Mobility Scooters

Those people dealing with mobility related issues and problems know so very well how difficult it can be to get around. Problems brought on by things such as arthritis can make it very difficult to even bend at the joints.

Walking for any length of time is virtually out of the question. So what this means is that what most consider normal everyday items to be attended to such as a quick trip to the grocery store becomes an almost impossible mission for the person with the mobility problems.

Electric Mobility Scooters

The good news for these people today however is the availability of mobility scooters which can truly help restore their freedom and ability to truly enjoy their lives again.

Definition Of One

Basically, a mobility scooter is a custom designed vehicle that affords an individual and some of their personal belongings the ability to move freely on it’s single seat.

These vehicles are equipped to work both outdoors and indoors. They do bear some similarities to motorized wheelchairs but one of the primary differences is that the person involved sits straight up in the middle of the scooter and steers it using handlebars.

Battery Powered

In almost all cases, the mobility scooter is powered by battery.

This makes it a simple process to recharge them usually by simply plugging them into a standard electric outlet.

Mobility Scooter Types

There are a number of different types of electric mobility scooters available that are designed to be used in various situations.

Three Wheel Model

There is the three wheeled model mobility scooter featuring two wheels in the rear and one in the front.

These are designed so that the turning radius is a very small one. This type works so well in the home and other areas where the quarters are fairly tight to negotiate.

Because these models have only the one front wheel, the weight of the mobility scooter is not perfectly distributed between the rear and the front of it.

This causes a slight reduction in the stability they offer and in addition also affects the total amount of weight they will be able to comfortably support.

It should be noted that the reduced stability is not a major issue but it is true this type will be a bit more difficult dealing with outdoor terrain that is a bit rougher and harsher.

Four Wheel Model

On the four wheel mobility scooter model, because their is an even distribution of weight from rear to front, the base is even a more stable one. Of course this allows them to support greater weight and also makes them the preferred choice for outdoor use.

Heavy Duty

Heavy duty scooters designed primarily for outdoor use will usually be the four wheel model style.

There are however three wheel models with improved suspensions that can also meet these needs.

It should be noted that the four wheel model is slightly heavier than the three wheel type and has a radius turn that is larger. This can make the ability to move well in quarters which are tight a bit more demanding.

It is very important that the person considering which type scooter to purchase that will be best for them take the time and put in the effort to gather all information possible prior to making their final choice.

Things To Think About Before Purchasing

Following are some helpful questions they might ask before deciding.

1. Outdoors or indoors? If the primary use will be outdoors, one should be looking at a more solid model to deal with the rougher terrain. They will also be looking for those models offering greater speed and stability.

The concern for the indoor models will primarily be their maneuverability and turning capacity so a more compact type might be the best choice.

2. Dealing with steep hills and navigating curbs? If either of these issues are there for consideration, one should be looking for extra power. In most instances it will be a four wheel version that will best provide this.

3. Driving on roads? If this is the case, one must be aware of all local requirements in their community. In most cases the scooter must travel at least 8 mph and also be equipped with taillights and headlights.

4. Home restrictions? One must be aware of the width of all doors and gates and whether or not there will be stairs involved as well.

5. Comfort. Consideration of leg room required and any other support issues must be thought of prior to any final decision. One item that always seems to work well and is a popular choice is a seat that swivels.

6. Will it require to be transported? If a person travels often they will want to look for a model that either folds easily or can be quickly disassembled without the use of a lot of tools.