Other things to consider

Service

Your mobility scooter should be regularly serviced by a qualified service technician. That means you'll need to buy a brand of scooter that has a service centre or agent in your region. When you're buying, ask how the service agent will get to you if your scooter needs repairs or servicing. It's no good if you have to send your scooter to Auckland for repairs if you live in Timaru.

Some manufacturers recommend their scooters should have a safety check similar to a warrant of fitness every six months. This should include servicing of the brakes, electronics, tyre pressure, batteries and controls.

Also check the fine print in your warranty. What is covered and for how long? Some warranties specify certain parts that aren't covered for the full warranty period and others attach conditions. For example, the Invacare warranty is only valid if the six-monthly safety check is carried out by an authorised Invacare agent.

However, under the Consumer Guarantees Act manufacturers and retailers are obliged to guarantee that the products they sell be of an acceptable quality and be fit for their purpose. Most big ticket purchases, including mobility scooters, can be expected to perform well for many years, not just the period covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

All mobility scooter owners can join the Automobile Association for assistance in the event of a breakdown or flat battery. If you buy a Joy Ride scooter, you get a free two-year AA membership.

Scooters and the law

Mobility scooters aren't considered to be motor vehicles, provided they are no more than 90cm wide and have a maximum possible speed of six kilometres per hour. However, most of the scooters we found on the market can go faster than this, and they can be "souped up" to go even quicker.

Mobility scooters are covered by Standards New Zealand in a section on motorised wheelchairs. But, it isn't compulsory that these scooters comply - distributors can import what they like. We think the regulations should be tightened up.

Since 2005, under the Road User rule, mobility scooters are classified with pedestrians, skateboards and two wheeled scooters. This means you don't need a driver's licence, warrant of fitness, or registration.

The rule says you must drive your scooter on the footpath if one is available. You should only drive on the road if there is no alternative, and should keep as close as is practical to the edge of the road at all times. Use pedestrian crossings and traffic lights to cross the road where they are available.

You are not allowed to operate a scooter (or skateboard) at a speed which might be a hazard to other footpath users, and must operate it in a careful and considerate manner.

Borrowing a scooter

Some regional or local authorities provide mobility scooters that can be borrowed for free to help you get around the city centre. Ring your local council to see if this is available in your area.

Insurance

Most contents policies cover mobility scooters, but it pays to check with your insurance company just to make sure. There are no special requirements for insuring scooters, and you shouldn't have to individually specify them in the policy. However, as with any contents covered by an insurance policy, you must take reasonable care to avoid loss at all times.