Using a mobility scooter in winter snow & ice

An estimated 500,000 people in the UK rely on a mobility scooter to get around come rain or shine. And when mobility scooters are a lifeline, it's not always possible to park them up until wintery weather improves. We've put together a quick guide to using a scooter in the depths of a British winter.

Tyres

While it is possible to have winter tyres fitted to a mobility scooter, most users will stick with the road tyres which are as standard as they cope well with the majority of conditions.

Whichever type of tyre you have, check manufacturer guidelines and make sure you top up the air pressure as required. Remember, properly inflated tyres improve handling, help extend your scooter's range and are better at cutting through slush.

If you suffer a puncture, don't forget ETA mobility scooter insurance pays up to £100 to get it repaired.

Batteries

You may have noticed you don't get as much range from your mobility scooter in winter. It's because batteries don't like the cold. Of the various types of battery fitted to mobility scooters (Lithium-ion conventional lead-acid, advanced lead acid (AGM) and GEL), lithium-ion batteries perform best in the cold. However, they are more expensive to buy. Whatever type of mobility scooter batteries you use, keep them topped up and replace when they become unreliable.

Mobility scooter breakdown cover

Breakdowns are especially unwelcome in winter, so be prepared. While it's possible to buy standalone mobility scooter breakdown for a good price, you get best value when it's included for free within a full insurance policy.

For example, we offer a fully-comprehensive policy with no hidden costs; and it's great value at £65 per year for a scooter or powered wheelchair worth up to £3,500. Every policy includes:

• Theft and Damage*
• Personal Accident up to £20,000
• Personal liability up to £2m
• Breakdown Cover for you and your mobility scooter
• Hospital Benefit up to £250
• Personal Assault/Mugging up to £250
• Personal Effects up to £250
• Puncture cover up to £100

* You can insure your scooter for £3,500, £5,000. £7,500 or even £10,000. Mobility scooter insurance from the ETA is great value at £65 per year for a scooter or powered wheelchair worth up to £3,500. Better still, you can buy the same policy to cover two people at the same address for a total price of only £90 per year - a 30 per cent saving.

Find out more about ETA mobility scooter insurance here or if you prefer to talk to one of our friendly advisers, call 0333 000 1234.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.