Category: Specialist answers

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Safety first – an overview of Veleco safety features

Are you considering purchasing a mobility scooter for a loved one, but find yourself unsure if such a vehicle would be appropriate for them? Before making that all-important decision, you would naturally want to be certain that riding an electric mobility scooter is completely safe, right? Well, you couldn’t have picked a better place to find out! Today, we’re diving deep into Veleco mobility scooters’ safety features, specifically designed to safeguard their users. So, without any further ado, let’s get into it!
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Mobility scooter insurance: How to find the right one?

Mobility scooter insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but it is recommended for users to protect themselves from potential risks. Insurance can provide financial protection in case of theft, damage, or accidents involving the scooter or third parties. How to find the best mobility scooter insurance provider? What’s worth considering when choosing the policy? Let’s find out! Continue reading Mobility scooter insurance: How to find the right one?

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Electric Moped – Do you need a licence?

To use an Electric Moped you need a licence, at least a provisional moped licence. However, it is not the only requirement. Starting from the top, it is first worth mentioning the difference between an electric bicycle and an electric moped. Check our specialist answers! Continue reading Electric Moped – Do you need a licence?

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Tackling any type of terrain on mobility scooter

On rare occasions, we are asked how our mobility scooters deal with terrain of various type. In this short post, we will gladly disclose this information, taking in consideration the types of trips our customers often take. 

Depending on the season, mobility scooters face different challenges. As such, we will divide the information between summer and winter, to discuss all possible scenarios.

Mobility scooter – terrain during summer trips

During the hot season, mobility scooter sales skyrocket, because beautiful weather is the perfect time to drive around. One of the most common terrains encountered by riders is a simple earth or sand path. If they aren’t powdery, they are harmless to inner workings of the vehicle, especially the electric motor.

However, powdery sand which can be encountered in a very dry season on the beach will definitely harm any electric components. Small grains can get inside, damaging them over time. As such, it’s best to avoid driving a mobility scooter on such terrain of any kind that has an electric motor.

Another type of terrain is grass. A short, well trimmed one will not harm the vehicle at all. In fact, Model FASTER with roof is used as a golf buggy at times and handles such terrain well. On the other hand, very tall grass might get entwined in moving parts of the vehicle, so it is best to avoid it.

Riding mobility scooter in winter

For last, we leave dealing with snow. Obviously, an electric scooter isn’t a snow plough and shouldn’t be used as one. Some users might be worried about riding in winter altogether, because of all too frequent moisture.

When using a mobility scooter in winter terrain, packed snow roads won’t be an issue. Any moisture which might gather is also easily dealt with. All the user has to do is to wipe the vehicle with a dry piece of cloth and let it dry before the next usage.

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Are mobility scooters allowed on the road?

It is worth noting that when asking if mobility scooters are allowed on the road, it is best to check all regulations with a proper communications office. Depending on the country, the law might be different. In this short post, we will cover the situation in the United Kingdom.

Technical parameters of road legal scooter

According to DVLA, a road legal mobility scooter is referred to as a “Class 3 Invalid carriage”. Compared to Class 2, those vehicles need to have a set of characteristics, which makes them safe to use while on both pavement and road.

  • Controllable maximum speed of 4 mph while off the road and 8 mph while on the road,
  • Maximum vehicle weight (without the rider) not exceeding 25 stones,
  • Width of the vehicle being no more than 33 inches,
  • Safe braking system,
  • Full lights system as well as reflectors. This included front, rear, turning, hazard lights,
  • Horn,
  • Rearview mirrors.

Registering mobility scooter with DVLA

If all the above parameters are met, the vehicle can be registered with DVLA. When purchasing a vehicle from our store, we make this process easier by including the necessary form for registration. For those that are curious about the registration thought we have 3 main points to take note of:

  • It is not possible to register the vehicle online or via post office, as evidence of vehicle age is needed.
  • Registration is always free of charge.
  • Tax disc is required and must be displayed. A V55/4 form for new vehicles is required, which can be obtained from DVLA, however we will include the form in the folder.

Lastly, while insurance isn’t required, you should definitely get one. In case of any accidents, it will cover the damage, which isn’t covered by manufacturer warranty.

Using class 3 mobility scooter allowed on the road

Firstly, it should be noted that no driving test is necessary. The only guidelines that are to be followed are the standard Highway Code while remembering regular driving procedures.

While class 3 invalid carriage is allowed on the road, it is preferable to use pavement when possible. It should be mentioned that pedestrians always have priority. Be advised that some of them might be aware of you approaching, especially elderly or impaired. When riding the scooter on the pavement, take care to not spook them. Especially do not try to force your way through crowds.

Velobike has a wide range of Class 3 invalid carriages, that met all of DVLA requirments and can be safely used: FASTER, ZT15, ZT63, DRACO, CRISTAL

Restrictions to using class 3 mobility scooter

Naturally, there are restrictions in place when using a class 3 invalid carriage. This vehicle is prohibited from travelling in bus lanes, “cycle only” lanes, motorways and dual carriageways with speed limit of over 50mph.

For parking restrictions, there is nothing out of ordinary. If it obstructs the traffic, leaving this vehicle unattended in a pedestrian area or on a footpath shouldn’t be done.

While mobility scooters allowed on road can be technically operated by anyone, a person must be at least 14 years old.

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How to use a mobility scooter responsibly?

With ever growing popularity, it is high time to write a post about how to use a mobility scooter responsibly. Here we will list all do’s and don’ts when taking the vehicle for a ride. Let us take you for a spin with this blog post, it will definitely be worth reading!

To start off, we know best the feeling of sitting for the first time on a brand new mobility scooter. This feeling of new freedom and open possibilities is often so much, you just want to speed though the world. Speeding is fine, as long as it’s done with your own safety in mind. Knowing how you use a mobility scooter is the first step and often crucial.

Do’s of using a mobility scooter responsibly

Safety, safety and once again, safety. This is the most important part of everything. When you are first starting to learn the ropes of how to use a mobility scooter, always ensure you are safe. A helmet and a seatbelt might seem constricting, but never skip on those, to stay safe.

Safety isn’t the only thing important though. The knowledge of how to operate a vehicle is important, but we believe in experience. Imagine putting on a pair of new shoes. They will feel strange at first, right? Same with the vehicle, when you ride for the first few days, you will get used to it. Don’t rush this process, take your time is what we advise. You have gotten your freedom and it won’t be lost anywhere. There is lots of time to take it step by step until you are 100% sure you know how to use a mobility scooter.

How to not use a mobility scooter?

Obviously we left the best for the last! Hope you are here with us and still reading. Here’s a short list of things that should definitely be avoided:

  • Don’t try to put in a stronger engine – This might seem trivial, but some feel that 8 mph in the UK or 15.5 mph in the EU is not enough. Be advised though, the vehicle is a mobility aid, to help you with mobility problems. The vehicles aren’t designed for a race, and you shouldn’t try to modify them for one.
  • Be mindful of other pedestrians – This is a very important part. If you once again are able to move about, stay mindful of others. Sure, it would be great to show off to others or horn them out of your way, but it would also be impolite. Try to park, move and drive in a way that respects others.
  • Don’t think “I will manage to cross before the red light turns on” – The rush is the cause of most problems even to those without a mobility scooter. Don’t try to race against the clock, it is not worth it and could be dangerous.

What if you don’t know how to use a mobility scooter?

 Seek out help as you aren’t alone. We can help out, your neighbours and caretakers can help out. If that isn’t possible? Get the vehicle to a safe, even ground, away from traffic and try it out. It might seem complicated to use at first, but never forget the most important thing. Those vehicles were designed by Veleco taking into account users of all ages and ability. This means the vehicle is not beyond you, as others use them on a daily basis. It might feel overwhelming at first, but in no time you will learn how to use it and speed to favourite shops and parks. 

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Can mobility scooter batteries be repaired?

The question if mobility scooters batteries can be repaired has surfaced numerous times. It is one of the most vital questions that often is asked by long-time mobility scooter users. In this short article, we will bring about not only a solution to the issue but also a few tricks to make batteries last longer. Continue reading Can mobility scooter batteries be repaired?

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Will insurance cover a mobility scooter?

With recent news, our team has seen it as very important for our next post to answer a question, if insurance will cover a mobility scooter. Just recently a situation in Cornwall has reminded us that sometimes unforeseen accidents or upsetting life events will happen. While we are standing guard to always assist in such cases, it is only proper we would write on this topic to enhance customer awareness.

As electric mobility aids grow more and more popular with each passing day we think it is most important to secure them. That however is not always an option as many places just aren’t yet fit to house them. This changes day by day, but there are still places like shops, museums or other buildings, both public and personal, that don’t allow for easy access. Of course, parking a vehicle doesn’t mean that a disaster is bound to happen, but in rare cases, it might. Those can be however prevented from happening.

Do you need insurance to cover a mobility scooter?

While it is certainly optional, and Velobike as a reseller doesn’t force its customers to buy insurance to cover a mobility scooter, it is always advised to get one. The reason for it is simple as it does cover the user during many unfortunate events that might happen.

The highest benefit the insurance offers is definitely security and safety. When using a class-2 vehicle or class-3 mobility scooter outside the house, the insurance can cover the cost of repairs or mobility scooter theft. Of course, when deciding on an insurer, it is a good idea to study all options available on the market.

Why reading fine print is important

Let’s be realistic, each person has signed at least one document without reading it thoroughly. It is common to happen when we rush and have so many chores to do. Most important to remember is that some companies do not follow a code of ethics. This is why they don’t care about the difficulties that their customer might face. When getting insurance cover for a mobility scooter, it is especially important to study the documents. This is because elders and disabled might be considered by business sharks as easy prey.

At Velobike however, we employ good faith and high ethics. We are always doing our best to assist our customers with an after service and beyond. Not that we didn’t ever have a disappointed customer. Of course with patience and determination, we do our best to warm them up to us again. Sincerity and being willing to help senior and disabled customers are our core values that we never forget. Those are shared by our manufacturer Veleco, who wouldn’t pick us as one of the official resellers without high standards our company employs.

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Display for a mobility scooter – LED or Analogue

One of the vital differences is the display for a mobility scooter, which can be either LED or Analogue. Both of them have their strong and weak points. Which one is better though? Follow us on this comparison to learn how to look through the eye of an expert.

It is easy to see that this might seem like another ongoing conflict in which the ever progressing technology is involved. However, we believe this is a great time to talk about it, as it would definitely make it easier to decide on which scooter to buy.

Are the old analogue displays bad?

Old doesn’t mean useless or unwanted. On the contrary, analogue displays are still in their prime phase of popularity. They might date back a few decades, but this only means they had time to gain many improvements.

Obviously the strongest point of this kind of display would be its reliability. Even when broken down, analogue displays would be much cheaper to fix in any local workshop.

On the downside, the limited space means the numbers marking various information on a display for mobility scooters are smaller. For seniors whose eyesight might not be as good as it used to, this might be a bit more troublesome. Of course, that is not something a good pair of eyeglasses couldn’t fix.

Why might you want a LED display for a mobility scooter?

As many improvements as there were, there must have come a time when ever advancing technology would evolve the next big step. That evolution is a LED display. Compared to the old analogue one, it allows for easier communication between the driver and the rider. While in the old ones, the number representing maximum speed was marked by a pointer, this is not the case in LED displays. Here, the number changes, allowing it to show in big and easy to read letters. This has saved lots of space on a display for a mobility scooter, making it possible to communicate other vital information.

Of course LED displays would still make the battery consumption a bit bigger. This is definitely a good trade, considering the fact that a LED display is easier to read during nighttime.

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Best mobility scooter that can climb hills

When choosing a mobility scooter that can climb hills, there are numerous questions from our customers. Due to that, we have decided to answer the most important of them, in this short post. Here, you will learn how the maximum possible slope is determined and how important is the power of the motor.

Finding a mobility scooter that can climb hills is pretty easy at our store, but you already know that. As our products were made by manufacturer Veleco, they were thoroughly tested and the specifications were provided to us. However, this might be not enough for customers, so we have performed our own tests as well.

This way, if you decide to pick one of our products in the future, you can be sure that all the data provided in our product pages is accurate and always up to date.

How to determine maximum possible slope

First, you need to consider two main elements that determine the steepness of a slope. Weight is naturally the primary factor, and we mean the combined weight of the scooter and its rider. The secondary factor would be the strength of the motor.

Generally, the size of the battery shouldn’t affect the climbing ability, however you should know that lead-acid batteries weigh much more than lithium-ion ones. Basically, the less weight there is to handle, the less power from the motor is required, which in turn determines the battery drain.

It needs to be said that an accurate calculation of maximum climbing ability is generally impossible. However, all online shops that try to sell a mobility scooter that can climb hills, should provide the lowest possible specs. 

Did you know that the specifications, which you can find under every product on our website, are gathered by us? They were made in uniform and perfect conditions and are provided to all customers before they make a purchase.

Motor for mobility scooter that can climb hills

It might sound simple, that to get the mobility scooter that can climb hills, all you require would be the big motor. That is often a very big mistake though. Too powerful motors would use up battery charge very quickly, even on normal roads. Because of this, what you would want is to have a motor perfect for your vehicle construction and not the strongest possible.

Instead of the big strength, we suggest following the specifications on the websites. If you really need more assurance though, always ask the seller, as they have first time information. Hope this helped, and now you know which factors affect any mobility scooter that can climb hills and its performance.

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