When I first took my mobility scooter outside on the streets, I was so nervous. I did not know what to expect since I do not know what the rules are on operating such a vehicle. Do I need to wear something which clearly says that I am with disabilities? How do I go with the flow of walking and rushing pedestrians? I was so anxious I did not go out that morning. I first asked many of my friends, including my doctors, what I should do and what can happen. After hearing all that they said, I built up my confidence and started to stroll along with our neighborhood—greeting my neighbors and feeling the environment.
Many things can happen without the proper knowledge. People might avoid one thing if you know what to do with it at the moment. I am saying these things because it is valid, and understanding how the world moves is very important to all.
People should not be afraid of trying new things like mobility scooters. If you ask your friends, the doctors who helped you in the first place, and even the authorities, it can be easier because you will have assurance. Everybody gets nervous at first, but you can’t tell anything is dangerous until you experience it yourself.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Mobility Scooter
Is This Anything I Can Afford?
This is a significant problem. These devices are a significant financial investment. To find out what’s possible, speak with your doctor and your insurance provider.
It would be best if you determined whether or not the insurance policy will cover a mobility scooter, as well as how much the policy will cover. Most of the time, you’ll have to show that you have a medical need for it. This is something you can discuss with your doctor.
When buying a scooter, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Consider the ease of service, turning ability, and suitability of the wheel size for the terrain you’ll be traveling on (i.e., indoors, outdoors, or both), as well as the size of elevator doors and hallways and doorways at the places you visit.
- How far can you go until the battery needs to be recharged?
- How long does it take for the scooter to come to a complete stop?
- Where will the scooter be parked and stored? Is there a power outlet in the storage area where you can charge your scooter?
Is My Physical Capacity Sufficient?
It can seem easy, and it is. However, before you buy a mobility scooter, make sure you can stay upright for long periods. This can be a problem for people who have bad backs.
You must also be able to use both hands to handle the scooter at all times. A one-armed action is dangerous. As a result, be sure that this will not be a problem.
Will I (Easily) Travel with This?
Inquire with your salesperson or supplier about your potential scooter’s ability to ride in cars, buses, or taxis.
You must determine whether (and how) it is transportable by car, van, or taxi. Perhaps it needs to be disassembled to fit in a vehicle’s trunk. Is it easy to disassemble and reassemble? Are the components too heavy to carry safely?
Inquire whether it has an anchor that you can use in a taxi or public transportation. You don’t want to be forced to leave it at home because it’s too large and heavy to carry.
It’s critical to choose a scooter conveniently transported by car, van, or public transportation. Inquire with the vendor about the following:
- Is it possible to move it by car, van, or taxi?
- Is it necessary to disassemble it to transport it in the trunk of a car?
- Is it accessible through public transit or HandyDART? TransLink recommends the following maximum outside dimensions:
122 cm in length (48 in)
61 cm in width (24 in)
364 kg (800 lbs) (total weight includes driver, assistant, and mobility aid)
What is the Size of My House?
Take a close look at all of the sharp corners, all of the stairs, and the size/layout of your bathroom if you’re going to use this in your own house.
If all of these are too small or crowded to accommodate a mobility scooter, consider a 3-wheel scooter or a motorized wheelchair. They have a smaller turning circle.
Is this Scooter Model Too Big/Too Small?
It’s essential to try out your scooter to ensure that it’s the right size and weight for you. It shouldn’t feel too large because that will make it difficult to control. At the same time, you don’t want it to feel like it’s only capable of carrying you.
Don’t just think about your weight when looking at the weight specifications for any particular model. Consider the things you bring daily, such as oxygen storage tanks, baskets for laundry, and shopping bags.
How to Properly Use Your Mobility Scooter
Give yourself enough time to get to know your mobility scooter. To get used to the size and service, you’ll need some practice.
If at all necessary, practice using it in open spaces. You must understand the speeds so that you can maintain power at all times. It’s also crucial to understand the turning radius to determine which corners and turns you can comfortably negotiate when out and about.
The trick is to keep your center of gravity where it belongs: in the middle of your seat at all times. This is what prevents you from leaning to the left, right, front, or back too far. Tipping can result in serious injuries.
Without paying attention, leaning one way or the other will result in you unintentionally engaging the throttle and taking off. This is dangerous for you and everyone else in your vicinity.
Two Different Modes When the Scooter is Engaged
Mode of Operation: Freewheel
This helps you or a qualified attendant to navigate manually. The braking system has been disabled to make pushing and guiding simpler.
When it’s in freewheel mode, keep these things in mind:
- Before leaving the scooter unattended or handing power back to the driver, switch it back to the driveway to lock the brakes.
- On an incline or drop, never place it in freewheel mode.
- Never leave it in freewheel mode without anyone nearby to take charge and prevent it from rolling away.
Mode of Operation: Excessive Speed (Push-Too-Fast)
A push-too-fast mode might be available on your scooter. When the scooter is in Freewheel mode, this button is activated, and it does just as it says. It prevents the scooter from speeding up or being dangerously out of reach.
This is for your protection and to keep the mobility scooter from being used for anything it wasn’t built for.
On the Streets and Sidewalks with Your Mobility Scooter
Get to know your surroundings.
Get to know the most accessible routes in your neighborhood. Be aware of curbs’ positions without curb cuts or streets without sidewalks so that you can prepare ahead to avoid these routes if necessary.
Allow plenty of time if unforeseeable conditions, such as renovation, force you to take a different path. You may need to cross the street, take the other way, or even go backward.
Get yourself known.
Be mindful that you will be at a height disadvantage when traveling by scooter to other road and sidewalk users. Ensure that you and your scooter are equipped with the following safety features:
- Clothing that is brightly colored and reflective
- Reflective strips on the scooter’s front, arms, and back
- The front of the scooter has a light.
- Light on the scooter’s back
- The back seat of the scooter has a fluorescent orange bike flag attached to it.
Curb safely cut maneuvering.
Drive on the most level portion of the curb cut, even if it means going outside of the crosswalk lines, and take curb cuts, driveways, and ramps “head-on.” You can tip over if you drive sideways on a curb cut.
Consider your options. You must follow pedestrian traffic laws.
An individual riding a motorized scooter is considered a pedestrian by law. As a result, while riding your scooter on the lane, you must follow all pedestrian laws, such as:
Where convenient, walk on the sidewalks. Travel on the lane’s far left side, facing traffic, whether there are no sidewalks or if sidewalks do not have scooter-friendly curb cuts.
- Use pedestrian crosswalks wherever possible.
- If there isn’t a crosswalk open, stop, look both ways, and proceed only when all approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop.
- Before entering their course, make “eye contact” with motorists or pedestrians to confirm their intention to stop.
- Obey all traffic control signals and systems at all times.
Be a considerate pedestrian.
While driving around pedestrians, slow down to stop following too closely or obstructing them.
On roads, stay to the right and stop honking your horn. Request that people allow you to pass.
If you’re meeting a friend on the sidewalk, pull to the left to make it easier for other pedestrians to pass.
It would be best if you did driving near storefronts with caution. Someone could step into you when they leave a building if you are too close to it.
Issues When Using Mobility Scooters on the Streets
You’re probably having a mobility scooter so that you can use it outside. Mobility scooters are popular because they enable people to complete daily tasks or get out and enjoy life.
However, there are a few stumbling blocks, both metaphorically and literally. You’ll come across such issues as surfaces that are uneven or scuffed, inclines, and ramps.
Surfaces that are Uneven or Scuffed
At first glance, all of these can seem daunting, if not downright dangerous. However, we’ll give you some pointers to help you handle these situations safely and efficiently.
Here are a few short guidelines. It would be best if you stopped driving on the following roads:
- The water of any kind, or near the edge of a river, lake, sea, or canal
- Hard surfaces and/or uneven terrain
- Tall weeds
- Gravel and sand that is loose
- In the vicinity of train tracks or crossings
- Anywhere you do not feel at ease.
see my top picks for top comfortable mobility scooters
Driving on Inclines and Ramps
When constructing accessibility ramps, many cities and states have strict regulations; however, these ramps are not limited everywhere. As a result, ramps and inclines of various shapes and sizes can be encountered. Some will be created by humans, while others will arise naturally.
The ramp itself might not be a concern for you. You may be concerned about the so-called “switchback.” There are 180-degree turns in the middle of a ramp or incline that force you to reverse direction and continue climbing. They have the potential to be tense and threatening.
Switchbacks can take some getting used to. As a result, the more confident you are with your mobility scooter’s cornering abilities before approaching a switchback, the better.
Keep in mind:
- Take it slowly and carefully.
- Maintain a low pace.
- To allow the rear wheels to follow, make the turn as wide as possible with the front wheels.
Uphill Driving
To begin with, your scooter’s maximum output requirements will tell you how steep of a slope it can and cannot manage. These limitations must be understood and kept in mind at all times. Then, if you’re going uphill, try to lean forward.
Your center of gravity will remain in the front of the scooter, keeping you upright. Also, try to drive as straight as possible, as any sudden turns or zigzagging may cause you to lose your balance, tip, or fall. Never try to climb a hill while seated in a reclined position. This can also result in a dangerous fall or tipping.
Downhill Driving
Often drive-in as straight a line as the terrain permits. A fall will occur if you switch too far from side to side.
To keep things safe, always approach a decline at the slowest possible pace. If you find yourself reaching a speed you don’t like, let go of the throttle and let the car come to a full stop before restarting.
