It’s no secret that America is amidst an age crisis. Baby boomers are hitting retirement age, and with life expectancy on the rise, more and more people are finding themselves needing to downsize their living situation.
This has led to a growth in the popularity of gated communities. Which offers retirees all the benefits of living in a community without worrying about yard work or home repairs.
But what does this mean for mobility scooters? Are they becoming obsolete? Or is there still a place for them in today’s society? Check out this blog post to find out!
What is a Gated Community?
A gated community consists of a group of residential homes with one or more common entrances enclosed by a gate. And often has amenities such as swimming pools, clubhouses, walking trails, and recreation areas (often with tennis courts). A gated community may be considered an upscale version of the housing development. Gated communities are attractive to homeowners because they provide a feeling of safety and security.
Mobility Scooters and Gated Communities
Mobility scooters are popular means of travel for the elderly, injured and individuals with limited mobility. Many have a maximum speed of 4 mph, which can be hazardous to occupants of gated communities. If the gates are only equipped with automatic sensors that detect slow-moving objects.
Typically, many gated communities use motion sensor technology to control access through their entrance gates. Some newer entry gate openers have a built-in safety feature that allows the automatic gate to open. If it detects a moving object within a certain distance from the column. This can be dangerous for mobility scooters. They are typically large and do not move at the same speeds as pedestrians or children playing.
In addition, some models of motion sensor gate openers can detect objects in front of the gate but not alongside the columns that hold up the entrance. So if a mobility scooter or wheelchair were to be within range next to a column, it could pass through without opening the gate.
Mobility Scooters in Gated Communities
If you are an individual in need of a mobility scooter, some models will work in gated communities. There are several models of mobility scooters that can be operated manually via levers or hand cranks if the battery were to run out. Also, some larger wheeled mobility scooters can achieve speeds up to 8 mph.
So if you know someone that needs a mobility scooter but is worried about going through a gated community – several types can fit their needs!
The Pros of Gated Communities
Gated communities are great for safety, but they can be challenging to navigate if you have a mobility scooter.
Agitate: If you’re in the market for a mobility scooter and live in a gated community, most models will work!
Solution: There are many different mobility scooters on the market today. Some models have manual levers or hand cranks so that if your battery runs out, you can still get around. Other larger wheeled mobility scooters can achieve speeds up to 8 mph, perfect for navigating through gates with automatic sensors.
Suppose you know someone that needs a mobility scooter but is worried about going through a gated community. In that case, several types can fit their needs!
The Cons of Gated Communities
While security and safety are the main reasons people choose to live in gated communities, there are several disadvantages.
- First, many gated communities are exclusive and expensive. To live in a guarded community with restricted access, you must be able to afford the high price tag.
- Second, living in a gated community can be socially isolating. Since you are restricted from entering and leaving the community at will, you may have fewer opportunities to socialize with your neighbors.
Finally, gates can often create a sense of separation between the “haves” and “have nots.”
Living in a gated community with mobility scooters
In addition to the pros and cons of gated communities listed above, there are some additional considerations to consider if you are living in a community with mobility scooters.
- First, if you are using a mobility scooter to get around, make sure that the gates in your community open wide enough for you to pass through. Some older gated communities have narrower gates that may not accommodate a large scooter.
- Second, be aware of the motion sensor technology used in many gated communities. Some newer gate openers have a built-in safety feature that allows the automatic gate to open.
If it detects a moving object within a certain distance from the column. This can be dangerous for those using a mobility scooter because the device is not self-propelling and must be pushed by another person.
If someone else is pushing you, it may appear as though you are not moving to the gate opener, and the automatic mechanism will not open the gate. This can pose a problem if you live in a gated community and need to enter or exit your home at specific times.
Making the most out of living in a gated community with mobility scooters
| Plan ahead | know when you need to enter or exit the community and make arrangements accordingly. |
| Stay social | despite the sense of separation, living in a gated community can still be socially isolating, so make an effort to get to know your neighbors. |
| Get involved | many gated communities have committees or groups that residents can join to get more involved in their neighborhood. |
| Join the community | if your gated community has a homeowner’s association or governing body, be active in these groups and make your voice heard |
| Know your rights | many real estate communities have covenants and restrictions that homeowners must follow when living in these neighborhoods |
To find out what legal choices you have if you feel unfairly treated or deprived of your rights, contact an attorney.
Conclusion
Living in a gated community is often desirable because of the peace of mind and sense of security it provides. However, there are pros and cons to taking this route, particularly for those who use mobility scooters regularly.
By knowing how to navigate living in gated communities with your mobility scooter, you can still reap the benefits of feeling safe and secure in your home without sacrificing convenience or jeopardizing your mobility.
Citation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4510203/
