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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."
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Amigo
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Drive
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Electric Mobility Rascal
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Golden Technologies
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PaceSaver
by Leisure Lift
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Go-Go
Our Highest Recommended Electric Scooter
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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?
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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? Yes No 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? I expect to pay cash for it (cash, check, or credit card).
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! |
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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. |
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