If you’re wondering how to repair or troubleshoot mobility scooter issues, you may just need to consult a specialist instead. This will work to your advantage and this is because scooters for mobility are made up of fragile electronic devices.
However, we understand that in some cases, you must be able to repair the mobility scooter so that it will work and function properly.
Manufacturing bodies for this type of equipment design their product offering in such a way that they will beep a couple of times to “tell” or provide a clue to a technician what could have gone wrong. On that note, you can also determine on your own what particular area or device in your scooter is not working well.
By Googling your mobility scooter model and comparing it with the number of beeps that you hear from it, somehow you’ll have an idea of what issues your equipment is having and if you are lucky enough you’d know how to troubleshoot it.
Below are some of the most common issues that you may be able to deal with on your own:
Battery Failure
There is no doubt that the most frequent issue encountered with scooters has something to do with their batteries. If you want to know exactly how to troubleshoot a scooter with dead batteries, there is nothing to worry about it. All you need to do is buy brand-new batteries and replace your old ones.
Before making any purchase, double-check if you have the right kind of batteries for your scooter. Lead-acid batteries are distinct from many others because they are bulky. It will cost a hefty amount of money in case you bought the wrong pair, especially if you need to return them to your retailer for replacement with the correct item.
As for the battery life, this will greatly depend upon many factors such as how frequently you recharge the battery or the climate itself in your region. On average, you will need to replace your scooter battery after 2 or 3 years.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems also occur when a wire has gotten bent, when something you’re being connected to it has gotten loose, or when it has broken or is currently in use.
For us that aren’t engineers, these problems are exponentially more difficult to deal with. Because cutting a cord can result in electrical shock, you need to be extra careful when doing so.
These kinds of issues are better left to experts and one of those many concerns that are best handled by those who are most knowledgeable about it.
When used correctly, the beep patterns help to indicate what needs to be repaired or replaced. Do not attempt to repair a home appliance yourself unless you’re certain that you know what you’re doing.
Controller / Joysticks
This is another common problem for mobility scooters, their controllers are very sensitive and thus are prone to malfunctioning after some time. They need to be reassembled so they can fit in vehicles or while they are being used.
Time is responsible for their usual wear and tear. Therefore, as you use it over time, it will naturally wear out. As it turns out, though, this doesn’t mean you will have to buy a new scooter. In mobility scooters, costs can vary and is also dependent on the type of joystick model used. Travel-based units cost a little more.
Worn Out Tires/Flat Tires
Tires, for the most part, would be made from rubber. Some are more solid than others. If the tires are inflated, meaning to say they are infused with air, you’d know that puncturing them with a nail, screw or other similar sharp objects will deflate them causing them to flatten down.
Replacing the tire would be necessary. And if it is not for having a flat tire, the normal wear and tear will make you replace them eventually.
Conclusion
Once you learn the cost of repairing a mobility scooter, you’d wonder if it is practical to even fix it. As opposed to just replacing every component on an older mobility scooter, why not just get a brand new one? Prices may be low at your local retailer. Therefore, you need to be sure to equate maintenance costs to the cost of purchasing a new scooter.
Bear in mind that when you purchase new, you often receive a warranty as well, and in some cases, you will extend the warranty to over three years on both parts and labor (manufacturer specific). This is sometimes referred to as a “service contract” by some retailers.
DIY troubleshooting for this type of scooter is a good thing only if you know exactly what you are up to. Otherwise, we encourage you to reach out to a specialist instead for some help.