| Mobility scooters: getting started |
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So you have just taken delivery of your shiny new scooter, so it's time to take it out for a spin right? Wrong. As a scooter user you have a responsibility to ensure you are full competent to ride your scooter. Even if you have driven mobility scooters before there are several things you should do to ensure your safety and the safety of fellow road or pavement users. Check Your Scooter Before you take your scooter for its maiden voyage you must check that it has been assembled properly - they should not wobble; ensure that the seat and tiller are securely attached; if it is an eight mile an hour scooter make sure that the hand brake is operating correctly; check that pneumatic tires have been fully inflated and that the wheels are aligned correctly. Charge Your Scooter Many scooters require an initial overnight charge before use. Check your manufacturer's manual and check with your dealer as some will supply with a charged battery. Check your scooter again Now that you have charged your scooter fully you can test that it is operating correctly. To do this first sit securely in the seat (operating a scooter from a standing position can be dangerous) then reduce the speed dial to minimum (if it has a pavement/highway mode selector make sure this is set to pavement) and then test the controls. Ensure that that forward and reverse behave as expected - it is very easy for the controls to be reversed - and that they are in the right position. If there is any problem with these do not attempt to drive the scooter, instead contact your dealer to have these resolved. Finally check that the horn is operational; that the lights are working; and that any indicators and signal lights work correctly. Set up your position Many modern mobility scooters are supplied with tilting tillers and adjustable seats that can be raised or lowered and slid forward and back. Take the time to make most of these features by setting your self up with your optimal driving position. This is typically an upright position with the tiller and controls comfortably placed above and in front of the knees, but do experiment to see what works best for you. Take it for a spin Once you have set up your scooter and ensured that it is operating correctly you should then find a safe space for a little practice. The ideal spot will be somewhere that is flat, is not very busy, and has good visibility. Starting at the lowest speed, practice manoeuvring your scooter both forwards and in reverse. Accustom yourself with the electromagnetic brake, and if present the emergency hand brake. If your scooter is designed for it, practice driving over low curbs. Remember to approach the curbs at a ninety degree angle as hitting obstacles from acute angels can cause your scooter to tip. As you become comfortable with your scooter you can increase the speed, not of course exceeding 4 miles per hour on the pavement. Enjoy your scooter safely Mobility scooters can grant us great freedom, and by making sure we are comfortable and competent we can ensure that our freedom doesn't put at us risk or come at the cost of other pavement users. James Curtis is a established writer on mobility scooters and other living aids for the disabled community. |
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