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Mobility Scooters

An important consideration when considering a scooter is how stable is your medical condition. Unlike many power chairs which can be adjusted and re-configured with changes in your physical status, scooters are not nearly as flexible. You will need to be able to use the tiller to steer (you can not change the drive controller). Changing seating options, if your sitting balance is poor, is much more limited in a scooter than compared to a power chair.
Remember that, in comparison with the majority of other vehicles on the road, a Mobility Scooter are not powerful or conspicuous, you are often in a similarly vulnerable position to cyclists

Micro scooters up to 4mph are ideal for occasional use when shopping or for days out with family and friends. Small Micro scooters will fit easily into most cars, they can be split up in to separate pieces, which are relatively light and easy to lift. Micro scooters come in a large range of colours, the new Mercury Prism is a very good example, it has a basic black frame with a choice of 8 coloured panels which can change the look of the scooter instantly

Medium Scooters up to 6mph are generally not allowed to be driven a long the road. It is legal to go on the road if a pavement is unsafe, obstructed or a path is not available, otherwise the driver must remain on the path. designed to be used for independent journeys from home. They are larger and more comfortable then Micro Scooters and able to cover greater distances

Large Scooters are large road-going scooters - some of which have all terrain tyres to go over grass and poor ground, ideal for more exciting days out. The scooters have two speed ranges, for pavement use, up to 4 mph, on the road, 8 mph and are able to cover distances of up to 35 miles. They have a high specification including suspension, front and rear lights, indicators and hazard lights, a horn, rear view mirror and brakes to name a few DVLA requirement for mobility scooters

Scooter and Powerchairs Defined

Scooter and Powerchairs are not defined as a motor vehicle which means they don't need an Mot, however it is important that they get serviced regularly and insurance is highly recommended. Suitable schemes are not too expensive and are available to cover your personal safety, other people's safety and the value of the vehicle.

• Third party liability (eg bumping a parked car, driving over someones toes!)
• Theft of the scooter
• Accidental damage to the scooter
• Breakdown assistance
• Major repairs

Discounts Insurance

Just Good Prices Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Fish Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
We have a special arrangement with Fish Insurance (established in 1975) whereby immediate discounts insurance is available. You have the option to purchase insurance only or insurance with either extended warranty (for products within the manufacturers warranty period ) or breakdown (for products outside the manufacturer's warranty period).

We only provide the written details of the mobility safeguard insurance, in the hope that this service will benefit our customers.

Which Battery Do I Need?

If you are not sure which size you require, the number should be written on the battery (look for a number followed by 'ah') e.g. 12v7ah. This denotes a 12 volt, 7 amp hour battery, always check your manual or the manufactures website for more technical information

Battery Basics

The motor and the controller element of the Mobility vehicle require 24V to operate. This is achieved by fitting two batteries which are linked.

The connection of batteries results in the addition of voltage hence 24V = 2 x 12 Volt batteries.

The battery capacity is a measure of the batteries power rating (ability to supply current over a given time) This is given as an "Ah" figure (Ampere per hour). For example a 33Ah battery should supply 1amp for 33 hours or 33 amps for 1 hour.

Mobility Scooter Batteries

Mobility Scooter batteries are lead-acid batteries ( SLA ), similar to automotive batteries except that the electrolyte (Acid and water) is immobilised in a silica gel substance. In addition the case is sealed and safety valves are fitted to release excess gases in case of overcharging. This design makes them safe for use in electric vehicles and they can be charged inside premises with no danger of poisonous gas and acid escaping

Mobility Vehicle Battery Chargers

Mobility vehicles on the whole, use a 24V electrical system. Therefore the motor and the controller element of the vehicle require 24V to operate. This is achieved by fitting 2 batteries in series. A 24 Volt charger is design specifically for this situation. You should not use a 12V or 36V charger with a 24 Volt system. Always check your users manual before you replace your charger The heart of any powered mobility aid has to be the power source buying cheap batteries can cost a lot in the long run. That's why we only stock the very best choice in batteries from leading manufacturers.

We supply two different types of batteries Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) and GEL Batteries , unfortunately batteries and chargers can not be exempt from VAT un-less they are specifically designed for a mobility product such as a hand set for a bathlift

Technical

• All scooter batteries are 12V DC rechargeable maintenance free batteries. They will either be sealed lead acid or gel based and do not require any topping up
• You should always charge the scooter for between 8 and 10 hours at a time, his period is required to go through all the charging cycles never put the battery on charge for just a couple of hours
• Sealed lead acid batteries will normally last up to 3 years with normal use. Gel based batteries will last up to 5 years with normal use provided you follow a good charging regime. For example, you should never charge the batteries if there is 80% or more charge left on your indicator ( assuming you have a fully working indicator)
• Always follow your scooter manufacturer's manual on how to use the charger do not leave the charger on for long periods ( more then 10 hours ) as there is a risk of overcharging the batteries.
• Always follow your manufacturer's manual in regards to the correct size and type of battery
• When storing a wheelchair or scooter for more than 2 weeks charge the batteries and then disconnect them
• Always store your batteries fully charged
• Check and recharge all batteries monthly, Gel/AGM batteries can normally hold a charge for up to 6 months
• Do not use automotive or wet type chargers on Gel/AGM batteries, they will ruin your batteries quickly
• Never run your batteries completely flat before charge, Don't mix old and new batteries

Hazards

All Batteries, Gel/AGM as well as Wet Lead Acid, contain lead and sulphuric acid. Both elements are toxic. Worse yet, sulphuric acid is highly corrosive, when charged batteries produce hydrogen gas which is highly flammable and can cause explosions.

Improper handling may result in:

Charger: It is important that the correct charger is used with this system as a 24 Volt charger is designed specifically for this situation. You should not use a 12V or 36V Charger with a 24 Volt system.

Explosion: Improper charging, poor maintenance or battery failure can cause low acid/electrolyte levels resulting in high concentrations of hydrogen gas and an explosion. While possible with all batteries, an explosion is much less likely in Gel/AGM batteries

Fire: Dropping a tool or touching a watch bracelet across the terminals can result in a shock, sparks, smoke and even an explosion

Pollution: All old batteries must be recycled through an approved source to prevent improper disposal
Don't mix old and new batteries

Maintenance: Keep the terminals free of corrosion and making sure cable connections are secure and ensure the battery is fully charged,

DVLA

Under the Use of Invalid Carriages on the Highways Regulations 1988 invalid carriages are separated into 3 categories:
Class 1: Manual wheelchairs, i.e. self-propelled or attendant propelled, not electrically propelled. These are not required to be registered with DVLA.
Class 2: Powered wheelchairs and scooters - intended for footway use only with a maximum speed of 4mph and an unladen weight not exceeding 113.4kgs. These are not required to be registered with DVLA
Class 3: Powered wheelchairs, and other outdoor powered vehicles, including scooters, for use on roads/highways with a maximum speed limit of 8 mph and facility to travel at 4 mph on footways.

DVLA requirement: Class 3 Scooters and Powerchairs those deemed to be suitable for road use, with a top speed of more than 4 mph but not exceeding 8mph, the legal maximum in the UK must know be registered with the DVLA, using form V55/4 for new vehicles and V55/5 for used vehicles. These forms are normally obtained from the local DVLA office with the no-charge registration disc being sent from their Head Office.

• It is important that your vehicle undergoes a thorough safety check at least once a year.
• Remember that, in comparison with the majority of other vehicles on the road, a Mobility Scooter is not powerful or conspicuous as a driver, you are often in a similarly vulnerable position to cyclists
• Scooter and Powerchairs are not defined as a motor vehicle which means they don't need an Mot, however it is important that they get serviced regularly and insurance is highly recommended. Suitable schemes are not too expensive and are available to cover your personal safety, other people's safety and the value of the vehicle.
• As a general rule, plan your journeys carefully if you use a road going scooter ( class 3) , you could reach your destination without having to negotiate major roundabouts, rush-hour traffic, or busy roads. However, if the situation on the road does become too daunting, you can always switch to pavement mode (4 mph) and move to the footway until you feel confident enough to rejoin the traffic.
• Although Scooters can travel at 4 mph on footways or in pedestrian areas, it is not always safe to travel at this speed if pedestrians are not able to move out of the way quickly enough, e.g. in a crowded shopping precinct
• It is advisable to wear fluorescent clothing during the day and something reflective at night. This will help others to see you in daylight or poor visibility
• If the vehicle has a lap belt fitted to it, always use it - even for short journeys
• Parking concessions provided under the Orange Badge Scheme will apply to all Class 3 Scooters displaying a current badge.

How to Apply for a Tax Disc

Invalid carriages ( class three scooters or powerchairs)

You don't need an exemption certificate to get a free tax disc for an invalid carriage. The vehicle must be registered in your name, weigh less than 509kg and be adapted, used or kept on a road for a disabled person.

However, your vehicle doesn't need to be registered or display a tax disc if it weighs less than 113.4kg, is for footway use only and has a maximum speed of four mph.

You can download leaflet INF210 'How to register a brand new class three invalid carriage' or leaflet INF211 'How to register a used class three invalid carriage'.



Identity documents required

To register and tax your vehicle using application forms V55/4 or V55/5 you must also provide, either your photocard driving licence or one original document which confirms your name and one original document which confirms your address.

Documentation confirming your name:

* current DVLA paper driving licence
* United Kingdom or European Union or foreign passport
* marriage certificate
* decree nisi or absolute
* birth certificate

Documentation confirming your address:

* utility bill valid within the last three months eg gas, electricity, water, landline telephone
* bank or building society statement valid within the last three months
* medical card
* council tax bill for current year



If you need any help with your V55/4 form please ring our office we are all ways happy to help
It is important that your vehicle undergoes a thorough safety check at least once a year. Remember that, in comparison with the majority of other vehicles on the road, a Mobility Scooter is not powerful or conspicuous as a driver, you are often in a similarly vulnerable position to cyclists