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For those who have a need for a mobility scooter, but do not have insurance to pay for one (or whose insurance will not pay); used mobility scooters are a viable option. When looking for mobility scooters that are used, you should be well aware of the items to pay close attention to. This guide is to help you know what to look for when shopping for used mobility scooters.

Items to Check When Looking at Used Electric Mobility Scooters

1. Check the overall condition of the scooter.

Is the scooter in clean condition? A dirty scooter is an indicator the daily maintenance needs of a scooter has not been done. A scooter in pristine condition does not guarantee that purchasing it is a wise one, but it can indicate the previous owner did try to keep the scooter in top working condition. If a scooter is extremely worn or unkempt may also tell you the scooter was used recklessly.

2. Check the battery, battery posts and connections.

These components should be free from rust and corrosion. If corrosion and rust are present, it may indicate the battery is old, or the unit has not been maintained. Check the battery indicator light as well. You may want to ask the seller how long the battery has been used, and was the battery given deep overnight charging sessions or merely short (one to two hours) charging sessions. If after you have looked at the scooter for the first time, you are still interested in it, ask the seller to plug it in to charge and come back in four to six hours. When you return, if the battery indicator light does not give a full (or almost full) charge signal; the battery may need replaced. The battery is usually the items most likely to need replaced in used mobility scooters.

3. Ask how long the scooter was utilized by the previous owner.

Mobility scooters used infrequently are likely to have less wear and tear on the wheels, axles and battery. A mobility scooter used all day, every day will have a high degree of wear. You may be able to get the serial number off of the scooter and call the manufacturer to find out when the unit was placed in service.

4. Do not rely on the seller for all your information.

Get on the unit and drive it. Pay attention to any jerking motion or difficulty gaining speed. Either of these can indicate a problem with the gear mechanism in the scooter. You should also check the stopping power of the brakes and if the brakes make any unusual noises when applied.

5. Look for heavy wear on the seat and arms of the unit.

If the seat and arms seem to be broken down; this may indicate a large person owned the unit. Used electrical scooters are ranked for a specific load capacity. If the unit was used by a person who met or exceeded the weight limit, it will cause the scooter to wear out rather quickly. The unit may operate properly, but you will be in jeopardy of inheriting mechanical problems soon after your purchase.

6. Look up comparable used mobility scooters of the same type online.Get a general idea of the price on similar models for sale. Mobility scooter repairs can be expensive. Just because a scooter is cheap, does not mean it is a good deal. It may just mean it is worn out.