For those with mobility scooters, how do you choose one, cope with punctures/repairs and store it?

[GiddyUpCowboy]

I am not sure if I am posting in the correct place.

I am going to have to give in and get one. I have no idea what I am looking for or how I am going to care for it.

[GiddyUpCowboy]

bump

[PaschalFancy]

Getting on your thread, as I'm interested in this too.

I've been hiring scooters from my local Shopmobility, which has given me a few ideas about what I do and don't like. They'll probably be good for a chat about robustness and power consumption of different models, too.

[GiddyUpCowboy]

I found this it is quite limited

I too have hired scooters from shop mobility.

Where would you store your scooter?

I was looking at this as it goes up to 8mph and goes for longer distances

[roadwalker]

My mum had a scooter and I work with people who have disabilities
I have seen lots of people who have bought them and cannot get them out or use them so you do get some unused ones for sale
First, is your property accessible? It will need to be stored undercover. The battery can be removed on some to charge indoors and you can buy a cover for them but you need to be able to take them apart to do this
The bigger ones you would need a small shed and charging point
How far do you want to go without charge?
I think the big ones can do around 10 miles
Do you want it to collapse to go in the boot of a car?
I would avoid 3 wheeler ones as they are less stable
I am going out now but will add more later if I think of anything else or ask away

[GiddyUpCowboy]

That is interesting to know about the electrics. So I need to make sure I get one that you can charge the battery inside then?

[PaschalFancy]

Batteries are quite heavy, aren't they? So if the plan is heft one about, that could be an issue in itself.

[GiddyUpCowboy]

I didn't think of that, you are right there. So power needs to be brought outside.

[PaschalFancy]

I have a tiny paved space at the front which would just fit a scooter, but I'd completely forgotten the charging issue. I could fit a weatherproof exterior socket, with an indoor switch as well to be sure no one outside ever took advantage (suspicious mind after all I've read on MN!).

But one would have to keep an eye on weather - I doubt one could safely charge during rain.

So for me it would be an issue of how well batteries keep charge when unused.

Ditto if charging indoors - could one get carer/visitor/family to heft it, but not use the scooter till say 10 days later?

[PaschalFancy]

Hmm, I'm glad to be thinking this all through now. It'll be some time before I'm well enough to use a scooter, but just as well to include plans during general works on the house.

[PaschalFancy]

to use a scooter for more than a few 100m

[crazykat]

My mums was pretty good at keeping its charge. She used to charge it once a week/fortnight depending on how much she used it. If she was going out for the day and planned to use it all day she'd charge it to make sure it was full.

Depending on your access you can get ramps to enable you to bring it inside for charging. My mums was kept either in the car or garage for safety as the area isn't great - more for the scrap dealers than anything.

[crazykat]

If you have a local mobility shop they can advise you on the best model for your needs and often have second hand or reconditioned ones which are just as good as new ones but much cheaper. You can usually test drive a few to find one which you like.

[GiddyUpCowboy]

Thanks for the advice. I just had a chat with my neighbour who has a scooter, and he told me where the local mobility shop was to get the scooter serviced. He said he had a circuit breaker inside and charges his in the shed via an extension lead . I had a look at my shed and the door doesn't seem wide enough to get a scooter through.

[CanadianJohn]

My mother had a 3-wheel scooter, she kept it in the front hall. I've just checked a couple of websites, scooter width seems to be 24" max, and standard front doors are 32", so you should be able to bring it into you house.