Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter purchase is a major financial investment. Fortunately, private insurance companies and government programs such as Medicare frequently cover the cost of a scooter when it's medically required.
To ensure they buy the right model, individuals who have disabilities that limit their mobility should be aware of all about scooters and the options that are available to them. Buyers must first know their own needs and goals.
What to Consider
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best mobility device. There is no one size that is perfect for everyone. Choosing the wrong mobility scooter could cause issues such as a bad fit, a short battery life or even safety issues.
The first thing to consider is what your parent would like to make use of the scooter. Do they need to go shopping, run errands, or just ride it around the neighborhood? If so, a light mobility device with a long battery life is the best choice. If they intend to travel over rough or bumpy terrain, a four-wheel scooter with larger wheels might be the best choice.
Also, take into consideration that your parent's physical health could change in the near future, and you'll need to consider whether they'll still be able to drive their mobility scooter in some months or even years. If not, they may require a new scooter or look at the more permanent option of a power chair.
If it is possible, your parents should test a few different mobility scooters before deciding. They can test how comfortable the seat feels and test if they can reach the handle. They should also sit in the driver's seat to ensure they're comfortable and that the scooter fits them well.
Ask your local dealer about used scooters. You can also inquire with rental companies to see if they have any used scooters for auction. If you do decide to purchase an used scooter, it is important to check the warranty and other specifics to make sure that you get what you paid for.
Seating
Some people purchase scooters with two seats with the intention of being able to transport family members or friends who wish to join them on their journeys. There could be privacy issues if the people who will be joining you are not of the same weight. This could mean that they'll be crashing into each other and causing issues with privacy. If these are concerns you are worried about, it's recommended to get a seat-behind scooter instead of one that has a rear and front seat.
With a scooter that has two seats, you will not only be able to enjoy the company of a family member or a friend and save money by not having to purchase two separate mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and tear and also electricity by using just one scooter that you can operate, and you can even share costs for fuel.
There are many seating options to choose from when shopping for a mobility scooter with two seats. Some models have the driver's seat at the front, and the passenger seat behind. Some models have both seats in the rear. Most mid-range scooters will come with this arrangement, but more advanced and premium models may have either a front seat or a rear seat only.
Another option is to buy a scooter with a power-operated lift, which allows you to effortlessly move the scooter in and out of your vehicle. You can reduce time and effort by buying the scooter with a powered lift. All you need to do is place the scooter on the lift platform, and then turn on the switch. Then you can drive away and when you're ready to return, reverse the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels on a mobility scooter are an important element of the vehicle and they can either make or break your experience riding. A good set of tires will provide you with a smooth, comfortable ride, but old or damaged tires can be dangerous. You should inspect your tires on a regular basis and replace them when they get worn out.
There are three kinds of scooter tires: pneumatic, foam-filled, and solid. The foam-filled and solid tires are never flat, but are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic ones. Most portable and travel scooters have foam-filled or solid tires, whereas the majority of all-terrain and full-size scooters use pneumatic tires.
Pneumatic tires have an inner tube that is filled with air, similar to the motorbike or bicycle tire. They're the most common type of scooter tire and they can be easily repaired.
There are tires that have liners between the outer tube and the inner tire, providing additional protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a particular tire pressure for each scooter model and the recommended value is found in the owner's manual. Inflating the tires to this value will help them last longer.
Many scooters are steered using tillers that are T-shaped columns that turn the front wheels either left or right. Other controls like turning and speed signals can be located on the tiller too. Some tillers have handles that wrap around also known as delta tillers which are great for those with limited hand dexterity or strength.
Batteries
It is important to choose the correct type of battery in your scooter. The right battery can extend the life of your scooter. It's important to keep in mind that batteries can lose their performance over time. If you notice that your battery isn't holding charge as well as it did in the past, it could be an indication that it's in need of replacement.
A gel or AGM battery is a great option if you want your battery to last for a long time. These batteries feature an impermeable electrolytes and are airtight, which makes them more resistant jostling. They also have a longer lifespan than other batteries. However, they are slightly more expensive upfront, although their durability makes them economical in the long run.
Another option is to choose the lithium battery. They're a bit more expensive initially, but they offer up to 10 times the longevity of lead-acid batteries. They're also suitable for travel on planes. They have an IATA certification.
It's important that you look at the label of the battery on your scooter to find the model and brand name. A generic or offbrand model of battery could harm the scooter and result in it not functioning correctly. If you have an old battery that was charged using an alternative charger, it might not work similarly.
Contact the manufacturer to see if your scooter requires more power from the battery. Typically, they will have a list of compatible batteries recommended for their scooters. If you are buying a used mobility scooter, ask the seller for any maintenance documents they have. These records can assist you in determining the age of the battery as well as whether it was recently serviced.
buy mobility scooter can be an emergency aid for people who are disabled to walk due to illness or age. However, it must be used correctly. A mistake in the use of a mobility scooter can cause injuries to the user and those around them. To avoid this, it's important to know what you should look for in a mobility scooter prior to buying.
Make sure that the scooter has an operating manual that provides model-specific information, including safety guidelines and maintenance schedule. Keep the manual in your pocket for reference while using the scooter.
Test the comfort of the scooter and see if you are able to operate it comfortably with both hands. The scooter must also be able to handle the weight you'll need to carry.
Examine the ground clearance to ensure the scooter can go over bumps, obstacles, and more. Travel/portable scooters have lower ground clearance than full-sized models, and some scooters with special features may have even lower clearance.
If you're buying a used scooter, inquire about its history of maintenance and repair. Individual sellers may have records of repairs or replacements for parts and these records could give you a valuable insight into the condition of the scooter prior to you buy it.
Consider buying a security gadget for your scooter, like clamps, which can deter theft. The device attaches to the wheel of the scooter, and isn't able to be removed with tools, which makes it an effective deterrent to thieves.
It's also a good idea to get familiar with the areas you intend to travel in, especially areas that aren't able to accommodate scooter users. Find out where to find curb cuts and streets that don't have sidewalks, so that you can avoid these areas when you go shopping or visiting your friends.