Electric mobility scooters, are also at times, referred to as go go scooters, due to their ability to transport you from one location to another in a fast and smooth manner. They are the ideal mobility equipment for individuals who have minor or major weaknesses in the lower halves of their bodies, which hinders them from standing up for long periods of time. Go go scooters work with a battery that needs to be charged in different ways depending on the type of scooter you own.
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Prior to using your scooter after purchase, it is vital that you have a read through your scooters manual, particularly the battery and charging section, as you want to ensure that you have charged your battery properly before setting off on a journey. Some mobility scooters need to be charged after each use and lack a warning system. While others have a tiny symbol of a battery (as you would find on your phone) that shows you how much battery you have left and how long it needs to be charged for.
The charging procedure differs according to the size of your mobility scooter. Small scooters, also referred to as boot scooters, generally allow you to disconnect the battery off the scooter, in order to charge the battery by itself. This makes the charging process an easier one, as you are able to leave your scooter wherever you desire; in the garage, in the storage room, in the car, and just take the battery indoors to connect it to a plug. Elite Care Boot Scooter by Elite Care is one such example of a small scooter. It can be disassembled effortlessly into five separate parts, making it ideal for individuals who regularly go on family outings with a car to distance places. It can travel up to 10 miles once the battery is charged to the maximum. It reaches a maximum speed of 4mph. The battery can be charged whilst it is attached to the scooter or it can also be disconnected for charging.
You generally cannot dislocate the batteries of larger mobility scooters (although there are exceptions) , as the battery is permanently attached to the scooter.This may, of course, cause issues, particularly if you do not have a plug in the room that you keep your scooter. Hence you may need to do modifications in the room you will keep your scooter to get a plug installed. The Buzzaround Ex Extreme 4-wheel heavy duty travel scooter by Golden Technologies is one such example of a large mobility scooter. Its’ battery is the largest amongst the heavy-duty mobility scooters and it can travel up to 18 miles with a full battery.
- Extended, 18 mile drive range
- Max speed of 5 mph
- Front and rear suspension
- Stadium-style height-adjustable seat
The frequency in which you need to charge your scooter is dependent entirely on how long you use it for, the type of terrain that you drive over and your weight (the scooter may need more often charging if the user is heavier).
The life expectancy of the battery differs according to the way in which you use your mobility scooter. Driving on uneven terrains and taking your scooter on uphill journeys may reduce your scooters life expectancy, as the battery will be overused to keep up with these gruelling actions. Whereas, using your scooter on smooth terrains (such as using it to drive to your local supermarket or shopping mall) and using it only a couple of times a week, rather than every day, will keep your battery healthy and maintain its life expectancy. However, on average batteries tend to last for a maximum of two years.
Some go go scooters will provide you with the ability to swap your battery with a bigger one. This is beneficial to you if you are setting off on a long journey and fear that your scooters small battery will not last you all the way. You can purchase these batteries from medical equipment stores and online distributors. It is important to keep in mind that the batteries are the bulkiest part of the scooter, hence if you regularly disassemble the scooter to store it within your car during family outings to distant places, that ensure that you are able to lift the battery up yourself if you do not have anybody helping you.
Due to its car-like appearance, and several added features that are likely to break down and need replacement, your scooter will need to be serviced. You can generally find information on how frequently your scooter will need a service in the manual. However, on an average a mobility scooter will need a service once every year (although frequency and type of use can alter this number). Small services, such as check-ups, will generally not take long, only lasting a couple of hours. However, if major changes are needed, then the scooter may have to stay at the mobility dealer for more than a day, which may mean that you may prefer to also purchase a manual wheelchair to keep at hand, just in case you need to go somewhere during this time.
The manual will also inform you of any other checks you will need to practice on a regular basis; such as that of pumping tyres and oiling breaks.
As the outer frame of the scooter is made by plastic, it is common for scratches and tears to emerge. Depending on the model of your scooter you will be able to purchase replacement pieces from medical equipment stores or online distributors.
Considering that go go scooters are what will provide you with the independence that you desire, and keeping in mind that they are not a cheap investment, it is important to follow the manual when it comes to services and battery issues to ensure that your scooter will last you for a long time.