Mobility scooters are a great way to maintain independence and freedom for those with mobility issues.
However, when a scooter stops working, it can be frustrating and difficult to know how to fix it.
In this article, we will provide you with a simple guide on how to troubleshoot and fix common issues with mobility scooters that are not moving.
We will break down the process into easy-to-understand steps and provide you with actionable takeaways that you can use to get your scooter back up and running.
Whether you are dealing with a dead battery, a malfunctioning controller, or a mechanical issue, we will guide you through the process of diagnosing and fixing the problem.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to keep your mobility scooter in good working condition.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how your scooter works and how to fix it when things go wrong.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your mobility scooter and get back on the road, keep reading.
Key Takeaways:
- Common causes of mobility scooters not moving include a dead battery, malfunctioning controller, mechanical issue, damaged speed control potentiometer, damaged wire connection, stuck brakes, faulty control board, worn out motor, and more.
- Changing the driving mode to any other than “free wheel” can help resolve the issue of the scooter not moving.
- The speed control potentiometer and control board can be repaired or replaced to resolve the issue of the scooter not moving.
- A skilled technician can repair any damaged wires to resolve the issue of the scooter not moving.
- Regular maintenance is essential to keep mobility scooters functioning well and to prevent problems.
Common Causes and Fixes
Scooter Driving Mode
As you might know, mobility scooters have electromagnetic brakes that automatically engage when there are no throttle inputs.
This is a different mechanism than that of cars, for instance, where you have to actively press the brakes.
To avoid the wheels locking, when you need to push the scooter without engaging the motor, most scooters have a “free wheel mode” that completely disengages the motor and brakes.
If your scooter is not moving, check that the driving mode is set to anything other than “free wheel”
Recommended Fix:
Changing the drive mode
Average Repair Cost: $0
Speed Control Potentiometer
The speed control potentiometer on your scooter’s tiller is an electronic part in charge of translating your throttle inputs into electric signals.
A damaged potentiometer can stop those signals from reaching their destination, making your efforts to move the device useless.
Recommended Fix:
Replace the speed control potentiometer.
Average Repair Cost: $100
Wire Connection
The electric signals that inform the motor of the scooter to run travel from the control board to the motor through wires.
Sometimes these wires can get damaged or disconnected, commonly due to the natural usage of the vehicle.
Recommended Fix:
A skilled technician will be able to find any damaged wires, splice them, and refit them.
Average Repair Cost: $35
Brakes
As I mentioned earlier, the brakes on a mobility scooter are actuated by default anytime the unit is not being throttled.
However, it’s not unheard of that the brakes could get stuck in their activated position, making it impossible for the wheels to spin.
Recommended Fix:
Get the brakes unstuck or replace them.
Average Repair Cost: $125
Control Board
The control board is the brains of the whole operation.
It’s the part that’s in charge of translating the inputs from the controls of the vehicle into the kind of electric signals that the motor needs to run.
Sometimes control boards can fail completely or partially, making certain inputs not flow through.
Recommended Fix:
Repair or replace the control board.
Average Repair Cost: $300
Battery
Batteries on scooters have a limited lifespan.
Their expected life can be shortened further if the vehicle is habitually operated under extreme conditions such as cold, heat, rough terrain, steep inclines, or carrying heavy weights.
When batteries are worn out, they start overheating, and to prevent any further damage, they are designed to shut down, thus not allowing your scooter to move.
Recommended Fix:
Replace the batteries.
Average Repair Cost: $350
Motor
Although not the most common issue, mobility scooter motors tend to break down from time to time.
Luckily, is not always necessary to replace them altogether, and a professional repair shop might be able to find what’s wrong with your unit and repair it.
Recommended Fix:
Repair or replace the motor.
Average Repair Cost: $600
Alternatives to Repair Your Scooter
Sometimes these common issues, as simple as they seem can get out of hand for the average user.
To assist you with this, we have created the following article detailing all the different options you should consider for repairing your scooter:
How to Prevent This Issue in the Future
Mobility scooters are an important tool for those who need help getting around, and it’s essential to maintain them to keep them functioning well.
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your mobility scooter running smoothly and safely.
Doing it regularly can prevent problems and keep you on the move, giving you the freedom and independence you need to live your life.
So, if you want to make the most of your mobility scooter, be sure to take good care of it.
We have written the following guide to help you with it:
All the claims made in this article are only for informational purposes, based on the writer’s experience and not clinical advice. You should always consult your physician or physical therapist if you have any doubts about how this applies to your specific case.
Rami is an economist with a passion for personal finance and a desire to help people make the most of their retirement years. He’s also the tech mind that made all of this possible, and a marketing enthusiast. In his articles, Ramiro offers real-life advice and resources for seniors looking to manage their finances and make the most of their retirement savings. He is dedicated to helping his readers live comfortably and securely during their golden years.