Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter purchase is a major financial investment. Fortunately private insurance companies and government programs such as Medicare frequently cover the cost of a mobility scooter in the event that it's medically needed.
To ensure that they purchase the right model, individuals who have disabilities that limit their mobility should be aware of all they can about scooters and what alternatives available to them. Buyers must first know their own needs and objectives.
What to Consider
When it comes to choosing the best mobility scooter, there are many things to consider. There isn't any one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. The wrong mobility can cause problems such as a poor fit, low battery life, or even safety issues.
The first thing to consider is what your parents want to make use of the scooter. Do they want to go shopping or run errands? Or simply take it for rides around the neighborhood? If yes then a light mobility scooter that has a long battery life is probably the best option. If they intend to travel over rough or bumpy terrain, a four-wheel scooter with larger wheels may be the best choice.
Be aware that the physical health of your parent might change in a few years. You will need to determine whether they will be able drive their mobility scooter in the future. If not, they could require a new scooter or consider a more permanent option like a power chair.
If you can, your parent should test out a couple of different mobility scooters before making a decision. They can test how comfortable the seat is and determine if they are able to reach the tiller. They should also sit on the driver's side in order to ensure that the scooter fits their needs and is comfortable.
Ask your local dealer about refurbished scooters. You can also inquire with rental companies to see whether they have any second-hand scooters for auction. It is crucial to confirm the warranty and other details prior to purchasing an used scooter.
Seating
Some people purchase scooters that have two seats to be capable of transporting family members or friends who wish to join them on a trip. 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, causing issues with privacy. If these are issues you are concerned about, it is recommended to purchase a seat-behind scooter instead of one with a back and front seat.
With a scooter with two seats, you will not only enjoy the company of a loved one or friend but also save money by not buying two mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and tear and also electricity by using just one scooter to run and share costs for fuel.
When shopping for a 2 seat mobility scooter, there are a variety of different seating options to think about. Certain models come with a driver's seat in the front and a passenger seat behind, whereas others have both seats at the rear. The majority of mid-range scooters feature this arrangement, but more advanced and expensive scooters could have either one seat in the front or a rear seat with a single seat.
You can also buy an electric scooter with an electric lifting system. This lets you effortlessly lift the scooter into and out of your car. This will save you time and effort when it comes to preparing for your trip, as all you need to do is direct the scooter to the lift platform and turn on the switch. You can then drive off and when you are ready to return, just reverse the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels of a mobility scooter may make or ruin your experience riding. A set of quality tires will provide a smooth, comfortable ride, but worn out or damaged ones can be dangerous. It is important to check your tires frequently and replace them when they get worn out.
There are scooter to buy near me of types of scooter tires available: pneumatic, solid and foam-filled. These tires are not flat, but they are harder to move than pneumatic ones. Most portable and travel scooters have solid or foam-filled tires, whereas most all-terrain and full-size scooters have pneumatic tires.
Pneumatic tires have an inner tube filled with air similar to motorbike or bicycle tires. They are the most popular type of tire and can be repaired easily.
Tires are also available with liners that can be fitted between the outer tire and the inner tube, offering protection against punctures. The owner's manual will show you the recommended tire pressure. Inflating the tires to this pressure will help them last longer.
A lot of scooters are controlled with tillers that are T-shaped columns that rotate the front wheels either left or right. Other controls, such as turning and speed indicators can be on the tiller too. Some tillers have wraparound handles called delta tillers. These are great for people who have limited dexterity and strength.
Batteries
Having the correct type of battery in your scooter is very important. The right battery can extend the life of your scooter. It is important to keep in mind that batteries lose their performance with time. If you notice that your battery isn't able hold charge as well as it did previously, it might 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 come with an immobile electrolyte and are airtight which makes them more resistant to jostling. They also have a longer lifespan than other lead acid batteries. They are slightly more costly upfront but their long-term value makes them worthwhile.
A lithium battery is another option. They're more expensive at first, but can last up to 10 times longer than lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they are suitable for travel in the air and come with a certification from the IATA.
When buying a scooter battery, it's important to look for the model and brand name of your mobility scooter on the label. Using generic or offbrand batteries can harm your mobility scooter and cause it to work correctly. If you have an old battery that was charged using an alternative charger, it might not function as well.
Certain scooters require stronger batteries than others, so make sure to inquire with the manufacturer. Typically, they'll have a list of compatible batteries that are recommended for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have any documents of maintenance records when you purchase a used mobility device. These records can help you determine whether the battery is old and if it's been maintained.
Safety
A scooter can be lifesaving for people who struggle to walk due or illness, but only if it's operated correctly. Incorrect use of a mobility scooter can result in injury to the user and others around them. It is important to know what to look for when purchasing a mobility scooter to avoid this.
Make sure that the scooter has an operating manual, which contains model-specific information, including safety guidelines and a maintenance schedule. Take a look at the manual and save it in mind when you use the scooter.
Test drive the scooter to determine how comfortable it feels, and whether you can easily operate it with both hands. The scooter should be able to take on the weight you want to carry.
Verify the ground clearance to ensure that the scooter is able to go over obstacles, bumps and more. The models that are portable or travel-friendly have less clearance than full-sized scooters, and some models with special features may have even smaller clearance.
If you're considering purchasing a used scooter, inquire about its history of maintenance and repairs. Individual sellers might have records of any repairs or replacements of parts These records can give you a valuable insight into the condition of the scooter prior to you buy it.
Consider purchasing an item for your scooter, such as a wheel clamp, to prevent theft. The device is attached to the wheel of the scooter and isn't able to be removed without tools, making it an effective deterrent to thieves.
It's important to get familiar with the areas that you plan to travel through, especially areas that aren't accommodating to scooter users. You can steer clear of certain areas by learning about curb cuts and streets without sidewalks.