How to set up a mobility scooter repair business

Demand for mobility scooter repairs is rising as more people rely on them. Tradespeople with the right skills have a great opportunity to set up in business to service this growing sector. Our article shows you how.

Why there are more mobility scooters?

Mobility scooters give people the freedom to live more active lives. People with a range of disabilities and infirmities benefit from this handy mode of transport. They are also used more as our population gets older.

Of course, only a fraction of these people will use mobility scooters. But that's still a high and growing number.

Here are some of the main reasons why:

• We have an ageing population as people are living longer

• Older people want to enjoy active lives even if their mobility is restricted

• You can drive mobility scooters on pavements and roads without needing a licence or training

• Access is getting easier to drive mobility scooters in towns and cities

• Mobility scooters come in a range of sizes and types, including more rugged versions for more difficult terrain

More mobility scooters = more repairs

That leads us to the obvious question: who maintains and repairs mobility scooters?

There is a business opportunity for tradespeople with the right skills and training for repairing mobility scooters.

It’s then down to you to set up a mobility scooter repair business. With the right preparation, your business could be up and running in no time.

Know the rules for using mobility scooters

Understand more about mobility scooters by getting up to speed with the different types available.

That way, you can provide your customers with more than just repairs.

• People will rely on your wider knowledge of mobility scooters

• High quality repair work is a surefire way to increase someone's loyalty to your business

As with any trade, the more you know, the more customers will trust you. With something like mechanical repairs, and especially for mobility scooters, that will lead to repeat work.

Why mobility scooters need regular maintenance

Like any piece of machinery or transport, mobility scooters need regular maintenance. And when things go wrong, they need repairs.

Things that will need repairs and work doing are much like cars:

• Changing tyres

• Changing batteries

• Fixing electrical faults

• Changing lightbulbs

Scooter users often rely extensively on them for their mobility. It’s a huge benefit knowing a skilled tradesperson is available locally to keep them moving.

That could be both for unexpected repairs as well as regular servicing.

Common problems with mobility scooters

Typical repairs you need on mobility scooters include:

• Electric battery – not working properly or not holding its charge

• Not starting when you turn it on

• Bolts and nuts that work loose from regular usage

• Brakes not working properly

• Control board and electric circuitry are faulty

• Issues with tyres, including low pressure and punctures

• Speed controls not working as they should – problems with the throttle

Regular maintenance work for mobility scooters

Like most forms of transport, mobility scooters require regular services to keep them in top condition. This is especially important for users who rely on them for getting around.

Maintenance includes:

• Cleaning

• Checking the condition of ‘wear and tear’ items, like tyres

• Checking moving parts are in good condition and working properly

Skills needed for mobility scooter repairs

Keeping mobility scooters running smoothly requires a range of trade skills. These include:

• Electrical for battery functions

• Mechanical for structural issues with the scooter

• A certain amount of computer and software knowledge

• Fault-finding skills so you can understand what causes problems and know how to solve them

If you need to learn new skills. mobility scooter repair training is available. Find courses available from companies like Mobility Equipment Training.

Getting your repair business started

Once you’ve decided to set up a mobility scooter repair business, there are practical steps you can take to get it off the ground.

Look for opportunities

As we’ve said, mobility scooter repairs benefit from having the local touch. You can begin by researching whether there are other specialists in your area.

You could:

• Team up with other tradespeople who have the skills necessary for repairing mobility scooters

• Join a franchise offered by a larger business or a supplier of mobility scooters

• Provide a mobile service to save paying for premises – customers are likely to prefer home visits

Decide on the type of business you want to set up

Next, think about on the type of business structure that best suits you. There are three main types of trade business:

• Sole trader – that’s just you running the business on your own

• Partnership – join up with other tradespeople and share business ownership

• Limited company – register with Companies House and have shareholders

Put in place a business plan to help you map how to make a success of your mobility scooter repair work.

How to write a business plan

Why use a business plan for a small business? Every business needs to create a business plan. But what is it? A business plan is a written document that outlines: 1. Where you are now 2. Where you want your business to be in the future 3. How you're going to get there. A clear business plan will

Learn more

Finding customers for your trade business

For a mobility scooter repair business, learning the art of good customer relationships can put you on the road to success. After all, your customers will rely on your skills and availability to keep them mobile.

Finding customers in your local area is vital and Checkatrade can make it easier for you. Checkatrade members receive our help with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.

They include:

• Dedicated membership advice team

• Work guarantee up to £1,000

• Exclusive offers and discounts

• Up to 20% off Public Liability Insurance

• Reduced cost of workwear and branding

• Savings on other business essentials such as vans, fuel and materials

In 2024, Checkatrade saw over 24,000 searches for mobility-related jobs, including mobility scooter repair.* Do you think this is the time to start a new business and see the benefits of that existing interest?

Is a Checkatrade membership worth it?

One way to figure out whether the cost of something is worth it is to look at ROI (Return on Investment). In its most basic sense, this is how much something costs compared with the income it generates. Working out the ROI of a Checkatrade membership is definitely a must-do for any trade business

Learn more

Key takeaways

• Demand is growing for mobility scooters with a rise in the number of older and disabled people

• You’ll need a broad range of trade skills to set up a mobility scooter repair business, including electrical, mechanical and general maintenance knowledge

• You can start a trade business on your own as a sole trader, in partnership with other like-minded tradespeople, or by setting up a limited company with shareholders

• Look for local business opportunities as many mobility scooter owners will prefer using a professional they can trust who is close at hand should they need them

* Internal data from users of the checkatrade.com website in 2024