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.
