Mobility scooters can be an exciting way to enjoy new activities, but operating them incorrectly could prove hazardous. Here are a few important safety tips that will keep you protected as an active scooter user.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your mobility scooter’s operating manual – this typically outlines its specific safety precautions and maintenance instructions.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Experienced car operators? Many of the same rules apply when operating a mobility scooter. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with its user manual and keep it handy as a reference, signaling turns, passing on the left, practicing cautious braking, yielding to pedestrians and yielding to traffic signals when necessary; also remember to travel at lower speeds in crowded sidewalks, buildings or residential areas.
Make sure your scooter is equipped with functioning lights, and consider adding reflective materials to clothing or equipment for increased visibility during dusk, dawn, or nighttime travel. If your journey will pass through areas known for congested or challenging environments, bring along safety flags or reflective strips as well as tape emergency phone numbers onto your scooter for increased safety.
Consider travelling on accessible paths that have smooth surfaces free of potholes and curb cuts when planning your route. Avoid crossing roads or moving among parked cars that drivers find hard to see as these routes can make crossing difficult for both pedestrians and motorists alike. Also try not to travel on days where visibility may be diminished by misty mornings or rain; weather such as this limits pedestrian and motorist visibility of you as well.
Be Mindful of Other Pedestrians
Mobility scooters can reach speeds of 18 miles per hour, but that doesn’t have to be your top speed when traversing pedestrian zones. Instead, travel at a safe yet manageable speed in these spaces to prevent collisions with other scooters or pedestrians.
Pedestrians can pop out unexpectedly into your path at any moment, and some individuals may make sudden movements, like crossing from behind obstructions or entering doorways. Always remain extra cautious around other pedestrians when driving on sidewalks to prevent running into any.
As pedestrians often share spaces, use verbal cues or polite gestures to communicate clearly. Be sure to scan your surroundings, check any blind spots and only cross at designated crosswalks; when driving on sloped paths take it slow so as not to tip over your scooter; don’t forget regular maintenance and inspections are done, as well as wearing a helmet when operating the scooter for maximum protection in case of an accident.
Keep Your Hands on the Wheels
While mobility scooters can reach high speeds, when first learning how to operate one it is best to take things slowly. You will be navigating around pedestrians rather than competing against automobile drivers so it is essential that you focus on being mindful and attentive of those around you.
Stay focused when traveling up or down inclines or hills, particularly if the terrain becomes uneven. Any distraction such as your phone or another person could lead to loss of control of the scooter, leading to serious injuries. Don’t take calls or text while operating it and avoid talking on your cell phone during busy intersections like crosswalks.
Before operating a scooter, always refer to its owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with its acceleration and braking mechanisms. Planning out routes ahead of time is also highly recommended to avoid narrow corridors or complex environments until you gain more experience. When passing on the left, signal turns carefully, use caution when breaking and cross at designated crosswalks when crossing at intersections; additionally wear bright clothing or reflective materials when riding your scooter at night in order to stay more visible.
Keep Your Handbags and Phones Tucked Away
If you are using a mobility scooter, it is imperative that your personal possessions such as wallet and cell phone be secured safely out of sight. Carrying these items may distract from your focus on driving safely and cause a collision, which could result in serious injury to both yourself and others on the road.
Keep an eye on how fast your scooter is moving at all times when using it. While it may be tempting to speed ahead quickly and reach your destination quicker, moving more gradually in crowded or indoor environments is usually preferable.
Scooters can easily tip over when travelling at too fast of a pace or driving over uneven pavement, so when approaching hills, bumps, and curbs it’s best to approach them directly so as to reduce the chances of tipping over.
An additional security measure that you should implement with your mobility scooter is investing in a wheel clamp or lock to immobilize its wheels, thus preventing thieves from rolling or pulling your scooter away in stores and public places.
Keep Your Scooter Clean
Mobility scooters require regular care and maintenance just like any motorized vehicle, to keep running efficiently. Cleaning it frequently will keep it in great shape for years.
Mobility scooter owners tend to focus on cleaning the basket, seat, and controls when it comes time to service their mobility scooter. But don’t forget the tires! Removing dirt and debris regularly from tires is essential in preventing punctures while providing balanced traction on surfaces.
As well as regularly maintaining the physical condition of your scooter, it’s also vital that you remain alert and mindful of your environment at all times. A small lapse can result in potentially hazardous situations for yourself and other pedestrians.
Be sure to wear bright clothing or accessories that make you visible, while being mindful of these safety tips will give you greater confidence while using your mobility scooter, protecting other pedestrians as well as yourself. For assistance finding the ideal mobility scooters for you please reach out to Ideas in Action!
