What to do with a second hand mobility scooter?

According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people globally could benefit from assistive products, including mobility aids. If you have a used scooter to spare, knowing what to do with a second hand mobility scooter can help you give a deserving person increased independence, or provide a financial return for yourself.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of options for a used mobility scooter, including how to sell it for a good price, donate it to a worthy cause, or dispose of it responsibly through recycling. It also offers advice on preparing the scooter and understanding its value.

Key Points

• Assess Condition: Determine if your second-hand mobility scooter is functional, needs repairs, or is beyond use before deciding its fate.

• Sell for Cash: For working scooters, sell through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or a local mobility retailer to recoup costs.

• Donate to Help Others: Give a gently used scooter to a charity, non-profit, or community equipment closet to help someone in need and potentially receive a tax deduction.

• Recycle for the Environment: For broken scooters, safely remove the battery for specialized recycling and take the metal frame and other components to a local recycling center.

• Repurpose Creative Projects: Use a non-functional scooter for DIY projects, such as building a motorized cart, salvaging the motor for other uses, or creating yard art.

• Prepare Before Rehoming: Clean, service, and photograph the scooter before listing or donating it to increase its value and appeal.

• Safety First with Batteries: Always handle the battery with care during disposal, taping terminals and taking it to a specialized battery recycling location.

Rehoming a mobility scooter: your primary options

When you find yourself with an unneeded mobility scooter, you have several primary courses of action, depending on its condition and your goals. You can sell it, donate it, or recycle its components.

Selling a second-hand mobility scooter

Selling can be an effective way to recoup some of your initial investment, especially if the scooter is in good working order.

• Private sale via online marketplaces: Websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist offer a direct way to reach potential local buyers. For a private sale, you'll need to handle all aspects yourself, including creating a detailed listing and arranging for pickup.
• Consignment with a retailer: Some mobility equipment retailers may sell your used scooter on consignment, taking a percentage of the final sale price. This route is less hands-on for you and may offer better security.
• Specialized online platforms: Websites like Mobility Buyers and Mobility Market specialize in used mobility equipment, connecting sellers directly with a specific audience.

Donating a used mobility scooter

For a scooter in good, working condition, donating it to a charitable organization is a selfless act that can significantly help someone in need.

• Local charities: Many local charities and non-profits, particularly those serving seniors or people with disabilities, accept donations of medical and mobility equipment. They may even offer a pickup service.
• National organizations: Larger non-profits, like the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and Goodwill Car Donations, may accept mobility scooter donations, sometimes arranging for free pickup.
• Community equipment closets: Many communities have lending closets run by organizations or senior centers that provide equipment on a short- or long-term basis. Check with local Centers for Independent Living for information.

Recycling and disposal

If the scooter is no longer functional, breaking it down for parts and recycling is the most responsible option.

• Remove and recycle the battery: The most crucial step is to handle the battery safely. Mobility scooter batteries often contain hazardous materials and must be recycled at designated collection points. This prevents dangerous fires and environmental contamination. Many home improvement stores and auto parts stores offer battery recycling programs.
• Scrap the metal frame: The metal components of the scooter can be taken to a scrap metal recycler.
• Dispose of other parts: Check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal of plastic and other non-recyclable components. Many areas require special handling for electronic waste.

Comparison of rehoming methods

Feature	Selling Privately	Donating to Charity	Recycling
Scooter Condition	Good to excellent; functional and safe.	Good to excellent; functional or easily repairable.	Non-functional, damaged beyond repair.
Financial Return	Potential for cash, depends on market value.	Tax deduction potential for fair market value.	Minimal to none; may involve disposal fees.
Effort Required	High; researching price, listing, communication, showing, transfer.	Low to moderate; finding a charity, arranging drop-off or pickup.	Moderate; disassembly, proper battery disposal, transport of components.
Community Impact	Indirect; helps one person get affordable equipment.	High; provides equipment to someone in need, supports non-profit mission.	Environmental; reduces landfill waste and recovers materials.
Paperwork	Bill of sale, transfer of ownership documentation.	Donation receipt for tax purposes.	Proof of proper disposal if required by local laws.

Preparing your mobility scooter for its next life

Regardless of your chosen path, a few key steps will maximize the value and ease of the transition.

For selling or donating

1. Clean and sanitize: A clean scooter is more appealing and hygienic for a new owner. Wipe down all surfaces, seats, and controls.
2. Service and repair: Address minor issues to increase the scooter's value. Consider a professional tune-up if you want to advertise it as serviced.
3. Gather documentation: Collect all manuals, service records, and original purchase information. This adds credibility to your listing and provides peace of mind for the buyer.
4. Take high-quality photos/videos: If selling online, clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles are essential. A short video demonstrating its functionality can also be very helpful.

For recycling

1. Remove the battery first: Always disconnect and remove the battery before disassembling the scooter. Follow all safety precautions, including taping terminals, and store the battery in a cool, dry place before taking it to a recycling center.
2. Consult recycling centers: Confirm what materials your local facility accepts. They may require certain parts, like the motor or electronics, to be handled as e-waste.

Creative repurposing for non-functional scooters

If you're an ambitious DIYer, a non-functional scooter can be a source of useful parts.

• Create a mobile workshop cart: The chassis can be repurposed into a rolling cart to move heavy items or equipment around a workshop or garage.
• Salvage the motor: The electric motor can be used for other projects, such as building a generator, or a custom-powered cart.
• Use as a decorative display: For truly unique pieces, some people upcycle the scooter into a funky decorative item, like a themed centerpiece for a garden.
• Build a "robo-pallet": Inspired by a user on Instructables, you can modify the base to create a small, remote-controlled pallet jack for moving materials around your home or shop.

Conclusion

Deciding what to do with a second-hand mobility scooter requires an evaluation of its condition and your priorities. Whether you choose to sell it for a monetary return, donate it to provide life-changing independence to someone in need, or responsibly recycle its components, there is a viable and ethical path forward. By properly preparing and understanding your options, you can ensure your used mobility aid finds a suitable next chapter, contributing positively to someone's life or the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a tax deduction for donating a mobility scooter?

Yes, you can receive a tax deduction for donating a mobility scooter to an IRS-recognized non-profit organization. The deduction is typically for the fair market value of the equipment, and you should request a receipt for your records.

Where can I recycle an old mobility scooter battery?

Old mobility scooter batteries should never be put in household trash or recycling bins. They must be taken to a specialized battery recycling facility, such as participating home improvement stores, auto parts stores, or collection sites listed on websites like Call2Recycle.

What information should I include in a listing when selling a used mobility scooter?

When listing a scooter for sale, include the make, model, year, and condition. Highlight important details like battery life, weight capacity, and any maintenance history or upgrades. High-quality photos and potentially a video are also recommended.

What should I check before buying a used mobility scooter?

Before buying a used scooter, inspect its overall condition, including signs of wear and tear, rust, or damage. Check the battery health and tire condition, and always request a test ride to evaluate the motor, brakes, and controls.

Are there any organizations that pick up used mobility scooters for free?

Some charities and non-profits, including certain chapters of Goodwill or local disability support groups, may offer free pickup services for donated mobility equipment. It's best to call and confirm before assuming.

What is the average lifespan of a mobility scooter battery?

The lifespan of a mobility scooter battery can vary significantly based on usage, maintenance, and battery type. Generally, scooter batteries can last one to three years, but factors like charging habits and usage frequency play a large role.

Can I use the motor from a mobility scooter for a DIY project?

Yes, many DIY enthusiasts repurpose the motor from a mobility scooter. It can be used for projects like creating a powered cart, building a generator, or other creative engineering applications.