FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I test drive?

Try before you buy.

We offer a free no obligation home demonstration on selected models to find the most suitable scooter for your needs. When you talk to one of our staff they will ask you for some personal details and the kind of use you want from your scooter and will then choose 3 or 4 scooters to show you, in your own home location.

That way you can get the feel for whether a mobility scooter is suitable for you. It’s a totally free service because we believe that you should always try before you buy. But if you want to come to our showroom to try out a selection, that’s OK too.

What about training?

Comprehensive training is included once you have purchased a scooter.

We go through the basics of electric scooter controls, use, care, and provide full safety training. We do this training at the time of delivery to ensure that you are familiar with the access and safety issues in your neighbourhood.

Will delivery cost me anything?

Delivery of mobility scooters is free in major regional centres. On rare occasions where the location is remote, there may be a delivery charge, open to negotiation. Depending on location, there may be a small cost for delivery of liftchairs. Most home health equipment will be delivered free of charge.

Why are they called Scooters?

It’s a good question. There are so many different kinds of scooters – kid’s scooters, motor scooters, snow scooters, even some marine scooters. The name was used in the late 1980’s by Suzuki, who produced a mobility scooter for the Japanese market and it has stuck. Some think electric buggy or gopher would be a better name. But the name has now morphed around the world into Mobility Scooter – so that’s what they are now called.

Are Mobility Scooters safe?

Yes, they are. Just remember you are a mobile pedestrian.

Download the Mobility Scooters Help Guide from the ACCC (PDF 7.4Mb).

Mobility Scooters are designed for those that have some sort of impaired mobility, whether it is simply an inability to walk long distances or carry heavy packages, or because of the lack of local public transport, or because of some debilitating physical issue. As such, they are designed for the safe transport of people along footpaths. Everything is automatic and is controlled by the finger throttle – acceleration, speed, braking, stopping, parking. The simplicity of operation makes them easy and safe to control, and the low speed makes the possibility of serious accidents very unlikely. The fail-safe braking system defaults to standstill and almost all scooters can stop from full speed in the length of their wheelbase. Automatic braking on slopes ensures the scooter will only travel downhill at the selected speed. See our page on How Scooters Work for more information.

The only issue you really need to consider is whether the scooter you purchase is Federal Government TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) compliant. There are some mobility scooter importers who import non TGA compliant scooters and these have not gone through the rigorous safety assessment process that is required by the TGA.

Do I need a License or Scooter Registration?
All states vary in their regulations for mobility scooter registration. No motor car license is required anywhere, but the Queensland government requires a form of (free) registration. Please check with your state roads authority. The road rules for a scooter are the same as for a pedestrian.
What about servicing my Mobility Product?

All manufacturers recommend 12 monthly services. A basic service takes about 1-2 hours. Services can be done at the client’s home or at the workshop. We also repair all makes of mobility products even if there not our brands. Our technicians are trained in both electronics and mechanics.

Scooters that are used heavily, like golf scooters or carrying heavier payloads or in steep hilly areas, should be given a major overhaul every 3 – 4 years.

WARNING: Servicing your scooter every 12 months helps prevent serious accidents and protects your warranty.  It can also save you large sums of money.

What if I get a puncture?

Punctures seldom occur. But if they do, they can be fixed by NRMA free of charge if you have a spare tube or by our service technicians.  Some models come with solid foam filled tyres, thus eliminating the problem. However, the ride is a bit rougher.

Are four wheels better than three wheel Mobility Scooters?
In general terms there is little difference between three or four-wheel mobility scooters in terms of stability. Generally, width and low centre of gravity are the most important factors for any scooter. Three wheel scooters are more manoeuvrable in a tight situation and have more leg room, but a four-wheel scooter is marginally more stable in rougher terrain or where there are tight corners on a slope.

If a person has had experience in riding a bicycle in their youth, a three wheeler will probably be more useful due to its versatility. However, if a person is not confident with driving or balance, then a four-wheel scooter would be more suitable because of its better stability.

Scooters are inherently safe and easy to drive – they have to be, as they must pass stringent safety requirements for the European market. But just make sure your scooter is approved by the TGA in Australia. There are scooters on the market that have not passed all the requirements.

However, it doesn’t matter whether you use a three or four-wheel scooter, if you try to jump objects like this ditch (pictured left), you’ll inevitably come to grief! Like all things, common sense is the best policy.

Can I get Mobility Products Insurance?

Yes, comprehensive insurance can be arranged for your mobility scooter through Blue Badge Insurance Australia.

To find out more, visit www.bluebadgeinsurance.com.au

What about Warranty?
Manufacturers offer from 1 to 3 year’s warranty. This covers all parts and labour (including the electronics), but only if the mobility product is delivered to the workshop. If a call-out is required to either repair the scooter or bring it back to the workshop, a call-out fee is charged after the first 30 days.

Naturally this warranty does not cover misuse or normal wear and tear, and is limited if the customer has not had the product serviced by an authorised repairer. Some companies promise a three-year warranty but they exclude the expensive bits: motors and electronics. So read the warranty carefully. Please consult the warranty documents at the end of the Owner’s Manual for more details.

About Us

Over 30 years experience, our team hasn’t met a problem we cannot solve.

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Training

A health care provider training regime that covers a range of equipment.

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FAQs

Read about our most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

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Testimonials

Read about our testimonials we have recieved from our valued customers.

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Independent Mobility & Rehab Affiliations