Mobility Scooters: Preventing Thefts

Surveys show that more than 15,000 mobile scooters get stolen a year. Among them, police are able to return just 20%. The unfortunate thing is that up to 45% of the vehicles are stolen because the owners forget to lock them up. Given below are some safety tips if you are someone concerned about the safety of your motorized vehicle.

How to prevent thefts of mobility scooters?

Do the following to make sure that your scooter stays safe with you.

1. Keep it locked

Take care to lock your scooter when not in use. You may be inside your home. It may also happen that the trip may be so short that you don’t expect anything unwanted. Still, you should make sure that your vehicle stays stable; no intruder should be able to lift it without creating a commotion. Make good use of the immobilizers, padlocks and other safety equipment installed on it. It is also recommended that you should make it impossible to start the device without a key. Go for the model which comes along with an ignition key. If you wish, you can also purchase it separately for your vehicle.

2. Go for wheel clamps

If you find it difficult not to worry about your scooter, install wheel clamps. This makes sure that the vehicle does not move even slightly without detaching them. It may appear difficult if you are unable to take them away when going for a ride. In such an instance, you can keep it hidden from view. Locking the device in your garage is something you can try in this regard.

3. Try to be a bit disorganized

It is true that people love to maintain a set pattern in life. But, know that this creates a situation where understanding your routine becomes an easy job for an intruder. Introduce slight changes in your routine; try to go to shopping at unpredictable times. Parking your vehicle in different places too is an effective way to deter thieves.

4. Tag your scooter

Tagging your scooter is another way to protect it from getting stolen. This does not mean to say that tagged vehicles are safer even in the absence of security devices. It just deters unwanted guests a bit. Even if it gets lost, you can get it back. The tag would help the police to assist you to retrieve it.

5. Insure it

Do not live under the wrong impression that your scooter’s twelve-month warranty would help you in times of trouble. It may offer protection in certain situations. But, this too is not full-proof. Even your home insurance is not going to be of help. Explore the Internet; you would come across numerous agencies offering insurance protection for mobility vehicles. Consulting with your home insurance agent too may be of great advantage to you in the matter.

Remember, mobility scooters are quite expensive. Replacing one is sure to completely drain your budget if you are an average wage-earner. Stay alert, install the required safety tools and allow yourself this independence for a lifetime.

Todd Dawson Is a freelance writer