Dispose of an Old Mobility Scooter

By Maurice

There are many options available if you want to dispose of an old mobility scooter. Likely, the best choices are for you to either recycle it, sell it, or donate your old mobility scooter to a charitable organization.

In doing so, you will be getting rid of your unwanted mobility scooter and either helping the environment or selling it or giving it to someone in need. Here are the best options to get rid of your mobility scooter.

How to Recycle an Old Mobility Scooter

Recycling is definitely a viable option. In many ways, recycling your mobility scooter can be the simplest method of getting rid of it. You won’t get to see someone else put it to good use, and you likely won’t get a write off come tax time, but handing off your mobility scooter to a recycling center or scrap yard is often quick and easy, which is always a relief. You will probably still need to drop off the scooter (or have a recycling company pick it up), but this is a minor detail that will likely take less effort than some of the other options.

Otherwise, there is very little you have to do to recycle your mobility scooter. You don’t have to worry about cleaning it or making sure it works properly before doing so. Similarly, you don’t need to transfer any registration paperwork. All you have to do is arrange for it to be picked up or dropped off at the recycling center. The center may use it for parts or use it for scrap metal, but you won’t have to worry about any of that.

Where to Donate an Old Mobility Scooter

Donating is another viable option to get rid of your mobility scooter. The main thing to consider though, is that not all organizations are the same when it comes to accepting donations of mobility scooters.

Not all of them will take used mobility scooters. Many will. But it’s important to check with them before you drop off your mobility scooter.

You also want to pick the organization or charity with a drop off location that is easiest for you. In other words, you don’t want to have to drive around looking for the building or struggle to get into a side entrance. You want an organization that will make it as easy for you as possible, ideally one who will pick up your old mobility scooter so you don’t have to drop it off.

There are many charitable organizations around the United States who do such things, many of which can be found by looking on The Wheelchair Foundation website, which has an extensive list of charities that accept mobility scooters.

You may also try donating your scooter to nursing homes and long term health care facilities.

Not all of them will accept used mobility scooters due to legal and governmental restrictions, but some may accept your scooter, no questions asked.

If you are getting rid of a bigger mobility scooter, you may be able to donate it to Big Brothers Big Sisters or the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If your scooter is big enough that it has registration, you will need to sign over the title of it to the charity of your picking.

These organizations sometimes only accept specific sizes of mobility scooters. They also only accept those that are in good condition, typically new or gently used models.

It is a good idea to clean your scooter before you donate it. You obviously don’t have to do this if you are merely recycling your scooter. But you should do so if you are donating it, as someone else will likely be using it after you. Cleaning the scooter should only take a couple minutes, wiping it down with a cloth or disinfecting wipes.

Additionally, you should make sure your mobility scooter works correctly. Many organizations will not accept scooters that don’t work. Besides, it is always good to donate a working scooter so someone else can use it after you.

How to Sell an Old Mobility Scooter

Selling is also an option. Selling your mobility scooter allows you to make some money while seeing the scooter used by someone in need. You can sell it at a flea market, a garage sale, or even on an online marketplace, like Craigslist.

Selling your old mobility scooter can take a lot of time and logistics, and you won’t get a tax write off, so keep that in mind.

Mobility Scooter Disposal Safety Tips

If you decide to recycle your mobility scooter, it is important to keep safety in mind. It can be harmful to dispose of the battery on the scooter if you don’t know what you are doing. This is why it is best to leave the actual disposal process to professionals at a recycling center.

Transporting the scooter can also be difficult, or even dangerous, especially if you have health issues. Be sure to ask for help if you need it. The last thing you want is to be injured by your mobility scooter as you are trying to transport it. In many cases, the recycling center will help and perhaps even handle the transportation of the scooter for you.

Conclusion

There are many options for disposing of your old mobility scooter and just as many things to consider in the process. The most crucial thing is that you pick an option that works for you. Where and how you will be disposing of your mobility scooter are the most vital considerations.

If you are a person with disabilities and health issues, recycling your scooter is likely the quickest and easiest choice. You won’t have to worry about logistics other than how to drop off or have your scooter picked up by the recycling center. Once you do so, you will be free of your old mobility scooter and able to move on to a new phase — perhaps a new or different model or becoming ambulatory again. Either way, disposing of your mobility scooter should be a positive thing.