Scooters

Definition:  Mobility Scooters

A mobility scooter has a seat over 3 or 4 wheels, a flat area for the feet, and handlebars in front to turn one or two steerable wheels. The seat may swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars. Mobility scooters are battery powered. A battery or two is stored on board the scooter and is charged via an onboard or separate battery charger unit from standard 110 outlet.

Three-wheeled mobility systems, also known as scooters, are becoming increasingly popular among the elderly. Scooters are useful for individuals who can walk short distances but need help for long distances. Most scooters have rear wheel drive and front wheel steering. According to Mann, even though scooters have been around for a long time, they have undergone some of the biggest improvements. "The power of the batteries and the speed at which they recharge are the most important changes we have seen with this technology," Mann says. Specifically, power seats, flip-back arms, adjustable bases, gear drive systems that provide 40 miles to a charge, and attractive colors are enhancements found in today's scooters.

Many elderly patients like scooters since they provide a very comfortable ride because they absorb shock. Most can achieve speeds of up to four miles per hour. Scooters are steered with a handlebar, steering wheel, joystick, or push-button controls. Some scooters disassemble easily for transportation in the trunk of a vehicle. "The elderly particularly need to pay attention to how heavy a scooters is if they, or someone else, will have to lift it in and out of a car," Mann says. "The best gauge is to determine if you can lift the largest, heaviest part when the chair is disassembled."

1. Amigo
2. Drive
3. Electric Mobility Rascal
4. Golden Technologies
5. PaceSaver by Leisure Lift
6. Pride Go-Go  Our Highest Recommended Electric Scooter
7. Shoprider

Before you order an Electric Scooter, we have to go over a couple of Questions:

Are you primarily going to use the Scooter Indoors or Outdoors?

How much do you weigh?

How tall are you?

PaceSaver's Users Buyer’s Guide

1. Defining Your Needs:   From the start, take time to understand what you expect from a scooter, and where and how you will use it. Write down your answers to the following questions and discuss them when you talk to your local professional dealer. Some vital points are: How accessible is my home or living quarters?  What is the width of the narrowest door I will go through? What are the dimensions of any tight or confined areas that I might need to operate in? How tall are any thresholds or steps that I might have to navigate? Where will I use my scooter?   Primarily indoors? Both indoors and outdoors? Primarily outdoors? Daylight only, or night and day? Will I transport my scooter from one place to another? oYes oNo  From my living quarters to someone else’s? From my living quarters to a commercial location? From my living quarters to an outdoor location? Will I transport my scooter frequently? Infrequently? How will I transport my scooter? By car, van, or truck (make & model)? By public transportation, airplane, or train? How much will I use my scooter? ____Hours per day. ____Day per week. What is my height & weight? _____ feet/inches ____pounds. Any special dexterity or transfer needs or considerations? What types of accessories and options might I like?  A canopy for rain or sun? A power seat lift? Cupholders, baskets, bags, etc? How do I anticipate paying for my scooter? o I expect to pay cash for it (cash, check, or credit card). o I will seek third-party payment (Medicare, private insurance, HMO, PPO, etc.). If you anticipate seeking third-party payment, complete the next two sections. What type(s) of insurance do I have? Does someone answer the phone when I call?  Yes! Does the dealer offer both sales and service? Yes!

 

How stable is each scooter? What is the Maximum Incline Stability Rating? Under no circumstances should it be less that 5 degrees at the scooters weight capacity. Does the scooter’s top speed promote instability? How reliable are the scooters? In addition to the sales person’s experience, speak to Service Department personnel. Ask them which units they feel have the lowest repair incidence. How durable is the scooter’s exterior? Most scooters are painted, and will develop scratches and dings through normal everyday use. They can be repainted, but at considerable expense. Scooters with ‘molded-in’ color retain their neat appearance for many years, are easy to maintain, and do not require repainting or retouching. Is the scooter seat comfortable & resilient? Does it fit me, feel good today, and is it built to last? Does the scooter separate (disassemble and reassemble) easily? A simple and clean separation system makes for easy transportation of the scooter. Ask for a demonstration. Where is the scooter manufactured? Will parts always be readily available? Is the manufacturer’s sales literature complete? Demand to look at the Owner’s Manuals of all scooters and confirm that all important specifications in the Owner’s Manual mirror claims made in the sales literature. Are the seat and tiller adjustable to fit my needs? Ask for a demonstration. Are a broad range of options and accessories available? Ask to see literature and samples. Conclusion Three and four wheel scooters are fun and reliable products that can assist you in increasing your mobility, and allow you to increase your independence. Be sure to have this completed Buyer’s Guide with you when you shop for a scooter. Most importantly, ask your local professional dealer questions, and be comfortable with the answer to your questions.