Troubleshooting Your Mobility Scooter or Powerchair

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If you have a troubleshooting question that is not already answered here, please email us at info@ncmobilityrentals.com or call us toll-free at (800) 674-9349.

The mobility scooter/powerchair will not run. There are several reasons why a mobility scooter/powerchair may fail to operate - but the first thing to check is the battery. Check and make sure that the mobility scooter/powerchair charging unit is connected to the mobility scooter/powerchair, then plug the charger cord into a standard outlet. Continue charging the battery until the meter reads full.

The mobility scooter/powerchair is fully charged but will not run. 

There are several reasons why a mobility scooter/powerchair may fail to operate even when the battery is fully charged:   

The key is not in the scooter 

Insert the mobility scooter key into the keyhole and turn it to the ON position.   

The key is not inserted correctly 

Insert the mobility scooter key all the way into the keyhole and turn it to the ON position.   

Manual free-wheeling switch or lever 

Ensure that the manual freewheeling switch (or lever) is in the OFF position. This switch (or lever) is present so that you can disengage the motor and braking systems if you ever need to push the mobility scooter/powerchair manually.   

Power-save mode has activated 

Remove the key from the mobility scooter and wait for at least 30 seconds, then place the key back into the mobility scooter. The power-save feature prevents the battery from being discharged while the mobility scooter is not moving and while the key is in the vehicle. The activation time for this feature will differ based on your mobility scooter type but generally ranges anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes.   

Circuit breaker needs to be reset 

Push the main circuit breaker button to reset the motor. On some mobility scooter/powerchair, this is labeled the RESET button. 

Joystick not working 

If you press the power button and the red/yellow/green lights are moving back and forth like a windshield wiper then you have locked out the joystick. Some joysticks have a lock out feature, for safety, and therefore you will need to unlock it. To unlock the joystick, once you see the red/yellow/green lights moving back and forth, you will need to press the horn button twice and the lights should go steady and it will be unlocked.    

If you have a collapsible mobility scooter, you can also check for these potential problems:  

The batteries are not seated/connected properly 

Ensure that both batteries are seated correctly in the mobility scooter base. For clip-type batteries, ensure that both clips are connected fully to their respective battery terminals.   

Front-to-Rear Harness is not connected 

Ensure that the harness that connects the rear of the mobility scooter is connected properly to the front section of the vehicle. This harness can become dislodged during normal use if you have not connected it properly during re-assembly.   

The battery meter dips very low when I press the throttle or joystick. 

The battery meter dips very low when I press the throttle or joystick. The mobility scooter/powerchair batteries might have a very low charge. You should charge your batteries fully before continuing to operate the mobility scooter/powerchair. You can operate the vehicle on a low charge, but it’s not a good idea because the mobility scooter/powerchair might stop running with little or no warning.  If you’ve been using your current battery for a long time, there’s a chance they could be nearing the end of their effective use and it would be a good idea to have them load tested for strength. You can do this by contacting NC Mobility.   

The mobility scooter/powerchair hesitates or runs slowly even when I press the throttle or joystick fully. There are a few reasons why this might be happening:   

Low battery charge 

The mobility scooter/powerchair batteries may have a very low charge. You should charge your batteries fully before continuing to operate the mobility scooter/powerchair.   

Operating on an upward slope 

Hesitation may occur if you are operating the mobility scooter/powerchair on an inclined surface. Most mobility scooter/powerchair will run fine on a slight upward slope, but at a slower speed (or not at all if the slope is too great).   

Mobility scooter or powerchair is at maximum capacity 

If the mobility scooter/powerchair is carrying a rider that close to its maximum capacity, the vehicle may run slightly slower than normal (or not at all on an upward surface).   

My circuit breaker repeatedly trips. 

This generally indicates a problem with your mobility scooter/powerchair batteries. You may need to charge them more frequently if they are getting older or have been in use for a long time. If this is the case, it would be a good idea to have them load tested for strength. You can do this by contacting NC Mobility.  

NC Mobility can be reached six days a week M-F 10am-6pm and Sat 10am-4pm at (800) 674-9349.