As we grow old, it is always essential to know the right equipment that we can use for our daily routine. Nowadays, technology made it further in helping people with their tasks and making your life a lot easier.
A mobility scooter is one of best choices both for seniors and people with disabilities. These accessible mobile scooters have helped millions of people, from home-use to outdoor use.
These scooters are designed for everyone as it goes in different qualities and shapes that can cater to everyone and their needs. With its consistent benefits, you will be able to enjoy its service. Seek a comfortable and healthy experience with mobility scooters!
Here is a guideline on mobility scooters on what it is, how it works, and other information you need to know before purchasing one!
Let’s learn more about mobility scooters!
History of mobility scooters
In 1978, a group of two men decided to start a company to promote the development of new mobility products. The Director-General Ray Hodgkinson of the British Healthcare Trades Association, along with Martin Corby, who marketed lightweight wheelchairs, started RayMar in 1978.
Nowadays, there are around 80,000 mobility scooters sold in the whole United Kingdom, and estimation of 350,000 scooters are seen in British pavements and streets. These mobility scooters did not exist before 1978 in Great Britain.
At a conference with an occupational therapist at the Wolfson Centre in London, when she told him about a new device from the United States, Ray first heard about the mobility scooter idea.
The vehicle was the Amigo Scooter with a tiller mechanism and a detachable seat, which was a 3 wheeled powered mobility scooter. From that day on, the idea has barely modified even though the engineering has jumped along.
American engineer Al Thieme invented the Amigo Scooter, and Ray and Martin were so fascinated that they hopped on a flight to the United States to find out more.
The Raymar people were told by Al Thieme about how his wife had muscular dystrophy and he decided to help strengthen her movement. The first version included getting the engine to move a wheelchair from a Hoover vacuum machine so it was actually more of a powerchair. But he soon saw the purpose for a vehicle more like a bike than a wheelchair that can sit on a powered one.
How do mobility scooters help you?
Mobility scooters can help you increase your accessibility anywhere, prevent further and severe injuries, help you in moving around, and sparks independence despite being disabled.
For those that tire quickly, mobility scooters are perfect. Basically, it is a powered vehicle that helps you to get outside without a supervisor or caregiver being used.
Increased freedom is unavoidable, but there are more than functional advantages of mobility scooters. The mental advantages of being able to leave the residence when it needs you, and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones, make it the ideal long-term asset to own an elevated mobility scooter.
The Cool Benefits!
Mobility scooters come in handy with their overall navigation. Whatever your tasks are, these advantages will surely give the best assistance. Make sure you are on the right track in purchasing these scooters by learning about their benefits!
Easy To Use and Has Rechargeable Batteries
Mobility scooters are designed with easy navigation and a rechargeable battery that can easily be managed anywhere around your area where a plug is accessible. Its maneuverability is not difficult even for older people and can easily be comprehended as they start learning the device and its functions.
Prevents Injury or Accidents
Mobility scooters also help individuals to avoid further accidents or injuries as their design is made to give the user a comfortable and safe experience along the terrain.
Enough Space For Individuals
With its comfortable design, people can easily occupy seats with ease. Its soft-textured seat can guarantee a relaxed experience for the people.
Accessible Everywhere
No matter where your whereabouts are, these scooters are very accessible anytime and anywhere. This can run smoothly in public places such as malls or nearby stores if you are planning to buy home essentials or groceries. Indeed, a convenient experience without worrying too much about how to go there.
Adjustable Seats
Seats are made adjustable for people as they come in different shapes and sizes. No matter how big or small you are, you can certainly fit in these scooters. On the other hand, it is still better to choose the right scooter for you; you may read more below for more information about the different types of mobility scooters.
Available In Various Designs
With their modern look, mobility scooters do not look like the typical medical equipment you see in hospitals or clinics. These products come in different details and colors, so a wide array of designs are available in different stores. So if you are particular with details such as its overall design, you can have all the time to look at the scooters that satisfy you best.
Summary Of Its Benefits
It is for everyone. People with complications, such as someone who just recovered from surgery, will benefit from mobility scooters well while not worrying too much about their condition as these scooters guarantee their safety.
Basically, you will get to experience an easier way of accomplishing things daily without sweating too much. With mobility scooters, everything becomes convenient while being safe and healthy along your way.
The Types Of Mobility Scooters
Aside from its benefits, it is also important to remember these types of mobility scooters to accurately suit your needs. As mentioned above, they come in different sizes, so knowing this information about scooters must be carefully read as detail by detail as possible to avoid purchasing the wrong one for you.
| Small scooters | Large scooters |
|---|---|
| These scooters have a top speed of 4mph and are usually used in pavements. These are the smaller scooters that are best for people with smaller body frames. Having lightweight scooters with you is a fun and easy way if you want to stroll around the neighborhood—a relaxing way to experience nature without too much physical exhaustion. | These are bigger scooters that can be used on roads as they have front and rear lights, as well as mirrors on each side. It has a top speed of 8mph, just a bit faster than the smaller lightweight scooter. |
| It varies from 20 kg to 30 kg in weight, with lengths and width of 40’’ x 25’’. | If you own a large Scooter, do remember that you should have all the features below to avoid being caught by the police. Front and rear lights Rear mirror Reflectors Maximum weight of 150kg as well as a width of 0.85 meters Organized brakes A clear horn A device that can limit your speed Direction indicators as hazard A flashing light when running on the dual carriageway |
How To Buy Right Mobility Scooter
It is best to give yourself time and stroll around the store to have an absolute overview of what mobility scooters are, and as well as how it works. Mobility scooters are getting more common now, especially among people with various body conditions, especially people who struggle walking with their own legs.
Start by answering these questions:
Where will you use your mobility scooter?
Depending on where you stay, it is very important to remember your environment. Mobility scooters are made in different types, but there are certain scooters that suit your terrain best. So have an evaluation about your place before purchasing and choosing the right mobility scooter.
Thus, if you are planning to hit the roads for a long road trip, the best thing to buy is the large scooter which is the bigger scooter that is often used on roads, as well as on pavements. At the same time, the lighter and smaller scooter is used in more casual scenarios. Do remember that these scooters are not taken on or as public transport.
Do you need a portable scooter?
We, people, have different errands and plans day by day, so it is important to remember the kind of scooter you will purchase. If you own a car and are planning to go to distant places, you can buy mobility scooters that are smaller and easily dismantled, so you can just keep them inside your car and assemble it again as soon as you reach your destination.
Again, the small scooter is best for this activity outdoors due to its smaller frame and weight.
What should you remember before purchasing a scooter?
Depending on your physical or body condition, you may want to buy a scooter that you can easily get on to. Make sure to buy mobility scooters with the right and rotating seats, as well as adjustable armrests, footrests, and rear detail. A good suspension should also be present.
Also, do evaluate mobility scooters carefully by knowing your height and weight since these scooters have their own seat widths and maximum weight limits. It’s essential to remember these limits to ensure a comfortable spot with your mobility scooter.
Should I do a test drive?
Before purchasing it, have a test drive on various places such as mobility centers and disabled living centers, or even in retailers.
Have a glimpse of experience on how to navigate mobility scooters and have an assessment if it really helps your daily needs in general. You can practice all the features and overall navigation so you can start learning the basic knowledge. People in mobility scooter stores can help you learn it step by step.
Mobility Scooters versus other transportation ways
Traveling On Public Transport on Trains
While it may be a challenge to travel on public transports with your mobility scooter, it is best to notify the company 24 hours before you travel so they will get informed about your concerns. When you get called, you shall be asked about your scooter’s details to ensure that you fit the criteria for your travel.
Getting A Taxi
When in taxis, they accommodate smaller mobility scooters which are the small and medium scooters. Thus, riding taxis might save you from possible charges. Black Cabs or Taxis also offer a good service in keeping your mobility scooter safe as possible until you reach your destination.
Private taxis are also available if you want to commute as a disabled person.
When Riding On The Bus
If you are traveling with your mobility scooter, it is recommended best to hop on a bus that has low floors. Only small scooters are allowed in buses and other public transportation because most of them are portable and lightweight. Large scooters cannot be brought in buses.
Your personal mobility scooter should also be in the right width and height to fit inside the public transport such as bus and trams.
Who Should Be Using Mobility Scooters
People with different physical conditions that are having difficulties moving on their own can benefit from these scooters so much. It is designed for people who can no longer walk long distances, both outdoors and indoors. Individuals who suffer other conditions like heart and lung problems are also encouraged to use mobility scooters.
The seats are easy for people to transfer to and get out from. However, if you suffer from conditions that may affect your riding performance, such as eye and mental problems, then it would be best to go for other solutions to avoid future complications. With these body conditions, you will have a much more difficult experience with its navigation.
Things To Remember about mobility scooters
Before purchasing mobility scooters, it is important to talk to your doctor first for possible recommendations. The doctors might suggest a mobility scooter that is fit for you and your environment’s terrain.
It is also best to ask for advice on what scooter you should have. The small scooters can be put inside a van or a bigger vehicle if you are planning for a road trip with your family and friends.
4-wheel mobility scooters would be the best choice to have if you are running on uneven terrains, while 3-wheel mobility scooters work better in terms of maneuverability due to the small turning radius. The four-wheeled scooter performs best in hills or mountainous areas.
Lightweight scooters or the smaller scooters can travel six miles on just a single charge, while the large scooter goes up to thirty miles per charge.
Parts of a mobility scooter are also guaranteed to have easy-to-use controls, especially its brakes. Other details such as seats and armrests are also adjustable for better usage for each individual.
How To Take Care of It
When owning a mobility scooter, one should know how to be gentle with one daily assistant. These are some tips on how to take care of your mobility scooter, especially with its storage and battery.
Storage Care
Like your car or motorcycle, a mobility scooter should be checked regularly. Inspecting each part of the scooter to ensure that it is still working and performing well. By being responsible and careful, one can guarantee a safe and consistent journey with his or her scooter.
After washing, it is also important to wipe the scooter dry and clean before storing it. Putting your scooter in an area where a plug is accessible is also recommended for it to get charged. The scooter’s battery also discharges when left idle. Thus, the scooter should still be charged when not in use.
Mobility Scooters are not waterproof, so during rainy seasons, you can use any form of plastic covers or waterproof covers to protect it from being wet if a garage in your area is not available.
Avoid further corrosion by keeping your scooter clean and dry.
Battery Care
Heading to the most critical part, which is the battery. All the scooters have its guide about how long the battery lasts after being fully charged. It’s advisable to charge the scooter fully before its first use.
To prevent it from being damaged, you can dry your scooter with a towel after getting wet. Mobility Scooters should be stored in areas that do not have exposure to both low and high temperatures. Otherwise, it will affect the overall function of the scooter and eventually encourages further complications such as corrosion and degradation.
FAQS about mobility scooters for seniors
Can a mobility scooter be used indoors, outdoors, or both?
There is a lot to this issue, and knowing where mobility-support is required by the consumer will decide several variables to consider about the models. A scooter for (mainly) enclosed use, for instance, doesn’t need to be as rugged as many recreational versions.
With 3 wheels, most of the enclosed designs can get off with (one leading and two trailing). A standard trailing wheel makes it easier to control the scooter, and also smaller. Typically, recreational scooters are larger, more durable, have more “distance” under the hood (ok in the box), and can be somewhat costly.
Do you pay cash for a mobility scooter, or do you expect the expense to be picked up by Medicare?
Many suppliers and advertisers believe that Medicare will pay for mobility scooters for elderly (if you qualify for Medicare).
However, there are restrictions to this approach. In most situations, with proper paperwork, the doctor may need to’ medicate’ and/or recommend a mobility aid/scooter for you.
Is it easy to ride on a scooter?
It may seem apparent now, but if you are planning on buying from the internet, ensure you personally choose the design and bring it for a ride. Mobility Scooters are built to be convenient, but from knowledge I can tell you that individuals come in all kinds of types and sizes!
Legroom is a major concern when measuring a mobility scooter’s convenience. Another factor is that all of us sit a little slightly better! I will sit differently than the next person, so my stance is not flawless. Your mobility scooter road test… you’ll be thankful you did it.
What is the mass of the maximal load?
Load mass relates to any and all of the weight-bearing-stress imposed on (or in) the scooter. When assessing accessibility choices, individuals that are overweight, or need to bring large items with them need to consider and address these concerns.
With my investment, what safety features and/or accessories come conventional?
You wouldn’t want to invest 2,000 dollars on a brand new scooter only to figure out that you have to buy armrests as an accessory. Make sure to have every necessary feature on your new mobility scooter to avoid buying other accessories. Everything that you need should be on the scooter since you invested tons of money on it.
Summary
Mobility scooters have always been the best, especially for handicapped people. These scooters have been helping millions of people around the world. These different types of mobility scooters will always be a great aid in assisting your daily needs. Thankfully, the inventors of this device ensured everything that will suit every person’s needs.
With all the information discussed above, it aims to give people around the world a wide knowledge about mobility scooters as it starts dominating the health scene with its wide range of features and services. Giving people a comfortable experience in their lifetime.
While mobility scooters are still not common in different parts of the globe, it is essential for people to read and know about this helpful device as they start introducing themselves internationally.
By studying the specifications and functions of mobility scooters, you give yourself the best chance to learn everything about these scooters. While wheelchairs are commonly used nowadays, mobility scooters are also giving everyone a more advanced experience without navigating manually.
People can just navigate through the buttons as they maneuver the scooters at ease. After purchasing mobility scooters, always check their manual for further information. In that way, you will be able to understand everything about mobility scooters more.
The rules and requirements above should be followed as possible to avoid breaking the law. It is for everyone’s own good so please make sure to review the code and conduct.
