How to be Safe on Your Mobility Scooter

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Mobility scooters can go quite fast and if they aren't used safely can cause a fair amount of damage. Here are our most important safety tips for driving your scooter:

• Our mobility scooters can be used in parks and on grass, but you should avoid driving on ground that is so uneven it can destabilise the scooter.
• Avoid driving on pebbles, stones, soil and gravel surfaces. If you are unsure about the condition of the ground then do not drive on it, or if you do then be sure to take extra care. 
• Extra care should also be taken when driving over obstacles up to the ground clearance. You should slow down when turning, going up a slope, over an obstacle and driving over rugged rock or soft ground.
• The braking distance will depend on the driving conditions so keep this in mind when driving your mobility scooter. 
• Use your horn to make pedestrians aware when you are approaching. 
• Check the product manual to see the maximum incline of the scooter and do not drive up hills that exceed this incline. 
• Do not drive the scooter whilst on your phone. If you need to use your phone, you should pull over. 

Batteries should be charged after every use and overnight so that you can get maximum range out of your scooter. You should keep in mind the distance a scooter can travel will be affected by the weight of the rider, the weather conditions, the road conditions and the condition / age of the battery.

Speed

Mobility scooters can go quite fast, and as they are driven in public places it is important to be mindful of those around you. You are responsible for your own safety and also the safety of pedestrians. If the scooter were to collide with a pedestrian it could seriously injure them, so it is important to pay attention and take extra care when driving. 

The maximum legal speed limit in the UK is 6 km/h (4 mph). Your mobility scooter will be pre-set to this max speed. If you want to drive your scooter faster than this limit, you must be on private land. 

When riding your mobility scooter on the pavement, pedestrians have the right of way. When driving indoors or in places with crowds of people and heavy traffic, drive carefully and slowly. You should be aware of pedestrians and other obstacles when reversing, so ensure to look both ways before moving off. Slow down in good time to allow for different weather conditions affecting the braking distance.

Before you take your scooter out, it’s a good idea to practice with the different speed controls and familiarise yourself with the brakes so that you can get comfortable with it. 

Additional Safety Measures

• The scooter should only be used by one person at a time. 
• The mobility scooters we sell here at Betty and Bertie are not intended for road use and should be used on pavements only. 
• Avoid driving the scooter at night or when you are fatigued. 
• Do not drive the mobility scooter under the influence of alcohol. 
• When the scooter isn’t being used, turn it off and take out the key. If you are leaving the scooter in a public place (for example to pop into the shops), make sure to take the battery out to make it unusable. 
• Make sure that the scooter is properly maintained to ensure safety when driving. 

If you are ever unsure about anything to do with the safety of your mobility scooter or simply just want some advice, call us on 0800 999 6606.