Seacroft Mobility warns of Storm Goretti danger zones for mobility scooter users
Mobility retailer Seacroft Mobility is warning mobility scooter users of serious danger in the days ahead as Storm Goretti approaches.
From improving grip and charging batteries properly to staying visible and planning ahead, some practical steps can help users remain safe, confident and independent throughout the colder months, the retailer states.
According to UK Government statistics, more than 10 million people in the UK are living with mobility impairments, with extreme winter weather threatening to cut off some of the country’s most vulnerable residents from essential services, support, and social contact.
Snow and ice can drastically reduce grip, causing scooters to slide sideways, spin, or fail to stop, thereby increasing the risk of injury to users.
Older people are among the most vulnerable, with those aged 70 and over accounting for over five million of all people killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in 2025.
Icy conditions are increasing the risks for mobility scooter users this winter, but simple precautions can make a significant difference, the retailer states.
This winter, knowing how to stay safe on a mobility scooter in snow and ice could be lifesaving, says Daniel Swain, director of Lincolnshire-based Seacroft Mobility, who has put together a list of expert tips to make sure his customers are as safe as possible.
Daniel is advising the following tips for customers:
“1. Power up before you head out: Scooters usually use lead-acid or lithium batteries, and cold temperatures can slow chemical reactions, reduce usable capacity and increase the risk of permanent damage.
To get the most out of your battery this winter, bring it inside in the evenings and allow it to reach room temperature before charging fully for your next journey. We recommend charging up after every ride in winter.
- Add some grip: If you’re willing to brave snow and ice, anti-slip aids can offer extra grip. Products such as anti-slip covers are among the safest options, using rubber or silicone with raised tread patterns that wrap around the tyre to improve traction.
-
Catch their attention: Wearing a hi-vis vest or adding a hi-vis scooter cover can help drivers and pedestrians spot you more easily. With fogged windscreens and reduced visibility common in winter, being seen is more important than ever.
-
Choose your route wisely: Planning ahead can help avoid steep hills, sloped paths or untreated pavements. Tools such as Google Maps Street View can highlight potential obstacles, while salted routes offer safer surfaces for travel.
-
Take it slow: Before setting off, reduce your scooter’s speed setting. Lower speeds reduce acceleration force, limit top speed and make throttle input less sensitive, helping maintain control and prevent wheel spin on icy paths.”
In recent news, the Department for Transport has announced that it has launched a 12-week consultation to help modernise laws around powered mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
