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9th March 2021
Are Mobility Scooters Safe? Our Guide to Scooter Safety
If you’re considering using a mobility scooter for the first time, it’s only natural to wonder how safe the device really is. Can using a big, heavy piece of machinery really be a safe choice?
The short answer is yes – mobility scooters have been designed and developed at the highest standards to make sure they’re incredibly safe to use. In fact, if you compare the accident rates of electric scooters with vehicles, or even pedestrians, scooters come out way on top in the safety stakes.
There are, however, a few things that anyone using a mobility scooter needs to be aware of for the wellbeing of both yourself and those around you.
Make sure a mobility scooter is the right choice for you
Before purchasing a mobility scooter, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor or occupational therapist to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
Mobility Scooters are designed for those that have some sort of impaired mobility. This could include:
- An inability to walk long distances
- Being unable to safely carry heavy packages due to impaired mobility
- Having a lack of public transport available and not being able to travel due to impaired mobility
- Having a debilitating physical issue
By consulting with your healthcare professional, you will be able to determine whether a mobility scooter is right for you. You may also be able to receive an NDIS referral.
How do I use a mobility scooter safely?
Mobility scooters are designed for the safe transport of people along footpaths. Everything is automatic and is controlled by the finger throttle – acceleration, speed, braking, stopping and parking. The simplicity of operation makes them easy and safe to control, and the low speed makes the possibility of serious accidents very unlikely. The fail-safe braking system defaults to standstill and almost all scooters can stop from full speed in the length of their wheelbase. Furthermore, automatic braking on slopes ensures the scooter will only travel downhill at the selected speed.
Get some safety training
When you purchase your scooter, it’s important that you receive a full demonstration and safety training so that you can operate the scooter confidently and carefully.
When you purchase a mobility scooter from Scooters Australia, we include a comprehensive safety course as part of your familiarisation training. Once complete, we provide you with a safety certificate when we are confident you are on top of all the safety issues. We also take you for a lengthy trial around your area to make sure you are familiar with all the safety hot spots in your locality and train you how to deal with any that come up.
Purchase your scooter from a reputable, authorised seller
The only issue you really need to consider is whether the scooter you purchased is from a Federal Government TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) compliant. There are some mobility scooter importers who import non TGA compliant scooters and these have not gone through the rigorous safety assessment process that is required by the TGA.
Scooters Australia is an authorised seller of mobility scooters and can provide you with safe, high-quality scooters. We stock both brand new and second-hand models including portable scooters and Luggies. For more information about the products and services we offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 622 633.
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3 thoughts on “Are Mobility Scooters Safe? Our Guide to Scooter Safety”
I have noted that there is a dislike for 3 wheel mobility scooters as they are appear to be unsafe. Australia Post are using 3 wheel scooters and they don’t seem to be having problems or are not publishing them. I have a disability that makes very difficult to ride a 4 wheel scooter as my left hip is fused at a 30 degree angle and in my research I have come to the conclusion that to be comfortable and also be able to manage the steering a 3 wheel scooter is the answer. There seems to be a complete lack of understanding of what constitutes a disability such as mine and we are all considered to be the same. I can’t believe that that I am the only person with this disability. These comments would also apply to people with fixed knees.
Based on personal, bitter experience, I have come to the conclusion that ALL mobility scooters need an extra independent Braking System. My 3month old Fende kept rolling back & forth when using it on a train & tram in February 2022. The Electromagnetic brake did NOT stay ON even though the key was turned OFF. It forward rolled up to 500mm, then the brake locked on. Next the scooter would roll backward, then suddenly the brake would lock ON. This kept repeating, to the danger of other passengers and embarrassment of myself. I eventually got to the clinic but on my return trip I was riding an up-hill footpath when suddenly the scooter momentarily stopped, then started rolling backwards. Despite having the key turned OFF the electro brakes FAILED to hold the scooter. If there had been an extra brake system I would have been able to apply it, but as it was all I could do was roll along (at speeds of up to 20kph) & steer until the scooter came to a stop on level ground. This was on a side road, which fortunately for me had no traffic. After a few moments to recover my composure, I turned scooter back on and with heart in mouth all the time I eventually got home safely (scooter again rolled back/forth on tram & train) and at first opportunity reported the issue to the scooter dealer, as a warranty claim.
Hi Colin,
I suspect there is a fault in your scooter. The park brake should lock the motor from turning and there will only be a small rocking of about 3 cm. It’s possible the park brake is not working properly or at all. I suggest you get it looked at immediately.