Using a mobility scooter can be an incredibly liberating and rewarding experience. It offers excitement, freedom, and a wide new range of possibilities! Along with this also comes a sense of responsibility, as you will sharing paths with pedestrians, encountering traffic and being exposed to the natural environment. Regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or you’re a seasoned user with years of experience, brushing up on scooter safety is essential.
Here are 5 tips for staying safe when using your mobility scooter
1. Check if a mobility scooter is right for you
Before you buy a mobility scooter, check in with your doctor or occupational therapist to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
Using a scooter requires:
- Good vision and hearing
- Coordination
- Concentration
- Good reflexes and quick reaction times
- The ability to judge distances and notice pedestrians and other hazards
- Strength to be able to manoeuvre the scooter safely
Even if you’re a long-time user, it’s important to check in with your healthcare professional to ensure you’re still able to drive safely.
It’s also worth noting that certain medications can affect your ability to operate a scooter, so make sure your doctor or occupational therapist is fully aware of anything you’re taking.
2. Book a trial and complete training
To make sure you’re purchasing a scooter that’s safe for you, book a free home trial from an authorised supplier.
Your supplier should be able to help you find a scooter that’s high quality, durable and meets your needs. They should also be able to answer any questions you may have and provide ongoing support.
Hello Mobility recognises that providing comprehensive training and support is essential to our customers’ safety, which is why we offer this as part of delivery.
3. Be aware of your surroundings
When operating your scooter, make sure you’re staying aware of your surroundings.
- Watch out for pedestrians
- Watch out for vehicles entering and exiting driveways
- Drive your scooter on sealed footpaths and avoid potholes
- Use pedestrian crossings
- Only drive on roads as a last resort, and if you must drive on the roads, keep to quiet streets
- Avoid slopes greater than 1:4 or 1:5, depending on the model of your scooter
It’s also essential to only use your scooter under the right climates. Avoid using them in heavy rain, strong winds and other dangerous conditions. If you must travel at night, use reflectors and lights.
4. Get your scooter serviced
Make sure you’re taking care of your scooter and getting it serviced regularly. We recommend booking in for maintenance once a year. This will keep your scooter in good condition, help avoid accidents and safeguard your warranty.
Make sure you’re getting your scooter serviced by a professional. Most of the time, your scooter provider will be able to complete maintenance checks and repairs. If they are unable to, get in touch with Scooters Australia and we can point you in the right direction.
5. Take care of yourself!
When dealing with scooter safety, it’s essential that you take basic steps to take care of yourself leading up to and while driving. This includes:
- Not drinking and driving
- Sticking to safe routes
- Driving at walking speed
- Not carrying heavy packages or allowing extra people to ride with you
- Wearing a helmet
- Making sure you’re awake and alert enough to drive
Scooters are incredibly safe to use when the correct precautions are taken. If you have any questions about the safety of your scooter, get in touch with our friendly team today!
