Mar
Mobility Scooter Repairs By DIY And Professionals
When you’re a long term user of mobility scooters you are bound to see some natural wear and tear of your scooter and may get quite used to the feel and sound of yours so that you get to know when something is not working correctly or needing to be checked out, even before a professional has looked at it.
Depending on a persons disability, you may enjoy fixing your own scooter or have a relative or friends who either assist you or perform any repair jobs on it for you but there can be certain parts of your mobility scooter that are best dealt with by a professional who is used to dealing with all areas of repair on many makes and models.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t attempt some smaller repair and maintenance jobs yourself, especially if it saves you a bit of money, and in some ways it can be compared to someone wanting to work on their car themselves.
Your scooter is your transport or at least a part of your transport and you may enjoy getting to know the workings of your scooter, its always nice to build up extra knowledge, especially on something that is more specific and not so everyday a thing like cars and motorbikes but wherever you may feel that its best to get a professional involved for a more involved repair then its probably best to do so.
A recommendation of a professional service of your mobility scooter about every 12 months is something to go by but that doesn’t stop anyone doing a few maintenance and repair jobs in between that time if they want to and actually prefer to do that.
With a combined approach though of a bit of do-it-yourself and bringing in a professional service person you can keep your mobilty scooter working at its best and at the same time possibly saving a few quid and getting enjoyment from working on it yourself.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:32 am
and if you have the know how – do it all yourself !! – fixing scooters ain’t rocket science ,and i have heard some nighmare stories of people being charged hundreds for so called “servicing” when all it needs is some common sence – there is not much to go wrong with scooters , if the batteries die , change them , but look round for the best price ( and free delivery ) , controlor plying up ?? well with these ,it can be expensive ,BUT again a bit of research ( and may be a few phone calls ) can get you a new one at a lot less than your local “dealer ” will sell you one for , tyers and other bits ?? same again
what you have to realise is that most of the “so called ” experts in the mobility trade are nothing of the sort , and frankly i would not give most of them the time of day , i have always maintained my own vehicles , rebuilt some from the ground up and i am no way a “trained ” mechnic, but have been complimented by some on the standard of my maintenance , so if you want to do it , take the time to have a look under the hood of your scooter , and see just how simple they really are , remember always , dealers are in this for the money , and so long as scooter owners ,like car owners , wont get their hands dirty , then large profits are to be made ,,, of course i realise a lot of people won’t or can’t do their own servicing , but if you have the skills then why not ??
June 21st, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I agree, if you can do it by yourself then definately choose that option, especially at a time like this when every penny saved counts, but at any time yes its definately wise to do your own repairs.
I think with mobility products its the sane as many other services where yes people can get ripped off by service charges and some companies know that some users wont attempt the work so they get taken advantage of.
I totally agree with everything that you say, its really worth a user having a look to see if they can do even some of the work themelves, even if they deal with some light jobs of the scooter and if theres other jobs that they dont feel like dealing with then maybe use someone to get those issues dealt with.
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 am
In my younger days I maintained my own cars even built one from scratch rebuilding engine and gearbox after building the entire body and electrics it was just a challenge in those days but cars have now turned into multiplexed computers.
I bought a Pride Celebrity X Sport mobility scooter, only used it once in 10 months but it only cost me £899 including a second mirror and heavy duty cover that gets lifted up once a month to charge batteries, it gives peace of mind knowing it is there if I need it.
I am sure most jobs on it are really simple to do myself but it would be nice to be able to get a manual that explains what needs servicing, what type of wheel bearings are fitted (I think these will be sealed ball bearings same as ones on my small trailer I am just replacing), something to explain the electrics and drive system, I heard Haynes were going to do one but not heard any more of it, I bought one for my car even though I can’t manage the repairs now but it helps to understand about it which can help prevent getting ripped off. Is there a forum of people doing their own scooter & wheel chair repairs as it would be a great one to join.
July 28th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Haynes manuals are great, it would be good if they ever do publish a manual for mobility scooters.
I will keep my eyes open regarding a forum.
September 8th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
[...] reason it can be a good idea to keep at least one new inner tube so that if you prefer to do your own maintenance or have a friend or relative do it for you, then you can have the puncture sorted in no [...]
November 9th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
[...] You can read about the benefits of doing the repairs yourself or taking the work to a professional or combining both at mobility scooter repairs by diy and professionals. [...]
November 16th, 2009 at 11:45 am
i have a pride victory and i had a slight acciden the front cowl was damagedand so there is a gap inwhich there is a gap of 6to8inch square i have the pieces that broke off i wonder if you can or tellmewhat cowl will fit this scooter it a victory apple red in color i would like an answer to my query thank you alan
November 16th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Hi Alan
To make sure that you get the right one for your make and model of mobility scooter you might be best asking your local dealer to order the part in for you if they can.
January 12th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
can you help please i have a kymco midi xlforu blue, and the front panel has been damaged can ypu supply this part, and or a service chart for me to do it myself, i had this scooter at 9 months old, i am retired now bad health my background is i was a gas engineer repairing boilers any name any kind, thanks paul
January 12th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Hi i have a shop rider scooter that does not work not sure what the problem is but i would like to know more less where can i take it to get looked at, i live here in southern california. You can reach me at vickydiaz79@gmail.com or 323-864-9302
January 13th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Hi
Unfortunately i dont supply parts, its mostly an informational resource here at mobilityright, it may be worth contacting a local retailer who sells the make that you own or try contacting the manufacturers to see if they can supply parts for the model that you own.
August 13th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
hi my mum hit a bump and it just cut out everything is working lights etc just wony move any tips she has a celebrity pride
August 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am
I have same problem of all electrics working but wont move. It is clicking either in the gear box or box holding the fuse. Where do I start looking for the reason? I take apart my transmission/drive and make sure nothing broken there or just to regrease it?
August 20th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
I have a Sterling sunrise and the on board charger as stopped working, is it east to convert to off scooter charging?
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:26 am
I have an old Shoprider that the charger is external only. The charging is fine. Acts like it wants to move forward or backward by giving gentle movement in the respective direction, but only does this one time then repeatedly clicks while throttle control is engaged and doesn’t move.
September 23rd, 2010 at 10:22 am
My 96 year old dad relies on his 6-7 year old Freerider Kensington to stay independent. My brother could do regular servicing but we don’t have a manual. Anyone know how we can get one?
February 9th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Hello all
I’m looking to get on to a course where I can be trained to repair wheelchairs Electric manual powerchairs scooters. I keep hitting a brik wall excuse the punn – So far I’m informed only training if employed by the manufactor or I become a distributer latter not wanted Sorry don’t have the mega thousands for stock to get dusty. Previous profession medical.
March 14th, 2011 at 10:53 am
Hi,
I have a Rascal 388XL Scooter which I have stripped and cleaned. I have tested my batteries, after 24 hours disconnected they read 13.6.
I still seem to lack power. Would fitting a larger motor help?
AD
March 21st, 2011 at 11:21 pm
Hi AD,
Check that the drive motor brake is activating off when the motor runs. It is usually a spring brake which means that the brake is on when the power to it is switched off.
March 24th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Hi Mikey,
Thanks for replying.
I don’t know how to do that, as the brake is in a completely sealed unit.
AD
June 1st, 2011 at 3:58 am
my scooter will not start even with afuuly cahrged battery, and i have hadit for only 4.5 months please help
June 7th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Hi Yasmin, what make and model of mobility scooter do you have?
July 25th, 2011 at 10:26 am
My dads old silver leader plus 8 or 8 plus, has stopped moving , there is a red flashing light on the symbol that shows the scooter with a P and line slashing thru it, it was dropped when it was removed from a car boot.
August 10th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Hello John
My dad has a TGA buddy brand new batteries but when he goes out after using for about an hour although its showing full charger it slows down to nearly a stop could this be that it needs new bushes or is it the motor needing rewind maybe or do these new batteries need time ?
He does say that he can smell burning and it gets hot but dont take that as 100% some things my dad says i take with a pinch of salt.
August 15th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Hi Nigel, i would rule out the batteries “needing time” especially as its showing a full charge.
September 1st, 2011 at 3:04 am
Dear Sir. I have a Sterling 4 wheel little gem and i can’t seem to get much speed out of it, i’ve bought new batteries and charged them for over 12 hours, i’ve also made sure the throttle control knob is in the right position and still the scooter will not do more than about 2mph.
I’d be grateful for any suggestions.
Many thanks John Sanders
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
John, I suspect that you need to have your scooter looked at as may need an electronic adjustment to the throttle potentiometer. This is a little speed resistor that the elctronic circuit sees and it determins the speed required as the lever is operated. Some just need tightening others need a electronic set up kit.
November 6th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
It does appear that the manufacturers and distributors have got the servicing side of these vehicles buttoned up. I’ve been surprised by the prices asked by manufacturers for lightbulbs. Sunrise quote E7== each when on Ebay the price is E3.25 for 10.
Repair Manuals appear to be unobtainable and advice is not freely given. Even my usual source of ‘unofficial’ information “You Tube” has no useful content on the subject.
Try this forum for the best advice I have located
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/mobility-scooters_topic56069.html
Dave B