How to Fix a Mobility Scooter

Before reading this blog post, we feel it’s important to mention that we have tons of repair videos and troubleshooting tutorials on our Youtube channel. Click here to access our repair playlist on Youtube. You can also watch the video below for general troubleshooting tips.

For those seeking how to fix a mobility scooter, you’ll want to call a professional if possible. The reason for this is that mobility scooters are delicate electronic devices that can easily be destroyed if a wire is cut or damaged accidentally. However, we also understand that in some instances it is important that you are able to fix the mobility scooter to get it into working condition. 

There are some more common reasons a mobility scooter will fail. In this blog post, we’ll do our best to highlight the top reasons a mobility scooter fails and what is necessary to get it back up and running again. Again, we always recommend you call and utilize a licensed mobility scooter technician to fix the mobility scooter. Not doing so can cause damage to yourself or the mobility scooter, so by following any steps found on this blog post, you are doing so at your own risk. 

Mobility scooter manufacturers will typically have the scooter beep a number of times to “talk” to a technician to tell them what is wrong. By googling your mobility scooter followed by the number of beeps you may be able to identify what part or system is having difficulty. 

Mobility Scooter Battery Failure

Without question, the most common mobility scooter repair is batteries. If you are wondering how to fix a mobility scooter with dead batteries you’ll simply need to order some batteries from a company like Mobility Scooters Direct. Be sure you check which batteries are the correct ones prior to ordering. Lead-acid batteries are quite heavy and can cost a lot to return if you order the wrong pair. 

 

Battery life will vary depending on how often you charge them, if you let your battery always die, the climate where you live, and other factors. Typically we see users needing new batteries every 2 or 3 years. Some batteries will have shorter life spans while other batteries will have longer life spans. You have to keep in mind that certain types of batteries will have longer spans 

Mobility Scooter Electrical Issues

Sometimes a very common issue is that a wire can become undone, damaged, or another electrical issue. These issues are far harder to fix for the non-technician. You also must be very careful as a cut cord can lead to being shocked and this is a very dangerous situation. It is best to leave these issues to the professionals. Remember before, certain beep sequences will basically tell you what is wrong with the scooter. If it is something with the electrical system, we strongly recommend reaching out to a certified technician. 

Mobility Scooter Controller / Joysticks

Mobility scooter controllers are another common failure point of mobility scooters. This is especially true with travel mobility scooters which are often taken apart and put back together to fit into vehicles or to travel with. This causes wear and tear and as time goes on it is only natural that some parts that are electronic can and will fail. The good news is that you do not need to purchase a new scooter controller when this happens. The costs can vary and depends on the model of the mobility scooter controller or joystick. Usually, the heavier duty units can cost slightly more than the travel-based units.

Mobility Scooter Flat Tires / Worn Out Tires

Most tires will be made from a rubber where others can be made from durable plastic. It all boils down to the manufacturer. Some are solid while others are filled with air. If the tires are filled with air, you can understand how they can become flat by running over a nail, screw, or another sharp object. This would require you to get a new tire. Also, even if you have flat-free tires, they certainly will wear and sometimes they can ever wear unevenly which can cause you to have to purchase a new tire. 

Mobility Scooter Motor Failure

One of the most costly parts to fail on a mobility scooter would be the motors. The motors are the muscle of the mobility scooter and are what allows it to move. With a broken motor all you have is an expensive seat on wheels. The motor takes time to replace and should also only be done by a licensed mobility scooter technician that has been factory-trained. If you learn that your motor is broken, it might make sense to purchase a new mobility scooter. After you fix your mobility scooter motor, it is possible that other parts begin to fail. 

To Fix a Mobility Scooter or Buy New?

After learning the cost to fix a mobility scooter you might be wondering if it makes sense to even fix it. Rather than replacing all the parts on an older mobility scooter why not just buy a new mobility scooter? The prices are very low at Mobility Scooters Direct so be sure that you compare the prices of repair vs buying new. 

Keep in mind that when you buy new, you often get a warranty as well and you can even extend the warranty to over 3 years for both parts and labor in some instances (manufacturer specific). If you want to know which manufacturers offer an extended service contract, give one of our friendly sales specialists a call today so we can point you in the right direction. There are various products that have various advantages and we want to make sure you head in the right direction.