Big Mikes Mobility and Global Batteries supply a range of batteries and battery products for automotive, trucks, tractors, 4WD, marine, jet ski, motorcycles, mobility scooters, golf carts, motorhomes, camping, solar systems, and recreational vehicles.

Our range of battery brands include:

Alco Batteries

Our range of Alco batteries are specially designed for automotive vehicles. We have batteries for every car make and model. They feature reliable starting power and longevity. The batteries are maintenance-free. Featuring lead calcium grids that are corrosion resistant for durability. They provide stable power and longer battery life with faster recharge and optimal conductivity. The batteries are made from high-quality components to maximize power to your vehicle.

Ritar Batteries

Ritar batteries are environmentally friendly SLA deep cycle, auxiliary and stand by batteries suitable for use in solar systems, back up power systems, camping, marine, motorhomes, and caravans. Ritar is one of the largest SLA battery manufacturers in Asia. They feature high-quality construction for proven consistent and reliable performance in extreme operating conditions. They have increased performance during frequent discharge cycles. Ritar batteries are vibration and shock resistant and have a long, reliable standby service life. Ritar batteries are also fire certified and the OEM battery for Jayco Caravans.

Trojan batteries

Trojan batteries feature a broad range of energy solutions for golf carts, marine, utility vehicles, mobility scooters, and recreational vehicles. Trojan is the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle Solar and Motive batteries. With a focus on environmental sustainability, the batteries are 99% recyclable. Manufactured with the highest quality components for reduced downtime, long battery life, and optimum operating performance. These batteries are clean and reliable. They have rugged durability and enhanced current flow for sustained battery performance.

Amaron Batteries

Amaron batteries provide the ultimate balance between quality, value, cost, and performance for automotive, four-wheel-drives and marine. With an ultra-long service life, they are designed for reliability under the toughest conditions on rough roads and the harsh climate of North Queensland. They are a top quality Lead Acid Battery manufactured environmentally responsibly to the highest quality standards.

RevPlus Batteries

The RevPlus batteries are available in a range of sizes to suit most models of motorcycles, jet skis and marine. They are the most powerful motorcycle battery product available. They feature a maintenance-free design with leakproof performance. These batteries have extended battery life and better performance for on-going usage and maximum power. The design minimizes internal resistance so the batteries are resistant to vibrational damage.

Matson Battery Products

Matson is an Australian founded company that produces and supplies quality battery related products. Matson is the leading brand for quality battery products including battery terminals, battery cables, jump-starting and low-voltage power-supply products.

Visit us in store today or contact us for more information.

Social isolation can have negative effects on mental and physical health. Feeling isolated socially may increase risks of insomnia, mental illness, high blood pressure, dementia, negative feelings, self-harm, substance misuse, illness or weight changes.

Seniors and people living with a disability have been identified as being more at risk of social isolation. Seniors can experience social isolation when living alone and not being able to participate in activities they enjoy due to illness or mobility and access to transport. People living with disabilities can experience isolation socially when they have limited opportunities to access social activities or transport and access issues when attending events and community activities.

Mobility scooters can help to prevent social isolation by providing access to social activities and participating in community events and programs. Being unable to get around can really make it difficult to engage socially. Mobility scooters have many benefits for their users and can transform an otherwise dependent, isolated lifestyle by helping people get out and about on their own. You can use your mobility scooter to shop, spend time at the park, visit friends or run errands close to home. With your mobility scooter, you can navigate the shops, throughout your neighborhood and other locations on your own, giving you more opportunities to stay socially connected with your family, friends, and community.

Reference: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/avoiding-social-isolation

With temperatures reaching above 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months, hot weather safety is important when using your mobility scooter. Too much exposure to the sun on hot days can raise your body temperature enough to cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke. In hot weather it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. This can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If not treated immediately, heatstroke can result in permanent damage to your vital organs or even death. Extreme heat can also worsen existing medical conditions. For wheelchair and mobility scooter users, increased temperatures can make it more challenging to stay cool and comfortable.

Those at increased risk of heat-related illnesses:

• 65+ years
• Heart or respiratory disease or circulatory diseases
• Diabetes, kidney disease or mental illness
• Medications that may affect how your body reacts to heat
  • Allergy medicines
  • Blood pressure and heart medicines
  • Seizure medicines
  • Diuretics
  • Anti-depressants or anti-psychotics
• Disability
• Mobility
• Overweight or obese

Plan

It is important to plan your trips and prepare ahead as the weather warms up into the summer months. Check the weather forecast. Ask your doctor if you have any health conditions that could place you at greater risk of heat-related illness and how to best manage these conditions in hot weather. Plan your trips for the cooler times of the day. Take a mobile phone with you to call a friend or family member if you need assistance.

Maintenance

Ensure the batteries for your mobility scooter are fully charged and your mobility scooter is regularly serviced.

Shade

Our awning is very popular in the summer months. It’s extra-wide, giving you the extra protection required on those sunny days. Staying in the shade helps to keep your body cool and prevent heat-related illness. Check the UV alerts and use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Eat smaller, cold meals, such as fruit and salads to help keep you cool and assist in hydration.

Other important things to consider include:

• Keep out of the heat as much as possible
• Drink plenty of water
• Carry a bottle of water with you
• Eat small meals more often
• Eat cold food like salads and fruit
• Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored
• Stay out of the sun
• Take with you a handheld and/or misting fan
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres
• Cover parts of your body that may come in contact with hot areas of your scooter
• Wear a hat and put on sunscreen
• Apply a damp cloth to your neck and other pressure points on your body
• Never leave animals alone on a mobility scooter
• Ensure animals have water and plenty of shade
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast
• Know who to call if you need help
• Talk to the doctor about how the heat might affect you.
• If you feel unwell, seek medical advice from your doctor or nearest hospital.

References and more information: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/emergencies/looking-after-yourself/heatwaves-and-hot-weather https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/emergencies/looking-after-yourself/how-to-prepare-for-a-heatwave https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2018/01/keeping-cool-efficiently https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/stay-healthy-in-heat.aspx https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool  https://www.lifemobility.com.au/news/5-tips-keeping-cool-wheelchair-or-motor-scooter  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/how-to-cope-and-stay-safe-in-extreme-heat

Mobility scooters can go up hills depending on the climbing grade of the particular model. There are a range of maximum climbing grades available with our mobility scooters from 14 to 20 degrees. We want you to be able to access all your favourite locations in your local area. Assessing your needs enables us to match you will the best mobility scooter to meet your needs.

Maximum Climbing Grade

The Summit K2 has a maximum climbing grade of 14 degrees. Our TG100R pull apart mobility scooter has a maximum climbing grade of 8 degrees. Our TG400R deluxe, TG400RS luxury, TG600RS terrain response and TG900RS modern mobility scooter models have a climbing grade of 15 degrees.

The maximum climbing grades of our mobility scooters enable you to travel around most locations. If you are unsure if a mobility scooter will be able to access a location in the North Queensland region give us a call. We provide free in home demonstrations so you can try out some of our range of models to see if they meet your needs. Accessing your local area and needs enables us to provide you with a mobility scooter which will be the best match to meet your needs.

Motor Power

The motor power of your scooter also plays a role in navigating hills on your mobility scooter. The TG400RS deluxe has a 950w motor, the TG600RS terrain response has a 1400w motor and the TG900RS modern mobility scooter has a 1800w motor which are great in hilly suburbs.

Free In-home Demonstrations

Contact us today for our free, no obligation, in-home demonstrations in and around the Townsville region. Or if you are living anywhere in the North Queensland region give us a call and see what we can do for you. We can always drop by and show you some of our most popular models for sale. So, what happens at a demonstration? Firstly, we talk about your requirements to understand more about where you want to travel, how far you wish to go and what are the conditions of where you are going. This ensures we can match the right scooter for you.

One of the important considerations when choosing a mobility scooter to meet your needs is how far the scooter can travel per charge. You may only need to travel a block down to the shops and back. Or you may want to be able to roam around the shopping centre for hours while you shop. You may want to travel across town to visit the beach, the river or a park. Or you might want to navigate across suburbs to visit a friend or family member. Wherever you want to travel and use your mobility scooter considering the range per charge enables you to travel to your destination and return home safely.

Calculating Distance

Using printed or online maps you can calculate the distance to and from your destination. Keeping your mobility scooter fully charged between uses and regularly maintained enables you to get the full usage capabilities from your mobility scooter.

Range Per Charge

The TG100R pull apart mobility scooter range per charge is up to 18km. Our TG400R deluxe mobility scooter has a range of up to 35km per charge. The TG400RS luxury mobility scooter can go up to 40kms per charge and the Summit K2 can travel 45km per charge. Our TG600RS terrain response mobility scooter can travel up to 45km per charge and the TG900RS modern mobility scooter has the longest range per charge of up to 75km.

Battery Maintenance

Several factors affect the range of your mobility scooter including battery maintenance. For the best care of your batteries we recommend that you charge your mobility scooter between every use. If you are away leave your scooter on charge to ensure the batteries are maintained while you are away.

Finance & Insurance for your scooter

Finance options

Providing a range of finance options:

• Most of our customers can access an interest-free loan with 50% deposit
• HummFinance (Certegy Pay), NDIS, DVA & My Aged Care
• EFTPOS and Direct Debit facilities available

Insurance

We highly recommend that you insure your scooter, and there are several good options out there including Blue Badge, RACQ etc. Happy to assist, if required, once you have made your insurance choice. Insurance protects you against:

• Theft
• Accident
• Third party personal injury, and can be arranged for international travel

Getting Started

Our great friendly staff at Big Mike’s are always available to answer any questions you have about mobility scooters. Committed to helping you find the right scooter at the right price and assist you to test drive and see what is right for you. We are also available to provide any after sales service you may need – whether it’s for some new accessories or your routine service or repairs.

How can Big Mike’s assist you?

At Big Mike’s, we have a large range of mobility scooters to suit all needs and preferences – you can check them out at one of our showrooms. The best way to figure out which scooter best fits your specific needs is to have a chat with one of our staff. Priding ourselves in what we do and the products and service we provide. We believe we are the best in North Queensland and we think you will believe the same after you have come to see us.

Why Buy a Mobility Scooter?

Mobility scooters are about taking your freedom back and taking your life back, whether that be
something as simple as getting out of the house, or as exciting as international travel. And it’s one
thing above all else: empowerment. Everything we do at Big Mike’s is about just that, giving you,
our customer, the freedom and life that you deserve to have. We are not your ordinary everyday
scooter sales company, we are life charges, freedom givers and most of all a group of people
that care.

Here are some great reasons people buy mobility scooters:

• CONVENIENCE

Mobility scooters are a great way to get around – whether you’re running errands,
going to the local shops, visiting family and friends or just getting around your home
or neighbourhood. They can help you stay active and independent so you can keep doing
all the things you enjoy every day.
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Great for both short and long distances

• VALUE FOR MONEY

Many people switch to using mobility scooters because they provide a safe, affordable
and easy alternative to getting around:
• No license is required
• No registration costs
• Cheap to run
• Great for travel on a plane, cruising, or down to the shops

• INDEPENDENCE

Electric mobility scooters give you independence from others to help you get out and about
in your local area – or even further afield if you use a portable scooter.
• No more taxis
• No more buses
• No more dependence on family or friends

At Big Mike’s we are here to put the fun back into your life.

HOW CAN BIG MIKE’S ASSIST YOU?

At Big Mike’s, we have a large range of mobility scooters to suit all needs and preferences – you
can check them out at one of our showrooms. The best way to figure out which scooter best fits
your specific needs is to have a chat with one of our staff. We pride ourselves in what we do and
the products and service we provide. We believe we are the best in North Queensland and
we think you will believe the same after you have come to see us.

Frequently asked questions answered about mobility scooters

Here are some questions we typically get asked:

How much do they cost?

Brand new scooters have a price range of around $1,500 to $9,000. Second hand ones are cheaper. Give us a call at Big Mike’s or come into one of our showrooms for a friendly chat and see our great scooter range. All our new scooters come with a full 12 months warranty and your first service is free. Or come look at our second hand, fully refurbished scooters which all come with 3 months warranty and also the first service is free as well.

Do I need a license?

No, you do not need a licence.

Do I need to register my scooter?

If you live in Queensland, yes – it’s free. Other states do not require registration. Here at Big Mike’s we will assist you in your registration process, once again making your new scooter purchase hassle free and enjoyable.

Can I drive on the road?

Yes, but if there’s a good footpath then you have to use it. The law deems a scooter driver to be a pedestrian, so the rules are the same for both. We don’t recommend you driving your scooter down the middle of the road either.

What about hills?

Some scooters can climb very steep hills, others can’t. It’s important to choose a scooter that fits the terrain. Our friendly staff at Big Mike’s will assist you in making the right choice for your scooter.

Are there weight limits?

Yes, every scooter has its own weight limit. These are typically between 100 – 160kg, but can be as high as 225kg. Terrain must also be taken into account. Is it hilly or flat where you want to use it?

3 wheels or 4 wheels?

The turning circle of 3 wheel scooters is a lot better, but some people feel that scooters with 4 wheels offer greater stability. In reality, each is about as stable as the other.

Can I take it on a plane or boat?

Fold up portable scooters are available at Big Mike’s and we can help you with making the right choice. Some scooters can be taken on a plane provided the battery is less than 300 w/h. The battery must be removed and taken on board as hand luggage. Our friendly staff at Big Mike’s can show you how easy this is. Most cruise ships welcome folding portable scooters.

Safety & Maintenance

Our service technicians and staff at Big Mike’s will go over your new scooter in great detail with you upon delivery of your new scooter. And should you ever be unsure about something on your scooter or just want to brush up again, either give us a call or come and see us at one of our showrooms and we are always happy to assist you.

Road Rules

Mobility scooter users are classified as pedestrians. This means you can go anywhere a pedestrian can go including footpaths, shopping centres, and nature strips. But that also means that you should:
• Use pedestrian crossings or lights where possible
• Try to stay on footpaths
• Only use the road when absolutely necessary
• Be aware of other pedestrians around you

Safe Use

Scooters are mostly intuitive to use, but in case you’re having some trouble, we are there to help. At Big Mike’s we offer a comprehensive training session when the scooter is delivered, and we provide you with a certificate of competency once you have been trained. Some common issues that arise include:
• Stopping and starting on hills
• Navigating ramps and gutters
• Maintaining good visibility
• Knowing the limits of the scooter

Maintenance

We recommend you service your scooter, usually at least once a year, but depending on how often you use it and how gently you treat it. At Big Mike’s, these tune-ups usually take an hour or less and can be done in your home or you are welcome to have it done at one of our showrooms and enjoy a great coffee or cup of tea whilst you wait for it. Our scooters come with a comprehensive Owner’s Manual that gives a good overview on how and when to look after your scooter for maximum performance.

Batteries

Keeping the charge of your batteries topped up means they last longer. Both the charger and batteries come with your scooter. If you get a lot of use out of the scooter, you will need to replace the batteries after 2 years, provided you charge them each time after use. So make sure you factor in a charging point that’s convenient and easily accessible. It’s always important to make sure the batteries are matched to the scooter and to the charger. Using the wrong batteries or charger will reduce range and life, and may damage the electronics. At Big Mike’s we not only sell the scooters but also the correct batteries of your scooter as well.

Theft

While rare, theft of mobility scooters does happen, particularly from the home or shopping centre. A few things to keep in mind:
• Use a chain, u-lock, padlock or immobiliser when the scooter is not in use
• The steering on many scooters can be locked. Use this feature if possible
• Always remove the ignition key
• Make sure you know the serial number of the scooter (At Big Mike’s we keep a record of your scooter and can always assist you with this, should you require)

How can Big Mike’s Assist You?

At Big Mike’s, we have a large range of mobility scooters to suit all needs and preferences – you can check them out at one of our showrooms. The best way to figure out which scooter best fits your specific needs is to have a chat with one of our staff. We pride ourselves in what we do and the products and service we provide. We believe we are the best in North Queensland and we think you will believe the same after you have come to see us.

There are 5 main things to consider when it comes to choosing a mobility scooter.

Use

This one is the most important. What do you want to use your scooter for? Some scooters are large and powerful. They’ll get you up and down hills to the shops and back. Others are small, manoeuvrable, and highly portable. They work better inside, or on gentle slopes, and can easily fit in the boot of your car and even on aeroplanes or cruise ships.

Distance

Scooters have a travel range from 10km to approximately 60km, depending on the size of the scooter, the terrain, payload, and batteries. So make sure you are clear on your travel plans before deciding on your scooter.

Body Type

Different body sizes and shapes work better with different scooters. Whether it is leg room, the positioning of the controls, or the power of the motor and sturdiness of the frame, your body type influences your scooter choice.

Budget

Mobility scooters range from the very cheap (a few hundred dollars for an old, used scooter) to more expensive (over $8,500 for the absolute deluxe builds). And of course, it’s ‘horses for courses’ with scooters, just like most things you buy.

Personal Preference

Style, comfort, colour and design, are all considerations. People love different things, and that’s what makes it all so much fun. You can choose from the snazzy to the unobtrusive, from the vintage to the minimalist. Then have a laugh about it when you turn heads at the shopping centre in your scooter that looks like a Rolls Royce.

How can Big Mike’s assist you?

At Big Mike’s, we have a large range of mobility scooters to suit all needs and preferences – you can check them out at one of our showrooms. The best way to figure out which scooter best fits your specific needs is to have a chat with one of our staff. We pride ourselves in what we do and the products and service we provide. We believe we are the best in North Queensland and we think you will believe the same after you have come to see us.

Getting Started

Our great friendly staff at Big Mike’s are always available to answer any questions you have about mobility scooters. We are committed to helping you find the right scooter at the right price and assist you to test drive and see what is right for you. We are also available to provide any after sales service you may need – whether it’s for some new accessories or your routine service or repairs.