Flash/Beep Codes (Scooters & Power Wheelchairs)
Flash & Beep Codes (Mobility Scooters + Power Wheelchairs)
When your scooter or power chair is flashing lights or beeping, it’s the controller telling you what system it thinks is wrong. Codes usually point to a system (battery/voltage, motor/brake circuit, joystick not centered, wiring, etc.) — not always the exact failed part.
Safety: If wiring is hot, connectors are melted, or you smell burning — stop and disconnect power.
Electrical faults can damage controllers.
If the unit is weak or cutting out, do Battery & Charger Testing (voltage sag under load is the deciding test).
How to read the code
Flash codes
- Count the number of flashes in the repeating pattern (example: flash-flash-flash pause = 3).
- Some systems use two digits (example: 2 flashes, pause, 3 flashes = 23).
- Write it down and note what you were doing when it happened (turning, hill, bump, etc.).
Beep codes
- Count beeps in the repeating pattern (beeps often match flash count).
- Some chairs beep continuously for “joystick not centered” or “inhibit” states.
- If the beeps change when you wiggle a connector, suspect a loose connection.
Always check the manual
- Codes differ by controller brand (Curtis, PG Drives, Dynamic, etc.).
- Your owners/service manual is the final authority for your model.
- If you don’t have it: see Manuals & PDFs.
Pro tip: If the code appears only under load (hills/starts/turns), suspect voltage sag or a
high-resistance connection first.
Quick fixes (safe checks before replacing parts)
- Power cycle: turn off, wait 10 seconds, turn on (controls centered).
- Unplug charger: some units will not drive while charging or if the charge-port switch is stuck.
- Reset breaker / check fuse: near batteries or in a fuse holder.
- Reseat connectors: battery plugs, controller plug, motor/brake plugs (look for corrosion, heat, loose pins).
- Freewheel in DRIVE: scooters (and some chairs) will throw faults or refuse to drive if in neutral.
- Controls centered: joystick/throttle must be centered at power-up on many controllers.
If the code clears temporarily after reseating connectors, you likely have a loose/dirty connection or a cable strain issue.
Common code meanings (general guide)
Important: This table is a general “what it often means” guide.
Your controller’s manual may map the number differently.
| Code Type | What it often indicates | First checks (DIY) | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Low voltage / battery fault (often 1–2 flashes/beeps on many systems) |
Batteries weak, voltage sag under load, bad terminal/connector, blown fuse/weak breaker, charger not charging | Check terminals, main connectors, breaker/fuse. Do load/sag test. | If sag fails → batteries/connection. If passes → controller or wiring. |
|
Joystick/throttle not centered (common on power-up) |
Controls not in neutral at startup, sticky joystick boot, throttle wigwag not returning | Power off, center controls, power on. Inspect for physical obstruction/damage. | If persistent → go to Controls & Controllers. |
| Brake / freewheel / inhibit | Freewheel in neutral, brake not releasing, brake circuit fault, charge-port inhibit | Confirm freewheel in DRIVE. Listen for brake “click” on power-up. Check motor/brake connectors. | If it won’t release → suspect brake wiring or brake coil; technician may be needed. |
| Motor circuit fault | Motor unplugged, bad motor connector, broken wire, motor issue, controller output fault | Reseat motor connectors, inspect for pinched cables, look for heat damage at plugs. | If no change → isolate side (left/right) on power chairs; likely needs service. |
| Overcurrent / short | Shorted wiring, seized gearbox, brake dragging, controller fault | Inspect for melted connectors, burnt smell, damaged harness. Don’t keep trying to drive it. | Stop and call a tech to prevent controller damage. |
| Controller / internal fault | Controller failure, severe wiring fault, corrupted calibration | Power cycle; inspect all connectors for corrosion/heat; confirm batteries pass sag test. | If batteries good and wiring ok → controller/service diagnostics. |
The Battery-First Rule (why most “codes” are really power problems)
Mobility controllers monitor voltage constantly. When voltage dips too low (especially under load), the controller may throw: low voltage, brake fault, motor fault, or “random” shutoff codes. That’s why the most reliable first step is the Load / Sag Test.
If your code appears on hills, starts, bumps, or turning: suspect voltage sag or a loose main connection.
Brand & controller notes (quick orientation)
Mobility scooters
- Often use simpler controllers with “flash count” diagnostics.
- Common issues: loose battery terminals, charge port faults, freewheel/brake problems, tiller harness strain.
- If the scooter powers on but won’t move, use Scooter troubleshooting.
Power wheelchairs
- Often use joystick/controller systems (PG Drives, Dynamic, etc.).
- Some systems store faults — codes may persist until power is fully cycled.
- If it powers on but won’t drive, use Power chair troubleshooting.
Where to get the exact code list
- Owners manual / service manual for your model (best).
- Look up your controller name on the label (Curtis, PG Drives, Dynamic, etc.).
- Use: Manuals & PDFs.
If you don’t know your model/controller: take a clear photo of the label (chair base + joystick/controller label).
That usually reveals the exact system.
Next steps
If your code points to batteries/voltage
- Do: Battery & Charger Testing (especially the sag test).
- Clean/tighten terminals and inspect main connectors for heat/corrosion.
- Review: Battery Care & Storage.
If your code points to motor/brake
- Inspect motor/brake connectors and wiring for pinches or strain.
- Confirm freewheel is in DRIVE (scooters and some chairs).
- If brakes won’t release or connectors are heat-damaged, call a tech.
If your code points to controls
- Power up with controls centered.
- Inspect joystick boot/throttle return for sticking.
- Go to: Controls & Controllers.