Guide to Mobility Scooters

Executive Summary by Jason Gluckman & Elon Stackhouse

Mobility scooters facilitate an easier movement than manual or motorized wheel chairs. It facilitates the driver to make sharper turns and move over different surfaces, effortlessly. The batteries last for longer periods, allowing the individual to leave home with little worry. Mobility scooters are sometimes even referred to as power chairs. They operate with a joystick-style controller. Most mobility scooters are equipped with operating buttons on the handle bar, electric motors and rechargeable batteries.

Mobility Scooters - Who Needs One?

mobility scooter

A mobility scooter can be used for a multitude of reasons. Individuals with multiple sclerosis, leg injuries, severe forms of arthritis, general fatigue, mild cerebral palsy, severe stroke, or seniors just plain tired of walking everywhere, has a use for scooters. If an individual has trouble walking everywhere whether because of an injury or fatigue they might want to explore getting a scooter to supplement some of your walking.

Factors when buying a mobility scooter:

1) Weight

Standard power chairs generally have a weight capacity of 250 lbs - 350 lbs. If you are close to the weight limit, you should factor in heavy objects which you are going to be carrying on the mobility scooter when it is in operation. A scooter can weigh between 110 pounds and 190 pounds. So if you plan to transfer a full mobility scooter knowing whether you have someone that can lift a mobility scooter is important. If you choose a model that disassembles than each piece weighing between 15 and 34 pounds will be more manageable

2)  Wheel Scooter

If you feel that you will be using your wheel chair on tougher terrain such as rural areas, farms or grassy areas then a 4 wheel scooter will probably give you the best stability to ride comfortably in those areas. But if you want to be able to maneuver through tight spaces such as in your home, the mall, or generally places where there will be a lot of people, buying a 3 wheel scooter is your best option.

3) Oxygen Tank, Crutch holder

If you have to carry a respiratory tank around or a crutch you can order a holder for both items. The holder attaches to the back of your mobility scooter carrying your respiratory tank or cane in a specially designed holder for each particular item.

4) Headlights

Headlight allow for the driver to see better at night when driving the scooter as wheel as signaling to bystanders the scooter’s location.

5) Left or right handed

If you are left handed then a left handed driving scooter would be preferable, if you are right handed then you would chose a right handed driving scooter. Also if you had a stroke or some other aliment which has left you weak on one side of your body than buying a scooter which drives in accordance to the stronger side of your body would be a good fit.