I know these mistakes well, because my husband Mike and I made most of them before I ever worked at Active Mobility. Here's what we learned, and what we see customers get wrong every week. (Tracy, Managing Director)
Our story
We were on holiday at Warner and Mike was using a manual wheelchair. Pushing it on carpet was hard work, so we bought a second-hand three-wheeler from a backstreet shop for about £200. It got us through the holiday, but it wasn't right for him.
Nobody asked about his weight, the weight of the scooter, how we'd get it in the car or how far he wanted to go. A heavier user gets less range, and that scooter only managed a couple of miles.
Next, Mike bought a second-hand Shoprider off Facebook. It came with ramps, which have been useful for years. It got him out of the house and gave him freedom, but it still didn't suit his height and weight.
After saving for a few months, we came to Active Mobility and saw Mick, the original owner. He chose a scooter around Mike's use, distance, storage, height and weight: a Sterling Diamond, the biggest that would fit in our shed. Mike loved it. Today he drives an Ignite and walks the dogs twice a day on one charge.
1. Buying privately with no warranty
Scooters on Facebook Marketplace or eBay look like a bargain. Many end up needing a new motor and batteries, which can cost more than a good second-hand scooter from us. Ours are checked by our engineers and come with a 6-month warranty.
2. Trusting a scooter that "looks like new"
A scooter that has stood unused in a garage can look spotless but have seized parts. If you don't use it, you lose it. Joints dry up and batteries die, like a car left on the driveway.
3. Buying a cheap charger online
Cheap chargers from Amazon and similar sites often aren't the right one and don't work, and customers end up buying the correct one from us anyway. With lithium batteries, the right charger really matters. The wrong one is a fire risk, and you don't want your home going up in flames.
4. Choosing a scooter that won't fit your car
Think about how the scooter gets in and out of the car, and who will lift it. Ramps need an estate car with a boot level with the floor, with no lip or drop. Lifting anything over a boot lip is hard.
5. Assuming folding is easiest
Everyone asks for a folding scooter. Even the lightest weigh 12 to 17 kg, and you lift it in one go. That's like lifting 17 bags of sugar at once. A portable scooter splits into lighter pieces. If you'll be lifting it yourself, consider a car boot hoist from Mobility in Motion (formerly AutoChair). It lifts the whole scooter into the boot in about 60 seconds at the press of a button, and we can arrange a free demonstration at your home. Very small cars may not take one.
6. Ignoring user weight and range
Every scooter has a maximum user weight, and the heavier the user, the shorter the range. Buy for the trips you actually make, with range to spare.
7. Buying a scooter when something else would suit you better
A scooter isn't right for everyone:
- If you struggle to stand up or get out of a scooter, an electric wheelchair is usually better
- If your eyesight is poor, you shouldn't drive a scooter. A wheelchair pushed by someone else is safer
Get it right first time
Call 01789 339 738 or book a free home assessment within 75 miles of Stratford-upon-Avon. We'll check your weight, your car, your storage and the trips you want to make. See how do I choose a mobility scooter?
Frequently asked questions
Is a second-hand scooter a good idea?
From a dealer, yes, especially if you're not sure you'll like using one. Ours carry a 6-month warranty. Privately bought, you have no comeback.
Can I buy a replacement charger online?
Only if you know it's the exact right one. With lithium batteries, buy from a dealer.
Do I need to service a scooter I rarely use?
Yes. Unused scooters seize up. Charge and use it regularly and have it serviced every year.
