What
is Mobility Scooter?

A mobility scooter has a seat over two rear
wheels, a flat area for feet, and handlebars in front to turn
one or two steerable wheels.
The seat can be rotated to allow access when the front is
blocked by the handlebars.
Scooters are usually battery powered.
One or two batteries are housed on board the scooter and are
charged with regular electricity via an integrated or separate
battery charger.
Gasoline powered scooters are also available, although they are
quickly being replaced by electric models.
Assistance and small seated scooters offer important benefits to
people with mobility issues around the world. A scooter is
useful for people who do not have the stamina or arm/shoulder
flexibility to use a manual wheelchair. Also, swiveling the seat
on an electric scooter is generally easier than
moving the footrests on most traditional wheelchairs. A
mobility scooter is very helpful for those with
systemic or full-body disabilities (coronary or lung problems,
some forms of arthritis, obesity, etc.) who can still stand and
walk a few steps, sit upright without upper body support, and
control the tiller handle .
What the scooter will be used for and how often it will be used
will help determine the best model. For example, someone who
buys an electric scooter that is used daily to replace a car has
different needs than someone who buys an electric scooter that
is carried in the car and used mainly on weekends for short
distances.
A mobility scooter is probably the right choice
for you if you travel relatively independently, can get on and
off the scooter independently, and can use a bicycle-like
steering column or drawbar. Scooters for the disabled usually
come in three different sizes - small, medium and large. It is
important that you choose the mobility scooter that best suits
your needs and lifestyle .
Small scooters
Lightweight
and easy to transport, these scooters usually disassemble into a
few parts so you can store them in the trunk. You must ensure
that any small scooter you lease will fit easily in your car and
that you or your caregiver are physically able to lift it easily
into the trunk. These scooters are often made with a lighter
frame to make them easier to transport, but this means there is
a limit to the weight of the passenger they can carry and the
distance they can travel before the battery needs to be charged.
Considerations
- Compact and light.
-
Fold or disassemble for storage and/or transport.
-
Can be used around the house.
-
Includes lights, turn signals and horn.
- Generally have a lower maximum weight capacity, typically up
to 135kg or 21 stone.
- They have a smaller average range that can be traveled without
needing to charge the battery, typically to a maximum of around
10 miles.
.
Medium scooters
Generally
more robust and able to carry more weight than small scooters,
medium scooters can travel at speeds of up to 10 km/h. They are
not as easy to fold or disassemble, so transporting them in a
car can be more difficult.
Considerations
-
Most models have a longer range than small scooters, generally
around 20 miles maximum.
-
Some have a larger weight capacity, ranging from around 135kg to
150kg (21 to 25 bricks) depending on the model.
-
Many have a larger turning circle than smaller models.
-
Includes lights, turn signals and horn.
Large road-legal scooters
Suitable
for longer distances and rougher surfaces, these scooters can
carry between 20 and 30 bricks (up to a maximum of 250 kg) of
passenger weight.
Due to the size of these scooters, you will need space to store
them in a secure, locked area.
You can drive up to 8 miles per hour on the road (4 miles per
hour on sidewalks).
Considerations
-
Can be driven in road traffic with approval .
-
Top speed of 8 km/h .
-
Generally have larger seats and can carry more weight.
-
Generally have a longer battery range, meaning they can go
further between charges, typically up to 25 or 30 miles.
-
Need more storage space in a secure, locked area.
-
Includes lights, turn signals and horn.xsdf