guide to help keep your mobility equipment in good condition for longer.
Tips for keeping your vehicle in good condition
“Your Motability Scheme dealer will tell you how to store your specific product, but generally it’s best to find somewhere secure and dry, preferably indoors or at least under a waterproof cover. And they’ll teach you how to charge it correctly and how to look after it.
“If you stick to all these things from the outset, before you even start using your vehicle, you’ll cut out 90% of the problems we routinely see further down the line and you’re less likely to need repair services.”
What’s the repair process like?
If you cannot see any damage to your scooter or powered wheelchair but it’s not working properly, then you should use the troubleshooting guide in your product manual to see if that can fix the issue. If it’s still not working, then you should contact your local Motability Scheme dealer.
“The dealer will try to work out what the problem might be over the phone,” says Dave from Motability Operations’ powered wheelchair and scooter team. They’ll go through a series of questions with you and if possible, walk you through the steps to find the solution yourself.
“If a phone diagnosis and repair is not possible, the dealer will try to get as much information from you. This is so they can make sure that they arrive with the right parts and equipment to make the repair as soon as possible.
“If they cannot fix the problem on the spot, they’ll assess the next steps from there. If that means taking the vehicle away to fix and you need a product to use while yours is being repaired, speak to your dealer about what they can provide.
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs insurance
Your worry-free package also includes Direct Line Motability (DLM) insurance cover. Any superficial damage to your vehicle does not need to be reported, but your insurance policy covers any damage that stops your product from working safely and should be reported to DLM before you contact your Motability Scheme dealer to discuss repairs.
To raise a claim, go to the ‘insurance’ section of your Motability Scheme online account.
Learn more about your insurance cover for your powered wheelchair or scooter.
Find a Motability Scheme dealer
There are around 100 Motability Scheme powered wheelchair and scooter dealers across the UK and they’ll support you throughout your lease with Scheme. Your dealer will help you choose the right mobility aid for your needs, they’ll order and supply your product, and do any servicing or maintenance.
Related articles
Guide to choosing your powered wheelchair
Guide to getting your powered wheelchair or scooter into a car
Scooter and powered wheelchair driving tips
