Older people are more inclined to distress as their mobility is greatly affected due to their physical weakness. Because of this, they often stay indoors and sometimes have no companion to help them. In this situation, the mobility scooter has become popular and dramatically reduces the depression and hardship experienced by seniors and people with disabilities. It gave the elderly and people with mobility impairments the opportunity to regain their independence without having to depend on other people. But many people ignore the impact of mobility scooters on functional effect and quality of life. It has a surprising and positive impact on boosting the quality of life for the users. But it, in turn, has health problems in people with more severe movement and physical issues. There are more suitable mobility aids for people with difficult mobility impairments, such as motorized wheelchairs, but we will focus on mobility scooters in this blog.
There is research regarding mobility scooters that shows knowledge gaps and where research should focus in the future. This blog will review the current knowledge regarding mobility scooters concerning their effects on users, particularly their perspective and physical health changes. In this case, physical health refers to the physical changes in the user’s mobility from when they used the scooter. For example, whether there has been a change in their ability to walk since they used that mobility scooter, particularly in the elderly—they are often the ones most likely to be weak. Other studies are not specific to age but to the user’s injury, capability, or disability.
While mobility devices, including mobility scooters, are increasing, there is no evidence that the number of people who have difficulty walking increases. For example, according to US research, the number of people who cannot walk 400 meters or a quarter of a mile has not changed. Nor do the data gathered show an apparent increase in mobility device uses at any age.
User perspective analysis
Studies on user perspectives or experiences are essential to ensure that the mobility scooter meets its users’ requirements and finds out where its improvements should be. Most user perspective studies have focused on assistive devices in technology, while others have focused on mobility scooters and their users.
Person and device compatibility.
The lack of regulation for access to assistive mobility devices, including mobility scooters as they provide potential freedom of choice to users, has a disadvantage. Because it means a lack of good advice to assess the device’s suitability to the user or vice versa, the assistive technology device must match an individual’s capability or mobility needs. When the device is compatible and correct, it gives power and more freedom. And if the device is not appropriate, the user’s lack of confidence will increase and pose a higher risk to their safety.
Guidance and training
The correct and adequate training provided to the users will significantly impact the tendency of using the device. While there is local support in training for safe use, the training does not always happen. Scooter users do not go through this training support but learned through the organization where they bought their scooter. However, the training is still happening but is not available at the national level.
Not all users of mobility devices seek guidance from a health professional before purchasing their device. There are places or states with advice available. There are also online guides like this blog that provide information regarding mobility scooters and choose the right one based on the individual needs.
Wellbeing, independence, and satisfaction
Even with modern technology, there are many practical activities that we need to go out to engage the community. Get information and take care of personal matters like finance is often more comfortable when done face to face, especially with difficulty communicating. Appointments are more manageable if you can attend independently rather than relying on family or riding transport services. Having the freedom and control over regular activities like shopping, for example, gives you more control over your daily routine when compared to finding services or shops available by phone or online. Mobility scooters are available to access a wider area, so you maintain a high level of choice, comfort, and control in your daily activities.
Mobility scooters prove to add freedom and independence to seniors and give a sense of accomplishment and security to themselves. Users expect this scooter to be the main positive element of their lifestyle.
Maintaining an independent social life is also essential to wellbeing, health, and relationships. Having control over visiting loved ones, meeting new people, and attending special occasions will extend your integration and ties with the local community.
There are not many kinds of research regarding the mobility scooter’s influence on its users’ mental wellbeing. But when it comes to lifestyle enjoyment, it is specifically enhanced, especially in the elderly. Some studies regarding mobility scooters’ impact on mental health prove that this mobility device helps users participate in daily life activities. As a result, it boosts their quality of life wonderfully.
Seniors who are often indoors and rely on other people’s help are prone to stress and anxiety issues. With the use of mobility scooters, these issues are addressable, which significantly impact their lives.
Research regarding wellbeing, independence, and satisfaction, especially on mobility scooters, is sparse. Research on mobility scooters is integrated and no different from electric wheelchairs.
Studies on all assistive mobility devices have found that users feel that the device helps them participate in more activities, increases their sense of security, and provides greater independence. When it comes to mobility scooters, the evidence shows that users generally view their devices positively because it gives them the liberty to move out of their homes.
A study of scooters and powered wheelchairs found high enjoyment and easy participation in activities after using the device. After users use the device, they find the ability to socialize, be mobile, and their sense of safety, self-esteem, and independence all increase. Studies were limited to a small sample. However, 80% of the sample are scooter users, and it concludes that they have obtained independence, security, and satisfaction with this device.
There were two surveys; one was on 480 mobility scooter users, and the other was on 66 scooter users. The first survey provided some useful insights regarding scooter user’s satisfaction and travel behavior. Respondents in this first survey ask why they chose the mobility scooter over the wheelchair. Two of the common responses are because the scooter is easier to use and it is more comfortable. It includes users who rely on their scooter to travel and say they cannot make the same trips without their scooter’s help. While a small percentage say, they can travel the same trip on foot.
The second survey focused on user experiences. Users have begun to use scooters to maintain their mobility levels, whether due to physical ability loss or when they stop driving. The satisfaction of scooter users comes from their having enhanced mobility. Respondents felt that by using a scooter, they could travel to more destinations, perform daily tasks, preserve independence, and increase their sense of wellbeing.
These two surveys or studies provided insight into scooter use experiences. Both studies show that users see that it has positive results in their lifestyle. The central negative aspect of their experience comes from the inability to access the built environment. Negative views of the devices stemmed from accessibility and contact with pedestrians. In studying other mobility devices, the bad experiences in using the scooter came from its limited use. As a result, they cannot do the activities they want to do, and the seniors are less likely to feel that they need the scooter. It often occurs in areas limiting mobility scooters to have more movements, such as in buildings along pavements and on high surfaces.
Activity
Frequent activities to do using mobility scooters are shopping, day trips, social visits, or simply going for a ride. Scooter trips are usually made by users, if not three to five times per week.
Two studies found evidence suggesting that mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs should be taken early and done by less impaired people to delay activity dropout levels due to immobility.
Impact of mobility scooter on physical health.
There are many different studies regarding the impact of mobility scooters on physical health. The majority of these studies show that users should be using it all the time. If you are recovering from a bodily injury, it would be best to consult your doctor before incorporating the use of a scooter into your daily routine. You need to understand how it can affect you and its effect on your specific underlying injury. Although the mobility scooter is easy to use, it is best to consider every aspect as its use requires sufficient physical strength to operate it.
Most of the research regarding physical health has come from wheelchair users, physical activity levels, and physical functionality and capabilities. This study is base on wheelchair users who used it on a full-time basis. There are two reasons why these findings should not be generalized to scooter users. First, scooter users can walk, though often only for a limited distance. And second, manual wheelchairs require physical effort to push them forward while scooter users no longer need them.
There are other views regarding the use of assistive technology, which is physically passive, and their impact on physical functionality applicable to mobility devices such as mobility scooters. Otherwise, it is possible that the use of a mobility device, along with the help of a mobility scooter, increases participation in both physical and social outdoor activities that users cannot participate in without using such assistance similar to a mobility aid. Having access to these activities through mobility assistance can increase the quality of life and wellbeing among users. Auxiliary technology devices that are entirely passive when the user has some physical functionality run the risk of de-conditioning physical functionality users and their mobile capabilities to a less fast rate than using a more active assistive technology. It proves that scooters are not a medical necessity but a lifestyle option. There is, therefore, a value in considering whether this option may impair long-term physical ability.
A study aims to understand the effect of scooter use on people’s walking ability with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. This randomized control study consisted of participants with the condition who could walk independently for 15 meters. Participants in the first were given scooters or maintained their usual care randomly. Participants’ ability was tested by walking for six minutes for one to three months after the other group started using the scooter. After this, the participants share their experiences during the test. This study found no difference in the group’s walking abilities that used scooters and a group that did not use them for the entire one to three months. Even so, scooter users have found that they do more activities when they use their mobility scooters. This study concluded that using a mobility scooter has no effect on walking ability but helps do more activities.
Conclusion
Studies regarding mobility scooters are sporadic. When it comes to user experience, most users feel that their scooter positively impacts their lives. Their scooter has conformed to their needs by allowing them to achieve their desired activities freely. Matching the individual’s mobility device and training the person to use their device for their mobility is essential. However, none of this happens regularly.
The mobility scooter is a blessing for people with less ability to access outdoor environments. It gives happiness to life and boosts the quality of life. With the freedom that users enjoy, they fully feel the independence to move wherever and whenever they want freely. Therefore, the mobility scooter is one source of happiness that is within easy reach.
