The theft of mobility scooters is unfortunately turning into a generally very frequent event. As indicated by police data (collated from a Freedom of Information request by the National Federation of Shopmobility UK), the total estimation of mobility scooters stolen in 2015 was £615,730.
They're often taken by opportunistic thieves, either to sell on or for drives around (albeit rather sedate ones, as most just arrive at rates of 4-8mph). This leaves the mobility scooter proprietor without a methods for transportation and prevents them from having the option to continue with their day by day life. In the event that you've recently bought a scooter, follow our reasonable steps to keep it make sure about and lessen its danger being stolen.
Pick a scooter with an ignition starter key
Some mobility scooters can be started by just squeezing a button, rather than turning an ignition key, which can make them simple for thieves to take whenever left unattended.
In the event that your scooter does have a starter key, make certain to eliminate it on the off chance that you leave the scooter unattended for any time.
Remember that regardless of whether a thief doesn't have a key, they may still have the option to freewheel the scooter away without starting the motor, which is the reason a wheel clasp or lock is likewise a smart thought (see underneath).
Utilize a wheel clasp or lock
It's conceivable to purchase a wheel brace to lock the haggles the scooter from being moved away. They as a rule retail for under £20, in any case, you'll need to have enough mobility and flexibility to stoop down and attach it to the wheel when it's left unattended.
Additionally, a long link or chain that can be injury round the haggles a fixed post or stand and made sure about with a padlock will act as a deterrent to thieves.
Consider a scooter alert
Generally accessible from numerous old consideration websites, scooter alerts are effectively fitted to your scooter. When the alert is set, it will emit a commotion in the event that it detects movement (for instance, somebody sitting on or trying to wheel the scooter away). Often, an attention-drawing commotion can sufficiently be to deter an eventual thief.
Fit a tracker
Another option is to fit a tracker some place on the scooter, ideally not on display, which you can activate if the vehicle is stolen. These work through GPS and track where the scooter goes. Many work by sending a text message notification to alert the proprietor concerning the scooter's whereabouts, so you should have a cell phone. Some work on a pay-more only as costs arise premise, while others have a monthly tariff.
Don't leave it on show outside your home
Numerous individuals bring their mobility scooter indoors at the day's end to charge it overnight. Notwithstanding, in the event that you have a scooter with a detachable battery and you leave it outside your home or in a patio or carport overnight, ensure it's not obvious from the street.
Indeed, even a mobility scooter cover could assist with concealing it away from prying eyes and lessen the danger of theft.
Get it registered
A national plan has been set up to urge mobility scooter proprietors to register their vehicles. While this won't really debilitate theft, it could make it simpler for you to be reunited with a stolen scooter on the off chance that it is recuperated later on.
The National Mobility Register is a database run by the National Federation of Shopmobility UK. It costs £12 per year to register and you'll be given a sticker to put on the scooter so that if police recuperate it, they can check who possesses it and return it rapidly.
Don't forget – check your protection strategy
Some family unit contents protection suppliers will cover your mobility scooter, but it's worth double-watching that this is the situation, as it might rely upon whether the scooter is authorized for street use. It's additionally conceivable to purchase mobility scooter-explicit protection, which can cover public liability, breakdowns, puncture fix and key misfortune.