Have you ever encountered your mobility scooter suddenly slowing down unexpectedly while driving it? Not only is this inconvenient, it could be incredibly dangerous if the issue is not addressed.
In this guide, we’ll cover the potential reasons why your mobility scooter might be slowing down unexpectedly, and what you can do to fix it.
Common Reasons Your Mobility Scooter Might Be Slowing Down Unexpectedly
Let’s look at some potential reasons why your mobility scooter might be slowing down, and what you can do to prevent that from happening again.
1. Have You Checked the Battery?
A common cause of mobility scooters slowing down is a weak or failing battery. Make sure you regularly check your battery’s health and charge it properly to avoid issues during, and be aware of when your mobility scooter’s battery may be due to be replaced.
Regularly monitor your battery levels, ensure your scooter is charged fully before each use, and have it tested if any performance issues arise. Your scooter’s battery age can affect performance so be sure to replace it as needed.
2. Do You Maintain the Tyres on Your Scooter?
Tyre condition plays a significant role in a mobility scooter’s performance. Check your tyre pressure and condition regularly, as low pressure or worn-out tyres can cause slow speeds. Potholes are a very common cause of punctures for mobility scooter tyres, so be aware of these when out on the roads and pavements.
It’s highly recommended that you check your mobility scooter’s tyres regularly and keep them inflated to the recommended pressure. As with your battery, be sure to replace your tyres when needed to ensure smooth and efficient movement and avoid any sudden slowing.
3. Check For Potential Mechanical Issues
Mechanical problems such as motor faults or loose connections can also cause your scooter to slow down.
The best way to quickly identify any mechanical issues your scooter may have is by getting regular maintenance and servicing for your scooter.
4. Have You Checked the Terrain or Gradient?
Mobility scooters can slow down when used on uneven terrain or steep inclines. It’s helpful to not only be aware of how terrain affects your scooter’s performance, but to also plan your routes accordingly.
Things like steep hills, navigating gravel or uneven roads, potholes, and multiple kerbs could all affect your mobility scooter’s performance over time, so it’s important to take this into consideration if you have been noticing your mobility scooter slowing down seemingly without reason when driving.
5. Are You Exceeding the Weight Capacity?
Exceeding the scooter’s weight capacity, including additional items you carry, can slow down its speed. This is why it’s crucial that you don’t overload your mobility scooter with excess luggage (for example, stowing your bags on your scooter after doing a food shop!) or taking additional passengers on board, even furry ones!
While this can mean that sometimes it’s better to load your mobility scooter into a car, if you have one, it’s going to keep your mobility scooter in better condition for longer.
6. How Often Do You Service Your Scooter?
Regular servicing can prevent unexpected slowdowns and other performance issues, and overall keeps your mobility scooter in good working order.
Schedule routine services for your scooter, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also helpful to be protective about fixing minor issues before they become bigger problems, ensuring the scooter operates efficiently.
8. Do You Monitor Weather Conditions?
Adverse weather conditions, such as cold or wet weather, can affect the battery and motor performance of a mobility scooter. It’s therefore important to be mindful of how weather impacts your scooter and how you plan around it, to keep yourself and your scooter safe.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and take extra precautions during poor weather conditions.
Surewise are the founders of the Safer Mobility Campaign: keeping mobility scooter users safe. This campaign, prompted by a spike in reported incidents involving our mobility scooter customers and research revealing a 20% year-on-year increase in mobility scooter casualties in the last decade, aims to bring awareness to the risks faced by mobility scooter drivers and better educate all road users on keeping one another safe.
Using roads and highways in the UK can come with risks for anyone, but there are particular road users who are more vulnerable than others. One group that is increasingly at risk is mobility scooter users.
