FAQs
01.
Can I use my scooter on the pavement?
Most scooters / powerchairs can be used on the pavements. The legal speed limit for the pavement is 4mph, so any product that is capable of a faster speed needs to use the limiter switch to slow it down. Very large or heavy mobility scooters / powerchairs may be too big to use on a public footpath. It is the responsibility of the person steering the product to be mindful of pedestrians.
02.
How often should I recharge my scooter / powerchair?
If you use your scooter / powerchair regularly, we recommend you recharge the batteries until the battery charger shows fully charged, this could take between 8 and 12 hours. You must not run your batteries very low, this could damage your batteries or charger. We recommend you recharge your scooter or powerchair when it reaches 50% charge. You must also recharge your scooter / powerchair at least once a week until the battery charger shows fully charged. Regular users should recharge their scooter / powerchair before each use.
03.
Can I use my scooter on the road?
Some scooters and powerchairs comply with the Highway Code and are intended for road use. 8 mph (Class 3) vehicles are able to travel faster than 4mph pavement vehicles making them more suitable for road use. In some situation such as villages where pavements are not available or are too narrow, 4mph vehicles may be used on a road for short distances until a suitable pavement is available.
04.
Can my scooter be used in the rain?
Scooters / Powerchairs are not water proof. It is not recommended to use scooters or powerchairs in the rain unless they have suitable rain protection. You should also avoid puddles as much as possible.
05.
Are your showrooms accessible?
Yes, all our showrooms are accessible and are wheelchair friendly.
06.
Where should I store my scooter (or powered wheelchair)?
The BEST place to store your powered mobility equipment is in a dry place at room temperature. If it’s not possible to store your equipment inside, make sure your outside storage area is dry and use a cover to protect it from moisture and dust. A garage or shed would be an example of a suitable outdoor area. If your scooter / powerchair is fitted with removable batteries, it is advisable to remove the batteries and store indoors. Make sure to charge the batteries fully before removal, and charge them fully once a month during the time they are not being used. Storage in a damp area is not recommended and may damage your equipment or electronics. Consider parking your vehicle on carpet or a wooden surface to help insulate it from the cold. If you haven’t used your scooter or powerchair for a while, it might be worth contacting us and book it in for a service.
07.
How does VAT exemption work?
VAT exemption on products depends on two things. Firstly, you must have a long-term health condition. This excludes broken bones but does include things like heart disease, arthritis, stroke, MS, CP, COPD etc. Secondly, the product itself must be eligible for VAT exemption. For example, some decorative walking sticks are not eligible for VAT exemption whereas a mobility scooter will be. If both you and the product are eligible for VAT exemption then you do not pay VAT on that product.
08.
Can I buy on behalf of someone else and still have the VAT deducted?
As long as the person you are buying for is eligible for VAT exemption and you can provide correct information about them, including their medical condition, then you can buy our products on their behalf excluding the VAT.
09.
Do you offer part exchange?
We do offer part exchange but at the discretion of the showroom manager. We cannot guarantee part exchanges but are more than happy to have a chat.
10.
Do you hire products?
Yes, depending upon availability, we hire scooters, wheelchairs and rollators for a day or longer if required. It’s always best to call and book items in advance to avoid disappointment.
11.
How do I make a claim on my Mark Bates Insurance policy?
You can contact us at head office on 0800 083 2622 or you can contact Mark Bates Ltd. directly on 01476 591104.
12.
Do I need to register my scooter with the DVLA?
You only need to register your mobility product if it can travel faster than 4mph. A V55/4 form will need to be filled in and sent to the DVLA. We will help you with this. Although the scooter or powerchair will require vehicle tax, you do not have to pay for this because it will be registered as an invalid carriage.
13.
Do you have to have insurance to use a mobility scooter/powered wheelchair?
Legally you do not currently need insurance to use a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. However, we always recommend you take out an insurance policy for the protection of you and those around you should anything unfortunate happen, enabling peace of mind and worry-free travel.
14.
How are mobility scooters powered?
They are powered using batteries to drive the electromagnetic motor, which turns the rear wheels. Being electromagnetic means that the scooter will slow down and stop as soon as the throttle is released, which is great for safety.
If you have another question, call our helpline
If you’d like further details about any of our range of mobility products, we’re happy to help.
Please phone us on 0800 083 2622.
Or email us: hello@mobilityyourway.co.uk
We’ll aim to reply to your email within one working day.