Tag Archives: advice

Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

How can I keep fit on my mobility scooter?

Here at Quingo Scooters we’re always looking to share ways that you can improve your overall wellbeing, whilst helping you to keep active and get out and about. Today we wanted to share with you some gentle yet effective exercises you can do whilst on your mobility scooter.

We would always advise that you check with your GP before undertaking any form of exercise, however it’s important to remember that limited mobility may not mean that exercise isn’t for you. It’s also important that you don’t attempt any of these exercises whilst driving your mobility scooter – make sure the engine is turned off, the key is removed, and that you have enough room to do these exercises without coming into contact with anything around you.

By starting slowly and increasing your activity level little by little, you’ll soon start to feel the benefits!

quingo scooters

What exercises can I do on my mobility scooter?

Plenty! Here are some easy and gentle exercises for you to perform on your mobility scooter, from your head, right down to your toes:

Shoulder Roll: Gently roll your shoulders forward five times, then roll them backwards five times.

Neck Roll: This exercise improves circulation in your upper body. Gently drop your ear to your shoulder then roll your head around to the other shoulder. Repeat 10 times.

Rotate Your Feet: This simple ankle exercise will help reduce stiffness in your ankles after long journeys. Rotate your foot clockwise for 15 seconds, then anti-clockwise for another 15 seconds.

Write the Alphabet with Your Toes: This is an extremely effective exercise. Using your feet, point your toes and write out each letter of the alphabet. Do one foot at a time then repeat with the other. The different shapes this exercise forces you to make with your toes makes you stimulate ankle motion in every direction. This is a great way to get the blood flowing and to keep your feet warm.

Foot Pumps: This exercise will work really well with your adaptive footplates. Place your feet flat on the footplates. Keeping your heels on the footplates, point your toes up as far as you can. Then keep your toes on the footplates and raise your heels. Repeat five times.

Feeling good!

Just taking ten minutes out of your day to do some of these exercises can make a noticeable difference to your overall wellbeing, and make you feel better in yourself. These exercises can help towards improving blood circulation too, which will in turn help you to keep warm.

Share with Quingo!

Have you tried any of these exercises on your Quingo? We’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Maintenance, Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

How do I look after my mobility scooter batteries?

Here at Quingo Scooters we always want to share with you ways that you can get the most out of your mobility scooter.

One question that mobility scooter users are always asking is “How do I look after my mobility scooter batteries?” and today we want to help answer that question. We’ll look at how you protect the lifespan of your mobility scooter’s batteries and how you can maximise their longevity.

Quingo Scooters

What’s the best way to charge my mobility scooter battery?

  1. Place your Quingo in an area that is dry well ventilated and make sure that there is a power point nearby.
  2. Switch your vehicle off and remove the key when charging.
  3. Turn off the mains switch. Never connect or disconnect the charger with the mains on.
  4. Make sure that the pins are lined up when connecting the charger plug to the scooters charging socket. They should connect easily – don’t try and force them.
  5. After charging: Switch off the mains and remove the battery connector when fully charged. Don’t leave the charger plugged in with the power off as this will discharge your battery.

How often should I charge my mobility scooter battery?

Charge your Quingo overnight (at least 8-12 hours- depending on model) the day before you wish to use it. If you are using it daily, put the vehicle back on charge even if you have only travelled a short distance. When unused you should still recharge your batteries at least every 2-3 weeks to keep them in good condition.

If you don’t intend to use your vehicle for longer periods of time (i.e. 3 months or more), you should charge the batteries fully, then remove the batteries from the vehicle and store them in a dry area. Never remove them unless they are fully charged. When you return them to the vehicle, top them up before use. Remember – don’t charge your Quingo in the open since it may rain and the battery charger is not waterproof.

When will I know to change my mobility scooter battery?

Consider replacing your batteries when you notice they no longer perform as you would wish. For some this may be after 12 months of regular use, for others it may be several years.

Does tyre pressure affect my mobility scooter battery?

Yes – all you need to do is regularly check that your tyre pressure is set correctly according to your scooters handbook. You can do this by visiting a local petrol station or garage or even buy your own gauge from somewhere like Halfords. You can also buy cheap powered pumps that include a gauge and will run off  a 12v battery, such as the ones in your Quingo, and these can be found in shops like Argos.

Will the weather make a difference to my mobility scooter battery life?

Using your scooter in the winter will impact battery life, bear this in mind before you set out on longer journeys as you may need to charge the batteries more frequently and your range may be decreased. Make sure batteries are fully charged before you set off.

Does what I carry on my mobility scooter impact the battery?

Yes – it’s always a good idea to carry only essential items with you on your scooter. The more weight your Quingo carries the harder the motor and batteries will need to work and the sooner the batteries will need charging.

If you have any additional questions don’t hesitate to call Customer Services on 01582 430 900 or get in touch via our contact page.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

You, Your Quingo and the Highway Code

It’s great to have the freedom and access a Quingo gives you over the winter months.

On the blog this week we wanted give you a refresher on the Highway Code for scooter users, so you can ride around this winter with maximum confidence!

The Highway Code offers essential guidance for your safety and the safety of others, and we will discuss the easy things to remember when out and about.

Using Pavements

A class 2 scooter that is restricted to 4mph, or a class 3 scooter that has been switched to the limited 4mph setting can both be used on pavements.

At all times, pedestrians have right of way on footpaths. You must always allow them to pass first, giving them ample space to move out of your way.

It goes without saying, but you must always exercise extra caution around both the elderly, who may have visual impairments or be hard of hearing, and young children who may not become aware of you as quickly.

Extra caution must also be taken when attempting to cross a road. The best thing to do is to find a drop down kerb, ideally at a pedestrian crossing. With standard scooters it is advised that you approach kerbs from straight on, however with a Quingo it is safe to approach at an angle of up to 45° – this is due to the stability of Quingo’s 5 wheel technology.

Mobility scooters must not use cycle lanes, bus lanes or motorways.

Quingo Scooter user

Using Roads

In order to use your scooter on the road, it must comply the specifications of a class 3 scooter. Class 3 scooters must not be used on the road.

Your scooter must be capable of more than 4mph and have an upper speed limit of 8mph. It must also feature a switch allowing the top speed to be limited to 4mph for use on footpaths and pavements.

The scooter must feature a headlight, rear lights, flashing indicators, a horn and a mirror.

It is important to consider that if you use your scooter on the road, you are more vulnerable as you are exposed and slower than other vehicles. But if you adhere to the Highway Code at all times – keeping to the left side of the carriageway, following all signs and signals and using your lights and indicators as appropriate – you should be good to go!

At junctions, remember to take extra care and ensure that there is no vehicle likely to cross your path. Remember to always look behind you before you pull out.

When turning right:

  1. Pull to the left hand kerb
  2. Make sure there is no oncoming traffic
  3. Look behind you, not just using your mirrors
  4. Ensure there are no vehicles coming from behind
  5. Execute your manoeuvre!

If there is a roundabout incorporated into your journey, try to find an alternative route. This is because they offer greater risks to the slower moving and less visible scooter. If this is not possible simply remember to exercise great caution.

Quingo Road 2
Quingo user driving on the road

Parking

The rules for parking your mobility scooter on public highways are similar to the rules parking a car. If you park your scooter on a footpath you must not obstruct the footpath and it must be clearly visible.

Being Seen

We strongly advise that you wear high visibility clothing in addition to having lights on your scooter, to ensure maximum visibility!

Some more advice for being seen on the roads can be found in our previous article on preparing for the darker evenings.

This information is for general guidance only – please check the UK Government website for more details.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Maintenance, Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

Preparing for the Darker Evenings

Your Quingo can be a vital lifeline during the cold winter months but you do need to take a few precautions when using any vehicle at this time of year.

Following the end of British Summer Time and the clocks going back, the team here wanted to share some advice about keeping safe now the evenings are darker when out and about on your scooter.

One of the major considerations when out and about in the winter is low visibility. When the sun goes down at 3:30pm there’s precious little daylight, but there are a number of simple precautions you can take to make sure that you are safe and sound.

 

Clothing

With the dark nights drawing in, it’s essential to make sure that both you and your mobility scooter can be clearly seen. The simplest and most effective thing you can do is to make sure you are wearing high visibility items especially if you are riding your mobility scooter in the dark.

You can buy high visibility bibs like this one to put on the back of your scooter, however a high visibility vest put over the back of the scooter works just as well too.

Lights and maintenance

If you’re using your mobility scooter on the roads when it is dark, you should have some safety lights already on the front and rear of your scooter, the only Quingo model that doesn’t feature lights is the Air 2, as well as a set of indicators. But if not they are definitely worth investing in, as this ensures that you remain fully visible to other road users at all times.

It is also important to remember to check the bulbs and also clean the lights regularly to ensure that you can be seen.

Crossing Roads

If you need to cross a road, try and do so at a designated crossing if possible as these will be well lit and may feature traffic lights to make you even safer. If in doubt wait for any traffic to have come to a complete stop or clear at pedestrian crossings.

If a pedestrian crossing is not available make sure you have plenty of time to cross the road and that you have a clear exit point to mount the pavement on the other side, if possible pick an area without parked cars.

Keep in touch

It’s essential that you carry a mobile phone on you whilst out and about in case of emergencies. Hopefully you won’t need it, but you have it just in case you need to contact anyone.

Make someone aware

It’s equally important in the winter to make sure a loved one or someone else, such as a next door neighbour, is aware of the fact you are going out for a ride and where you are going.

Plan your route

Preparation is key to going anywhere in the darker evenings. It’s a good idea to consider altering your normal route or making journeys during daylight hours if possible.

Your safety when driving your Quingo is our main priority. That’s why we recommend all of these points to ensure you are fully prepared for the darker afternoons and evenings. If you have any questions please call customer services on 01582 430 900.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog.

Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

You, winter weather conditions and your Quingo Scooter

As the end of the year draws ever closer and winter approaches, the team at Quingo Mobility Scooters share advice on how to prepare and cope with the worsening weather.

Protective Measures

The great thing about having a mobility scooter is it allows you to get out and about in the bad weather. It goes without saying, but the colder it gets the more layers you’ll need when out and about on your mobility scooter, particularly as you will be sitting still and more likely to feel the cold.  Lots of thinner layers and thermals are advised. Hoods on your outerwear or a hat are a very good idea, and a waterproof anorak or cagoule would probably be your best bet for the changeable and unpredictable weather. Waterproofs can also reduce any wind chill. Gloves and thick socks with waterproof boots will help protect those extremities that suffer so much from the cold and poor circulation.

Heated handle grips are an option for the Toura and Vitess models helping to keep your hands warm when going out on cold and frosty mornings.

To protect you and your Quingo there is the all-weather removable canopy. It has roll up doors and protection from the wind and rain when you need it. The canopy consists of a sturdy metal frame that is attached to the chassis of your scooter. There are two types of canopies – those for the Quingo Classic and Plus and those for the Quingo Toura and Vitess. See our earlier post where we discuss the Quingo all-weather removable canopy in more detail.

Route Planning

The safety a Quingo can bring on your journey is key, especially in potentially difficult weather, manoeuvrability and supreme stability are going to make your journey so much easier and give you much more confidence.

As the weather worsens, it’s essential to make sure the route you plan to take on your mobility scooter is safe and that a friend or relative knows where you are going along with your estimated time of arrival home or at your destination. It is also wise to take a mobile phone if possible in case of any difficulties.

No matter how stable your scooter is, when the ground is icy, it’s worth considering whether the route you plan to take has any steep inclines or other hazards. It might take a bit longer, but it’s safer to consider an alternative, flatter route.

The Quingo team always advise to put off any unnecessary journeys if particularly treacherous weather is forecast.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.