Mobility
scooters are so easy to use. It takes
only minutes to understand the controls.
In no time at all, you will feel like you’ve owned your mobility scooter
for decades. Be sure you read your
owner’s manual first. The information in
there is meant to keep you from injuring yourself or others.
Before you drive
your mobility scooter, you should always check the tire pressure, the harness
connections, the electrical system, the brakes, and the battery charge. Basic safety practices ensure you will enjoy
your easy-to-use scooter for many years.
At the heart of
every mobility scooter is a motor. The
motor is run by the rechargeable battery that must be charged for up to
fourteen hours every night. The motor is
turned on through the key ignition system.
Also on the mobility scooter’s dashboard is a battery meter. Pay close attention to this dial as it tells
you when your battery needs recharging.
Turn on your mobility scooter’s engine.
There is a lever that controls the throttle, a dial for speed control,
and a horn button. You should
familiarize yourself with each function before leaving the safety of your yard.
To apply brakes
to the mobility scooter, the throttle is slowly pushed all the way down. Get used to the pressure and speed needed to
apply the brakes. Remember to never
brake on an incline, the momentum of the hill will cause the brakes to fail.
The steering
system on a mobility scooter is just like that on a bicycle. The handlebars connect to the wheels and turn
easily in the direction you choose. All
mobility scooters have a tight turning radius ensuring you can turn around in
tight spaces.
All mobility
scooters have a freewheel mode. This
lever is usually located in the back of the unit. It allows you to temporarily disengage the
motor so that you can push your unit around by hand. The freewheel mode is commonly used to push
your unit into an area for recharging or if the battery goes dead while you are
out. It should only be disengaged when you
are not riding on it and when the ground is level.
In general,
there is little difference between riding a bicycle and driving a mobility
scooter. The steering works the
same. The only difference is that you
won’t have to do the peddling!
