Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
The purchase of a mobility scooter is a major 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 with travel-limiting disabilities should know all about scooters and the alternatives they have. First, they must be aware of their own needs and goals.
What to Consider
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting the best mobility device. There isn't a single size that will fit all. 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, run errands, or just ride it around the neighborhood? If so, a light mobility device with a long battery life would be the best choice. If they plan to travel on rough or bumpy terrain, a four wheel scooter with larger wheels may be the best choice.
Keep in mind that the physical health of your parent could change in the next few years. You will need to determine if they will be able to drive their mobility scooter after. If not, they may require a change in their scooter or look at an alternative that is more durable, such as the power chair.
Before making a final decision before making a final decision, you should encourage your parent to try various mobility scooters. They can see how comfortable the seat feels and if they're able to reach the tiller. They should also sit in the driver's seat to make sure that they feel comfortable and the scooter fits them well.
Ask your local dealer about used scooters. You can also contact rental companies to see whether they have used scooters for auction. It is essential to confirm the warranty and other information prior to purchasing a used scooter.
Seating
Some customers buy scooters with two seats in order to be capable of transporting family members or friends who wish to accompany them on a trip. However, there can be privacy concerns if the people accompanying you are not of the same weight as this could result in bumping skin-to-skin against them. It could also create problems with personal space. If these are concerns you are concerned about, it is suggested to get a seat-behind scooter instead of one with a back and front seat.
A scooter with two seats enables you to not only be a part of a family member or friend and family members, but also save money by not having to buy two mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and wear and tear, as well as electric by only having one scooter to run, and you can even split the cost of fuel.
There are many seating options to choose from when shopping for a two-seat mobility scooter. Some models feature a driver's seat in the front and a passenger seat behind, while some include both seats at the rear. Most mid-range scooters will have this configuration however more advanced and premium scooters may include a front seat or a rear seat only.
Another option is to buy an electric scooter that has a power-operated lift, which permits you to effortlessly move the scooter into and out of your vehicle. This can help you save time and effort when getting ready for your trip since all you have to do is direct the scooter to the lift platform, then turn on the switch. After that, you can leave and when you're ready to return, reverse the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels on mobility scooters are an important part of the vehicle, and they can either make or break the experience you have. A good set of tires will provide you with an easy, comfortable ride, but worn out or damaged ones can be dangerous. It is important to examine the condition of your tires frequently and replace them as they get worn out.
There are three types of scooter tires including foam-filled, pneumatic and solid. Solid and foam-filled tires never go flat, but they are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic tires. The majority of travel/portable scooters have solid or foam-filled tires, whereas most full-sized and all-terrain scooters use pneumatic tires.
The tube inside pneumatic tires is filled with air, as a motorbike or bicycle tire. They're the most popular type of scooter tire, and they can be easily repaired.
There are tires that have liner between the outer tube and the inner tire, providing additional protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a particular tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended pressure can be found in the owner's manual. Tires will last longer when they are filled to this pressure.
Most scooters are controlled by tillers which are T-shaped columns that turn the front wheels to either the left or right. Other controls such as turning and speed signals can be on the tiller, too. Some tillers have wraparound handles known as delta tillers which are ideal for people who have limited hand dexterity or strength.
Batteries
It is crucial to have the right type battery in your scooter. Choosing the correct battery can make your scooter run for longer. Keep in your mind that batteries lose performance as they age. If you notice that your battery isn't able hold charge as well as previously, it might be time to replace it.
If buy used mobility scooter looking to ensure that your battery will last for a long time, then it is worth investing in a gel battery or an AGM battery. These batteries are more resistant to shaking due to their airtight design and an immobile electrolyte. They also have a longer lifespan than other types of batteries. However, they are more expensive initially, but their long-lasting nature makes them more affordable in the long term.
A lithium battery is an alternative option. They are more expensive initially however, they can last up to 10 times longer than lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they are safe for air travel and are available with a certificate from the IATA.
When buying a scooter battery it is essential to search for the brand name and model of the mobility scooter on the label. Utilizing offbrand or generic batteries can damage your mobility scooter and cause it not to work correctly. Similarly, if you have an older battery that has been charged using a different charger, it might not function similarly.
Certain scooters require stronger batteries than others, so be sure to inquire with the manufacturer. They'll usually have a list with compatible batteries for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have any documents of maintenance records when you purchase a used mobility device. These records will help you determine if the battery is old and if it's recently been maintained.
Safety
A scooter can be a lifesaver to people who are incapable of walking due to illness or age. But it is essential to use it correctly. A mistake in use could cause injuries to the user or those who are around them. It is essential to be aware of what to look out for when purchasing mobility scooters to avoid this.
Make sure that the scooter comes with an operating manual that provides model-specific information, including safety guidelines and a maintenance schedule. Keep the manual handy for reference when you use the scooter.
Test the scooter to see how comfortable it is and whether you can operate it with both hands. The scooter should also be able to handle the amount of weight you're planning on transporting.
Check the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure it can maneuver over bumps and other obstacles. Travel/portable scooters have lower ground clearance than larger models, and specialty scooters might have lower clearance.
Check the background of maintenance and repair if you're purchasing a used scooter. These documents may provide valuable information on the condition of the scooter before you purchase it.
Consider purchasing a security device for your scooter, like clamps, which can deter theft. The device is attached to the wheel of the scooter, and cannot be removed without tools. It's an effective security measure against thieves.
It's important to be familiar with the areas you plan to travel through, especially areas that aren't able to accommodate scooter users. You can avoid certain areas by knowing about curb cuts and streets with no sidewalks.