ppc@wearebluesoup.com, Author at Monarch Mobility

Mobility scooters provide independence to many and are generally long-lasting, but they can develop faults over time.

In this article, we’ll examine common mobility scooter problems and provide troubleshooting tips and fixes to help keep your scooter in top condition for your safety and comfort.

Battery issues with mobility scooters

One of the most frequent problems with mobility scooters relates to their battery. Over time, batteries degrade, leading to reduced performance, shorter travel distances, failure to recognise the charger, and difficulty holding a charge.

How to fix motor scooter battery problems

First, make sure that your mobility scooter battery is fully charged to rule out any mobility scooter charging problems.
Check the battery connections and clean any corrosion.
If the battery is over five years old, you may need to replace it with a new one.

Proper battery care can help extend the life of your scooter. Make sure you fully charge the battery before and after each use, and use a battery charger that is compatible with the scooter’s batteries.

Mobility scooter motor malfunctions

The motors on mobility scooters are usually highly reliable. However, motors can become damaged by driving over pavement edges or by getting dust or grit in the components. If your mobility scooter makes jerky movements or unusual noises, struggles on inclines, or loses power intermittently, there may be an issue with the motor.

Fixing mobility scooter motor issues

Check for debris or loose connections around the motor.
Avoid overloading the scooter beyond its weight limit.
If problems persist, consult a professional technician for repairs or replacement.
Always replace the motor with a new one from the manufacturer or an authorised dealer.

Damaged tyres on mobility scooters

The tyres on mobility scooters are pretty robust. However, they naturally wear out over time, affecting ride quality and safety. Mobility scooters use either pneumatic (air-filled) or solid tyres. If your ride feels bumpy or uneven or the scooter pulls to one side, you may need to look at your tyres.

Fixing flat tyres on your mobility scooter

To fix a flat tyre on a pneumatic tyre, you’ll need a tyre pump or an air compressor. Make sure you inflate it to the recommended pressure – which you can find on the side of the tyre.
If you notice the tyres are cracked, or the tread pattern is worn, it is wise to get them replaced before you experience a puncture.
If the tyre is punctured, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Consider switching to solid tyres for reduced maintenance needs.

Ignition problems on mobility scooters

Ignition issues can prevent a mobility scooter from starting. Exposure to the elements can cause gradual corrosion, leading to key sticking or complete breakage.

Sorting ignition problems on your mobility scooter

If the key sticks, take the scooter to a professional before it breaks in the ignition. Do not force it!
If the key breaks inside the ignition, gently remove it with tweezers.
If the ignition switch is faulty, consider replacing it to restore function.

Potentiometer problems on your mobility scooter

The potentiometer (or throttle pot) controls the scooter’s forward and backward motion. If the speed of your mobility scooter fluctuates without reason, there could be an fault with the potentiometer.

Fixing potentiometer problems on your mobility scooter

If you have experience using a multimeter, you can check that the potentiometer is showing the correct voltage.
Replace the potentiometer if it shows signs of corrosion.

How to prevent mobility scooter faults

Regular maintenance is key to preventing common problems with mobility scooters. Correctly charging the battery, inflating the tyres to the correct pressure, properly storing your scooter, and ensuring you drive on suitable terrain will help maintain your safety and comfort, and the longevity of your mobility scooter.

If you need a new battery or a replacement mobility scooter, Monarch Mobility is here to help. Contact our experts today!

A mobility scooter is a fantastic solution for those who need help getting around but still want to enjoy their independence. Whether you’re wanting to zip to the shops or take a leisurely ride through the park, one of the most common questions we get asked is: “How fast can a mobility scooter go?”.

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. While some models are built for a gentle cruise, others are designed to pick up the pace.

What is a mobility scooter's top speed?

Mobility scooter top speed can vary widely. The more basic models travel at around 3-4 mph, (which is still faster than the average walking speed of 2-3 mph). However, there are some that are built for speed and can reach speeds of up to 8 mph.

Battery power plays a significant role in how fast your scooter can go. Scooters with stronger batteries can support higher speeds and longer distances, while smaller, boot-style scooters typically prioritise portability over performance. It’s also worth noting that if your existing scooter is going slower than usual, it may need a replacement battery.

Mobility scooter maximum speed

The maximum speed of a mobility scooter depends on where it is being driven. There are two classes of mobility scooters, so before you buy, it’s important to understand which one is most suitable for your everyday needs.

Class 2 mobility scooters are designed for pavement use only. They have a maximum speed of 4 mph and cannot be driven on the road (except when crossing).
Class 3 mobility scooters are road-legal and can travel at speeds of up to 8 mph on roads (but must be limited to 4 mph on pavements). These scooters also require lights, indicators, and other safety features to comply with the law.

Take a look at these blogs for more information about where you can use your mobility scooter:

Speed vs stability

While speed may be an important factor when choosing a mobility scooter, battery range, user weight, and portability also matter.

For example, a mobility scooter that goes over 8 mph may not be suitable for someone with impaired vision. Also, hilly terrain or a heavier user may impact battery power.

If you need help weighing up your needs with the most suitable scooter, why not talk to the experts at Monarch Mobility?

Monarch Mobility’s fastest mobility scooters

If you’re looking for a mobility scooter with a faster speed, check out some of our Class 3 scooters, which have a top speed of 8 mph:

The Monarch Storm: A road-legal mobility scooter that can support up to 30 stone and offers a battery range of 24 miles.
The Monarch Storm+: A road-legal mobility scooter with a weight capacity of 30 stone, a range of 24 miles, and a hard canopy.
The Vogue Sport: A mobility scooter with a user weight limit of 25 stone and a battery range of 30 miles.
The Vogue XL: A sleek mobility scooter with a maximum weight capacity of 32 stone and an impressive 30-mile range.
The MM8 Marvel: A mobility scooter with a 22-mile battery range, 25-stone weight capacity and full suspension.
The Sprint 8: A mobility scooter with a 25-stone weight capacity, a 25-mile range, and a captain’s seat.

Explore Monarch’s road-legal mobility scooters or contact our expert team for more details.

At Monarch Mobility, we’re proud to join the nation in marking the 80^th anniversary of VE Day on 8^th May 2025.

Victory in Europe Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe and honours the incredible bravery of those who served, both on the frontlines and at home. It’s a time to remember the sacrifices made by veterans and civilians alike, and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today.

Supporting Help for Heroes

In recognition of this important day, we’re delighted to announce that we’ve increased our original donation pledge to UK charity Help for Heroes to £20,000!*

Help for Heroes provides vital support for wounded veterans and their families, helping them manage their health, welfare and social needs. This increased donation will help the charity continue to provide essential support to those heroes who need it.

Martin Sampson, Managing Director of Monarch Mobility, said: “VE Day is about remembering the sacrifices people made during the war and recognising the debt we still owe to veterans and their families. Partnering with Help for Heroes gives us a real way to give back — and we’re proud to be able to support the men and women in the armed forces community.”

Helping veterans and their families

As a further thank you, we’re continuing to offer £100 off all mobility scooters and powerchairs for veterans, active military personnel, and their families.**

For more than 25 years, Monarch Mobility has been helping people find the right scooters and powerchairs for their needs — and we’re always here to help you do the same.

To learn more, or to speak to the team, call 0800 002 9633.

*£15,000 will be raised through 1% of all retail sales, with an additional £5,000 contributed through a logo licensing agreement.

**Terms & Conditions Apply:

Offer valid until 28/02/2026
To claim the £100 discount, customers will need to provide one of the following:
- For active military personnel: MOD90 ID card (UK Armed Forces Identification Card).
- For veterans: Veteran’s ID card, such as the Veteran’s Recognition Scheme Card.

At Monarch Mobility, nothing brightens our day more than hearing from our happy customers.

One of our wonderful customers, Mr McHugh, recently sent us this heartfelt poem, written as a thank you for the help and support he received from Tom in our customer care team. It really made us smile!

The Mobility Man

By P. McHugh

Got to meet this mobility man who gave us a chair
Tom is his name and he doesn’t care
He wants to ride a motorbike or even play the guitar
He doesn’t know which so I’ll give him a star.

He’s a well-built chap with a great big smile
Who never stops talking all the while
He laughs a lot and that’s ok
He’s the best in every way — what a star you have in him
Don’t let him go, cause he’s good for the firm.

Having known Tom for only a day, it’s like we have known him in every way
He’s so forward, it’s nice to see all that he portrays is his joy.

How nice to meet such a gentle giant, full of laughter and play
We will always give him time if he ever ventures this way.

That’s a quick look into Tom’s work life and the way he portrays
He gives his all in every way, keeping people safe always.
It was great to meet such an idyllic man
Let’s keep him going like we know we can!

Helping our customers every step of the way

We understand what a huge step it is to look into mobility support – and having a friendly and knowledgeable person by your side can make all the difference.

At Monarch, we’re proud of our team’s dedication to going the extra mile. It’s one of the reasons we hold a 4.5-star rating on Google Business and why so many customers share their positive experiences with us.

To hear more from our valued customers, why not take a look at our Customer Testimonials page!

If you’re looking for friendly advice and reliable mobility solutions, give our helpful team a call on 0800 002 9633 – we’re always happy to help.

Wheelchairs are essential for mobility and independence. However, like any piece of equipment, they require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition.

A broken wheelchair can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to move around comfortably and safely.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common problems with wheelchairs – and provide practical solutions for electric wheelchair troubleshooting!

Worn or torn electric wheelchair upholstery

One of the most common electric wheelchair problems users encounter is worn or damaged upholstery.

Upholstery worn out from regular use can cause the wheelchair’s padding to flatten and lose its shape, resulting in a hard and uncomfortable surface that can potentially lead to pressure sores.

How to fix worn or torn upholstery on powerchairs:

Speak to a qualified wheelchair service provider who will advise on the best course of action. They may suggest alternative cushioning, padding or a reupholster.

Battery issues on your electric wheelchair

Batteries deteriorate over time and, depending on use, can last about 2 years. If it needs replacing, you will begin to notice a reduced range, slower performance, longer charging times, or more frequent charging. It may also swell or leak.

How to fix battery issues on powerchairs:

Double-check that the battery is fully charged.
If you need to replace your battery, you should be able to replace it yourself – or ask a friend or family member to help you.
If your battery has depleted sooner than you think it should, contact an expert who can check for an internal defect.

To ensure you get as much life out of your wheelchair battery as possible, make sure you properly charge, store, and maintain it.

Flat tyres on your electric wheelchair

One of the most common faults with electric wheelchairs is a flat tyre. If you find your wheelchair difficult to manoeuvre, the tyre has likely deflated.

How to fix flat tyres on powerchairs:

To fix a flat tyre, you’ll need a tyre pump or an air compressor. Make sure you inflate it to the recommended pressure – details will be in the wheelchair’s manual.
If the tyre is punctured, it will need to be repaired (similarly to a bicycle puncture repair) – or replaced.

While tyres will lose air over time, you can avoid punctures by ensuring they aren’t over- or under-inflated and that you avoid rough terrain.

Loose or worn-out powerchair brakes

It goes without saying that brakes are a vital safety feature of an electric wheelchair. If you notice that the brakes are slow to respond, it could be because they have become worn or loose. Any issues with brakes should be addressed immediately to ensure safety for the user and the general public.

How to fix powerchair brakes:

If the brakes are loose, you can tighten them using a wrench or pliers.
If they need replacing, contact your local supplier to find the correct parts.
Your wheelchair’s user manual should provide information on how to fix or replace brakes, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, ask an expert.

Loose armrests on electric wheelchairs

If your armrest becomes loose, it will result in poor posture and discomfort when using your wheelchair.

How to fix armrests on powerchairs:

If the armrest has become loose, you can tighten it using a wrench or pliers. Make sure the armrests are in the correct position before doing so.
If they need replacing, consult your wheelchair’s user manual for instructions or contact an expert.

Worn or damaged powerchair casters

The casters on the front of a wheelchair allow for easy turning and steering. Over time, they can wear out or become damaged, causing the wheelchair to pull to one side or become difficult to control.

How to fix casters on powerchairs:

Inspect the casters for signs of wear.
To replace castors, remove the bolt, slide the old caster off, position the new one, and securely fasten it with the bolt.

Damaged powerchair freewheel lever

The freewheel levers on the back of your powerchair enable you to switch between motorised and manual operation. Common freewheel problems include the scooter being stuck in freewheel mode or difficulty moving the lever.

How to fix freewheel levers on powerchairs:

If the lever is stuck in freewheel mode, you won’t be able to drive the wheelchair using the controls. To fix this, make sure the lever is fully engaged in the correct mode.
If the lever is jammed or stiff, try some lubrication, such as WD40.
If the problem persists or the lever is damaged, you may need to seek expert advice.

Electrical faults on your electric wheelchair

Electrical defects in wheelchairs can include flashing lights, damaged controllers, or ineffective batteries. These issues can be concerning for the typical wheelchair user and are often not simple fixes.

Electrical faults can represent longer-term wheelchair issues or be a one-off occurrence caused by a hard shock or bump. Either way, they should be investigated to ensure optimal safety.

How to fix powerchair electrical faults:

For electrical issues, it’s best to contact a wheelchair service provider who will examine your wheelchair and advise on the best course of action.
Don’t ignore any electrical issues. Although they may appear to be isolated or temporary faults, they could lead to further problems.

To prevent wiring issues, it’s important to properly maintain your powerchair, ensuring it is stored correctly and not overloading the wheelchair’s weight capacity.

How to prevent electric wheelchair faults

Regular maintenance is key to preventing common electric wheelchair problems. Properly charging your battery, inflating your tyres to the correct pressure, and lubricating moving parts will help maintain your powerchair’s safety, comfort, and longevity.

If you need a new or replacement electric wheelchair, Monarch Mobility is here to help. Contact our experts to find the best model for your needs.

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