Advice for Mobility Scooter Users

Falls are now the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) throughout the developed world. Australians aged 65 years and over account for almost two-thirds of all TBI deaths in hospital – 1 in every 6 the result of a fall.

Falls-Related Brain Injury

Falls-related brain injury page is one of Brain Injury Australia's education campaigns.

Mobility scooters are designed for people who can safely operate the device, but find it difficult to walk long distances due to injury, or disability, such as a brain injury. There are over 120,000 mobility scooter users Australia-wide, a number that is expected to reach 280,000 within 10 years due to Australia’s ageing population.

Brain Injury Australia and Blue Badge Insurance, Australia’s first specialist in mobility and independence insurance and a partner of Brain Injury Australia, offer the following advice for users of mobility scooters to ensure they stay safe and help prevent falls while using their equipment*:

Ensure a mobility scooter is a safe choice for you by asking your doctor or Occupational Therapist’s advice before you consider purchasing a mobility scooter.
Choose the right mobility scooter for you. There are many different types of mobility scooters available today so seek the advice of a reputable dealer who can help you find the best product to meet your needs and show you how to use it properly.
Be seen! It’s important to stay visible so consider purchasing safety equipment including flags, lights and reflectors.
Watch out for vehicles leaving and entering driveways, never assume the driver has seen you.
Stick to footpaths. Only ride on roads if there is no footpath and ensure you can be seen.
Only cross roads at pedestrian crossings and wait for the green light.
Don’t block pedestrians access when you park your mobility scooter.
Adjust your driving to the conditions and don’t use slopes that are too steep for your mobility scooter.
Make turns slowly.
Be alert of your surroundings and be patient.
Don’t block pedestrians access when you park your mobility scooter.
Adjust your driving to the conditions and don’t use slopes that are too steep for your mobility scooter.
Make turns slowly.
Approach ramps and kerbs head on.
Keep the load down – don’t carry too many parcels.
Have a backup plan in case of a breakdown. Always charge your batteries and carry a spare tube if you have to pump up tires.
Get your scooter serviced annually to keep it in top operating condition.
Legal requirements – check the relevant requirements for your state or territory with your road traffic authority.

*These safety tips are not a substitute for specific professional advice. Blue Badge Insurance recommends that you always speak to a health professional and personally try out mobility products to ensure its suitability before purchasing.

It is also important to consider insuring your mobility scooter to help protect you and your equipment. Blue Badge Insurance offers a Comprehensive Mobility Scooter Insurance policy designed specifically for mobility scooter users. Find out more by contacting Blue Badge on 1300 304 802 or visit Blue Badge’s website.

For more brain-injury related information, download the Guidelines for the prescription of a seated wheelchair or mobility scooter for people with a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, a publication of the NSW Government.