What should you look for when buying a used mobility scooter ?
Buying a brand new mobility scooter can seem to expensive for a retired person. Buying a used one might be more affordable, but be warned : It’s only true if the scooter doesn’t need repairs. For a wise purchase, make sure you know what you are buying.
Key takeaways
- Value: note the make and model, compare with the new price and check that parts are available.
- History: who is selling it, and does it carry a government program plate (owned by the Quebec government) ?
- Tires and body: cracked rubber or worn tread, and a broken body that signals neglect or an accident.
- Batteries last about two years and can cost up to $1,000 to replace.
- Have it inspected before you buy, batteries included.
How much is the mobility scooter worth ?
Firstly, make sure you know precisely what you are looking to buy. Note down the brand and model of the mobility scooter. Some manufacturers don’t distribute spare parts, making them impossible to repair. Some scooters aren’t actually mobility scooters but electric mopeds, which can’t legally be used in the same way. It is also useful compare the value when new, so you can negotiate a reasonable price. At Équipements Adaptés M.C.L. Inc., we have a great choice for new mobility scooters. Check with us for the value of the scooter you’re looking for.
What is the mobility scooter’s history ?
Secondly, it can be important to know the history of the mobility scooter. Is the scooter being sold by the person using it, or by their family ? Obviously, the person using it knows the most about it’s wear and the way it has been driven. Sadly, many mobility scooters are sold by the family when dealing with their succession. In these cases, the seller might not know the vehicule. Furthermore, it is important to make sure the scooter doesn’t have the Ministerial Program’s attribution plaque. Those scooters are issued and belong to the government of Quebec.
Do the scooter’s tires need replacing ?
Thirdly, take a close look the tires and body of the mobility scooter. Depending on its use, the scooter’s tires might need to be replaced every year in order to prevent flats. Inspect the rubber close to the rim. If it is cracked or fissured, the tire has dried and has a greater chance of breaking. If the thread is worn down, the tires need to be replaced. Keep in mind scooter pneumatic tires cost around one hundred dollars a pair. Flat-free tires cost about double. The body of the scooter denotes the maintenance and storage of the mobility scooter. A broken shroud generally speak of a negligent or carefree usage of the scooter. In the worst cases, a broken structural frame can show the scooter was in an accident and might entail other defects.
How much are the mobility sooter’s batteries worth ?
Finaly, check up on the electronic components and the batteries. The electronics are easy to inspect. Simply try all the accessories such as horns and blinker lights. The batteries generally have a normal lifespan of two years, but can quickly break down if badly maintained. Often, if the mobility scooter has been in storage, and not enough care was put into it, the batteries can be significantly damaged and need to be replaced. The batteries need to be fully charge once every other week to maintain their longevity when in storage. Changing batteries costs a few hundred dollars, depending on their amperage capacity. For example, 100 AH batteries cost three times as much as 30 AH, for a replacement costing over a thousand dollars.
Is it worth it to buy a used scooter ?
As you’ve noticed, the potential repairs on a mobility scooters can mount up to a substantial amout. It is therfore important to find the value of the model when brand new, to know if the parts are available, and to find out the condition of the vehicle. Sometimes, the model is discontinued and the parts are no longer available. Othertimes, the parts are simply not sold by the manufacturer. In these cases, avoid buying the scooter, as you won’t be able to repair it in the future.
Have us inspect what you want to buy.
We can provide you with further expertise. Here at Équipements Adaptés M.C.L. Inc., we can inspect the mobility scooter for you, and perform a complete test of the batteries. We’ll inspect the tires, the body and the batteries, so you know with great detail precicely what is due to be repaired on the scooter. We’ll tell you the age of the scooter, and whether or not the parts are still available for that particular model. In other words, we can tell you whether or not the mobility scooter is worth what is asked for it.
