How to Spot Problems & Undertake Common Mobility Scooter Repairs

Your mobility scooter equals independence, so if it breaks down, that’s a big deal.

Whether you rely on it for shopping in town, visiting friends, or day trips with the family, your scooter is so much more than just a mode of transport – it’s your freedom.

This means when there’s a problem, you need to fix it fast with repairs that help you get back on the road – and stay on it.

In this context, ongoing scooter maintenance is essential, and so too is spotting potential issues quickly and repairing them before they get worse.

So let’s discover the sort of things you need to look out for, and more importantly, what to do about them.

Most Common Mobility Scooter Problems

1. Battery Not Holding Charge or Dying Suddenly

If your scooter loses power and leaves you stranded in the wine aisle at Waitrose, chances are the battery is the problem.

Depending on the type fitted, mobility scooter batteries last between 12-36 months, so they’re often the first thing to go if the rest of the scooter is otherwise well maintained.

To diagnose this, watch out for:

• Constant charging and discharging
• Lower output after short trips
• Battery not reaching full charge
• Scooter not moving or cutting out suddenly

What might cause it?

• Old battery cells
• Corrosion in terminals (especially if exposed to the elements)
• Charger issues

Fix: Start with a full battery and charger check. TGA Mobility offers comprehensive annual servicing packages so we can catch issues like failing batteries or faulty chargers quickly, and replace them before you’re left feeling drained.

2. Faulty Ignition Switch or Key Problems

Sometimes your ignition key sticks or won’t turn, or worse, breaks off.

Although this is a real pain, it’s actually a classic reason for mobility scooter breakdowns. However, we realise that’s scant solace if your key snaps in a busy shopping centre.

So why does this happen?

• Dirt or rust inside the switch – if you’ve stored your machine outside without a cover
• Key barrel misalignment (although this one is less likely)
• The key itself may be worn down through prolonged use

Fix: Use a pair of tweezers to gently remove a stuck key, and be careful not to force it. Get a couple of spare keys cut and always keep one at home and another one in your wallet or purse so you’re never left high and dry.

If the key hole in the ignition is rusty or full of dirt, avoid sticking anything down there to try and clean it, as this can damage the barrel.

If your key has snapped and won’t come out, or your replacement key won’t slide back in easily, you might need to get the barrel cleaned professionally or have the ignition switch replaced.

This is when the specialists at TGA can help, which again can be covered in your service plan.

3. Motor Failures & Strange Noises

If your scooter makes a buzzing, grinding, or clicking noise – or it just won’t move – it could be the motor.

Sometimes it’s a wiring issue, or wear in the throttle potentiometer (which lets you control forward and reverse speed). These can cause the motor unit to fail if left unchecked.

Signs:

• Scooter works, but judders or jerks
• Motor gets hot quickly
• Lower speed or power

Fix: It’s best to get a trained technician to test your motor and potentiometer, which is again something our team at TGA can do.

Repairs vary from a simple part swap to a full motor replacement. Either way, don’t ignore motor issues as they tend to get worse quickly.

4. Worn or Damaged Tyres

If you love walking the dog in the great outdoors, or folding your scooter up in the boot of your car for day trips, then it can quickly rack up hundreds of miles. So, tyre wear is completely normal.

However, letting tyre issues go too long unchecked can lead to punctures or sidewall damage, causing handling issues where your scooter “bumps” or pulls to one side.

Look for:

• Cracked tyre sidewalls and obvious punctures
• Bald or flat spots in the tread pattern
• Soft or squishy feel under load

Fix: Many scooters have pneumatic tyres, and they need regular checks. If you notice the tyres are cracked, it’s time to replace them.

For tyres with good tread and no cracks that just have punctures, keep a puncture repair kit or spare tyre at home for a quick fix or replacement.

TGA also provides a useful tyre sealant solution that will help get you home if you get a puncture when you’re out and about. It’s worth always taking a can with you – just in case.

If you’re unable to deal with tyre issues yourself, the team at TGA Mobility can take your scooter into our workshop and quickly deal with these for you. We may even be able to help on-site, depending on your location.

5. Corrosion on Electrical Components

Being exposed to the elements is not good for your scooter electronics, leading to corrosion on connectors, switches, or wires. That’s why you should always keep your scooter under cover.

What to look out for:

• Greenish or white powder on metal parts
• Unexplained cut-outs
• Flickering display or control lights

Fix: If corrosion spreads, it can cause your scooter to fail completely. Regular cleaning and keeping your machine dry will help.

For this reason, many people use a mobility scooter cover when parking outside, if garage or shed space is unavailable.

How to Keep Your Mobility Scooter in Working Condition

Preventative care = fewer breakdowns. Here’s how to keep your scooter in top form:

• Charge batteries properly and avoid overcharging
• Store your scooter indoors or under a cover
• Check tyres weekly and replace if worn or soft
• Get a regular mobility scooter service every 6–12 months
• Listen for strange noises or changes in performance

Again, if you buy your scooter from TGA Mobility, our specialist servicing team can keep your machine in great condition with comprehensive annual maintenance packages.

Where to Get Repairs in the UK

If your scooter breaks down and you find yourself helpless in Homebase, you’ll need a trusted firm to get you back on the road quickly.

Many mobility equipment retailers offer in-house repair work and servicing contracts, such as the professionals at TGA.

If you bought your scooter through the Motability Scheme, their team can also help sort any repair work under your plan.

Things to ask a repair service:

• Do they offer on-site support?
• Are parts available for your make/model?
• Do they provide a short-term loan scooter?

Scooter Repair & Maintenance FAQs

How often should I service my mobility scooter?

At least once a year. More often, if you rely on it daily.

Can I repair a mobility scooter at home?

Yes – for small issues like tyre pressure, cleaning, or battery checks. Leave motors and electrical faults to the specialists.

How much do mobility scooter repairs cost in the UK?

It depends, but basic fixes start at around £150-200 for a smaller battery or tyre fix, and go up to £500+ for more powerful, longer-range batteries. Bigger jobs, like motor replacement, can cost more.

The key is to store and maintain your machine properly so these issues are rare, which is why getting on a maintenance plan and investing in scooter insurance is such a good idea.

Is it worth repairing an old scooter or buying a new one?

If the cost of repair is over half the price of a new scooter, it might be time to replace it. Especially if it’s breaking down a lot and you can’t rely on it anymore.

Final Thoughts: Common Mobility Scooter Problems & Repairs

A high-quality, well-maintained mobility scooter should increase your freedom, not cause unwanted hassle.

At TGA, we have over 30 years’ experience in the mobility industry, and over that time, we’ve seen that when customers care for their scooters and store them protected from the elements, serious repair issues are rare.

Naturally, every scooter will need ongoing maintenance and servicing, with insurance another very wise inclusion, and as mentioned, our specialists can handle all of this for you.

A scooter that’s well looked after remains reliable, safe, and ready for every journey.

If you’d like to discuss investing in a new or refurbished mobility scooter with TGA, our friendly team is just a phone call away from arranging a demo of your chosen model.

Phone us on 0800 107 5349 and we’ll be happy to book you in at either our Suffolk or Surrey showrooms.

Diagnose or Repair? When to Call a Pro

Here’s a quick guide:

Don’t guess. A proper mobility scooter repair service can diagnose the issue and get it sorted without delay. Especially if it’s a Motability model, you might be eligible for support.