Just wanted to check in as haven’t been on here for a few days and I see that there are some more replies! Big thanks to all of you. I must admit that my first reaction to the idea of going to a Motability event (thanks Goldrat) was that ‘here’s another club I never wanted to be joining’ but it does make sense. I’d managed to put this whole thing out of my head but I’m absolutely going to revisit the whole thing. Louise
Well, the jury’s still out as far as I’m concerned (my way of saying that it’s slipped down my list of things to do). However, in last Sunday’s Sunday Times there was a very interesting piece in the business supplement ‘Question of Money’ which I thought is really worth sharing. I’ll try to copy and paste as there’s a paywall to get into the Times website. The letter is as follows with Jill Insley’s reply(she writes the column and is definitely a lady you want on your side!)
'I bought myself a Rascal Ultralite 480 mobility scooter from the specialist supplier CareCo in November. I wanted a new, reliable scooter for a holiday in Barcelona the following week.
On my first outing in Barcelona, we were making our way back to the hotel — having been refused by a taxi — when we were caught in a thunderstorm. We got to shelter as fast as possible and an Uber came to our rescue. The next day, the scooter stopped working.
When we returned home, I got in touch with CareCo. It told me that I had invalidated my warranty by going out in the rain, so I would have to pay for collection and repair. I was told I had been offered the chance to buy rain protection when I had bought the scooter, but I thought the salesman was referring to protection for me, not the scooter.
I find it amazing that a mobility scooter sold in the UK is not waterproof.
I now have my scooter back. They dried it out and it’s working, but it could malfunction at any time, leaving me stranded. I have multiple sclerosis and rely on a scooter to give me independence. Now I am frightened to use it on my own. I want a refund, since it is not fit for purpose.’
Jill replies ’ It surprises me, too, that mobility scooters are not waterproof. There is nothing on the CareCo website page for the Rascal Ultralite 480 that suggests it is not. The manual for your scooter says that it is “intended for use in the home, and for shopping areas and trips on reasonably paved areas”. To me, “reasonably paved areas” means outside — where it may rain.
The website does sell covers for scooters, saying: “If you use a mobility scooter, you probably know how it feels to get caught out in the rain.” But these do not appear to protect the base of the scooter from water sprayed up from a wet pavement or puddles.
I spoke to another retailer, which told me that, while scooters should generally be all right to use if you get caught in moderate rain, you should not leave them outside for any length of time. You didn’t leave your scooter outside, and got to shelter as soon as possible, but you did describe the rain as a thunderstorm.
Your scooter manual says: “Before you set out, do check the weather forecast. We suggest that you make sure you are wearing suitable clothing, whether your journey is long or short.” Again, to me this suggests that the manufacturer, Electric Mobility, is showing consideration for the driver rather than warning that the scooter may be adversely affected by exposure to rain.
You reported the problem with your scooter to CareCo within 30 days of purchase, and normally this would entitle you to a refund if the malfunction were caused by a fault already present in the machine. However, CareCo said you caused the problem by driving it through water. The manual says: “Do not drive through water or on slippery surfaces.”
When I pointed out that you had not said you had driven through water, CareCo said there was no proof you had not. This argument is ridiculous. On that basis, it could declare all the warranties it sells null and void, because there would be no proof the customer had not done something they were not meant to.
Understandably, as a vulnerable person with a debilitating disease, you have lost confidence in your scooter, worried that if you get caught out by rain again, it could break down, leaving you high but not dry.
CareCo refunded the £100 it charged for collecting your scooter and there were no repair costs, as it started working after it had dried out. The retailer referred your case back to the manufacturer, which said your scooter was built to the required EU standards and that it had tested the machine and found no damage. It said it was now fully operational and fit for purpose.
Legally, the retailer does not have to replace the scooter or refund the purchase price, but I wanted to share your experience with other readers as a warning. Do not assume that your mobility scooter is waterproof — it is likely to be water resistant at best."
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I think its a given that mobility scooters are not waterproof. I have used one for years and several times got caught in rain i use an umbrella it travels with me, and keep it over the tiller so it doesnt get wet. When i get home i always dried mine carefully and put it back on charge.
I have never had one not work when it has been wet but it is usually moderate rain.
I am hoping to buy a new one a TGA with a scooterpac folding canopy. I always store my scooter with a proper scooter cover so it never gets wet when not in use.
This little scooter the lady bought is for light weight use really it is only capable of doing 8miles on full charge which means it will do less.
Most scooters you can buy rain covers.
I dont think a light amount of rain would have effected the scooter. If they are left wet then it would probably not work.
Like i said in all the years i have had them i have never had one stop for rain on it. BUT i think Careco were taken the P, as i can get a scooter fully serviced and collected for 50.00.
Hi, The problem is that so many mobility scooters instantly label you as disabled. I use a Travelscoot and think it is wonderful. Folds down to size of a large golf bag, weighs 18 Kg, 3 wheels, very maneuverable. Needs to be bought from Germany, costs Euro 2000 but it can be repaired by any good bike shop. I am just a user so no conflict of interest but look at my website aid4disabled dot com or contact travelscoot dot com. Yes there are cheaper solutions. Tried and looked at other solutions but Travelscoot wins hands down, very funky.