Tag Archives: cold

Maintenance, Tips and Advice, Wellbeing

How Can I Look After My Mobility Scooter in Winter?

Having a Quingo Mobility Scooter can give you so much freedom over the chilly winter months, especially in the run up to Christmas!

However, you may be thinking about how you can look after your mobility scooter in winter and if it’s any different from usual. Yes, it is! In this post we’ve put together some top tips to ensure your mobility scooter runs smoothly this winter.

Maintaining your mobility scooter in winter can be done in a few simple steps. The below tips will ensure safety and optimal performance of your scooter.

Check your mobility scooter’s power supply

As you probably would have guessed, the cold temperatures of winter can affect your scooter’s power supply. By storing your scooter in a warmer area when it’s not in use, you can ensure the battery remains in a good condition.  However, if storage in a warmer area isn’t an option for you, simply be extra vigilant. Check your mobility scooter’s power level before every trip, even if it was full the night before. Taking your scooter out for a spin most days will keep your battery healthy too, so the more you use it the better!

Layer up – you and your scooter!         

When you’re sat on your mobility scooter, you will feel the cold more as you’re sat still. Wearing lots of thinner layers are a good idea, and thermals are even better. Don’t get caught out in the rain and snow either – make sure your outerwear has a hood! Speaking of outerwear, waterproofs are best as they can reduce wind chill.

It’s also recommended that you protect your Quingo from the weather too! The all-weather removable canopy has roll up doors and protection from the wind and rain when you need it. Find our more information about the all-weather removable canopy here.

Plan a safer, alternative route just in case

It’s essential to make sure the route you plan to take on your mobility scooter is safe as the winter weather takes its toll. Even though you may have a stable mobility scooter, it’s always best avoiding a route that has steep inclines or other hazards when the ground is icy. It may take a bit longer, but it’s safer to consider a route that’s more flat.

Stay in the loop

It’s a good idea to take a mobile phone out with you when you go out on your scooter, just in case there are any unforeseen hiccups. Your mobile should have an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number in its phone book. Alternatively, if you don’t have a mobile phone, you can always carry a small book of contact numbers with you.

Have a wonderful winter!

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter 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

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Quingo in Winter

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

In order to keep your Quingo in tip-top shape there are some simple maintenance checks you can regularly undertake, these are to ensure safety and optimal performance of your scooter. As the winter fast approaches it is even more important that a few more checks are carried out more regularly.

There is nothing better than wrapping up warm and going for a ride on your mobility scooter in the crisp, clean winter air! So we wanted to share some tips and advice on a few aspects of the cold that can affect your Quingo, and how to easily prevent these.

Power

The chilly winter weather could affect your scooter’s power supply, but one way to stop this from happening is to store your mobility scooter in a heated area when it is not in use. This will ensure the battery remains in a good condition throughout the winter months.

If heated storage isn’t an option, all it requires is a bit of extra vigilance. Get into a routine of checking your power level before every trip, even if it was full last night. It goes without saying, but simply charging your battery regularly and taking your Quingo out for a spin most days will keep your battery ticking over. This will help to keep the power supply healthy and reliable despite the cold!

In winter, the cold weather can sometimes cause your mobility scooter battery to run down a little bit quicker than usual, but all you need to do is keep an eye on your scooter’s energy levels whilst you’re out and about, especially on longer trips.

We have also written a brief guide on battery care here in a previous post, and check out our guide for charging and getting the best performance out of your Quingo’s batteries here.

Tyres

Good traction is vital to your safety when out and about, especially so in the winter. Ice, snow, moisture and even dead leaves can cause slippery conditions. Quingo’s 5 wheel stability system makes the Quingo an ideal choice for these types of conditions, along with the wheels of the Quingo being covered in thick tread – so you shouldn’t have any problems at all!

While these tyres are durable and robust, natural wear and tear over time can reduce their effectiveness. Make sure you conduct regular checks to ensure the tyres on your scooter are in good condition and fully inflated – the correct pressure will give you added grip in slippy conditions. If necessary, replace your tyres before the winter sets in properly.

 Quingo

 Cleaning

Mud, oil and salt amongst other things can be picked up during your Quingo’s winter travels. Regularly cleaning your mobility scooter the best you can will help keep it not only looking good but working great too.

Regular cleaning will help prevent any corrosion that might occur such as rust on the metal parts and pitting on chrome surfaces.

For advice on your battery or anything else mentioned in this post, please complete the enquiry form or contact our customer service team on 01582 430 900. Keep these points in mind, stay safe on the roads and most importantly enjoy the winter!

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.

 

Accessories

What cold weather accessories are available for my Quingo?

Does the prospect of lower temperatures or getting caught in a sudden winter shower put you off getting out and about?

Today, the Quingo team would like to highlight some useful accessory options that might help you cope with these colder, wetter days and make your experience even better.

Finding out more about the options available

We appreciate that no two peoples’ needs are the same, so our accessories have been specially designed to meet a diverse range of needs.

These accessory options will help you get through the winter months and make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Heated Handlebar Grips

Heated handlebar grips are a welcome addition to those who suffer from poor blood circulation, arthritis or to those who simply don’t like the cold. Expertly fitted by qualified Quingo engineers, this extremely useful accessory for Vitess and Toura models fits over your existing handlebars, just in front of the accelerator and reverse lever and are connected to the 12 volt plug, similar to a cigarette lighter on the inside of the tiller.

Quingo Scooters

The installation includes a temperature dial so you can set how hot you would like your handlebars to get or can be turned off completely during the summer months.

Heated handlebar grips are available for the Vitess and Toura and cost £150 when ordered with the scooter or £150 plus a £59.12 call out fee if you would like them retrospectively fitted. Please call Customer Services on 01582 430 900 for more details.

Quingo High capacity – water resistant – Front Shopping Box

The water resistant Front Shopping Box provides a convenient way of keeping your valuables protected from the rain. The box attaches onto the front of your scooters chassis, unlike many other scooters meaning that the steering weight remains unaffected.

The cover features easy to open and close Velcro straps, so you can reach for items quickly. The box is constructed with a sturdy metal frame surrounded by a water resistant cover.

The dimensions of the high capacity front shopping box are close to double that of the standard basket and are as follows:

Quingo Scooters

The high capacity, water resistant front shopping box is available on selected models for £45. Please call Customer Services on 01582 430 900 for more details.

All Weather Removable Canopy

There are two types of All Weather Removable Canopy – those for the Quingo Classic and Quingo Plus, plus a newer stylish model to complement the design of the Quingo Vitess and Quingo Toura.

Quingo Scooters
The Quingo All Weather Removable Canopy available for the Quingo Classic and Quingo Plus

 

The canopy is see-through in critical areas and will protect you and your scooter from the effects of adverse weather. The canopy features roll up doors to offer full protection from wind and rain when you need it and excellent air flow when you don’t.

Quingo Scooters
The new stylish All Weather Removable Canopy to complement the design of the Quingo Vitess and Quingo Toura

 

The canopy consists of a sturdy metal frame that is attached to the chassis of your scooter, a large hard windscreen and the water resistant cover which conceals your Quingo from the elements on all sides.

The large door openings zip easily up and down with zip extending arms for those who can’t bend so far. This enables you to get in and out of your scooter easily and safely. You don’t need to worry about fitting this yourself – one of our skilled Quingo engineers will do that for you. All weather canopies are available on selected models from just £295. Please call Customer Services on 01582 430 900 for more details.

We want to hear from you

The friendly Quingo team are always more than happy to answer any questions you may have, whether you’re a Quingo owner or simply want to find out more. You can call our national advice line on 0808 100 65 70, Monday – Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm.

If you have any ideas for more accessories that you would like to see manufactured for your Quingo Scooter then we would love to hear from you.