As the temperatures drop and pavements turn slippery, winter can pose serious challenges for anyone using mobility aids. Whether you rely on a scooter, walking frame, or wheelchair, it’s crucial to prepare both your equipment and your environment for the months ahead. Here’s a practical guide to help you stay mobile, warm, and safe this winter, with product support from Better Independent Living.

1. Protect your mobility scooter from the cold

Cold weather can seriously affect battery life and performance. Lithium and lead-acid batteries both struggle in low temperatures, which means your scooter may not travel as far as usual.

Top tips:

• Charge Indoors: Keep your scooter battery charged in a warm, dry environment whenever possible. If your scooter lives in a shed or garage, consider a weatherproof scooter cover and a smart charger to maintain battery health.
• Avoid Deep Puddles or Slush: Moisture can seep into the electrics and cause lasting damage.
• Check Tyre Pressure: Cold air can reduce tyre pressure, affecting grip on icy paths. Keep them at the manufacturer’s recommended level.
• Light It Up: Winter days are short, make sure your front and rear scooter lights are working and add reflective stickers.

2. Tackle icy paths and outdoor access

Icy pavements are treacherous for anyone, but especially so for people using walking aids or wheelchairs.

Practical safety ideas:

• Invest in non-slip accessories: Try ice grips or ferrule replacements with extra traction for your cane or walking stick.
• Plan routes: Stick to well-gritted, well-lit paths. Local councils often publish grit route maps, worth checking before venturing out.
• Portable ramps: For uneven kerbs or temporary access, lightweight wheelchair ramps can make a huge difference.
• Dress warmly and visibly: Layer clothing, use thermal gloves that still allow for grip, and consider a weatherproof wheelchair blanket or scooter leg cover.

3. Keep your home comfortable and safe

Spending more time indoors can bring its own challenges, especially when central heating dries the air or when mobility issues make temperature regulation tricky.

Winter home care tips:

• Avoid cold spots: Use draught excluders and heated lap blankets instead of cranking the thermostat, efficient and cost-effective.
• Prevent slips indoors: Wet shoes bring in moisture; use non-slip mats near doorways and bathrooms.
• Monitor air quality: Dry heat can cause respiratory discomfort. A humidifier or even a bowl of water near radiators can help maintain healthy humidity.
• Keep essentials close: Use reachers or grabbers to avoid unnecessary strain or bending in colder conditions.

4. Plan ahead for emergencies

Winter weather can be unpredictable, snow, power cuts, or icy driveways can suddenly limit access.

Be proactive:

• Keep your mobility aid serviced: Schedule a professional scooter maintenance check before winter fully sets in.
• Charge devices overnight: Keep phones, alarms, and scooter batteries topped up in case of outages.
• Emergency bag: Include a torch, blanket, medication, and a charged power bank.
• Stay connected: Let friends or family know your plans when heading out, especially in bad weather.

Final thoughts

Preparation makes all the difference. By taking simple steps, charging batteries indoors, investing in weatherproof gear, checking paths, and maintaining your mobility aids, you can stay safe and confident throughout winter.

Better Independent Living offers a wide range of reliable products to make everyday life easier, warmer, and safer. Take time now to equip yourself for a comfortable, independent winter.