Mobility scooters can be a lifesaver for people with mobility issues, but when they stop working, it can be a major inconvenience.
If you’re in this situation, don’t worry!
There are a few things you can try to get your scooter up and running again.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some common problems that can cause a mobility scooter to stop working and give you some simple steps you can follow to fix them.
We’ll start by looking at some basic troubleshooting techniques, such as checking the battery and making sure the scooter is turned on.
We’ll also cover some more advanced issues, such as dealing with a malfunctioning controller or a problem with the scooter’s motor.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how your mobility scooter works and the steps you can take to fix it.
Whether you’re a scooter user or a caretaker, this article will provide you with the tools you need to get your scooter back up and running.
So, if you’re dealing with a mobility scooter that’s not working, keep reading to find out how you can fix it.
Key Takeaways:
- Mobility scooters can stop working due to issues with the ignition switch, wires, speed control potentiometer, control board, battery, or motor.
- Checking the battery and ensuring the scooter is turned on are basic troubleshooting techniques to try.
- If the scooter does not work, consider replacing the ignition switch, fixing damaged wires, replacing the speed control potentiometer, fixing or replacing the control board, replacing the batteries, or fixing or replacing the motor.
- Repairing a mobility scooter can be costly, and the average repair cost ranges from $35 to $600.
- Regular maintenance is important to keep the mobility scooter running smoothly and prevent future issues. A maintenance guide is available to help.
Common Causes and Fixes
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch on your scooter is the part where you introduce the key to make it start.
Since it’s most of the time exposed to the elements it’s very prone to corrosion.
And corrosion doesn’t go well with electronic components.
It can ultimately lead to the switch stopping working at all, thus not letting you start the unit.
Recommended Fix:
Replace the ignition switch.
Average Repair Cost: $175
Wire Connection
The inputs you make on the controls of your vehicle, after being translated into electronic signals travel to the motor through wires.
Wires are a common point of failure in many scooters since they can get damaged with use, or disconnected due to vibrations, for instance.
A cut wire can make your scooter nonresponsive to your inputs, even when it turns on alright.
Recommended Fix:
A skilled technician will be able to detect damaged wires, splice them, and refit them properly.
Average Repair Cost: $35
Speed Control Potentiometer
The potentiometer is an electronic piece that interprets your throttle inputs and transforms them into signals that are sent to the control board.
A faulty speed potentiometer can prevent those signals from being sent, making your scooter not work at all.
Recommended Fix:
Replace the speed control potentiometer.
Average Repair Cost: $100
Control Board
The control board of your scooter is the brains of the whole operation.
It takes your inputs from the controls and makes them into electric signals that are sent to the motor for it to interpret.
These boards are comprised of a lot of circuits that can fail individually or in conjunction, making it a big point of failure.
Although, not the most common.
Recommended Fix:
Fix or replace the control board.
Average Repair Cost: $300
Battery
Batteries do wear out with time and usage, especially under extreme circumstances such as hot environments or too much effort climbing hills or carrying a lot of weight.
When batteries lose performance they start heating up, and as a mechanism of self-preservation, they shut down, cutting any power flowing to the motor.
Recommended Fix:
Replace the batteries.
Average Repair Cost: $350
Motor
Scooter motors usually don’t fail altogether, although if everything else can be dismissed, you will have to take a look into your unit’s engine.
A skilled technician will be able to troubleshoot your scooter to determine whether the issue comes from the motor, and if it can be repaired.
Recommended Fix:
Fix 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.