Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
The purchase of a mobility scooter is a significant financial investment. Fortunately, private insurance companies and government programs like Medicare often reimburse the cost of a scooter if it's medically necessary.
To ensure that they purchase the correct model, people who have disabilities that limit their mobility should be aware of all they can about scooters and what alternatives available to them. In the beginning, buyers must understand their specific needs and goals.
What to Consider
When it comes to selecting the best mobility scooter, there are many factors to consider. There isn't a single size that is perfect for everyone. Choosing the wrong mobility scooter could lead to problems like a poor fit, a low battery life or even safety concerns.
What do your parents intend to use the scooter for? Do they need to go shopping or run errands? Or simply take it for rides around the neighborhood? If yes, then a lightweight mobility scooter with a long battery life is the best option. If they intend to travel on rough or bumpy terrain, a four-wheeler with larger tires could be the better option.
Keep in mind that the physical condition of your parent may change over the course of a few years. You'll need to determine if they will be able to drive their mobility scooter in the future. If not, they may require a new scooter or look at the more permanent option of the power chair.
Before you make a final decision it is important to encourage your child to test out a variety of mobility scooters. They can test how comfortable the seat is and see if they can reach the handle. They should also sit in the driver's seat to ensure that they are comfortable and that the scooter fits them well.
Ask your local dealer about used scooters. You can also inquire with rental companies to find out if they have any second-hand scooters for auction. It is essential to confirm the warranty and other information before buying a used scooter.
Seating
Some customers buy scooters with two seats in the hope of being able to carry family members or friends who would like to join them on their journeys. However, there can be privacy concerns if those who are joining you won't be of the same weight as it could result in bumping skin-toskin against them and may also create problems with personal space. If you have any of these issues that you are concerned about, it is suggested to purchase a seat-behind scooter instead of one that has a rear and front seat.
A scooter with two seats allows you to not only be a part of a family member or friend and family members, but also cut costs by not needing to purchase two separate mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and wear and tear, as well as electric by only having one scooter to operate, and you can even share the cost of fuel.
There are a variety of seating options available when shopping for a mobility scooter with two seats. Certain models have the driver's seat at the front and the passenger's seat behind. Others have both seats in the rear. Most mid-range scooters will have this configuration however more advanced and expensive scooters could include one seat in the front or a rear seat with a single seat.
Another option is to buy an electric scooter that has a power-operated lift, which allows you to effortlessly move the scooter in and out of your vehicle. This will save you time and effort when it comes to getting ready for your trip since all you have to do is guide the scooter onto the lift platform, then turn on the switch. You can then leave and when you are ready to return, just reverse the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels on mobility scooters are a crucial element of the vehicle and they can make or break the experience you have. A good set of tires will give you an enjoyable, smooth ride, however old or damaged ones could be dangerous. It is important to examine the condition of your tires frequently, and replace them when they are worn out.
There are a variety of types of scooter tires available: solid, pneumatic, and foam filled. These tires are not flat, but they are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic tires. Most travel/portable Scooters come with rubber or spongy tires however, the majority of all terrain scooters come with pneumatic tires.
The tube that is inside pneumatic tires is filled with air, similar to bicycle or motorbike tires. They're the most commonly used type of scooter tire, and they're easily repaired.
There are tires that come with liners that fit between the tire's outer and inner tube, providing added protection against punctures. The owner's manual will show you the recommended tire pressure. Inflating the tires to this pressure will help them last longer.
A lot of scooters are controlled with tillers, which are T-shaped columns which turn the front wheels either left or right. The tiller may also have other controls, like turning and speed indicators. Some tillers come with wraparound handles called delta tillers. These are great for people who have limited dexterity and strength.
Batteries
It is essential to choose the correct type of battery in your scooter. Selecting the right battery will make your scooter run longer. Keep in mind that batteries lose their performance as they age. If you are noticing that your battery isn't holding charge as well as it used to it could be a sign that it's in need of replacement.
A gel or AGM battery is a great investment if you want your battery to last a long time. These types of batteries have impermeable electrolytes and are airtight, which makes them more resistant to jostling. They also have a much longer life span than other batteries. They're a little more expensive upfront but their long-term value makes them worthwhile.
A lithium battery is another option. They are more expensive upfront however they can offer up to 10 times the lifespan of lead-acid batteries. They're also safe for air travel. They are backed by an IATA certification.
When purchasing the battery for your scooter it is essential to search for the model and brand name of your mobility scooter on the label. Using generic or offbrand batteries can harm your mobility scooter and cause it not to function correctly. Also, if you own an older battery that has been charged using an alternative charger, it may not perform similarly.
Certain scooters require stronger batteries than others, so make sure to check with the manufacturer. Typically, they will have an inventory of compatible batteries recommended for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have documentation of maintenance, when you purchase an old mobility device. They can assist you in determining the age of the battery and if it was recently serviced.
Safety
A scooter can be an emergency aid for people who are unable to walk due to illness or age. However, it must be used in a safe manner. Incorrect use of a mobility scooter could cause injury to the user and those surrounding them. It's important to be aware of the things to look for when purchasing mobility scooters in order to avoid this.
Make sure that the scooter comes with an operating manual, which contains model-specific information, including safety guidelines and a maintenance schedule. Take a look at the manual and save it in mind when you use the scooter.
Try the scooter out to see how comfortable it is and whether you can operate it using both hands. The scooter should be able to handle the weight you plan to transport.
Check the ground clearance to make sure the scooter is able to go over obstacles, bumps and more. The scooters that are portable or travel-friendly have less ground clearance than larger models, and specialty scooters may have even lower clearance.
Find out buying mobility scooter of repair and maintenance in the case of purchasing a used scooter. The seller might have records of any repairs or replacements for parts These records can give you a valuable insight into the condition of the scooter prior to you purchase it.
Consider purchasing an item for your scooter, such as a wheel clamp, to deter theft. The device attaches to the wheel of the scooter, and cannot be removed with tools, which makes it a good deterrent for thieves.
It's also a good idea to get familiar with the areas you plan on travelling in, particularly areas that aren't able to accommodate scooter users. Know the location of curb cuts and streets that do not have sidewalks, so that you are able to avoid these areas while shopping or visiting your friends.