Stay Mobile This Winter in Portsmouth & Waterlooville: 5 Essential Tips

Winter in Hampshire brings frosty mornings, icy pavements, and shorter daylight hours, all of which can make getting around more challenging. Whether you rely on a mobility scooter, rollator, or powerchair, Cavendish Health Care is here with practical, local advice to help you stay independent, confident, and safe throughout the colder season across Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Havant, and surrounding areas.

1. Regular Servicing and Equipment Care

Batteries, tyres, and brakes work harder in low temperatures, and without proper care you may experience reduced performance or unexpected breakdowns.

Key checks to make:

Keep batteries warm and topped up - recharge after every outing and avoid letting them drain fully. Batteries lose efficiency in the cold, so consistent charging helps maintain range.
Check tyre pressure and tread - tyres can deflate more quickly in winter, making manoeuvring harder and reducing grip on icy surfaces.
Inspect brakes, wheels, lights, and electrics - damp weather, puddles, and salted pavements can cause faults if left unchecked.
Book a Cavendish Health Care winter service - our technicians ensure your mobility scooter, rollator, or powerchair is reliable, safe, and ready for winter conditions.

Regular care can significantly reduce the risk of mobility interruptions, particularly for those who use their equipment daily for shopping, appointments, or commuting around Portsmouth and Waterlooville.

2. Use Local Gritted Routes and Council Winter Updates

Knowing which paths are maintained and gritted can make winter travel much safer. Portsmouth City Council regularly grits priority roads and pavements, including Havant Road, Eastern Road, Copnor Road, and parts of the seafront. In Waterlooville and Havant, Hampshire County Council’s “Ice Busters” scheme provides grit bins and encourages community volunteers to treat key walking routes.

To stay safe:

Plan your outings using well-used, well-lit, and council-maintained pathways. Check Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council websites for daily winter updates before heading out. Avoid steep gradients or quiet backstreets that may not be treated during overnight freezes.

A few minutes of planning can dramatically reduce the risk of slips, skids, or getting stranded.

3. Dress for Warmth, Comfort, and Visibility

Maintaining warmth helps prevent stiff joints, slower reactions, and reduced hand control.

Layer thermal clothing that keeps heat in but allows movement.
Use gloves that provide warmth while still allowing good grip and dexterity.
Wear reflective jackets or accessories - crucial during fog, rain, and early sunsets common in South Hampshire winters.
Carry a phone, portable charger, and any medical information in an easily accessible pocket.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors or travelling between Portsmouth, Waterlooville, and Havant, staying highly visible greatly increases your safety around traffic and busy pedestrian zones.

4. Protect Your Mobility Equipment from the Weather

Cold, moisture, and salt can gradually damage mobility equipment if not properly managed.

Store indoors whenever possible, or in a dry, sheltered location such as a garage or porch.
Wipe down seats, frames, and control panels after travelling in the rain, sleet, or snow.
Use waterproof covers when parking outside, especially near the coast where damp air is persistent.
Avoid leaving equipment exposed overnight, as freezing temperatures can weaken batteries and stiffen mechanical components.

Protecting your mobility aids helps prolong their lifespan and keeps you confident that they’ll perform well when you need them most.

5. Pack Smart and Plan Ahead for Winter Journeys

Shorter days and unpredictable weather mean preparedness is key.

Carry essentials: phone, charger, medication, a bottle of water, and a compact thermal blanket.
Choose routes with shelter or indoor rest stops – popular choices include Gunwharf Quays, Cascades Shopping Centre, and Waterlooville town precincts.
Check BBC Weather or the Met Office for frost or ice alerts before leaving home.
Set off earlier to avoid rushing, particularly if attending medical appointments or travelling on public transport.

Planning ahead ensures your winter journeys remain comfortable and stress-free.

Bonus: Stay Connected and Make Use of Local Support

Winter can impact mental wellbeing, especially with reduced daylight and more time spent indoors. Staying socially connected can lift mood and help maintain routine.

Local options include:

Alfie’s Arc in Waterlooville - offering community support and winter wellbeing activities.
Age UK Portsmouth - providing companionship, winter warmth advice, and social visits.
Havant Borough community transport - helping residents reach appointments safely during adverse weather.
Local libraries, community cafés, and volunteer groups - running warm spaces and winter support sessions across Hampshire.
Waterlooville Community Centre - local hub for fitness, support, social events, and affordable room hire. Cavendish Health Care are also donating a wheelchair to Waterlooville community centre for the accessibility needs of the community.

Final Thoughts

With thoughtful preparation – from equipment care and route planning to warm clothing and community support – you can stay mobile, safe, and independent throughout winter in Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Havant, and across Hampshire.

If you’d like help choosing suitable equipment, arranging a winter service, or finding local support schemes, contact Cavendish Health Care today or visit our Waterlooville showroom.

Date Published: 09/12/2025

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