How to Safely Operate a Pride Mobility Scooter

Ease of use is one of the most striking things about Pride mobility scooters. 

Pride’s scooters come with the company’s proprietary EZ Turn Technology, which makes them relatively easier to maneuver than scooters by rival brands. 

Pride also insists on large pneumatic wheels and elevated suspensions. This combination helps to maintain optimal stability, especially while driving along sloppy or uneven terrain. 

Coupled with their large and comfortable seats, it’s understandable why Pride mobility scooters are often highly recommended. 

But like most scooter brands, Pride mobility scooters can appear intimidating for newbies. Therefore, a bit of a learning curve is critical to safely operate these motorcycles. 

Read below for a comprehensive guide to using Pride mobility scooters.

1. Read the Manual

The quickest way to master Pride mobility scooters is to thoroughly read the owner’s manual. 

Each Pride scooter comes with elaborate instructions on common troubleshooting issues. There are insights on checking tire inflation (for pneumatic tires), inspecting the braking system, and battery maintenance tips, etc. 

Go through the manual before using your Pride scooter for the first time and before performing any scooter repair.

2. Ensure Proper Tire Inflation 

Inappropriate tire pressure can ruin what could have been a thrilling scooter ride. 

Underinflated tires increase the risks of punctures and blowouts, while overinflated tires are less efficient at absorbing shocks from road irregularities. 

The ideal tire pressure for most Pride mobility scooters is 30 – 35 pounds per square inch (psi). Unless otherwise advised, aim for 30 psi for front tires and 35 psi for rear tires.

3. Test Electrical Components 

Pride mobility scooters come with various electrical components, including the battery and lighting systems. 

Test these parts before going on any ride, whether at nighttime or during the day. 

Pay particular attention to the battery terminals and ensure they’re free from dirt, grime, or rust. 

4. Break in Your Scooter’s Battery 

As with most mobility scooter brands, Pride’s batteries require “break-in” charging before riding the motorcycle for the first time. A break-in charge typically needs a longer charging duration of 8 – 14 hours. 

Once fully charged, ride the scooter in your yard for about an hour while testing all battery-supported controls. This helps to accustom the battery to what it’s designed to do. 

Repeat the process for five charging cycles before you hit the streets with your new Pride mobility scooter.

5. Fully Recharge Your Scooter’s Battery  

Pride mobility scooter batteries have an average lifespan of eighteen months, during which a single full charge can last up to 12 hours. However, the actual durability of Pride’s batteries depends on your charging and riding habits. 

One way to preserve your Pride battery’s life is to recharge it for the recommended timespan. Undercharging and overcharging can both be detrimental to the battery’s efficiency. 

Note that a full charge isn’t necessarily 100%. Aim for a 90% charge instead. This prevents heat and stress, which can degrade your scooter battery. 

Pride also advises against allowing your scooter battery to fully discharge before recharging. A good practice is to recharge the battery with around 20% remaining charge. 

Needless to say, only charge your Pride mobility scooter battery with the recommended charger. If the original charger got lost or is irreparably damaged, contact the company’s dealerships for a replacement immediately. 

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto.com

6. Check the Brakes 

Having your mobility scooter brakes fail while cruising at top speeds can be a dreadful experience. It’s only worse if the brakes jam while driving along a crowded or rocky path. 

While Pride mobility scooters have energy-saving regenerative braking systems, the brakes can easily fail without proper maintenance. The best way to avoid unforeseen braking incidents is to test your mobility scooter’s brakes before going on any ride. 

Take a low-speed cruise around your property and engage the brake levels, paying attention to stiffness or scraping sounds. Use an Allen wrench to tighten or loosen the bolts as required. 

7. Drive Safely

With your Pride mobility scooter’s brakes and batteries functioning optimally, putting the pedal to the metal is intuitive. However, driving at break-neck speeds might be your last mistake on a mobility scooter. 

Pride’s scooters vary in speed from 5.25 to 15.5 miles per hour (mph). But even if you opt for a scooter in the higher speed range, it’s safer to stick to 4 mph – the recommended speed limit for most mobility scooters. 

Other safe driving tips include decelerating on uneven ground, avoiding stop-starting your scooter, and keeping off high grass.

8. Maintain a Safe Incline Angle

Incline angle affects your mobility scooter’s stability on sloppy ground. 

Even advanced models with higher incline angles, such as the Baja Wrangler 2, may tip if you exceed the recommended incline. 

Since incline angle is a bigger problem during steep ascents and descents, the general rule is to slow down and assume a 90-degree posture as much as possible.

Wrap Up

Although Pride manufactures some of the most user-friendly mobility scooters, initial training and constant practice are necessary to become adept at these motorcycles. We hope this post provides the information you need to properly operate Pride mobility scooters. 

Remember, mastering your Pride mobility scooter doesn’t discount the significance of safety while on the roads. 

Stick to the recommended speed limits, flash your indicators to warn other road users, and only ride on designated paths. 

More importantly, schedule routine inspections to keep your Pride mobility scooter in peak shape.