Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
Buying a mobility scooter is a big financial investment. Private insurance companies as well as government programs like Medicare typically pay for the cost if the scooter is medically needed.
Mobility-impaired individuals should be aware of the different types of scooters available to them. Buyers must first be aware of their own requirements and goals.
What to Consider
There are many things to consider when choosing the right mobility device. There is no one size that is perfect for everyone. Choosing the wrong mobility scooter could cause problems such as a poor fit, a short battery life, or even safety issues.
What will your parent use the scooter for? Do they intend to make use of it to run around or shop? If so, a light mobility device with a long battery life is the best choice. If they intend to travel on rough or uneven terrain, a four-wheel scooter with larger tires could be the better option.
Keep in mind that the physical health of your parent could change over the course of a few years. You'll need to decide whether they will be able drive their mobility scooter after. If not, they might have to look into upgrading their scooter or finding a permanent solution like a power wheelchair.
If possible, 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 handle. They should also sit on the driver's side to ensure that the scooter fits their needs and is comfortable.
Some dealers offer new scooters that have been taken care of, so inquire with your local dealer for a list of these available. You can also contact rental companies to see whether they have any used scooters for sale. If you decide to purchase a used scooter, be sure to review the warranty and other details to ensure that you're getting what you purchased.
Seating
Some people purchase scooters with two seats in the hopes of being able to carry family members or friends who wish to join them on their journeys. There can be privacy issues if the people who will be joining you are not of the same weight. This could mean that they'll be crashing into each other and causing problems with personal space. If you have any of these issues that you are worried about, it is recommended 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 enjoy the company of a relative or friend and family members, but also reduce costs by not having to purchase two mobility vehicles. With just one scooter, you can save on energy and wear and wear and tear. You can even split the cost of fuel.
There are a variety of seating options to choose from when looking for a 2-seat mobility scooter. Certain models have the driver's seat in the front, and the passenger seat behind. Others have both seats in the rear. The majority of mid-range and premium scooters feature this configuration, but some models may have only either a rear or front seat.
Another option is to purchase the scooter with a powered lift, which allows you to effortlessly move the scooter inside and out of your vehicle. You can save time and effort by purchasing the scooter with a powered lift. All you need to do is put the scooter on the lift's platform and then turn the switch. You can then leave and when you are ready to return, simply reverse the process.
Wheels
The wheels of a mobility scooter may cause or hinder your experience riding. Tires that are in good condition will give you a comfortable, smooth ride. Tires that are worn out or damaged can be dangerous. You should check your tires regularly and replace them if they are worn out.
There are three types of scooter tires including foam-filled, pneumatic and solid. Solid and foam-filled scooter tires are not flat, but they are harder to move than pneumatic ones. The majority of travel/portable Scooters have solid or spongy tires, and the majority of full-sized and all-terrain scooters have pneumatic tires.
The tube inside pneumatic tires is filled with air, as the bicycle or motorbike tire. They're the most common type of scooter tire, and they can be easily repaired.
There are tires that have lines between the outer tube and the inner tire, which provide additional protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a certain tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended pressure can be found in the owner's manual. Inflating the tires to this value will ensure they last longer.
The majority of scooters are controlled via tillers which are T-shaped columns that move the front wheels to either the left or right. The tiller can also include other controls, like speed and turning indicators. Some tillers have handles that wrap around called delta tillers. These are perfect for those who have weak dexterity and strength.
Batteries
It is important to choose the correct type of battery in your scooter. The right battery can prolong the life of your scooter. Keep in your mind that batteries lose performance with time. If you're noticing that your battery isn't holding charge as well as it did in the past, it could be an indication that it's in need of replacement.
If you'd like to ensure your battery lasts for a long period of time, it's worthwhile to invest in a gel battery or an AGM battery. These batteries are more resistant to squeezing due to their airtight design and an immobile electrolyte. They also have a much longer lifespan than other types of batteries. However, they're more expensive in the beginning, however their longevity makes them cost-effective in the long run.
A lithium battery is an alternative option. They're more expensive initially however, they can last 10x longer than lead-acid batteries. They're also safe for air travel. They come with an IATA certification.
When purchasing an electric scooter battery it is essential to search for the model and brand name of the mobility scooter on the label. Utilizing offbrand or generic batteries could damage your mobility scooter and cause it not to work effectively. If you own an old battery that was recharged using a different charger it may not work the same way.
Some scooters require more powerful batteries than others, so make sure to check with the manufacturer. They will typically have a list of compatible batteries for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have records of maintenance if you are purchasing a used mobility device. These records can help you determine the condition of the battery and if it was recently serviced.
Safety
A scooter can be a lifesaver to people who are disabled to walk due to illness or age. But it is essential to use it correctly. Incorrect use of a mobility scooter could cause injury to the user as well as those surrounding them. To avoid this, it's important to know what you should look for when purchasing a mobility scooter prior purchasing.
Make sure the scooter has an operating manual that provides model-specific information, including safety guidelines and maintenance schedule. Keep the manual in your pocket to refer to when using the scooter.
Test drive the scooter to see how comfortable it feels, and whether you can easily operate it using both hands. The scooter is also expected to carry the amount of weight you'll be carrying.
Check the ground clearance to ensure the scooter is able to pass over bumps, obstacles and more. mobility scooters to buy that are portable or travel-friendly have less clearance than larger scooters, and special models could have even lower clearance.
Ask about the history of repair and maintenance if you're purchasing a used scooter. These documents may provide valuable information about the condition of a scooter before you purchase it.
You should consider purchasing a scooter security device such as a wheel clamp, to prevent theft. The device is attached to the wheel of the scooter, and cannot be removed without tools. It's a great deterrent against thieves.
It's a good idea also to get familiar with the area that you plan to travel through, particularly areas where scooters might have issues. You can steer clear of certain areas by knowing about curb cuts and streets with no sidewalks.