Mobility Scooter Controls Adapter

Professional_Tinkerer
York
12470
Complete
0 comments

The buttons on the client’s mobility scooter were too close together and not accessible to them. They wanted a method of using them without accidently turning the scooter off whilst indicating or using other buttons.

The mobility scooter was a Sterling S800.

The Challenge

The default controls for the mobility scooter were so close together that non-disabled people would struggle to use them without accidently pressing the wrong button occasionally. So, for someone who has less dexterity, this would be a major challenge and regular mistakes would worry the user and make them more reductant to take their main means of transport out on a regular basis. The client wanted something to allow them to control the mobility scooter without accidently pressing the wrong buttons.

The solution

The solution was to make a 3D printed, purely mechanical adapter which would go over the original controls. After doing some test pieces the button been so close made the project more difficult than anticipated and all but one button uses some kind of lever and spring mechanism. The most difficult part was to make it low profile as a big bulky product would defeat the purpose of making something easier to use than the original controls.

The main body is printed using ASA filament (UV resistant) and is designed to overlap the original controls and secure to the mobility scooter.

Main body rear

Main body front

To engage with the original controls, I used a variety of different size plungers all made from 3D printed Nylon for long term use and wear. Each of the plungers has a Stainless Steel spring so the buttons will return to the default position.

Main body with plungers

For all but one of the plungers to work I had to use pivots and levers which would allow the new buttons to engage with them, these were made from PETG -CF and secured with M3 stainless screws and nuts.

Main body with levers

Then each button was printed out with the symbols embedded into them and as these will be in direct sunlight most of the time they were printed out with ASA like the main body.

Main body with buttons but without lid

To keep the buttons in place, I used a lid made from ASA which was secured by M3 stainless screws and nuts located in specifically designed locations within the main body.

Main body lid

Then the main adapter was secured to the mobility scooter by a 3D printed clamp and stainless fixings plus and a cable tie. The only modification done was to remake a few plungers which were 1-2mm longer for some of the buttons to engage smoother.

The benefit

With the larger buttons, the client can easily use the controls and is now confident when using the mobility scooter on a more regular basis with less worry.