Tips For Caring And Winterizing Your Electric Scooter!
| Marketing Team
Do you use your mobility scooter in the winter? Because the weather outside might be frightful, but you’ve still got places to go. Ebike Universe has you covered today. We’ve compiled some of the best tips and tricks for how to winterize your mobility scooter, and keep yourself safe and warm in the colder weather.
First off, let’s talk about how to keep your mobility scooter safe when you’re not riding it outside. The best medicine is preventative, so if you take a break from riding in the colder months, you’ll still be wise to follow some simple tips to maximize your scooters’ overall performance.
Store Your Scooter Inside
If you are able to, store your scooter inside, and in stable temperatures of around 45F or around 7C.
Temperature affects your scooter in different ways, and a scooter will perform better over time if it is kept in a place with stable and non-extreme temperatures.
Store Your Battery Separately
Let’s say you’re in a smaller space, and can’t store your scooter inside, but your scooter’s battery is removable. In that case, store the battery inside, as that stable moderate temperature is going to extend the working life of your battery.
In fact, it’s generally a good rule to store your battery separately when possible, especially in times of more extreme weather.
Consider A Battery Tender
Pro-Tip: consider a battery tender. A battery tender is ideal if you're battling through a long cold season, or if you are someone who often has weeks between their rides. Battery Tenders help regulate storage charge. Electric batteries like the ones found in most light electric vehicles are subject to a natural “battery drain” when left unused for long periods of time, or when exposed to unfavourable conditions. They’ll help regulate storage charge to reduce drain, and wear on the battery. They are a great option for riders that use their scooters seasonally.
Charge Your Battery Weekly
While we are on the topic of batteries, you’ll want to think about charging your batteries weekly, even when you aren’t using them. This will help maintain your battery's health between run times, similar to a battery tender.
Check Your Tires
We have entire posts dedicated to tired, but for the sake of mobility scooters in winter, you should consider getting a winter tire for your scooter- especially if you intend on using it during the winter months.
Winter tires for your scooter will have similar features to snow tires for a car. They will be designed to have more grip and traction in slippery conditions, which is great for winter riding.
Deflate Your Tires
Pro Tip: If you don’t intend on using your scooter in the winter, but you’re planning on storing it outside, consider deflating the tires slightly. Reducing the PSI by 10%-15% will help your tires last longer.
When the tire is fully inflated, the rubber tire is bouncy, taught and less flexible. The winter chill might bring snow, but the dropping temperature actually creates a drier environment for the tire. When left unattended, these conditions can cause strain on the tire, creating something called “dry rot”- basically increasing the chance that the rubber of the tire will crumble, crack and generally break down. Reducing the pressure on the inside of the tire, by deflating it a bit, can help that. Just remember to inflate them before riding again!
Wash Your Scooter
Salt from the slushy roads can scratch and wear your scooters’ tires and carriage. So for best results, wash your scooter before storing it, and wipe it down after use in snowy conditions.
Winterproof Yourself!
We can’t stress this enough: winter proof yourself on the road. Wear gloves to protect your hands, boots with thermal socks, sunglasses to protect against snow blindness, a thick hat, and a winter coat. But you know all that, I’m sure. Here are some tips that might be new to you:
- Consider a lap blanket. This can keep your legs, feet and torso warm, and can be easily packed away when not in use.
- Consider wearing a cape, or rain poncho. This can keep snow off you and your bike, and acts as a wind breaker as well. You’ll also look like a superhero.
- Check the road and weather conditions before you go out. Seems like a no brainer, right? But weather conditions can change rapidly. So keep your phone charged and on hand, and make sure a friend or family member knows where you are and where you’re going. In the event of an emergency, calling for help, or for another form of transport home can be a safe and reasonable option when the weather turns rapidly.
- Travel during the daylight hours! This increases your visibility to others and yourself. It also keeps you slightly more protected from the cold when the sun is out. And you might want to consider wearing reflectors, or adding additional reflectors to your scooter, if you are caught out when the evening is approaching, this offers an extra layer of visibility.
Finally, if you never want to worry about traveling in winter road conditions with your scooter, you can consider upgrading to a fully enclosed scooter. A product like The Boomerbuggy X series, which offers a fully enclosed mobility scooter with generous storage, as well as fully operational heating and air conditioning may be a perfect option for you. This scooter feels more like a car, but just like with all light electric vehicles, you’ll be able to ride it without the need for a license or insurance.
The winter months don’t mean you have to be stuck inside. With some care and planning you’ll be able to get the most out of your scooter. You’ll be able to travel safely and comfortably in the colder weather and keep your scooter in peak performance. We hope these tips and tricks will help you this season. If you want to find out more fun and factual content about Light Electric Vehicles, you can check us out online or on our YouTube channel!
Research Sources:
http://www.scooterfile.com/opinion/how-to-winterize-your-scooter/
https://oswaldspharmacy.com/2019/12/12/taking-care-of-your-mobility-scooter-in-the-winter/
https://www.theoldish.com/winterizing-scooters-and-wheelchairs/
https://ama.ab.ca/auto/vehicle-maintenance/services-products/battery-tenders
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