A complete analysis of the problems of mobility scooters for the elderly

A complete analysis of the problems of mobility scooters for the elderly: helping international wholesale buyers to select products accurately

Introduction
As the global aging trend intensifies, the market demand for mobility scooters for the elderly continues to rise. For international wholesale buyers, in-depth understanding of the various problems of the core component of mobility scooters for the elderly will not only help to select products accurately, but also provide customers with high-quality after-sales support and enhance market competitiveness. This article will analyze the problems of mobility scooters for the elderly from multiple dimensions such as common motor failures, maintenance, and accessories selection, and help buyers stand out in the overseas market.

1. Common failures and causes of mobility scooter motors for the elderly

(I) Increased motor noise

Cause analysis: The abnormal increase in noise during motor operation is mostly caused by bearing wear. As a key supporting component of the motor, the bearing wears out after long-term use, and the gap becomes larger, resulting in looseness and friction during operation, which in turn produces noise. In addition, if foreign matter enters the motor, it will collide with the components during operation, causing noise.
Fault manifestation: When the vehicle is driving, the driver can clearly hear a “buzzing” or “creaking” sound coming from the motor part, and as the speed increases, the noise becomes more and more harsh, affecting the driving experience, and even covering up the surrounding traffic sounds, posing a safety hazard.
(II) Power reduction
Cause analysis: Insufficient motor power is common after overload operation. If the elderly scooter is fully loaded for a long time or climbs frequently, the motor will be overloaded, the internal coil temperature will rise, and the insulation material will age, resulting in a short circuit between the coil turns, reducing the current transmission efficiency and greatly reducing the power output. In addition, local damage to the motor coil will also weaken the magnetic field strength and affect the power output.
Fault manifestation: The vehicle accelerates slowly, the maximum speed is reduced, and the road section that was originally easy to climb becomes strenuous, and there may even be an embarrassing situation of stalling halfway up the slope, which seriously affects travel efficiency.
(III) Motor overheating
Cause analysis: Poor heat dissipation is the main cause of motor overheating. The motor generates a lot of heat when it is running. If the heat dissipation channel is blocked by dust and debris, the heat cannot be dissipated in time, causing the motor temperature to continue to rise. In addition, long-term high-speed driving and continuous high-power output of the motor, which exceeds the design load of the cooling system, can also cause overheating.
Fault manifestation: During driving, the temperature of the motor part is found to be abnormally high, and even a burning smell can be smelled. In severe cases, the vehicle’s overheating protection mechanism may be triggered, and the power supply may be automatically cut off, and the vehicle will lose power instantly.
(IV) The motor does not rotate
Cause analysis: Bearing damage is one of the common causes. The bearing is stuck or excessively worn, so that the motor rotor cannot rotate normally. In addition, the motor coil is burned and the current cannot pass, which will also cause the motor to “strike”. If the connection line between the motor and the controller is short-circuited or broken, the motor cannot be driven to operate.
Fault manifestation: When the vehicle starts, the motor has no response. Even if the throttle is turned, the vehicle does not move at all, and there may be odor or smoke, indicating that there is a serious fault inside the motor.
(V) Motor shaking
Cause analysis: The carbon brush is severely worn and the contact is poor, resulting in unstable current transmission, unstable motor operation, and shaking. If the motor is not installed firmly, the vehicle will also shake when it is bumpy.
Fault manifestation: When the vehicle is driving, the body shakes obviously, especially when accelerating or decelerating, which affects driving stability. Long-term shaking may also damage other parts of the vehicle.

2. Maintenance guide for electric scooters for the elderly

(I) Regular cleaning

Operation points: Use a soft brush and a hair dryer to regularly clean dust and debris around the motor to avoid blocking the heat dissipation channel. Remove the motor casing every once in a while, remove the internal dust and oil, and keep the inside of the motor clean.

Note: Do not use a high-pressure water gun when cleaning to prevent water from entering the motor and short-circuiting.

(II) Keep lubricated

Operation points: Use special lubricants to apply to key parts such as motor bearings and gears to reduce wear and friction of parts. According to the motor manual, reasonably control the amount of lubricant to avoid excessive lubricant absorbing dust, which will affect the operation of the motor.

Note: Different motors have different requirements for the type of lubricant, so be sure to use an adapted product.

(III) Check the circuit and connector

Operation points: Regularly check the motor circuit to check for signs of looseness, wear, and corrosion. If problems are found, repair or replace them in time. Ensure that the connectors between the motor, controller and battery are securely fastened and in good contact.
Notes: When checking the circuit, be sure to disconnect the power supply first to prevent electric shock accidents.
(IV) Reasonable use
Operation points: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking of the elderly scooter to reduce the instantaneous large load impact of the motor. Try not to use it for a long time in a humid and dusty environment to prevent the motor from getting damp and corroded.
Notes: During daily driving, pay attention to the driving status of the vehicle. If any abnormality is found, stop and check in time.
(V) Moisture-proof treatment
Operation points: After using it on rainy days, wipe the vehicle dry in time and park it in a ventilated and dry place. You can add a water retaining ring, a rain cap, or use high-performance shaft oil seals on the motor housing to enhance waterproofing.