Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter can be an investment that is costly. Fortunately private insurance companies and government programs such as Medicare typically cover the cost of a mobility scooter when it's medically required.
To ensure they buy the correct model, people with travel-limiting disabilities should know all about scooters and the alternatives available to them. In the beginning, buyers should understand their individual requirements and goals.
What to Consider
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best mobility device. There isn't mobility scooters to buy that will fit all. The wrong mobility scooter could lead to issues such as a bad fit, a short battery life or even safety concerns.
What do your parents intend to use the scooter for? Do they want to make use of it to run out for errands or to shop? If so, a lightweight mobility device with a long battery life is the best option. If they intend to travel over rough or bumpy terrain, a four wheel scooter with bigger wheels could be the best option.
Also, take into consideration that your parent's physical condition might change in the future, so you will have to think about whether they'll be able to use their mobility scooter in some months or even years. If not, then they may need to consider upgrading their scooter or a more permanent solution like a power wheelchair.
Before deciding on a final choice it is important to encourage your child to test out a variety of mobility scooters. They can see how comfortable the seat is and if they're capable of reaching the handle. They should also sit in the driver's seat to ensure that they feel comfortable and that the scooter fits them well.
Ask your local dealer about used scooters. You can also contact rental companies to see whether they have used scooters for auction. If you do buy an old scooter, you need to check the warranty and other specifics to make sure that you are getting what you purchased.
Seating
Some customers purchase scooters with two seats with the intention of being able transport family members or friends who want to accompany them on their travels. However, there are privacy concerns if the people who are joining you won't be of a similar weight, as this could result in bumping skin-to-skin against them. It could also create problems with personal space. If these are concerns you are worried about, it is suggested 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 but also save money by not having to purchase two separate mobility vehicles. You can also save on wear and tear and also electricity by having just one scooter to operate, and you can even share costs for fuel.
When you are looking for a 2 seat mobility scooter, there are different seating options to consider. Some models have seats for the driver in the front and a passenger's seat behind, whereas others include both seats at the rear. The majority of premium and mid-range scooters have this configuration, but some may only have a front or rear seat.
Another option is to purchase an electric scooter that has a power-operated lift, which allows you to effortlessly take the scooter in and out of your vehicle. This will save you time and effort when it comes to planning your trip, because all you have to do is steer the scooter to the lift platform and then turn on the switch. After that, you can leave and when you're ready to return, reverse the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels of a mobility scooter could alter or ruin the experience of riding. Tires that are in good condition will give you a comfortable, smooth ride. Tires that are damaged or old can pose a risk. You should inspect your tires regularly and replace them when they get worn out.
There are a variety of kinds of scooter tires available: pneumatic, solid and foam-filled. These tires are never flat, but are harder to move than pneumatic ones. The majority of travel/portable scooters have solid or foam-filled tires, while most full-sized and all-terrain scooters use pneumatic tires.
Pneumatic tires come with an inner tube filled with air like motorbike or bicycle tires. They're the most popular type of scooter tire and they are easily repaired.
There are tires that have liners between the outer tube and the inner tire, which provide additional protection against punctures. The owner's manual will inform you the recommended tire pressure. Inflating the tires to this level will make them last longer.
The majority of scooters are controlled by tillers, which are T shaped columns that turn the front wheels to the left or right. The tiller could also have other controls, including turning and speed indicators. Some tillers come with wraparound handles also known as delta tillers which are great for those with limited hand dexterity or strength.
Batteries
Having the right type of battery for your scooter is vital. Selecting the right battery will make your scooter last longer. Keep in the mind that batteries lose performance as they age. If you are noticing that your battery isn't holding charge as well as it used to it could be a sign that it's in need of replacement.
A gel or AGM battery is a good option if you wish to have your battery to last for a long time. These batteries come with an immobile electrolytes and are airtight which makes them more resistant to jostling. They also have a longer time to last than other lead acid batteries. However, they're more expensive upfront, although their long-lasting nature makes them more affordable in the long term.
Another option is to select the lithium battery. They're a bit more expensive upfront however they can offer up to 10 times the lifespan of lead-acid batteries. Plus, they are safe for air travel and are available with a certification from the IATA.
It is important to take a look at the label of the battery for your scooter to determine the model and the brand name. Using generic or offbrand batteries can damage your mobility scooter and cause it not to work properly. Also, if you own an older battery that was charged with a different charger, it may not perform as well.
Some scooters require more powerful batteries than others, so be sure to inquire with the manufacturer. They'll typically have a list of compatible batteries for their scooters. If you are buying an old mobility scooter, ask the seller to provide any maintenance records they have. These can help you determine the condition of the battery and whether it was recently serviced.
Safety
A scooter is an essential aid for those who are incapable of walking due to age or illness. But it must be used in a safe manner. A mistake in the use of a mobility scooter can cause injuries to the user and others surrounding them. It is important to be aware of what to look out for when purchasing a mobility scooter to avoid this.
Make sure the scooter has an operating manual, which contains specific information for your model, including safety guidelines and maintenance schedule. Keep the manual handy for reference when you use the scooter.
Try the scooter out to determine how comfortable it is and whether you can easily operate it using both hands. The scooter should also be able to carry the amount of weight you'll be carrying.
Verify the ground clearance to make sure the scooter is able to pass over obstacles, bumps and more. Travel/portable scooters have less ground clearance than full-sized models and specialty scooters might have lower clearance.
Find out the history of repair and maintenance when you purchase a second-hand scooter. These documents could provide valuable information on the condition of a scooter before you purchase it.
Consider purchasing a security device for your scooter, like clamps, to stop theft. The device is attached to the wheel of the scooter and can't be removed without tools. It's a powerful deterrent against thieves.
It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the areas you intend to travel through, especially places that have difficulty accommodating scooter users. Learn about the locations of curb cuts and streets that don't have sidewalks so that you can avoid these areas when you go shopping or visiting friends.