How to Look After Your Mobility Scooter in Winter

Cold mornings, wet pavements and shorter days can make winter outings more challenging. A little extra care can help keep your mobility scooter ready for everyday trips, whether you are visiting friends, heading to the shops or enjoying some fresh air.

At United Mobility in Hull, we recommend starting with your scooter’s handbook. Weather protection, battery care and storage requirements vary between models, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your scooter, battery and charger.

Give your battery extra attention

Cold weather can reduce the range available from a battery. Plan shorter journeys when necessary and leave enough charge for the return trip rather than relying on the maximum advertised range.

• Follow the charging routine in your handbook, including when the scooter is used less often.
• Use only a charger approved for your scooter’s battery type. Lithium and lead-acid batteries can have different charging and storage requirements.
• Charge in a dry, ventilated area, away from heaters and other heat sources. Keep the charger uncovered and follow its safety instructions.
• If the battery has been stored somewhere very cold, follow the manufacturer’s instructions about allowing it to reach a suitable charging temperature. Never charge a frozen battery.
• Do not use or charge a battery that is swollen, leaking, damaged or unusually hot. Stop using it and seek professional advice.

Keep rain and damp under control

Do not assume your scooter is waterproof. Check the handbook for its weather limitations and avoid heavy rain, deep puddles, standing water and flooded routes. Water can hide uneven surfaces as well as reach electrical components.

If your scooter gets wet, switch it off and dry accessible surfaces with a soft cloth. Do not connect the charger while the scooter, charging socket or charger is wet. If you suspect water has entered electrical parts, arrange an inspection before using or charging it again.

Use a suitable outdoor cover and tiller cover

When your scooter is parked outside, make sure it is properly covered with a suitable, correctly fitted mobility scooter storage cover. Secure it as instructed by the cover manufacturer and choose a sheltered position where possible. A storage cover is for use while parked, not while driving, and does not replace dry, secure storage or make the scooter waterproof.

Use a compatible tiller cover where needed to help protect the controls from rain, following your scooter and cover manufacturers’ guidance. It must not obstruct your view of the controls or interfere with steering, braking or operation. A tiller cover does not make it safe to use your scooter in conditions outside its weather limits.

We have all-weather accessories available in store at United Mobility. Visit our Hull showroom or contact the team for help choosing accessories suitable for your scooter.

Clean away mud and road salt

After a winter outing, check for mud, grit and road salt around the wheels and lower frame. Clean accessible surfaces as directed in the handbook, using a soft cloth and suitable mild cleaner where permitted, then dry them thoroughly.

Avoid pressure washers, hosepipes and soaking the scooter. Keep water away from controls, charging sockets and electrical connections. Do not apply oil or lubricant to brakes, tyres or electrical parts.

Check tyres, brakes and lights before setting off

A quick check before each journey is especially worthwhile during winter:

• Look for tyre damage and excessive wear. If you have pneumatic tyres, check their pressure against the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Check that the controls and brakes respond normally before continuing your journey.
• Check lights and reflectors, where fitted, and keep them clean.
• Make sure the seat, armrests and any dismantling connections are secure according to the handbook.

If something feels loose, the steering behaves differently or braking changes, stop using the scooter and get advice. Do not attempt safety-critical repairs yourself.

Choose safer winter routes

Avoid ice and snow, and treat wet leaves, slippery slopes and uneven surfaces with caution. Reduce speed when conditions require it, leave more stopping space and avoid sudden turns. Never exceed your scooter’s stated slope or surface limits.

Plan trips for daylight where possible, wear visible clothing and keep a charged phone with you. If conditions are poor, postponing a journey is often the safest choice.

Store your scooter somewhere dry

Choose a secure, dry storage space that meets the manufacturer’s temperature and ventilation requirements. Avoid prolonged exposure to damp and freezing conditions.

Let the scooter dry before covering it, follow the cover manufacturer’s instructions and do not cover a charger while it is operating.

If you will not be using the scooter for a while, follow the handbook’s storage and battery-maintenance routine. Do not assume that leaving it permanently connected to a charger is appropriate.

Scooter and powerchair servicing from £80

United Mobility offers servicing for mobility scooters and powerchairs, with prices starting from £80. Contact our team to discuss your model, what the service includes and the price for your equipment.

A noticeable drop in range, unusual noises, intermittent power or a warning message should not be ignored. Note what happened and contact us for advice. Keep to the servicing schedule recommended for your model.

Need advice about your scooter this winter?

Whether you need servicing advice or help choosing all-weather accessories, speak to the United Mobility team. Call 01482 259196, message us on WhatsApp or email hullstore@united-mobility.co.uk.

You can also visit our showroom at 660 Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 6UZ. We are open Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5pm, and Saturday, 10am–4pm. Closed Sunday.

This article offers general care tips. Always follow the instructions supplied with your scooter, battery, charger and accessories.