12 Facts About Buying Mobility Scooter To Make You Look Smart Around Other People
Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter is an expensive investment. Private insurance companies as well as government programs like Medicare usually reimburse the cost if a scooter is medically necessary.
To ensure that they purchase the right model, individuals with disabilities that restrict mobility need to know all about scooters and the options available to them. Buyers must first know their own needs and objectives.
What to Consider
There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when selecting the best mobility device. There isn't any one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. The wrong mobility can cause issues like a bad fit, low battery life, or even safety concerns.
What do your parents intend to use the scooter for? Do they want to go shopping, run errands, or just take it for rides around the neighborhood? If so then a lightweight mobility scooter with a long battery life is probably the best option. If they plan to travel on rough or bumpy terrain, a four-wheel scooter with bigger tires might be a better choice.
Be aware that the physical health of your parent could change in a few years. You'll have to determine if they'll be able to operate their mobility scooter then. If not, then they might have to consider upgrading their scooter or a more permanent alternative such as a power wheelchair.
Before you make a final decision, you should encourage your child to try out several different mobility scooters. They can test out how comfortable the seat is and see if they can reach the tiller. They should also sit on the driver's side to make sure that the scooter fits them and is comfortable.
Some dealers offer refurbished scooters that have been taken care of, so ask your local dealer whether they have any of these available. You can also inquire with rental companies to see whether they have second-hand scooters for auction. It is important to verify the warranty and other information prior to purchasing a used scooter.
Seating
Some people purchase scooters that have two seats to be capable of transporting family members or friends who want to accompany them on a trip. However, there are privacy issues if the persons joining you will not be of a similar weight as this could result in bumping skin-to-skin against them and may also create problems with personal space. If you're concerned about these issues it's recommended to purchase a scooter that has a seat behind rather than one that has two seats in the front and back.
With a scooter that has two seats, you will not only enjoy the company of a relative or a friend but also save money by not having to purchase two separate mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and tear as well as electricity by using just one scooter to run, and you can even share costs for fuel.
There are a variety of seating options to choose from when looking for a 2-seat mobility scooter. Some models have the driver's seat at the front and the passenger seat behind. Some models have both seats in the rear. Most mid-range scooters will come with this arrangement however more sophisticated and premium scooters may include one seat in the front or a rear-only seat.
You can also buy one with a power-operated lifting system. This lets you effortlessly get the scooter in and out of your vehicle. You can save time and effort by purchasing an electric scooter that has a power-operated lift. All you have to do is place the scooter on the lift's platform and then turn on the switch. You can then drive off and when you are ready to return, simply reverse the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels of a mobility scooter could make or ruin your riding experience. A good set of tires will give you an easy, comfortable ride, however old or damaged ones could be dangerous. It's important to check the condition of your tires regularly, and replace them when they get worn out.
There are three types of scooter tires: pneumatic, foam-filled, and solid. These tires are not flat, but they are harder to move than pneumatic ones. Most travel/portable Scooters come with solid or spongy tires and the majority of all terrain scooters have pneumatic tires.
The tube that is inside pneumatic tires is filled with air, just like the bicycle or motorbike tire. They're the most commonly used type and can be repaired easily.
There are also tires with liners that fit between the tire's outer and inner tube, providing added protection against punctures. The owner's manual will show you the recommended tire pressure. Inflating the tires to this level will make them last longer.
Many scooters are controlled by tillers that are T-shaped columns that rotate the front wheels either left or right. Other controls like turning and speed indicators can be found on the tiller as well. Some tillers come with wraparound handles called delta tillers. They are ideal for people who have limited dexterity and strength.
Batteries
Having the right type of battery in your scooter is very important. Selecting the right battery will make your scooter last longer. You should also keep in mind that batteries lose their performance over time. If you find that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as it did before, it could be time to replace it.
A gel or AGM battery is a great option if you want your battery to last a long time. These batteries are more resistant to squeezing because they have an airtight design and an immobile electrolyte. They also have a longer life than other lead acid batteries. They are slightly more costly upfront, but their long-term cost-effectiveness is worth it.
Another option is to select the lithium battery. They're more expensive initially however they can last 10 times longer than lead acid batteries. Plus, they're safe for air travel. They come with an IATA certification.
When buying the battery for your scooter it is important to look for the brand name and model of the mobility scooter on the label. Utilizing offbrand or generic batteries could damage your mobility scooter and cause it to work effectively. If you have an older battery that was charged using another charger, it may not perform similarly.
Certain scooters require stronger batteries than others, so make sure to inquire with the manufacturer. They'll typically have a list of compatible batteries for their scooters. If you're buying a used mobility scooter ask the seller to provide any maintenance documents they have. These records can help you determine whether the battery is old and if it has recently been serviced.
Safety
A scooter can be lifesaving for those who struggle to walk due to age or illness, but only if it's operated properly. If it's not used correctly, it can cause injuries to the user or those who are around them. It is important to be aware of the things to look for when purchasing a mobility scooter to avoid this.
Make sure the scooter comes with an operating manual, which contains model-specific information, including safety guidelines and a maintenance schedule. Keep buy used mobility scooter in your possession and read it in mind when you use the scooter.
Try the scooter out to see how comfortable it is, and if you are able to operate it with both hands. The scooter should also be able to carry the amount of weight you'll need to carry.
Examine the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure that it can maneuver over bumps and other obstacles. The scooters that are portable or travel-friendly have less ground clearance than larger models, and specialty scooters may have even lower clearance.
If you're considering purchasing a used scooter, inquire about its history of maintenance and repairs. Sellers might have records of any repairs or replacements of parts and these records could provide valuable information about the condition of the scooter prior to you purchase it.
You should consider purchasing the scooter's security device such as a wheel clamp, to stop theft. The device is attached to the wheel of the scooter, and cannot be removed with tools, which makes it a good deterrent for thieves.
It's also a good idea to be familiar with the areas that you plan to travel through, particularly areas where scooters may have trouble. Learn about the locations of curb cuts and streets that don't have sidewalks, so that you can avoid these areas when you go shopping or visiting your friends.