Mobility scooters are electric vehicles made to transport those living with a disability, impaired, or unable to walk due to a medical condition. These vehicles are not made to be waterproof, hence are not designed for the rain. Many issues may arise when you leave your mobility scooter out in the rain. Taking your mobility scooter out in the rain can cause electric issues with the machine. For example, water could get into the electronics of your scooter, causing errors in your dash.
So can you use your mobility scooter in the rain?
One of the major concerns for those new to using and riding mobility scooters is whether it can be used in the rain. This is because the scooters’ electric system runs on batteries, which can get damaged. When you ride a mobility scooter, you are bound to get into close contact with the scooter. This causes many people to worry that they can get electrocuted if they use their scooter on a rainy day. But there are very low chances of such a thing happening.
Still, you need to make certain considerations before you decide to take your mobility scooter out in wet weather. Riding your scooter in the rain is considered safe, even though most manufacturers don’t encourage it, especially in heavy rains. It is advised that one should avoid particularly deep paddles or flooded streets, because you may not know how deep they are.
If your scooter’s electric system, including battery, gets submerged in a puddle or flooded road it can cause severe damage to these important components. Water getting into your scooter can also cause rusting of other internal and external components of your scooter, such as your brake system.
What to do what you’re caught out in the rain with your mobility scooter
Finding yourself in the rain will happen at some point, no matter how much you plan your outdoor activities or journey. If you get caught out in the rains with your scooter or it gets rained on while outside, it is first important to get undercover and protect your scooter from rain. However, if getting undercover is not possible, please try and dry out your scooter. Double-check that all the functions are working correctly after being rained on.
Getting your mobility scooter as dry as possible will also help prevent damage to your electronic systems and possible future damage to the scooter body through rust. Also, try to close your mobility scooter charging ports when they are not in use.
Last but not least, it is important to take note of your mobility scooter’s warranty terms. Most mobility scooter manufacturers consider it a misuse or not a manufacturer’s fault when you get your mobility scooter out in the rain. So it is important to avoid any possibility of failing warranty terms by keeping your scooter off the rain.
Final thoughts
Taking extra care when using your mobility scooter in the rain is necessary. Up to a certain point, your scooter will be able to handle rain, but it’s always recommended that you be cautious by slowing down when driving in the rain. But it is safer to take cover and wait till the rains stop before you venture out to avoid problems associated with rains.
