Used Mobility Scooters
What to look out for when purchasing a used scooter.
The used mobility market is very big but just like the used car market is sometime tricky to work your way through to get the best for your money. The first two things to consider is what type of scooter you are after and what’s your budget (perhaps keeping a little back to pay for repairs and servicing). Have a look about and see what you like – you can purchase used mobility scooters online but you won’t get the back up if it goes wrong. Just like buying a car it is best to go and see it and test drive it to make sure it is right for you.
Bodywork
Most used mobility scooters will have a few bumps and scratches but this is just visual, if you can try and have a look at the frame and around the wheels to see any dents or bubbles in the paintwork which would indicate if it is bent.
Controls
When you have a look at a used mobility scooter, check that all the controls are working and when you go to move it via the level ensure that it pulls away smoothly, If it doesn’t then this could be due to a number of different factors some of which could work out expensive. If you are looking at an 8mph scooter then it is a legal requirement that the lights and indicators are fully working before you go out on the road.
Just a little warning that if a scooter has been left out in the rain then the controls can be temperamental and again this could be expensive to resolve.
Batteries
Batteries are the most important part of a mobility scooter and could be costly so make sure that the scooter is working, if you go and see a scooter and it has no batteries or does not run then walk away it will cost a lot for new batteries and this could be a way of hiding some bigger issues with the mobility scooter itself. Make sure that it comes with a working charger and has been used and charged regularly, if it has been sitting around for a few month then please think carefully as the batteries may have lost some if it powers.
History
If you can try and get a full history of the product, just like a car some people keep a full service history detailing all the work carried out. If not talk to the owner and get the most out of them, working out the age of the used mobility scooter is very important, some will go on for 10 years plus but the younger the product the longer it will last you.
Seat
The seat and the arms is normally the place that gets the most wear and tear so ensure that they are in good condition because this often provide the most comfort when travelling about. Ensure that it come with arms as these are an important safety features to help keep you within the seat when travelling up and down kerb and inclines.
Name
Makes and models are very important so be prepared to pay a little bit more for a name because this often means reliability like Shoprider for example. Also if you go with a ‘name’ then you will have better chance in getting genuine parts to repair it if required, if you do get an import you won’t be able to get parts so if this does brake it can’t be fixed.
Test Drive
Always take the scooter for a test drive, because you are going to be the person using it so you must ensure that it is comfortable and you can control it, start off slow at first and when you feel more comfortable speed it up. Listen out for any strange noises when travelling, the motor will make a low hum but not a clicking or a grinding if this is the case then it might be best to walk away.
1stStep Mobility
We offer a large range of used mobility scooters within all our shop – Essex, London and Kent so give your local shop a call and talk to one of our advisers who will go over what is available within you budget and the best part is that we provide a three month warranty on all used mobility scooters.
