Before every use — all equipment
A ten-second check keeps everyone safe. Every time, before the person using the equipment gets on or leans their weight on it:
- Test the brakes first. They should engage firmly and hold. If they don't, stop and call us.
- Give it a quick shake. Wheels, seat, armrests, and any folding parts should be tight and secure — nothing loose or wobbly.
- Look at the tires and wheels. They should roll freely and look normal — no flats or obvious damage.
- Clear the path. Watch for loose rugs, cords, thresholds, wet floors, and steep or uneven ground.
- Stay within the weight limit. Every unit has a posted capacity (rider plus anything carried). It's printed on the equipment and on your confirmation — please don't exceed it.
- Never use it while impaired. Don't operate if drowsy, dizzy, or affected by alcohol or medication.
This guide is general safety information, not medical advice. Questions about whether a particular piece of equipment is a good fit for a health condition are best answered by the rider's doctor.
Mobility scooters (powered) — Up to 400 lbs
Your scooter is battery-powered. A calm, steady pace is always the safe pace.
- Getting on: Make sure the key is off, the scooter isn't moving, and the seat is locked facing forward before sitting down. Turn the key on only once seated.
- Speed: Start on the slowest setting (the turtle/rabbit dial). Ease the throttle gently — it stops on its own when you let go.
- Stopping: Release the throttle and it brakes automatically and holds, even on a slope. There's no need to coast.
- Turning: Slow down before turns; take them wide. These can feel tippy if turned sharply at speed.
- Slopes & curbs: Go straight up and down inclines, not across them. Use curb ramps — don't drive off a curb edge.
- Battery: Charge it overnight with the charger we provide, and watch the battery gauge on longer outings. It's sealed and maintenance-free — just keep it charged.
- Don't: carry passengers, use it on stairs or escalators, or take it out in heavy rain.
Wheelchairs & transport chairs — up to 300 lbs
A wheelchair has large rear wheels the rider can push themselves; a transport chair has small wheels and is pushed by a companion. Both use the same safety basics.
- Lock before transfers: Always set both wheel locks (brakes) before anyone sits down or stands up. This is the most important habit — an unlocked chair can roll away mid-transfer.
- Footrests: Swing them out of the way when getting in or out, then place both feet on them before moving. Never stand on a footrest.
- Pushing (companion): Keep a steady grip on the handles, take slopes slowly, and back down steep ramps and off curbs so the small front wheels don't catch.
- Tip prevention: Don't hang heavy bags on the handles — it can tip the chair backward when empty. Don't lean far over the side or reach for the floor while seated.
- Weight limit: Posted capacity is 300 lbs (rider plus anything carried).
Rollators (wheeled walkers with a seat) — Up to 300 lbs
A rollator helps with walking and gives you a seat to rest — but the seat is for sitting still, never for riding.
- Hand brakes: Squeeze to slow down. Push the levers down until they click to park — always park the brakes before sitting on the seat.
- Walk inside the frame: Stay close, with the rollator just ahead of you — don't push it far out in front and lean forward to reach it.
- Sitting: Park the brakes, turn so your back is to the seat, feel the seat behind your legs, then lower down. Face away from the direction of travel.
- Never ride it. A rollator is not a wheelchair or a transport chair — do not let anyone push a person who is sitting on it.
- Curbs & stairs: Use ramps; the small wheels aren't made for stairs.
Knee scooters — Up to 350 lbs
A knee scooter (knee walker) rests the injured leg on a padded platform while you push with the good leg — a steady alternative to crutches.
- Park the brake before getting on. Lock the hand brake, rest the injured knee squarely on the center of the pad, keep a firm grip on the handlebars, then push off gently with your other foot.
- Go slow and straight. Take turns wide and slowly — these steer quickly and can tip if turned sharply.
- Brake early: Squeeze the hand brake well before you need to stop, especially on any downhill.
- Flat ground only: Best on smooth, level indoor and paved surfaces. Avoid slopes, gravel, wet floors, and stairs.
- Weight limit: Posted capacity is 350 lbs.
If something doesn't feel right
Trust your instincts. If the brakes feel weak, something is loose, a tire looks off, or the equipment just doesn't feel stable — stop using it and call us at (913) 775-1098. We'd far rather swap a unit than have anyone take a chance. We're local, and we come to you.
Keep this page handy — it lives at kcmobilityrentals.com/safe-use and is linked from your confirmation email.