A winter guide to using your mobility scooter

Nobody really knows how many people in Britain rely on a mobility scooter, but it might be as high as half a million. What we know for certain is that mobility scooters are lifelines and when foul weather arrives, most of us can’t park up and wait for April. The trick is knowing how to look after yourself – and your scooter – throughout the UK winter.

Winter is hard on batteries

If your scooter suddenly feels like it has less than its usual range, you’re not imagining it. Cold weather affects every type of battery. They simply don’t hold their charge as well when the temperature drops.

Some scooters use newer battery technology that copes better with winter, but even these lose performance in the cold. A few simple habits make a difference: store the scooter somewhere warm if possible, keep the batteries topped up, and avoid leaving them fully discharged.

If your range drops noticeably even on warmer days, the batteries may be nearing the end of their life.

Reading the road

Winter pavements are unpredictable. Gritting is patchy, so even familiar routes can catch you out. One stretch might be fine; then all of a sudden you’re on a miniature ice rink.

Fresh snow is surprisingly manageable as long as it isn’t deep. The danger is a thin layer of powder hiding ice underneath. Look for changes in colour or texture on the ground, especially where footsteps or tyre tracks give a clue of what’s beneath the snow. Take extra care when negotiating kerbs and other obstacles. Most scooters have anti-tip wheels at the back, but nothing beats slowing down and taking extra care.

Tyres & traction

Most mobility scooters have tyres with a standard tread that copes well most of the time. If you are struggling with grip, a small adjustment to the amount of air in your tyres can help. Dropping tyre pressure ever so slightly (all the while within the manufacturer’s recommended range) increases the amount of rubber touching the ground, which can give you better grip on slippery surfaces. Remember to check the pressure before you let any air out as cold weather lowers pressure naturally.

If the worst happens and you get a flat tyre, ETA mobility scooter insurance includes up to £100 towards puncture repairs.

Stay visible

Short days mean more riding in the dark, sometimes at times you didn’t plan. Many scooters have built-in lights, but smaller folding models often don’t. It’s easy to fix: clip-on bike lights work perfectly well and cost very little. A high-vis tabard kept at the bottom of your basket is a good back-up.

Bright seat-back covers are another good option because they can stay in place all the time so it’s one less thing to forget.

Don’t get stranded

A flat battery, snapped key or electrical fault that might be frustrating in summer can be downright miserable in winter. ETA mobility scooter breakdown cover is £39 per year. Alternatively, you can have get full insurance cover and have it included at no extra cost.

ETA mobility scooter insurance is £65 per year for a scooter worth up to £3,500 and includes theft, accidental damage, cover for personal accident, third party liability and punctures, as well as 24/7 breakdown assistance. Two people at the same address can get a joint policy for £90 per year – a genuine saving if there are two scooters in the household.

5 winter accessories worth considering

A waterproof seat cover is a simple thing that makes cold, wet weather much more bearable.

Handlebar muffs are weatherproof hand covers that stay fixed to the handlebars – they do a great job of keeping hands warm and, unlike gloves, they are hard to lose.

Canopies offer proper shelter from wind and rain. They aren’t cheap, and compatibility varies, but riders who use them swear by them in grim weather. A scooter cape is less convenient but will save you money.

At the budget end, an umbrella mount is surprisingly effective for short trips, though you’ll want to watch out for strong gusts.

Protecting the chassis from rust

Most scooters have mild-steel chassis that are not galvanised or undersealed like a car. Once the coating is chipped – usually underneath where grit flicks up – moisture and salt start eating into the metal. Rust typically begins around welds, brackets and battery trays where dirt and water collect.

Dealers offer rust-protection treatments, but you can also treat the underside with products like Waxoyl. It creates a flexible, water-resistant barrier and is available in aerosol cans. The challenge is access: scooters are heavy and the underside is awkward to reach, so it’s a job best tackled by experts.

If you want a quick fix, WD-40 works as a temporary protector, though it washes away and needs regular reapplication. Avoid spraying it on tyres, brakes or the battery.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 35 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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