Disabled mobility scooters -The advantages of using one in winter

As the winter months approach we take a look at the advantages for the disabled mobility scooters can offer.

With the nights drawing in you may feel that getting out and about, be it to keep in touch with family and friends, or even to undertake daily chores such as visiting the doctor or doing a spot of shopping is a bit daunting.

Being unable to leave your house at will may mean you could experience a sense of isolation and loneliness which can be extremely detrimental to your mental wellbeing.

As someone who may be considered disabled owning one of our Quingo mobility scooters can be a lifeline, keeping you in touch with your family, friends and the community and for making those vital trips out for essentials much easier and safer.

Pavements with often slippery surfaces due to rain, mud, frost, ice or fallen leaves can make walking very risky if you even a bit unsteady on your feet. This is where the added stability of a five-wheel Quingo scooter can really make a difference, not only is it safer than walking, it will also make your trips quicker, meaning less time in the cold or rain, and it carries your shopping for you as well!

This can really improve your quality of life and help you regain your independence.

The sure footed handling of our 5-wheel design with its Quintell™ Technologies, that are protected by worldwide patents, can only be found on our Quingo range of scooters.

The outstanding stability offered by our Quintell™ 5 wheel stabilising system make travel over slippery leaves and frosty or icy conditions much safer and our Tri-Wheel Steering offers you superior agility to avoid obstacles like potholes.

Additionally our Tri-Wheel Steering, coupled with Quintell™ KerbMaster™ powered anti-tip and anti-beach, means you will never get stuck on a pavement and all of the range can climb and descend from pavements at up to a 45° angle something no other range of disabled mobility scooters can offer.

You will be able to get out more and it will make your trips out shorter and chores like shopping much easier and, with chassis mounted baskets, your steering will stay light and responsive.

As the evenings grow ever darker and the days get shorter you will want to be more visible and, to this end, unlike many disabled mobility scooters, all of our scooters include lighting packages making you more visible to others and thereby increasing your safety.

Safe use of your Quingo in Colder Weather

To help you get the most from your Quingo, in the safest way possible, this autumn and winter we are offering the following advice.

Before any trip we suggest that you make sure your mobility scooter is fully charged, we actually recommend that you charge your scooter batteries overnight before any excursion.

Make sure you know the expected range of your scooter and leave yourself a sensible amount of surplus range to get home. Also be aware that all batteries will have reduced performance in very cold conditions so take this in to account when planning your outing.

Do not overload your scooter as this will have a negative effect on range and could even reduce the stability of your scooter. Never use the tiller to carry bags or other items as this can make the scooter difficult to control, there is a good reason we chassis mount our baskets!

We also recommend you take a mobile phone with you, in case of any unforeseen hiccups, and that you ensure that it is fully charged. This phone should have an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number entered in it, there is a quick guide to this HERE but there are also apps available for your phone that can make it even easier for someone to see your preferred contacts.

If you do not own a mobile phone take a small book with contact numbers in it or at very least carry something with contact numbers on it in your purse or wallet.

While we are on the subject of phones, if you have bought your Quingo from us you will no doubt have taken out the First Senior insurance package, this includes breakdown recovery in the unlikely event that your Quingo develops a fault, make sure you have the recovery service phone number in your phone or to hand when you make any journey.

To be on the safe side it is a very good idea to inform a family member, trusted friend or carer of your intended route and the time you expect to return by.

Always check the weather forecast before any excursion and wrap up warm, if anything put on too many clothes because you can always take some off. Always make sure to have your extremities well protected with socks, warm boots and gloves, also a lightweight wrap-up cagoule or waterproof jacket is always handy with the vagaries of the British weather! We also recommend that if the weather is forecast to be very inclement that you postpone your journey or find an alternative means of transport.

Poor light conditions are always a consideration in the colder months so we recommend that you wear reflective safety clothing items and that you use the lights all of our models feature and make sure they are working and clean to make them as bright as possible.

When crossing roads wherever possible cross at a pedestrian crossing, always allow for drivers of vehicles extra time to see you, especially when it is dark or foggy, and if you are unsure they have seen you or that there is ample time to cross safely wait for another opportunity to cross.

Class 3 scooters can be used on pavements and paved areas but must be switched to the limited 4mph mode and can be used on the road at up to 8mph, you must abide by the highway code and your lights, indicators and horn must be working, your scooters must always have a rear view mirror as well. You can use a dual carriageway with a speed limit up to 50mph but your scooter must have an amber flashing light to do so, you must not use bus lanes, cycle only lanes or motorways.

Class 2 scooters are limited to 4mph and should only be driven on pavements and pedestrian areas (though you may use the road if no pavement is available or in an unsuitable condition). Pedestrians always have right of way and you should not travel too fast, pay extra attention to children and animals as they are likely to run into your path and give extra room for older people as they are unlikely to be able to move out of your way quickly if they need to.

While your Quingo benefits our advanced 5 wheel technology, which offers superior stability and will be much safer than trying to walk, we all know that ice can still be a serious hazard in the winter months, be aware that damp, rotting leaves can also be extremely slippery as can damp grass or muddy patches, cobble stones and manhole covers. We also advise that you exercise caution around puddles and potholes which could be much deeper than expected and stay away from gutters as they are likely to have deeper water and possible hidden hazards.

Before using your scooter check your tyres for wear and tear and that they are fully inflated.

Finally, drive a little slower and give other road users or pedestrians more space.

Wishing you safe travels from the Quingo Team!