Frequently Asked Questions – Mobility Scooters
How light are folding scooters?
Folding scooter are great if you don’t have much space for transportation or storage but they are often not the lightest scooters on the market, the battery is often very lightweight but the frame of the scooter is not. We recommend that you go and try one for yourself and if they are still heavy then maybe a boot scooter which dissembles into sections is what you are after as you are only picking up parts of the scooter at a time and not all of it. We do have both in stock for you to try so visit your local 1stStep Mobility shop.
Can I take my scooter on holiday?
Many people take a portable scooter with them on holiday, you just need to inform the flight company beforehand and tell them what type of batteries are fitted. If you are unsure what type are fitted then give us a call and we will help.
How long do batteries last?
This does depend on how often you use and charge up the batteries, if you keep running the batteries right down then this may damage them, also if the batteries are not used or charges for a couple of months then this again will damage them. If you are having battery issues then we can give them a test (which take a couple of hours to do) which will give us an indication on how well the batteries are preforming. If you do required new batteries then they will comes with a year’s warranty.
Solid or pneumatic tyres?
Pneumatic tyres do provide a smoother ride as you are travelling on a cushion of air, but solid do prevent getting punchers. Some scooter can have both fitted but it is often down to the manufacture to say if they will allow it. Give us a call and we will go over the options available to you with your scooter.
Do I have to register my road legal mobility scooter with the DVLA?
Yes you do, all class 3 mobility scooters need to be licensed in the ‘disabled’ taxation class but your do not need to display a tax disc and this does not cost anything. You will need to a complete a V55/5 form for used mobility scooters and V55/4 for new products. But if you are having trouble then please contact us and we will help you.
Do you offer a breakdown cover?
We don’t provide a breakdown cover but there is several insurance companies which do.
Do I need insurance for my mobility scooter?
Insurance is not a legal requirement, but we do recommend that you get some just to make sure that you are covered for whatever happens.
How often should I charge my scooter?
This does depend on how often and how far you travel, each scooter is different and so will provide a different distance, so it is a case of getting to know you scooter. Perhaps do a couple of small runs to the local shops before going on a big journey. But we do recommend that you charge your batteries at least every two weeks, because other ways the cells in the batteries will die and cannot be charged up again.
What warranty do you provide?
All scooter from us come with a warranty, most new scooters come with a minimum of 12 month and second hand come with 3 months.
Whys does my scooter have lights?
Many scooter now have lights fitted as safety feature to help make sure that you are visible at all times, but lights are required by law on road legal 8mph products.
Can I use a standard wall socket to charge my scooter?
All standard charges are designed to be used with standard UK electrical sockets and because they are of a low amperage the long slow change is not dangerous. If you have any concerns about your charger then give your local 1stStep Mobility a call.
Do you buy or part exchange on old scooters?
We sometime purchase used mobility scooters but we do suggest that you take a few photos and email them to us at info@1ststepmobility.comso that we can have a look at the condition and confirm the make and model before an offer is made. We do part exchange on scooters but only if you are purchasing a new mobility scooter.
What is the free wheel lever?
The free wheel level is normal located at the back of a scooter (with a yellow or red cover) and disengages the brake to allow the scooter to be pushed, this comes in useful if the batteries ever run flat or if you’re moving it in a tight space.
Do you service and fix mobility scooters?
All of our shops provide a full aftercare package which includes servicing and repairs on most makes and models of mobility scooters, give your local 1stStep Mobility shop a call and talk to one of our advisers who will help you and if need be will book an appointment for someone to come out and visit you and bring the scooter back to our workshop.
My scooter is turned on but not moving?
Please check that the free wheel lever is in the correct position and turn the scooter on and off again to reset it, if the scooter is still not working again after this then please count the number of flashes on the power light and give us a call and we will try and help you over the phone.
I can’t get to the shop, will you come to us?
We understand that sometimes you can’t visit your local 1stStep mobility shop, which is why we will come out to you, just give us a call and we will book an appointment to visit you to help you with your mobility scooter and get you back up and running again.
