15 Terms That Everyone Within The Buying Mobility Scooter Industry Should Know

Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter Buying a mobility scooter is a significant financial investment. Fortunately mobility scooters for sale as government programs like Medicare typically cover the cost of a scooter if it's medically necessary. Mobility-impaired individuals must be aware of various types of scooters available to them. Buyers must first know their own needs and goals. What to Consider There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when selecting the best mobility device. There is no any one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. A wrong choice of mobility could cause issues like a bad fit, a low battery life or even safety issues. What are your parents planning to use the scooter for? Do they plan to shop or run errands? Or simply take it for rides around the neighborhood? If yes, a light mobility device with a long battery lifespan is the best option. If they plan to travel over bumpy or rough terrain, a four-wheel scooter with larger wheels might be the best choice. Also, keep in mind that your parent's physical health might change in the future, so you will have to think about whether they'll still be able to operate their mobility scooter within a few months or years. If not, they might need to consider upgrading their scooter or a more permanent alternative such as a power wheelchair. Before deciding on a final choice it is important to encourage your child to test out a variety of mobility scooters. They can feel how comfortable the seat is and whether they are able to reach the tiller. They should also sit in the driver's seat to make sure they're comfortable and the scooter fits them comfortably. Some dealers sell used scooters that have been maintained, so inquire with your local dealer if they have any of these available. You can also inquire from rental companies if they have used scooters. If you decide to purchase a used scooter, be sure to check the warranty and other information to make sure that you get what you paid for. Seating Some customers purchase scooters with two seats in the hopes of being able transport family members or friends who would like to join them on their journeys. However, there could be privacy concerns if those joining you will not be of a similar weight, as this could result in bumping skin-to-skin against them. It could also cause issues with personal space. If you're concerned about these issues it's recommended to get a scooter with a seat behind rather than one that has an front and rear seat. A scooter with two seats enables you to not only enjoy the companionship of a family member or friend and family members, but also cut costs by not having to buy two mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and wear and tear, as well as electric by having just one scooter to operate and share costs for fuel. When shopping for a 2 seat mobility scooter, there are choices of seating options. Some models have the driver's seat in the front and the passenger's seat behind. Others have both seats in the rear. Most mid-range scooters will have this configuration, but more advanced and premium scooters may include a front seat or a rear seat with a single seat. Another option is to purchase the scooter with a powered lift, which allows you to effortlessly move the scooter in and out of your vehicle. You can cut down on time and effort by purchasing the scooter with a powered lift. All you need to do is put the scooter on the lift platform, and then turn the switch. Then you can drive away and when you're ready to return, turn back the process. Wheels The wheels of a mobility scooter may make or ruin your experience riding. A set of tires that are in good condition will provide a smooth, comfortable ride, however old or damaged ones could be dangerous. It is important to examine the condition of your tires regularly, and replace them when they wear out. There are a variety of types of scooter tires available: pneumatic, solid, and foam filled. Solid and foam-filled scooter tires are never flat, but are harder to maneuver than pneumatic ones. Most travel/portable Scooters come with rubber or spongy tires however, the majority of the full-sized and all-terrain scooters have pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires have an inner tube filled with air similar to a bicycle or motorbike tire. They're the most common type of scooter tire and they can be easily repaired. There are tires that come with liners that can be fitted between the tire's outer and inner tube, offering 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. Tires will last longer when they are inflated to this pressure. Most scooters are controlled by tillers which are T-shaped columns that move the front wheels to either the left or right. Other controls, such as turning and speed signals can be on the tiller, too. Some tillers have handles that wrap around called delta tillers. They are ideal for those with limited dexterity and strength. Batteries It is crucial to have the right type battery in your scooter. The right battery can extend the lifespan of your scooter. It's important to be aware that batteries will lose performance as they age. If you're noticing that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as it used to it could be a sign it's in need of replacement. If you'd like to ensure your battery will last for a long period of time, it's worthwhile to invest in a gel battery or an AGM battery. These batteries feature an immobile electrolytes and are airtight which makes them more resistant to jostling. They also have a longer life than other lead acid batteries. They are slightly more costly initially, but their long-term cost-effectiveness makes them worth it. A lithium battery is another option. They're more expensive at first, but can last up to 10x longer than lead-acid batteries. Plus, they're suitable for travel on planes. They come with an IATA certification. When buying an electric scooter battery, it's important to look for the brand name and model of your mobility scooter on the label. The use of offbrand or generic batteries can harm your mobility scooter and cause it not to work effectively. In the same way, if you have an older battery that was charged with a different charger, it may not function similarly. Make sure to check with the manufacturer to determine whether your scooter requires a more powerful battery. They will typically have a list of 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 age of the battery and if it was recently serviced. Safety A scooter can be a lifesaver for people who struggle to walk because of age or illness but only if operated properly. Incorrect use can cause injury to the user as well as those in the vicinity. To avoid this, it's essential to know what you should look for in a mobility scooter prior to buying. The manual should contain specific information for the model, such as safety guidelines and maintenance schedules. Read the manual and keep it handy when you are using the scooter. Test the scooter to determine how comfortable it is and if you are able to operate it with both hands. The scooter should be able to handle the weight you plan to transport. Verify the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure that it can travel over bumps and other obstacles. Travel/portable scooters have lower ground clearance than full-sized models, and specialty scooters might have lower clearance. If you're considering purchasing a used scooter, ask about its history of maintenance and repair. Sellers may have records of any repairs or replacements for parts and these records could provide valuable information about the condition of the scooter prior to you buy it. Consider buying a security gadget for your scooter, such as clamps, which can deter theft. The device is fixed to the wheel of the scooter and cannot be removed without using tools. It's a powerful security measure against thieves. It's also a good idea to be familiar with the areas that you plan to travel in, especially areas that aren't accommodating to scooter users. Know the location 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.