You’ve decided that a mobility scooter is right for you. You may be wondering, "Can I store my new purchase outside?" The answer to this question varies depending on the size and style of the model purchased as well as where in proximity (close or far away) to your home's exterior walls they will ultimately reside when not in use.
If there isn't an option close by for storing your mobility scooter, then consider storing it indoors- either inside or an attached garage/workshop area with locks. Basically, you want it stored such that you can charge it conveniently.
The benefit of storing your mobility scooter in a shed is that it will be protected from the elements most of the time. However, if you store it in the open, then consider investing in a cover or tarp to protect the scooter from the wind and occasional shower. A covered mobility scooter is also less conspicuous and safer from thieves.
Ask yourself these questions when considering where to store your mobility scooter:
- Do I have anywhere secure to store my mobility scooter?
- Is there easy access so I can charge my batteries without having to carry them around?
- Can I get to my charging point? If you cannot, then it can mean slightly more effort carrying around your heavy battery. If this is a problem, consider purchasing an external battery charger which means you can charge inside. You should make it a point to see that the batteries are fully charged for mobility scooters that are to be stored over winter.
- Is there anywhere I can keep tools and spare parts? It's always useful keeping a tool kit close by in case something should accidentally come loose.
Ensure that your storage area has good ventilation and is away from direct sunlight during summer months, as this could damage the circuitry.
Types of Mobility Scooter Storage
The choice in mobility scooter storage includes garages, sheds, and tarps. Or, you can store the vehicles inside. If you’re living in a building, you may have to park the vehicle in a garage downstairs and use a wheelchair for conveyance to the garage. If there’s a ramp on the premises and you’re allowed to enter the lift with the vehicle, then you can take it to your flat.
Can Mobility Scooters Be Stored Outside?
The short answer is yes, mobility scooters can be stored outside. The best place for your scooter to be kept is dry and out of the sun’s reach so that it stays in good condition regardless of where its parked. Sunlight will deteriorate both paintwork and other exterior components, so try to avoid this at all costs by parking somewhere shady or under a cover.
Mobility Scooter Storage Shed
A scooter storage shed is the next best thing after a garage. It is secure and will protect the mobility scooter from thieves and the elements. You can purchase sheds made from wood, plastic, or metal.
You should always ensure that you purchase your shed from a reputable supplier. You can often get sheds delivered to your home for no extra cost. If you buy online, then check how secure payment methods are, and if delivery is included in the price.
A small mobility scooter storage unit can be purchased for £150 – £500.
Larger storage sheds will be priced higher but may offer more security. You may not be able to move them once they are assembled, so make sure you buy the right one first time round.
Before buying anything online, read reviews by other buyers who have purchased similar products before. This will give you an idea of what to expect when it arrives at your home, or whether there were any problems with shipping or damage on arrival etc.
Light Weight Waterproof Storage
A waterproof storage cover is an alternative to a garage or a shed if you don’t have the space for these. A cover is cheap, a little less secure, but also portable and can be combined with a lock and an alarm system to ensure as much security as possible. A good lock can be purchased for £10-£15. You will have to park the vehicle close to a charging point. You may want to cover the mobility scooter even inside the garage to prevent it from rusting and the parts getting spoilt. This can happen in coastal areas.
Another good thing about these covers is that they are lightweight and easy to handle compared to some other options on this list. That means they do not take too much room in a garage, shed or even a back seat of a car. They also fold up pretty small so if you have an apartment, dormitory etc... covering your mobility scooter when not being used will not take long.
Mobility Scooter Battery Storage
When not in use, the best practice is to put your mobility scooter on a trickle charger to maintain its charge level.
This way it can be removed from storage and taken out for an extremely quick recharge before being used again without any detrimental effects on battery life. Variable voltage trickle chargers designed specifically for mobility scooter batteries are widely available at affordable prices with most able to accommodate three or four batteries at once.
While you don’t have to fully remove the battery from the scooter when you store it, you should disconnect the battery leads to ensure that there is no passive discharge of power and that the leads do not corrode. Once the leads are removed, there can be no leakage. Mobility scooters with smaller batteries may face greater inconvenience due to discharging. It is advisable to recharge the vehicle before use. The onboard electronics inform on the battery status.
A variety of chargers on the market will charge small batteries just like they would larger units; these may pack enough punch to charge your auxiliary.
Store the battery and scooter in a cool, dry place with equable temperature to ensure that the batteries last and do not discharge passively as they do when faced with extreme temperatures. A battery exposed to extreme heat or cold should be charged only after it has been kept at room temperature long enough for it to reach a normal temperature.
