UGo Mobility Scooter Use and Safety Policy

Operating a mobility scooter is like being a courteous neighbor on the bustling sidewalks of Oahu. It’s all about following the rules and respecting others’ space. Here’s how to do it with style and safety:

• Not for Joyrides: These scooters aren’t bumper cars or weekend joyride vehicles. They have a mission: to aid those who need them. Misusing them can lead to accidents, scooter damage, and even injuries. So, let’s keep the fun rides to the amusement parks, shall we?
• Highway-Approved? Think Again!: Ever thought of renting a mobility scooter instead of a car? Hold that thought! These scooters might be fantastic, but they’re not ready to hit the highway.
• Leave the All-Terrain to the ATVs: As much as we’d love to see a mobility scooter conquer a rugged mountain trail, let’s leave that to the all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Mobility scooters are champions in their own right, but soft sand and muddy trails aren’t their playground.

Operating a mobility scooter is like being a courteous neighbor on the bustling sidewalks of Oahu. It’s all about following the rules and respecting others’ space. Here’s how to do it with style and safety:

• Crossing Streets with Confidence: Think of marked crosswalks as your VIP lanes. Always cross the streets there, and you’ll be rolling like a pro. Remember, those lines on the road aren’t just for decoration; they’re your path to safety!
• Pedestrians First: Always give pedestrians the right of way. After all, it’s a shared space, and you could truly hurt someone if you hit them when they weren’t looking.
• Watch Out for the Sneaky Cut-Ins: Ever felt like you’re invisible on your scooter? You’re not alone! It’s common for pedestrians to overlook those on mobility scooters or wheelchairs, often cutting in front without a second glance. Stay vigilant and keep an eye out for these unexpected moves. They happen more often than you’d think!
• Buffer Zone – Your Personal Space Bubble: Imagine a protective bubble around you and your scooter. This generous buffer zone is your personal space, a comfort zone that keeps you and those around you safe. Maintain it, and you’ll find that navigating sidewalks becomes a breeze.

Ramps and curbs are common features on city streets, and knowing how to navigate them with your mobility scooter is essential. Here’s a guide to help you tackle them with confidence:

• Face Them Directly: When approaching ramps and curbs, alignment is key. Make sure to face them head-on, as approaching from the side can cause the scooter to become unbalanced, leading to a potential fall. It’s like aligning the wheels of a car before a turn – precision matters!
• Check Your Path: Before moving forward, always double-check that your path is clear. It’s a simple step that can prevent unexpected obstacles and ensure a smooth ride. Think of it as looking both ways before crossing a street – safety first!
• Stay Within Boundaries: Buses and other large vehicles often hug the curb so tightly, especially on narrow roads, that they can overhang the curb and come incredibly close to pedestrians. Staying well within the sidewalk boundaries ensures that you’re out of their way and safe.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: When it’s legal to cross, make sure to keep a safe distance from the curb. This extra space acts as a safety buffer, giving you room to maneuver without risk. It’s like keeping a safe following distance while driving – it gives you time to react.

Navigating indoor spaces with a mobility scooter requires a different set of skills compared to cruising on open sidewalks. Here’s how to ensure a smooth and considerate ride:

• Mind Your Speed: While gliding down an open sidewalk might feel relaxed, you’re actually moving faster than the average walking speed. This can catch pedestrians off guard, especially in confined spaces like hotels, coming out of elevators, traversing restaurants, and stores. Think of it as shifting gears when driving – different terrains require different speeds.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Indoor spaces can be bustling with activity, and your scooter’s pace might feel even faster. Stay alert and be mindful of those around you. It’s like being a courteous driver in a busy parking lot – awareness is key.
• Adjust Your Controls: If necessary, dial down your controls “towards the turtle” to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for everyone involved. This allows you to navigate tight corners and crowded areas with ease.
• Communicate When Needed: Don’t hesitate to communicate with those around you if needed. A simple “Excuse me” or “Coming through” can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth passage. Clear communication helps everyone. You can also use the horn on the scooter if you prefer.

Inclines can be a bit tricky when you’re navigating with a mobility scooter. But don’t worry, with the right approach, you can conquer those hills like a pro! Here’s how:

• Face the Incline Head-On: Always approach an incline directly, never sideways. Trying to ascend or descend a slope sideways can make the scooter wobbly, and we don’t want any unexpected surprises.
• Clear the Path: Before you proceed, take a moment to make sure your path is free of obstacles. A clear path ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride up or down the hill.
• Adjust Your Speed: Your scooter’s speed may vary on inclines, so be ready to adjust your pace as necessary.Finding the right speed ensures a safe and comfortable journey.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Inclines might seem intimidating at first, but with practice, you’ll handle them with ease. Stay calm, take your time, and trust your scooter. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

Navigating with a mobility scooter is all about finding the right balance, literally and figuratively. Whether it’s a 3-wheel or 4-wheel scooter, the choice can make a world of difference. Here’s how to find your perfect match:

• Three-Wheelers: Most Agile of the bunch: A 3-wheel scooter offers greater maneuverability, allowing users to easily traverse hotels, restaurants, and tourist hot spots with ease due to its design. But, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially for those grappling with balance issues.
• Four-Wheelers: Stability Stars: We generally recommend opting for a 4-wheel scooter for those with stability or balance issues. The added stability reduces the risk of falls when navigating turns or uneven terrain.
• Your Balance, Your Choice: At the end of the day, it’s all about what feels right for you. So, for those prioritizing balance, a 4-wheel scooter is the way to go.

Before operating the scooter, we strongly recommend you either watch our instructional “take a part” video or allow us to give you a demonstration which needs to be pre-arranged prior to your arrival. Understanding the scooter’s operation can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

• Know Your Scooter: Familiarize yourself with the scooter’s controls, features, and safety mechanisms. The more you understand, the more natural it will be. Spend some time with the manual or ask questions if you have any. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s also safety!
• Practice Makes Perfect: If possible, take a little time to practice operating the scooter in a safe and controlled environment. A little practice goes a long way in building confidence and skill. Remember, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying the journey safely.
• Respect the Equipment: Treat the scooter with care and follow the guidelines for proper use. It’s like taking care of a valuable piece of equipment – proper handling ensures longevity and performance. Misuse can lead to malfunctions or damage, so always operate the scooter with respect and consideration.
• Seek Assistance if Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need further training or have any questions. We’re here to help, and your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

Our scooters are designed for adult use. They are not suitable for children due to their weight, size, and operational complexity. Misuse by children can lead to accidents and damage to the scooter. We provide a wrist lanyard with the key and highly recommend you take the key with you to avoid children taking a joyride.

• Responsible Handling: Treat the scooter key like you would a car key – keep it secure and out of reach of children. Responsible handling ensures safety and prevents misuse. We provide a wrist lanyard with the key and highly recommend you take the key with you wherever you go.
• Educate and Inform: If children are curious about the scooter, take the opportunity to educate them about its purpose and why it’s not a toy.
• Seek Assistance if Needed: If you have any concerns or need guidance on how to handle the scooter around children, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you. It’s like having a support team on standby – we’re here to ensure your experience is smooth and worry-free.

Our scooters are designed for single-person use. Adding a second rider can overload the scooter, destabilize it, and increase the risk of accidents. Always respect the scooter’s weight limit for a safe ride. No unauthorized users or second riders are allowed. We don’t want anyone left behind, so if you find you need another scooter for one of your family members, we will do what we can to get you all wheeling along together. Just give us a call!

• Understand the Limits: Recognize that the scooter is designed for one person and adhere to its weight limit. It’s like following the passenger limit in an elevator – exceeding the capacity can lead to problems. Respect the scooter’s design, and it will serve you well.
• Communicate with Your Group: If you’re traveling with others, communicate and plan accordingly to ensure everyone can keep pace. Everyone should be able to enjoy the journey together, so reach out to us, and we’ll assist in finding a solution if needed.
• Safety First: Avoid the temptation to carry a second rider, even for a short distance.
• We’re Here to Help: If you encounter any challenges or need assistance in accommodating your group, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone enjoys their mobility experience. We’re here to make your adventure enjoyable and inclusive.

When it comes to hoisting a portable mobility scooter into a vehicle, proper technique is key to preventing injury. Always disassemble the portable mobility scooter before lifting it to lighten the load. Remember to bend your knees, maintain a straight back, and let your legs do the heavy lifting. Please refer to our demo video for a visual guide. We strongly advise against and do not permit, lifting non-portable scooters into vehicles. If you’re using a non-portable scooter, please request a ramp from us. We’re more than happy to provide one to facilitate loading the scooter into an authorized vehicle.

• Follow the Guidelines: Lifting a scooter requires attention to detail and adherence to proper techniques. It’s like following a recipe – each step is essential for success. Refer to our demo video for guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if needed.
• Choose the Right Scooter: Understand the difference between portable and non-portable scooters, and choose the one that fits your needs. It’s like selecting the right tool for a job – the right choice ensures ease of use and safety.
• Use Available Resources: If you’re using a non-portable scooter, request a ramp from us. We’re here to assist you. It’s like having access to specialized equipment – it makes the task easier and more efficient.
• Safety is Paramount: Always prioritize safety when lifting and handling the scooter. It’s like following safety protocols in a workshop – precautions exist to protect you and ensure a smooth experience.

It’s best to steer clear of soft sand, or other unstable surfaces. These can cause the scooter to become unstable, increasing the risk of getting stuck or tipping over. Stick to paved paths and hard surfaces for a safe ride. If you’re planning a beach visit and want to take the scooter a bit closer to the water, make use of the beach access mats provided by the Honolulu Rec Department. But, please do not take our equipment into the water. These mats are available at various locations, including Waimea Bay Beach Park, Waimānalo Bay Beach Park, and Kualoa Regional Beach Park, among others. For more information, visit the Honolulu Rec Department’s website.

• Know Your Terrain: Understanding the surfaces that your scooter can handle is like knowing the capabilities of your vehicle. Stick to what’s suitable, and you’ll have a smooth ride. It’s like driving a car – you wouldn’t take a sedan off-roading, would you?
• Plan Ahead: If you’re planning to visit specific locations, check in advance for accessibility options. Knowing your route ensures a hassle-free journey.
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety by avoiding unstable surfaces.

Before getting in and out of the scooter, remove the key to ensure it doesn’t break off. Make sure your scooter is in drive, not neutral, before getting out of the scooter. When getting in and out of the scooter, turn the seat 90 degrees and allow it to lock in place. This provides a stable base and makes it easier to get on and off. We do not recommend or advise getting in and out of the scooter without turning the seat perpendicular to the front of the scooter so you do not get caught up with the tiller, armrests, or deck of the scooter. Always ensure the scooter is stationary, and on flat ground, before attempting to get in or out. Do not rely on the seat back for stability as it is meant to fold down. Use the armrests to push yourself out of the seat for stability.

• Watch Our Demonstration Video: We highly recommend watching our instructional video on the best way to get in and out of a scooter. It’s like having a personal trainer – visual guidance can make all the difference.
• Prioritize Safety: Always ensure that you’re following the correct procedure to prevent accidents. A simple precaution can prevent unnecessary risks.
• Use the Right Support: Utilize the armrests and seat adjustments for stability. The right support provides balance and confidence.

Charging a scooter typically takes around three hours. We suggest plugging in the charger while you’re sleeping, as the charger will automatically switch off once the battery is fully charged. Here’s what you need to know:

• Indicator Lights: The charger is equipped with two indicator lights, both of which should be illuminated during charging. Once the scooter is fully charged, the ‘charged’ light will turn green.
• Check the Plug: Don’t just assume the plug is functioning correctly – always check. In some hotel rooms, wall outlets are connected to light switches, meaning turning off your lights could also disconnect the charger. If you notice only one light on the charger, the wall plug might be switched off.
• Avoid Tripping Hazards: Be mindful of the charging wires to avoid tripping hazards. For portable mobility scooters, you can detach the battery and bring it to the plug, eliminating the risk of tripping over wires.
• Watch Our Demonstration Video: For a visual guide on charging your scooter, please refer to our demonstration video. It provides step-by-step instructions to ensure you’re charging your scooter correctly.
• Follow the Guidelines: Think of these instructions as a step-by-step guide to charging your scooter. Proper charging ensures that your scooter is ready when you are, so you can enjoy your day without worrying about battery life.
• Prioritize Safety: Always be mindful of the charging equipment and wires to prevent tripping.
• Use the Right Tools: Utilize the charger provided with the scooter. Do not use chargers not supplied by UGo Mobility as it could cause damage to the equipment.

Charging your mobility scooter is an essential part of your daily routine when using our equipment. By following these guidelines you can ensure that your scooter is always ready to go, and you can focus on enjoying your time in Oahu. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Care Team at (808) 542-2203.

Prior to operating the scooter, ensure it’s set to ‘drive’ mode. If it’s in ‘neutral’, the brakes won’t activate, and the scooter could potentially roll away, leading to accidents. Always double-check the gear before use. Scooters come equipped with a safety system. If you hear beeping upon turning on your scooter, it might be in neutral. To rectify this, remove the key, switch the scooter to drive, and then turn the scooter back on to reset the system. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about the neutral switch or any other aspect of the scooter’s operation, our Customer Care Team at (808) 542-2203 is always here to help!

Get to know the braking system of your scooter. When in ‘drive’ mode, the brakes automatically engage as soon as you let go of the throttle, ensuring smooth and secure stops. Always conduct a brake check before you start your journey to confirm your understanding of how long it takes to slow to a complete stop, giving you an idea of how much distance that will take. If you notice your scooter’s movements are ‘jerky’, we recommend reducing your speed control ‘towards the turtle’ until you become comfortable with modulating the throttle, similar to how you would in a car. Remember, safety is our priority, and we’re here to assist you with any questions or concerns. Feel free to reach out to our Customer Care Team at (808) 542-2203 if you need further guidance on the braking system or any other aspect of your scooter’s operation.