Have you considered buying or renting a mobility scooter? In that case, you need to learn how to remain safe when operating a mobility aid, especially a Segway motorized scooter, for the first time. If you are used to using a walker, a cane, or simply walking on your own, it might take a little time to learn how to use the scooter. 

To help you get started, we have outlined in this article some of the most important safety tips first-time mobility scooter users need to know and consider. 

Schedule a Medical Exam

Since safety is the top concern, you need to consult with your doctor or occupational therapist before purchasing a scooter. Confirm if you are physically and mentally capable of using a lightweight mobility scooter. 

During the check-up, your doctor will check you for balance, sight, hand-eye coordination, concentration, and arm strength. Take note that it is important to be truthful about your abilities. Telling false information and letting your therapist mistakenly believe that you are capable of driving the scooter can result in serious risks.   

Choose the Right Mobility Scooter

After confirming that you can operate a mobility scooter, carefully select the best mobility scooter for you.

Since it’s your first time buying a mobility scooter, you are likely to encounter sellers who are more interested in closing a deal than providing you with the product that suits your needs. The best way to know the right equipment for you is to consult your care provider. They can advise you on which scooter type best suits your capabilities.   

Choose the Right Mobility Scooter 

After confirming that you can operate a mobility scooter, carefully select the best mobility scooter for you. 

Since it’s your first time buying a mobility scooter, you are likely to encounter sellers who are more interested in closing a deal than providing you with the product that suits your needs. The best way to know the right equipment for you is to consult your care provider. They can advise you on which scooter type best suits your capabilities. 

Understand the Scooter’s Functionality 

By knowing and understanding the functionality of your scooter, you can improve your safety on your equipment, whether this means scanning through the user’s manual after making a purchase or giving it a thorough inspection before riding. Familiarising your new scooter before using it is not only best for your safety but also for those around. 

Discover things about your scooter beyond the user’s manual. Talk to your friends who have the same scooter and ask them how to operate the equipment. Watch video tutorials online. Speak to the experts at your mobility scooter provider. By learning more about the scooter after purchasing it, you will be more comfortable when it’s time for you to use it. 

Take a Test Drive 

The next safety step to take is to practice manoeuvres in various situations. Learn to steer clear of street signs, store racks, light poles, and other obstructions, and master driving your scooter to keep you and the pedestrians out of harm’s way. 

Call Ahead 

If you are going somewhere you have never been before with your mobility scooter, it is ideal to call ahead and ask if they can accommodate you. When making the call, have the dimensions of your scooter handy, so you will know if the scooter will fit through the doors of the place you are headed to. Make sure there is a secure area to park your scooter. 

Make Yourself and Your Scooter Visible

Making yourself and your scooter visible at all times can help boost your safety on the road. Even if it is a sunny day, use the headlight on the scooter. When traveling at night, wear a reflective vest or bright coloured clothing, even when on the sidewalk. It helps motorists and car drivers to see you, especially when in the crosswalk.

Travel at a Slow and Steady Speed 

Travelling at a slow and steady speed is safe for you and all those around you. You do not need to push the mobility scooter to top speeds, especially when you are driving near the sidewalk with pedestrians or manoeuvring inside a building. When you travel at slow speeds, you will have more control over any situation that might arise. 

Handy Driving Tips 

Here are other things that you should follow when operating your scooter as well as driving slowly: 

• Do not use your phone while driving. 
• Keep right. 
• Look behind you before passing to the left. 
• Do not ride in the street. 
• Install a bell or horn to alert those travelling in front and behind you. 
• Be cautious of terrain. 

Maintain Your Scooter

With a professional technician maintaining your scooter, you can make sure that the tyres are in good condition, the lights are working properly, and the battery is functioning well. By developing a good relationship with your scooter technician, you can rely on them to assess your scooter and recommend any necessary repairs.

Rent a Similar Scooter 

If you are travelling for work or vacation and don’t want to bring your scooter with you, contact 5 Star Scooters and rent a unit that is similar to yours. This will help you get comfortable with the scooter and ease your stress level. Moreover, it will ease your worry about damage to the scooter you own and help you manoeuvre your destination with ease. 

Get Quality Mobility Scooters From 5 Star Scooters 

If you’re looking for the right scooter, you’ve come to the right place. 5 Star Scooters has a wide range of electric scooters for those with mobility needs. Our range includes general purpose scooters, compact scooters, portable scooters, Segway motorized scooters, and mid-all terrain scooters. 

We source our scooters from the world’s most reliable manufacturers. So, you can trust that every scooter that we offer features ease of operation, durability, safety, and comfort. As we are a trusted lightweight mobility scooter provider, we provide our clients with a follow-up service after purchase to ensure they are getting the most of our products.

Follow the Safety Tips and You Are Good to Go! 

Mobility scooters can be a great mobility tool for the ageing, the disabled, and the injured to better navigate their homes and public spaces. By learning how to operate the equipment as it was intended, you can ensure safe and comfortable travels while using it. Follow the safety tips for proper use of your mobility scooter and you are surely good to go! 

If you want to purchase a mobility scooter, go to our website https://5starscooters.com.au/ and pick the product that suits your needs.