Welcome to the first LifeCare Mobility Solutions blog post for 2024! On behalf of our entire team, we hope you had a wonderful holiday season and we wish you the very best for the coming year. Here’s hoping that 2024 is your most joyous year yet. Now, it should come as no surprise to you that, as far as we’re concerned, “joyous” is synonymous with “safe”. We take great pride in providing solutions that prioritize the safety of both seniors and those with mobility issues.
With harsh winter weather conditions forthcoming, it’s wise to take necessary safety precautions. Some obvious ones are bundling up with layers to stay warm and salting your home’s outdoor walkways to prevent falls. But, for those who use such solutions as mobility scooters to get around, it’s vital that you actively participate in keeping them operating at their best.
Give your scooter thorough cleanings after each outdoor use.
Your mobility scooter is bound to endure numerous onslaughts of salt, dirt and debris in the months to come. Be proactive and clean the scooter after each use outdoors. Use a mild detergent and warm water to gently scrub the frame, wheels and other surfaces. Pay special attention to the underside of the scooter, where salt and grime can build up and cause corrosion. Rinse the scooter thoroughly with clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
“Give your scooter a wipe-down with a damp cloth after every journey, particularly if conditions are wet,” advises the UK’s Blue Badge Mobility Insurance, “One of the main things to avoid is leaving your scooter wet, as this can lead to rust and the faster deterioration of your scooter.”
Inspect the tires.
Check the pressure of your tires and inflate them to the recommended level, if needed. Look for any cracks, cuts or punctures in the tire treads and sidewalls. If you notice any issues, replace the tires as quickly as possible to ensure safe and smooth operation.
“The winter months usually bring with it an array of rain, ice and snow, so it is recommended that you check your tires for signs of wear and tear and replace if necessary,” writes Will Harrison of the UK’s CareCo, “If your mobility scooter has pneumatic tires, you should ensure that they are pumped up to the correct pressure, which will give you added grip in slippery conditions.”
Regularly check on the battery.
As you can imagine, frigid temperatures can affect the performance of your scooter’s battery. During the long winter, it’s important to check the battery’s voltage and recharge it, if necessary. Keep in mind that if your scooter has been sitting idle for an extended period, the battery may have lost some of its juice. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions so that you recharge the battery correctly. You may want to consider investing in a battery maintenance device to keep it in tip-top shape.
“You should always keep your mobility scooter battery fully charged in between uses,” asserts Blue Badge Mobility Insurance, “This is especially important during winter months as the cold weather can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.”
To learn all about the mobility scooters offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
