In many parts of the country, the effects of winter are in full swing. Many of us are waking up to snow or ice on our driveways and sidewalks at least once a week. Outdoor conditions are increasingly icy, slippery, and generally more dangerous than when the weather is warmer.
While you may be using your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter much less frequently outdoors during these colder months, you still need to be cognizant of maintaining your product. And with the increasing number of portable powerchairs and scooters available through Pride® Mobility, it’s easier than ever to transport your unit so that you may use it at indoor locations outside your home.
Here are some reminders of how to properly store and manage your unit in the winter, so that when the time comes to use your mobility product, you’ll be riding worry-free.
Don’t leave your product out in the cold.
This is the most obvious tip for the winter months! While all Pride products are rigorously tested to withstand extreme conditions, they should absolutely be stored in a warmer environment to ensure they’re operating at peak efficiency.
Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters typically use sealed lead acid (SLA) or lithium-ion batteries. Both battery types can be affected when exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures (below 32oF). The batteries will gradually lose capacity before possibly becoming unusable altogether.
The body of your powerchair or scooter can also be damaged with prolonged exposure to the elements. We recommend at least keeping your unit stored in a garage, shed, or some covered area if not in your home.
Keep your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter covered.
This goes in line with keeping your unit in area that provides protection from the elements. If you plan on using your powerchair or scooter sparingly during the winter months and are keeping it in an environment such as a garage or shed, we recommend protecting it with a Pride weather cover.
Available in multiple sizes, it’s a one-piece cover that shields your unit from damage. It’s made from vinyl that is extremely durable and designed to protect the electronics on your product. And you can purchase weather covers directly from our Pride Gear website.
Don’t forget to regularly charge your unit.
During the winter, you may not be using your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter often. It’s possible that you stay hunkered down for the holiday season, for instance, without the need to leave the house or at least to require the use of mobility assistance for an extended time.
Even when the product is not in use, you MUST continue to charge it consistently! That’s because the batteries that power our mobility products are designed to maintain their charge when used on a regular basis.
We encourage you to charge your powerchair or scooter at least once per week. Throughout most of the year, that’s not something you even have to think about, since you’re using your unit (and charging it) regularly. But during those times in which the unit may not be in regular use, you must remember to keep it charged.
If you store your product in a garage or shed and don’t want to keep moving it back and forth to charge, we recommend keeping the batteries inside your home. Batteries used for Pride products have a charging port on the battery itself, which means you can charge the battery directly without it being attached to the unit.
Consider portable units for exceptional storage!
Pride is continuing to manufacture lighter, stronger, and more portable electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters that add layers of convenience to your everyday life. In the winter months, when your unit may not be in use for an extended period, these portable products take up minimal space and can be safely tucked away.
Our Jazzy® Ultra Light, Jazzy® Carbon, Go Go® Super Portable, and Go Go® Carbon all weigh less than 42 pounds and fold down into a compact bundle. If you’re stashing them away for the winter, they can fit easily into closets, under beds, and other areas that can store items with small footprints.
Other scooters such as our Go Go Elite Traveller® 2 features feather-touch disassembly, which allows the unit to easily separate into five lightweight pieces. These modern storage solutions are perfect for the colder months when you may not be riding as much. They take up very little room, and when it comes time to ride again, it takes just seconds to re-assemble or unfold.
What product is right for you?
No matter the time of year, you need to be equipped with a mobility solution on which you can rely. Proper care in the winter and throughout the year will maximize your experience and help you regain your independence like never before.
Whether you’re considering a mobility solution for the first time or are looking to replace your existing electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, our trusted Pride authorized dealers can help point you in the right direction. Find a local dealer near you and get started today!