Buying a Second Hand Mobility Scooter
Do your homework before buying a used mobility scooter. You can visit local mobility shops and browse classifieds.
If you purchase from a dealer, it will provide greater peace of mind as they will likely offer an assurance on the product. Private sellers can be a valuable source of information.
Check the vehicle number
Whether it is in the shop in person or through classified ads ensure you know the vehicle number of any second hand scooter you're thinking of buying. This will help you locate it in the event of need.
You'll also want to ask the seller a few other questions. For instance, why are they selling it? You might have traded it in for an older model, or they may simply not need it anymore. Requesting maintenance records is an option. This will provide you with more information about the history of the scooter and its usage.
It is important to remember that second-hand mobility scooters aren't covered with warranties like new ones do, so you will be on your own if something goes wrong. It is recommended to purchase an old scooter from a reputable dealer who will provide an insurance policy.
The seller should change the information on the V5 if you purchase an used scooter. If they don't do so, you should call DVLA and update the information. This will ensure that if the scooter is stolen, you can easily find it and return it.
Check the Battery
You should know the condition of the battery prior to buying an old mobility scooter. This is crucial, because if the scooter was stored for a prolonged period of time it may require replacement.
The best way to check the condition of a battery is using a multimeter. It is available at a majority of hardware stores and can be purchased for between $15 and $20. Connect one lead to the negative terminal and the other to the positive terminal of the battery. The meter should give an indication. If the meter doesn't display any voltage, the battery is not charged.
It's also an excellent idea to ask the seller questions about the way the scooter was used in the past. This will help you decide whether or not it would be suitable for your needs. You might not want to purchase a vehicle that has been driven on rough terrain.
You should also always try to see it in person before buying it. This is especially true if you're buying it from a private seller. This way you can ensure that it will meet all your requirements.
Check your tires
Be sure to check the tires prior to purchasing a second-hand bike. It's not uncommon to find flats. Tires that sit unused for a long time can flatten out on one side. This will make the scooter less comfortable to ride.
You should also check if your tires are properly inflated. Tires that aren't properly inflated won't provide enough grip, and could cause the scooter's ride to be slow. Generally speaking, the recommended tire pressure is listed in the user's manual that was included with the scooter, or you can easily determine the pressure yourself.
The majority of mobility scooters have hard tires that need little maintenance, but they still get worn out with time and use. Sharp objects, like nails, can damage the tires and puncture the air. It is also a good idea to ask the seller what amount the scooter has been used for. Some dealers keep track of repairs and
Best Automatic Folding Mobility Scooter service on their vehicles. This will provide a better understanding of the history of the scooter. They may even provide a warranty on specific parts of the scooter, which isn't always the case with private sellers.
Check the Seat
You can get a good idea of the condition of a used mobility scooter by looking at its service records. Make sure to request these to observe the work that has been done to the scooter and how long the batteries, tyres and charger have been in use.
Alternately, you can ask your GP, occupational therapist, or relatives and friends to recommend for stores in your area that offer used mobility scooters. This means you can be sure that the store is trustworthy and provides excellent customer service.
If you're buying a second hand scooter from a private vendor, you might need to be more vigilant. It is important to know the reason why the seller is selling their scooter. It could be because they are upgrading to a different model or are having financial issues and require selling the scooter quickly.
If you can, visit the scooter seller in person. This will allow you to observe the scooter in person and determine whether it is suitable for your requirements. Also, pay through a platform that provides buyer protection in case something goes wrong. It's a good idea to protect yourself from being scammed.
Make sure to check the Handlebars