Mobility Scooter Repair: 5 Best Alternatives

Mobility scooters are a vital tool for many people to maintain their independence and freedom of movement. 

However, like any other machine, they require maintenance and repairs from time to time. 

In this article, we’ll be discussing different alternatives when it comes to repairing your mobility scooter. 

Whether you’re looking to save money, take a more hands-on approach to maintaining your scooter, or simply want a professional repair, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll be covering a range of options, from simple DIY fixes to going to a proper repair shop.  

We’ll also be discussing the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision about which approach is best for you. 

So, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective, convenient, or professional way to keep your mobility scooter in top condition, then this article is for you. 

Keep reading to discover the best options for maintaining your mobility scooter.

Key Takeaways:

• Well-maintained mobility scooters will require fewer repairs over time.
• There are several alternatives for repairing mobility scooters, including DIY repairs, going to a retailer workshop, hiring a freelance scooter technician, replacing specific parts, or upgrading the unit altogether.
• It is recommended to check with the warranty provider before doing any repairs, as it may void the warranty.
• The average hourly cost of a mobility scooter technician is between $100 to $200, with replacement parts adding to the cost.
• Common repairs for mobility scooters include inspection and tune-up, battery replacement, motor replacement, control board, and seat/armrest repair, with costs ranging from $70 to $600.

Can You Repair Your Own Scooter?

Mobility scooters are not as complicated mechanically, as a car, for instance.

Depending on the issue you are facing with your unit, you might be able to solve it by yourself.

We have a fault-finding guide that you might find of great help if you intend on getting hands-on with your vehicle:

Top 10 Mobility Scooter Issues: Troubleshooting Guide

For things like updating the firmware, changing the drive mode, splicing a cut wire, or even replacing a potentiometer, someone with a bit of electronic work experience will likely be able to be successful.

Now, for more complicated things such as dealing with the control board, motor, or brakes it’s recommended to take your scooter to a professional repair shop.

Will Repairing Your Scooter Void the Warranty?

If your mobility aid is still covered by the manufacturer’s or retailer’s warranty, it’s recommended to not do any work on it without first checking with the warranty provider.

Limits on what would and wouldn’t void a warranty are not that clear, and if the problem persists after your intervention and need to take it to the pros it might open the door for an argument.

As long as you are covered it is always better to consult with the seller what would be the recommended action to take regarding repairs.

5 Best Alternatives to Get Your Mobility Scooter Fixed

There are fewer things more frustrating than having a piece of equipment you rely on for your daily life fail when you most need it.

Here are 5 of the best alternatives to get your scooter repaired as quickly and effectively as possible:

1. DIY

If you are experienced with light electronic work, you would probably be able to follow online tutorials on troubleshooting and repairing small issues with your unit.

This is a great alternative because it would save you from requiring the services of a specialized technician which don’t usually come cheap.

However, as I mentioned earlier, you should check with your warranty provider if the kind of work you are planning on doing will void this warranty.

2. Retailer shop

Most durable medical equipment retailers have repair shops, or the connections to refer a professional technician able to repair just about anything wrong with your scooter.

This is the way to follow if your warranty is still enforceable.

3. Scooter technician

With a bit of extra digging, you might be able to find freelance scooter technicians that might work for cheaper than a big repair shop.

Again, this will also depend on whether your warranty is valid, and if the kind of work requires a specialized person.

4. Part replacement

Sometimes very specific parts break up and it’s cheaper and easier to replace them for good than to look for someone that could be able to repair them.

This is particularly true for electronic components.

Ask your closest scooter retailer for the spare parts you need, since they will probably know where to get them.

You can also buy them online, but be very careful about not messing up your specific unit’s model and specifications.

5. Consider upgrading your unit

Sometimes, especially with mobility aids that have seen quite some usage and start failing, it would be worth it to consider replacing the unit altogether.

If you are having constant issues with the motor, for instance, given its replacement cost, it would not be out of the realm of possibility to consider getting a newer scooter.

Perhaps a retailer that also has a repair shop could make you an offer for your broken-down vehicle as they might have a use for its parts.

Also, you should check on your healthcare insurance provider’s coverage guidelines, to see if they would be able to cover a newer mobility aid.

How Much Do Common Mobility Scooter Repairs Cost?

The average hourly cost of a mobility scooter technician is between $100 to $200. 

You should add the cost of replacement parts to this rate. 

While most common issues or part swaps can usually be done in under an hour, more difficult jobs might take more time, thus increasing the cost.

Here’s a list of some common issues and their repair cost:

• Inspection and tune-up: $80
• Ignition switch replacement: $175
• Speed potentiometer replacement: $100
• Battery replacement: $350
• Motor replacement: $600
• 4 wheel replacement: $400
• Control board: $325
• Seat repair: $70
• Armrest repair: $70

Again, the above are just averages, and they include both replacement parts and labor.

If the affected part of your scooter doesn’t need to be replaced and can be fixed, you will surely incur lower repair costs.

Remember You Can Rent a Scooter While Yours is Being Repaired

If you depend on your mobility aid to perform important activities of your daily life, sending it to the shop for repairs might be an issue.

Especially when the work it requires will take more than a few days.

Luckily, there is the possibility to rent a replacement unit to get by with your daily routine, and it’s not as expensive as you imagine.

For more information about the scooter rental process, I would like to refer you to the following article:

Can You Rent a Mobility Scooter? [Cost Breakdown]

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.