By Maurice
Drive Mobility Scooters are well-known for their comfort and stylish components that make them quite outstanding. However, like any other machine or scooter, they are prone to mechanical issues due to continued use or even aging. You can fix some of the problems they encounter on your own, but more complex ones might prompt you to engage a professional.
This Drive Scooter troubleshooting guide will help you identify the most common issues that your Drive Mobility Scooter is bound to encounter so you can counter them accordingly. It will also recommend critical troubleshooting tips and point you to some helpful YouTube videos.
Drive Scooter Problems and How to Fix Them
You may face issues with your Drive Scooter arising from the batteries, potentiometer, tires, motor, fuse blows, controllers, ignition keys, etc. Sometimes you may not notice these faults at a glance until the scooter stops working. For safety and to avoid inconveniences, be on the lookout for the following issues.
Faulty Batteries
Faulty batteries are among the most common challenges your Drive Scooters can face. Sometimes you might have to recharge your battery after every trip due to its inability to hold a charge, limiting your daily activities.
Ideally, age is one of the leading causes of this issue, and the best solution is to get new batteries for your scooter. You may think of installing bigger batteries to hold more charge and last longer, but you have to consider the weight of your scooter.
Using your scooter lights longer than usual can also reduce your battery’s service time. As such, avoid using the lights unnecessarily.
Faulty Motors
A Drive Mobility Scooter has a simple yet powerful motor that can withstand almost any weather. Their design is more reliable than most traditional scooters. You might have enjoyed the service of your scooter for a long time without any issue until you start experiencing “flat spots.” The motor begins to power down temporarily, and the scooter will sometimes decelerate or accelerate randomly.
Moreover, you may feel your scooter bumping ahead while riding; it is a flat spot problem you need to address urgently. Once you start noticing these shortcomings, you need to get a replacement as soon as possible. You can order online and fix it yourself if you have the technical know-how. However, if you are unsure, be keen to take your scooter to a professional technician.
Faulty Tires
The faulty tire problem overwhelms almost every other mobility scooter user since many scooters have hard tires instead of the “soft” and long-lasting ones. With time, these hard tires wear out and alter the smooth movement of your scooter. Ideally, many users prefer to use solid tires due to their durability, although they are rather uncomfortable. Pneumatic tires are the most commonly used for their comfort. The problem is that the chances of experiencing flat tires are higher. If you ride over a sharp object or pebbles, they can easily get pierced.
If you have a flat or worn-out tire, the best option is to replace it with a new one. You can buy the tires and replace them yourself, similar to changing car tires. However, if they are wobbling but not worn out, you can get a scooter mechanic to balance or repair them.
Throttle Control Problems
A scooter’s potentiometer and throttle can move sideways once in a while. The throttle controls the scooter’s speed and determines whether the scooter will move forward or backward. It can easily suffer damage from exposure to various elements when riding outdoors. Moreover, it can also suffer significant corrosion from these elements.
If you understand these electrical components’ technicality and are comfortable with the task, you can fix this issue independently. Nonetheless, it would be best to be careful when fixing the various wires inside the scooter. Changing old throttle systems and replacing them with new ones is also a simple task if you have some technical knowledge.
Ignition Issues
The ignition, like the potentiometer, risks exposure to elements, especially when you ride outdoors. These elements can sometimes cause it to freeze or lock up. The ignition key can also jam, snap off or even break inside the ignition pot from the force you apply trying to turn it and start the scooter.
If your ignition key breaks in, try removing the piece with a pair of pliers or tongs. You can use the same tools to turn the piece of key and start the scooter for the time being before you get professional help. If you cannot get out the broken piece, you might need to swap the entire ignition system. It is often an easy process that you can carry out independently, but only if you are comfortable working around electricity and electric parts. Moreover, be keen to remove the battery before starting changing the ignition.
Steering Control
After a long period of using your Drive Scooter, you might realize that it does not follow a straight line but wonders in different directions. Such misalignment can result from various factors, including unevenly worn-out tires and, in most cases, misalignment in the steering column and the steering system.
You can quickly fix this issue by holding the front wheel firm and asking someone to turn the steering column until everything is in place. However, this will depend on the complexity of your scooter’s steering column. If the issue is more complex, you need to call a technician.
Electrical Complications
Drive Mobility Scooters are electric-powered automobiles meaning that one electrical component spoiling can alter the whole scooter’s functioning. In addition, an electrical issue in a particular feature may render the scooter unsafe for use. Ideally, rough-riding grounds and an extended use time can result in loose wires inside the scooter.
Fixing loose wires is among the simplest tasks. You need to identify the broken cord and fix it accordingly. However, if you are electric-phobic, get the help of a professional technician.
Tips for Maintaining a Drive Mobility Scooter
All mobility scooters require maintenance to prolong their service. Maintaining your Drive Mobility Scooter in good condition will spare you unnecessary breakdowns and repairs. Even better, it ensures you enjoy your rides for a long time. You can adopt the following simple maintenance tips for your Scooter.
- Read and adhere to your model’s manual
- Check your batteries regularly and keep them in perfect shape
- Keep the scooter clean
- Avoid putting too much stress on the motor
- Do not expose your scooter to water or moisture
Drive Mobility Scooter Troubleshooting Videos
Troubleshooting your Drive Mobility Scooter is critical to ensuring that your scooter operates in the best operational condition possible. Many people often turn to YouTube for guidelines on fixing various scooter problems. If you wish to tackle your scooter’s issues independently, the following YouTube videos can help you accordingly:
troubleshooting mobility scooters & Electric Wheelchairs
SCOOTER FAULT FINDING AND EASY REPAIR
Where to Find Help with Drive Scooters
The user manual is the first option when you are looking for any assistance with your Drive Scooter. Every new Drive Mobility Scooter comes with a copy of the manual. If you cannot access the hard copy, you can read the manual online. Here are some reliable manuals you can check out:
You can also contact this brand’s customer service through the following avenues:
Conclusion
Having a Drive Mobility Scooter is a bold step towards your mobility independence, but maintaining it requires commitment. You have to adopt the right maintenance drills and regularly troubleshoot them for the above-mentioned issues. This way, your scooter will serve you longer and without unwarranted problems.
