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
February 12th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Hi,
I have a sterling pearl that has begun to work intermittently, the batteries are showing as fully charged, the charger is blinking in the right places, but when i power on, it either goes for a while and stops or doesnt go at all and whilst it does this there si a low intermittent beep coming from the battery pack area….does anyone have any ideas please? stuck without my scooter and am worried if i uise it i will get stuck!
many thanks Frances
February 17th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Hello I have a 4wheeled mobility scooter invacare Auriga10
I drove through a puddle which was.deeper than I anticipated. Now the thing will not run I suspect caused a shortage if I take all connections of of batteries and clean and dry everything would that work or do I need new batteries or motor?
Please reply, Patrick
March 28th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Hi,
I have a Merits Challenger 10 S147 mobility scooter.
The brakes lock up when you release the wigwag on full speed nearly tipping you over the tiller. The brake works fine on slower speeds, just not on full speed. At times, it will also just lock up and youhave to turn the power off, make sure the speed is turned right down, and then turn the power back on before it will go again.
It appears to have a new motor installed back in 2010 as it has a date written on the motor.
I purchased the scooter second hand so I have no idea what has or hasen’t been done to it. I did find one of the connectors that run from the battery to the RHINO box was damaged and I will have to replace it. I am also having trouble finding parts for it here in Australia. If anyone knows of agood place to purchase parts from, please let me know. I don’t mind buying from overseas if I have too.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
April 23rd, 2012 at 11:56 am
”I have a sterling pearl that has begun to work intermittently, the batteries are showing as fully charged”
————————————————–
This being a regular fault with my PEARL I have trained my husband to push it
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
in reply to the sterling pearl problems, i took mine to a local mobility shop and my wig wag was broken( the piece of plastic that makes u go forward and back on the handles) was an easy repair took him about 15 mins and charged tenner….now wokring perfectly again so worth taking it in and asking for the wig wag to be checked
( still think wig wag is a very funny name tho)
June 11th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
hi there i wondered what the cost is involved to fix the back light on our 4 wheel shoprider mobility scooter? Any ideas as we need to sell it
July 28th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
re
patrick feb 17
sounds like the motor brake has got wet and expanded which will sieze the motor might have to replace the motor. Sometimes if you can take the brake unit off the motor you can then open up the brake unit and remove the brake disc (looks a bit like a clutch plate)dry it out give it a good rub with emery paper then re-assemble it should work if you’ve not done any damage to the motor
hope this helps (mobility engineer)
July 28th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
re
doreen april 23
also check the brushes as they could be sticking
July 28th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
re
james march 28
the rino control unit can be re programed but you will need to get an engineer for that sounds like the control unit could be faulty if you’re going to buy a new control unit you will need the number of the sid it should say if it’s a 70amp or 110 or 160
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Am taking mine into the mobility centre, whatever the outcome will report it here
August 20th, 2012 at 11:49 am
The Mobility chap said it was most likely the battery, I said that the battery was a new one, when I told him that I had found it on line he said ‘oh well you can’t rely on them when bought on line’. I decided to try elsewhere and I have had the pot: replaced for £70 but it still stops on anything over 4mph with the beeping on stopping. So back to the drawing board
August 20th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Hi Doreen, i dont agree with what the guy has said regarding buying parts online, theres no reason that anything purchased online would be any less reliable so dont let it put you off.
August 22nd, 2012 at 10:31 am
I agree, a years warranty is the same on anything, sadly these people think when your legs go your brain goes too. I have now been told that the wigwag will be replaced, I asked about the £70 paid on the pot, he said he will put the old one back on but the wigwag will cost about the same. you just cant win
August 22nd, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Doreen if you have the time price the same parts from different places, even if just for your own curiosity, so that you know how much you are paying for a part and how much (if any) is being charged for the fitting of parts.
August 22nd, 2012 at 10:25 pm
I have taken your advice, searched around and have come to the reluctant conclusion
that The wigwag is an expensive componant, even second hand ones on e-bay are about £30, with fitting on top I am still looking at £100 +. I cant help feel that manufacturers like Sterling dont make life easy due to their reluctance to share information on their product which leaves scooter owners at the mercy of any repairer.
So I will bite the bullet and pay out. Thank you for your ear for me to grizzle into admin
Dee
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:54 pm
You’re right Doreen, over the last few years ive had quite a few people ask where they can do courses on mobility scooter repair, unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be any available, i imagine that some owners or relatives or friends of owners might be able to do a lot of the work themselves but for everyone else it seems very much as you say.
April 16th, 2013 at 10:06 pm
I sympathise with all the comments I have read. It seems that Scooter repairs are a closed shop restricted to those favoured or employed by the manufacturers. The same goes for spare parts – manufacturers charge rediculous prices and that spills over into Ebay where used parts are at daft prices! Most scooter repairs, bodywork and mechanical are straightforward but the electrics & electronics strike me as being overly complex – try and find a wiring diagram? Or any kind of repair manual. I repair & refurbish scooters for a local charity and am frustrated by the lack of information. If an ECB fails they charge £200 for a new one. I have been told that most can be repaired for £30! Perhaps some disability groups should petition the OFT about this?
April 29th, 2013 at 10:41 am
Hi, I have a mercury 48l,the speedpot is kaput.I have order a new one from the USA £5 free postage against Ebay £29.00.In the mean time can I fit A 47k ohm potin its place until the new one arrives.Also where can I get tech data ie circuit diagrams for theMercury 48l .thanks Ken King
April 29th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Hi All. Amerzone now stock Haynes manuals.Hope this helps ken