A mobility scooter offers a great way to travel long distances if you suffer from mobility issues due to age or disability. The device can help you move around with ease without the need to seek assistance from anyone else. However, just like any other item or equipment we rely on to ease our daily activities. A mobility scooter can cause an accident when it tips over. This may cause harm to you or any other person nearby.
That’s why it’s important to understand the safety tips on how to use a mobility scooter safely and efficiently. Mobility scooter accidents may be rare but the few that occur can cause accidents or even death. Therefore, if you or a loved one purchases a scooter, you need to ensure it’s used safely and responsibly. This article discusses the safe and responsible usage of a mobility scooter and highlights what to do to ensure it doesn’t tip over when in use.
Mobility Scooter Test & Tip Over Preventions
Purchase the right scooter for you – Before you purchase a mobility scooter, test it if you can sit on it comfortably. Many mobility scooter seats are adjustable, which is a great feature that enables you to drive comfortably. However, if you feel a scooter is unstable during testing. It’s important to move to others and test until you get one that looks more stable and comfortable.
Install safety gears – Using a mobility scooter will mean that sometimes you’ll be crossing the road. It’s highly advisable to stay visible all the time, by installing safety gears such as reflective strips or lights and safety flags on your scooter. The installations will ensure you stay visible to other motorists, particularly when crossing the road. Moving between parked cars, or when traveling at night.
Related: What are the Impacts of Mobility Scooters on their Users?
Keep the tires optimally inflated – Properly air-inflated tires will ensure you roll with your mobility scooter safely and comfortably. A well-inflated tire will also facilitate speed, lengthen the longevity of your battery and prevent it from tipping over.
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Go slow on slippery, sandy, or snowy surfaces – In some cases, you’ll find yourself riding your mobility scooter on a slippery, snowy, or sandy surface. Most mobility scooters come with automatic brakes that may not work well when they lack proper traction. Which calls for you to slow down especially when riding on such surfaces.
Avoid driving across the incline – One thing to note is that most mobility scooters are designed with a high center of gravity, which means that easily tip over sideways. Therefore, as a user, you’re advised to only drive up and down an incline and avoid across the incline drives as this may cause it to tip over sideways.
Don’t overload your mobility scooter – Overloading your scooter with too much load will make it unstable, especially when riding on a steep slow. An unbalanced scooter can easily tip over.
Conclusion
Mobility scooters are quite essential for those suffering from mobility issues. However, they also tip over easily if care is not taken. Take measures highlighted in this article and ensure you operate your mobility scooter safely and responsibly.