Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
The purchase of a mobility scooter is a big financial investment. Private insurance companies and government programs like Medicare typically pay for the cost if the scooter is medically needed.
Individuals with mobility limitations must be aware of various types of scooters that are that are available to them. Buyers must first know their own requirements and objectives.
What to Consider
There are many things to consider when choosing the best mobility device. There isn't one size fits all mobility scooter. A wrong choice of mobility could cause issues like a bad fit, low battery life or even safety issues.
What do your parents intend to use the scooter for? Do they want to go shopping, run errands, or just ride it around the neighborhood? If yes then a lightweight mobility scooter with a long battery life is the best choice. If they intend to travel on bumpy or rough terrain, a four wheel scooter with larger wheels may be the best choice.
Also, take into consideration that your parent's physical health may change in the near future, so you'll need to consider whether they'll be able to use their mobility scooter within a few months or years. If not, then they might need to think about upgrading their scooter or finding a permanent solution such as a power chair.
If you can, your parent should try out a few different mobility scooters before deciding. They can test how comfortable the seat is and determine if they are able to reach the tiller. They should also sit in the driver's seat to ensure that they feel comfortable and the scooter is a good fit for the person well.
Ask your local dealer about refurbished scooters. You can also contact rental companies to find out if they have any used scooters available for sale. If you do buy an old scooter, be sure to verify the warranty and other details to ensure you're getting what you purchased.
Seating
Some customers buy scooters with two seats with the intention of being able transport friends or family members who wish to join them on their journeys. There are privacy issues if the people who are joining you are not of the same weight. This could mean that they'll be bumping into each other and causing issues with privacy. If you have any of these issues that you are worried about, it's recommended to buy a scooter with a seat behind instead of one that has a rear and front seat.
With a scooter with two seats, you will not only enjoy the company of a relative or friend, but also save money by not purchasing two separate mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and wear and tear, as well as electric by having just one scooter to operate, and you can even split the cost of fuel.
There are many seating options to choose from when looking for a two-seat mobility scooter. Certain models come with a driver's seat in the front and a passenger seat behind, whereas others have both seats in the rear. The majority of premium and mid-range scooters have this setup, however, some models may have only either a rear or front seat.
You can also purchase an electric scooter with a power-operated lifting system. This lets you effortlessly get the scooter in and out of your car. This can save you time and effort when preparing for your trip, as all you need to do is steer the scooter to the lift platform and turn on the switch. After that, you can leave and when you're ready to return, turn back the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels of a mobility scooter may cause or hinder your riding experience. Tires that are in good condition will give you a comfortable, smooth ride. Tires that are worn out or damaged could be dangerous. It's important to check the condition of your tires frequently, and replace them when they get worn out.
There are a few different types of scooter tires available: solid, pneumatic and foam-filled. The foam-filled and solid tires are never flat, but are harder to maneuver than pneumatic tires. The majority of travel/portable Scooters have solid or spongy tires, and the majority of full-sized and all terrain scooters come with pneumatic tires.
Pneumatic tires are made up of an inner tube that is filled with air similar to the motorbike or bicycle tire. They're the most commonly used type of tire and can be repaired easily.
There are also tires with liners that can be fitted between the outer tire and the inner tube, giving protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a certain tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended value can be found in the owner's manual. Inflating the tires to this pressure will ensure they last longer.
The majority of scooters are controlled by tillers that are T-shaped columns that turn the front wheels to the left or right. Other controls, such as turning and speed indicators can be located on the tiller too. Some tillers have wraparound handles known as delta tillers which are ideal for people with limited hand dexterity or strength.
Batteries
It is important to have the right type battery in your scooter. The right battery will make your scooter last longer. It's also a good idea to be aware that batteries will lose performance as they age. If you find that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as it did before, it may be time to replace it.
A gel or AGM battery is a great option if you wish to have your battery to last for a long time. These types of batteries have immobile electrolyte and are airtight which makes them more resistant jostling. They also have a longer time to last than other lead acid batteries. However, they are more expensive initially, but their durability makes them cost-effective in the long run.
Another option is to opt for the lithium battery. They're more expensive initially however, they can last 10x longer than lead-acid batteries. Plus, they are safe for air travel and come with a certification from the IATA.
When purchasing a scooter battery it is essential to search for the brand name and model of your mobility scooter on the label. Using generic or offbrand batteries can harm your mobility scooter and cause it not to function effectively. Similarly, if you have an older battery that has been recharged using another charger, it might not function as well.
Contact the manufacturer to find out whether your scooter requires a more powerful battery. They usually have a list with compatible batteries for their scooters. If you are purchasing a used mobility scooter, ask the seller to provide any maintenance documents they have. These can help you determine the condition of the battery as well as whether it was recently serviced.
Safety
A scooter can be an emergency aid for people who are disabled to walk due to age or illness. However, it must be used in a safe manner. Incorrect use can cause injury to the user or those who are around them. It is important to be aware of what to look out for when purchasing a mobility scooter to avoid this.
The manual should include specific information for the model, like safety guidelines and maintenance schedules. Keep best place to buy a mobility scooter on hand for reference while using the scooter.
Check the scooter's comfort and see if you can operate it with ease using both hands. The scooter is also expected to carry the amount of weight you'll need to carry.
Check the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure that it can travel over bumps and other obstacles. Travel/portable models have less clearance than larger scooters, and special models could have even smaller clearance.
If you're considering purchasing a used scooter, inquire about its history of maintenance and repair. These documents may provide valuable information on the condition of a scooter before you buy it.
You should consider purchasing a security device for your scooter, such as clamps, which can deter theft. The device is fixed to the wheel of the scooter and can't be removed without using tools. It's a powerful deterrent against thieves.
It's important to get familiar with the areas you plan on travelling in, particularly areas that aren't accommodating to scooter users. You can avoid certain areas by studying curb cuts and streets with no sidewalks.