Individuals who can not walk or move easily have been using mobility scooters for over 40 years to ensure that they are able to go virtually anywhere. Those who have mobility related problems use electric scooters for going shopping, driving around the neighborhood, and while on vacation. While most quality scooters, like those manufactured by Golden Technologies and Pride Mobility, require little maintenance and usually provide years of reliable service, from time to time they require a little bit of troubleshooting.

Most people do not like to take their car to the mechanic and it is usually the same in regards to brining your scooter to the repair shop. If your scooter will not turn on, there are several things that you can try on your own though before you call support.

You should first try removing and reinserting the key into the scooter. Some scooters have an automatic timer that will cut off the scooter when not in use. This is to help preserve the battery. Next check the scooters breaker. If the breaker has tripped, then the scooter will not function. Often the breaker is located at the base of the seat and most manufactures make it easy to get to and reset. Some work the same way a houses breaker does in that you must turn it off and on again. Others have a reset button that will need to be pushed.

If you have checked the breaker and it is not popped, then the scooter could be out of power. Using the scooter for an extended period of time without charging it will run down the battery and the scooter won?t start. It is important to always remember to charge your scooter. Inconsistently charging the battery can reduce the lift of the battery.

Many scooters have a battery gauge on the handle bars that show the state of the battery. If the gauge is showing a full reading, but the scooter does not respond to the accelerator button, it might be in free wheel mode. Free-wheel-mode is used for when you need to push or tow the scooter. Free-wheel-mode will disengage the drive train so the scooter can be wheeled freely. Most scooters have a lever located in the rear of the scooter that is used to engage or disengage free-wheel-mode.

After charging, if the scooter still doesn?t start, you should check the wires that are connected to the battery. If they have become loose or corroded, this can cause the scooter not to turn on. If the battery terminals are corroded, you should clean them with a solution of baking soda and water. Mix the baking soda and water into a thick paste and apply it liberally to the battery terminals. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes and then use a toothbrush to scrub the terminals.

Mobility scooters are a great device that can help restore people freedom and independence. If you have tried the suggestions in this article and the scooter still will not start, you will likely want to call a certified repair center.