How to Stop Mobility Scooter Theft

Mobility scooter theft has been on the rise in the UK in recent years, so it is increasingly important to ensure that your mobility scooter is stored securely when not in use.

Having a mobility scooter stolen is a particularly upsetting experience for those with mobility issues, as not only is it a monetary loss, but it has the potential to leave someone housebound. We take a look at some of the ways you can ensure your mobility scooter is safe from theft.

 

Choose a Scooter With an Ignition Key

There are different kinds of mobility scooter – some need a key to start, whereas others can be started with the push of a button. Button-start scooters will be far easier for thieves to start and steal, so if you are choosing a mobility scooter, make sure it is one with an ignition key start.


Fit a Scooter Alarm

Scooter alarms can be easily fitted to a mobility scooter and will make a loud noise if someone sits on or tries to move the scooter without the alarm being disabled. Such loud noises often draw attention and can dissuade a thief from stealing the scooter.

 

Wheel Lock

Most mobility scooters are built to have a freewheel setting, which allows you to push or pull the mobility scooter with ease. This can be useful for the user, as it allows you to move your scooter into position very easily when you try to put it away or park it. However, it also means that it can be easy for someone to steal the scooter.

 

bike lock

Install a Wheel Lock or Clamp

To stop thieves being able to wheel your scooter away, you can add a wheel lock or clamp to one of the wheels when you are not using it. Alternatively, most mobility scooters will have wheels that are large enough to thread a bicycle lock through, so the scooter can be securely attached to a lamppost or fence.

 

Storage

Keeping your mobility scooter out of sight is necessary to ensure its safety from theft. At the very least, you should protect your scooter with a cover, so it cannot be identified as a scooter so easily by passers-by. It would be beneficial to store your scooter in a shed, garage, conservatory or within an entrance hall, where it can be kept more securely.

Consider Renting a Mobility Scooter

If you don’t have anywhere safe and secure to store your mobility scooter and are worried about it being stolen, then you could consider renting a mobility scooter when you need it instead. Here at Essential Mobility, we can deliver high-quality mobility scooters directly to you, when needed.

 

Hire a Mobility Scooter

 

Register Your Mobility Scooter

While this won’t stop the theft of a mobility scooter, it can help to increase the chance of you seeing it returned if it is stolen. The National Federation of Shopmobility has a National Mobility Register, where you can register your scooter for £35. If it is found, the police can use this register to return your scooter to you.

 

Get Insurance

If you have purchased a mobility scooter, then it is important that your insurance policy covers it, and its potential theft. Double-check the terms and conditions of your policy to make sure your mobility scooter and theft are covered.

Mobility Scooter Insurance

It is also possible to get insurance specific to mobility scooters, which can cover things like breakdowns and lost keys also.

 

If you need assistance with making your mobility scooter safe from theft, then seek the advice of an industry professional, who will be able to suggest the best devices and options to suit your scooter and needs.

 

Staying Safe on Your Mobility Scooter

When using your mobility scooter, staying safe is of paramount importance. That’s why here, at Essential Mobility, all of the necessary precautions and more are taken make sure that the unit you receive is top-of-the-class in safety. Sadly, these pre-emptive tests we take are on occasion not enough to prevent injury from misusing the scooters. However, you can take steps to ensure your safety even further. Here are some tips to prevent yourself harm whilst using our scooters:

Tip One: Safety Measures

 

Car wing-mirror with night time reflection

One of the most effective ways of staying safe while using a scooter is to ensure that you’re using all of the safety features available to you. These include things like seatbelts, mirrors, lights, and breaks. These are essential pieces of kit that can mean the difference between comfortable riding and disaster. It is imperative that you use the safety features available to you on your mobility scooter to avoid problems on the go. After all, it only takes a few seconds to put your lights and seatbelt on – so there’s no excuse.

Tip Two: Safety Checks

Before you leave on a journey, it’s vital that you ensure that you have the required charge in your battery for the distance you want to travel. This is essential for you to avoid being stranded, trying to find a way to charge your scooter. Also, it’s good to check the pressure of the tyres, and that the breaks are working correctly.

Tip Three: Carry a Phone

A person holding an iPhone

Always make sure that you carry a mobile phone with you if you’re planning on travelling to places where people are sparse. If something goes wrong, you’ll appreciate the ability for you to contact someone to help you get going again.

Tip Four: Plan Your Route

Wind rose against clear sky

There’s nothing worse than leaving for somewhere you haven’t been before, only to find yourself at the mercy of a cobbled road or a dirt path. Having to choose between risking the danger or taking a detour. Planning a route can help prevent this from happening. There are plenty of resources online that can show streets up close. These allow you to assess the path that you’re going to take for any bottlenecks that might prevent a comfortable journey. Take a couple of minutes before leaving to check your route, allowing you to make sure that it’s suitable for your scooter. Alternatively, why not take a look at getting or hiring an all terrain mobility scooter? This will allow you to explore less accessible areas.

Tip Five: High Visibility Clothing

High visibility clothing is an effective way to ensure that people can see you well on the road. At night, drivers may have a hard time seeing you; therefore, investing in some high visibility clothing isn’t a bad idea to help motorists see you and further avoid any problems on the road at night.

Tip Six: Keep Scooter Up to Date

Older scooters often lack in modern safety features. If you have an old scooter, it may be worth considering upgrading it if you want to stay as safe as possible on the road.

Tip Seven: Remember to Switch it Off

It’s paramountly important that you switch off your mobility scooter when getting off and on. This is because your body and clothing can easily trigger different controls on the scooter, sending it going off in directions you don’t want. This could cause injury or destruction of your or someone else’s’ property. Make sure you utilise the power switch on your scooter when getting off and on to ensure that this damage doesn’t happen.

Tip Eight: Pets

A dog on a lead

Make sure you don’t lead a pet when you’re using a mobility scooter unless you absolutely have to. This is because pets can be erratic, and they could be injured by the scooter. Therefore, unless you need your dog with you (e.g. assistance dogs), then you should refrain from taking your pet with you on a walk.

Thank you for reading this guide to staying safe on your mobility scooter, we hope it helped you out.