According to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there was a 22% increase in e-scooter-related injuries in 2022, up from 2021.

These are 22% of injuries that could have been avoided if users abided by preventive measures. To help prevent this, here are essential tips for ensuring mobility scooter safety.

Stay safe. Don’t be a statistic.

The Need For Safety Awareness When Using Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooter safety awareness goes beyond personal well-being. It is your responsibility to other road users and their safety. 

Here are vital reasons why you need to adhere to mobility scooter safety.

Personal Safety

The most critical and immediate reason for mobility scooter safety is to ensure your well-being. Maintaining and operating your scooter properly reduces the risks of falls, accidents, and injuries.

By avoiding physical harm, you improve the overall quality of your life.

Safety of Others

Treating others with respect and sharing the road is the way to go.

Remember, you share the road with other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Being responsible for yourself is being responsible for others.

When you adhere to the mobility scooter safety guidelines, you help prevent accidents that could harm them.

Other users also feel safe and secure, knowing that they can navigate their way around without the fear of accidents and injuries.

Legal Compliance

One way to keep yourself out of trouble and avoid the impound lot is to follow the scooter’s rules.

Many locations have regulations in place that help govern the use of mobility scooters. The laws will dictate age restrictions, speed limits, and helmet requirements, among other things.

Reduces Healthcare Costs

Accidents are not just dangerous; they are also expensive. Prioritizing your safety helps minimize costly medical bills and reduces the burden on the healthcare system.

Maintenance of Mobility Scooters

The less abuse your mobility scooter incurs, the more likely it will serve you. An excellent way of extending your scooter’s lifespan is to take care of it. This makes it reliable and reduces the need for costly replacements or repairs.

Essential Tips For Ensuring Mobility Scooter Safety

Nothing is of more importance than ensuring your safety and those of others when using a mobility scooter. Here is an in-depth exploration of essential tips to maintain mobility scooter safety.

Purchase the Right Mobility Scooter

The first step in ensuring mobility scooter safety is to buy the best mobility scooter. Consider factors such as the scooter’s size, its intended use, and your weight. 

Settle for something that matches your body weight and dimensions. You should be able to sit comfortably and stretch your feet. 

Check that the controls are intuitive and within reach. It will also be nice to have a few add-on accessories.

Safety Gear and Accessories

Don’t leave the house unless you have your full safety gear on. We couldn’t stress this more. This gear will protect you and ensure your safety and visibility when using a scooter.

Like a warrior going to war, put on your full armor. Wear a helmet to protect your head, gloves for your hands, and reflectors for visibility. Carry an emergency kit with essential items like bandages and a flashlight.

Remain Visible

Still, on safety gear, it’s important that you remain visible on the road, especially at night and during adverse weather.

You want to ensure others on the road can see you. Here’s how to do that.

• Wear reflective gear like strips, vests, and jackets to significantly enhance your visibility during low-light conditions.
• Attach a high visibility flag to the rear of your mobility scooter. This gives you the extra height and makes you noticeable even in crowded environments.
• Install lights and reflectors on your scooter. These will indicate your presence and intentions to other road users.
• Install a working bell or horn to alert cyclists and pedestrians of your presence. 
• Ride in well-lit routes whenever possible. Choose well-lit pathways to improve your visibility and avoid the risk of accidents.
• Maintain a safe following distance, especially with large vehicles. Don’t be too close to trucks and cars; otherwise, other drivers will not see you in their mirrors.
• Finally, remember to signal your turns and indicate to other road users your intentions when changing lanes or turning.

Road Etiquette

You are a driver; think like one.

Follow the rules of the road and respect the rights of other road users and pedestrians. Be considerate and give way whenever necessary.

Since your mobility scooter isn’t as fast as cars and motorcycles, we recommend that you stick to the footpath and avoid driving on the road unless it’s the only option.

Park your mobility scooter in designated areas and confirm that it doesn’t impede the movement of clothes or obstruct the pathway.

Follow traffic signs and signals, including but not limited to pedestrian crossings and stop signs.

Avoid Speeding

It’s always tempting to channel your inner speed demon. But it’s essential to prioritize safety over speed. 

There are so many things that could go wrong when you speed. You can lose control, tip over, and cause collisions and accidents. You will get injured, possibly face legal action, and damage your scooter.

To avoid all these, adhere to the recommended speed limits and guidelines. Reduce your speed when navigating intersections and crowded areas, and always maintain a comfortable speed.

Don’t Overload 

Mobility scooters come with a storage compartment, which is excellent for carrying your essentials. But be careful not to overload it.

Overloading your scooter will lead to mechanical problems, safety issues, and accidents.

Do not load too many items that will stress the motor. This will also cause an imbalance and potentially make your scooter tip over.

An excellent way to know whether you are overloading is to consider the scooter’s weight limit. Remember, the limit includes the user’s weight and any other accessories included.

Also, distribute your items as evenly as possible. Place heavier items around the motor area, the scooter’s center of gravity. 

If you notice your scooter decreasing speed, creating unusual noises, or having difficulty steering, consider reducing your load.

Transport and Storage

Lightweight and folding mobility scooters are a breeze to transport. But what of the rest?

When transporting your mobility scooter, ensure you’ve securely fastened it. Use a mobility scooter ramp to load and unload it.

Disconnect the battery and store your scooter in a dry and secure place. Remember to charge it regularly for optimal performance.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Adverse weather is not your best friend when using a mobility scooter. Rain and snow wet the pathway and affect traction. In such circumstances, use outdoor scooters and reduce your driving speeds.

If possible, postpone your trip until the weather is calm. And if you must go out, ensure you are well prepared and take the extra precautions.

Other Safe Riding Practices

Here are more tips to ensure mobility scooter safety.

• Always be attentive when at the wheel. Avoid distractions and pay attention to the path ahead and your surroundings. Remain alert to avoid hazards and obstacles.
• Use both hands to operate your mobility scooter for better control and stability. Have a firm grip when braking, turning, and accelerating.
• Adjust your mirror for a clear view of the area behind you. 
• Lastly, have an emergency contact on speed dial in case of an accident or emergency. 

Remain Safe

Adopting these mobility scooter safety practices ensures you enjoy the benefits of your scooter while minimizing the risks of accidents. Both you and those around you can have an enjoyable road experience.

Contact us today to learn about the best mobility scooters and their safety practices. Together, we can create a safer, more enjoyable, and inclusive environment for all mobility scooter users.