| For those who have a need for a mobility scooter, but | | | | replaced in used mobility scooters. |
| do not have insurance to pay for one (or whose | | | | 3. Ask how long the scooter was utilized by the |
| insurance will not pay); used mobility scooters are a | | | | previous owner. |
| viable option. When looking for mobility scooters that | | | | Mobility scooters used infrequently are likely to have |
| are used, you should be well aware of the items to | | | | less wear and tear on the wheels, axles and battery. |
| pay close attention to. This guide is to help you know | | | | A mobility scooter used all day, every day will have a |
| what to look for when shopping for used mobility | | | | high degree of wear. You may be able to get the |
| scooters. | | | | serial number off of the scooter and call the |
| Items to Check When Looking at Used Electric Mobility | | | | manufacturer to find out when the unit was placed in |
| Scooters | | | | service. |
| | | | |
| 1. Check the overall condition of the scooter. | | | | 4. Do not rely on the seller for all your information. |
| Is the scooter in clean condition? A dirty scooter is an | | | | Get on the unit and drive it. Pay attention to any jerking |
| indicator the daily maintenance needs of a scooter has | | | | motion or difficulty gaining speed. Either of these can |
| not been done. A scooter in pristine condition does not | | | | indicate a problem with the gear mechanism in the |
| guarantee that purchasing it is a wise one, but it can | | | | scooter. You should also check the stopping power of |
| indicate the previous owner did try to keep the | | | | the brakes and if the brakes make any unusual noises |
| scooter in top working condition. If a scooter is | | | | when applied. |
| extremely worn or unkempt may also tell you the | | | | 5. Look for heavy wear on the seat and arms of the |
| scooter was used recklessly. | | | | unit. |
| 2. Check the battery, battery posts and connections. | | | | If the seat and arms seem to be broken down; this |
| These components should be free from rust and | | | | may indicate a large person owned the unit. Used |
| corrosion. If corrosion and rust are present, it may | | | | electrical mobility scooters are ranked for a specific |
| indicate the battery is old, or the unit has not been | | | | load capacity. If the unit was used by a person who |
| maintained. Check the battery indicator light as well. | | | | met or exceeded the weight limit, it will cause the |
| You may want to ask the seller how long the battery | | | | scooter to wear out rather quickly. The unit may |
| has been used, and was the battery given deep | | | | operate properly, but you will be in jeopardy of |
| overnight charging sessions or merely short (one to | | | | inheriting mechanical problems soon after your |
| two hours) charging sessions. If after you have looked | | | | purchase. |
| at the scooter for the first time, you are still interested | | | | |
| in it, ask the seller to plug it in to charge and come | | | | 6. Look up comparable used mobility scooters of the |
| back in four to six hours. When you return, if the | | | | same type online. Get a general idea of the price on |
| battery indicator light does not give a full (or almost full) | | | | similar models for sale. Mobility scooter repairs can be |
| charge signal; the battery may need replaced. The | | | | expensive. Just because a scooter is cheap, does not |
| battery is usually the items most likely to need | | | | mean it is a good deal. It may just mean it is worn out. |