Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooters are an investment that is costly. Fortunately private insurance companies and government programs like Medicare often reimburse the cost of a mobility scooter in the event that it's medically needed.

Mobility-impaired individuals should be familiarized with the various types of scooters that are available to them. To start with, buyers must understand their specific needs and goals.

What to Consider

When it comes to selecting the best mobility scooter, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. There is no one size that will fit all. The wrong mobility scooter could cause problems such as a poor fit, a poor battery life, or even safety issues.

The first thing to consider is what your parent wants to utilize the scooter for. Do they need to go shopping, run errands, or just take it for rides around the neighborhood? If yes, a light mobility device with a long-lasting battery is the best option. If they intend to travel on bumpy or rough terrain, a four-wheeler with larger tires could be a better choice.

Be aware that the physical health of your parent might change in the next few years. You'll need to determine if they'll be able to operate their mobility scooter in the future. If not, they could need to upgrade their scooter or consider a more permanent option like a power chair.

If you can, your parent should try out a few different mobility scooters before deciding. They can feel how comfortable the seat feels and if they are in a position to reach the handle. They should also sit on the driver's side in order to ensure that the scooter is suited to them and is comfortable.

Ask your local dealer about refurbished scooters. You can also inquire from rental companies if they sell used scooters. If you do buy an old scooter, be sure to verify the warranty and other details to ensure you're getting what mobility scooter to buy you purchased.

Seating

Some customers buy scooters with two seats in order to be capable of transporting family or friends who wish to join them on a trip. There are privacy issues if the people who will be joining you are not of the same weight. This could mean that they'll be bumping into each other and creating issues with privacy. If these are concerns you are concerned about, it is suggested to buy a scooter with a seat behind instead of one with a back and front seat.

A scooter with two seats allows you to not only enjoy the company of a relative or friend but also cut costs by not having to buy two mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and tear as well as electricity by using just one scooter to operate and split the cost of fuel.

If you're looking for a two seat mobility scooter, there are many different seating options to consider. Certain models come with an driver's seat in the front and a passenger's seat behind, whereas others have both seats at the rear. The majority of premium and mid-range scooters have this arrangement, however certain models might only have either a rear or front seat.

Another option is to purchase an electric scooter that has a power-operated lift, which enables you to effortlessly move the scooter in and out of your vehicle. You can reduce time and effort by buying the scooter with a powered lift. All you have to do is put the scooter on the lift platform and then turn the switch. After that, you can leave and when you're ready to return, turn back the process.

Wheels

The wheels of a mobility scooter could make or ruin the experience of riding. Tires that are in good condition will give you a comfortable, smooth ride. Tires that are damaged or worn out can be dangerous. You should inspect your tires frequently and replace them if they are worn.

There are three types of scooter tires including foam-filled, pneumatic and solid. The foam-filled and solid tires are not flat, but they are harder to maneuver than pneumatic tires. Most travel/portable Scooters come with solid or spongy tires however, the majority of all-terrain scooters have pneumatic tires.

Pneumatic tires have an inner tube filled with air like the motorbike or bicycle tire. They are the most popular type and can be fixed easily.

There are tires that have liner between the tube's outer and inner tire, providing additional protection against punctures. The majority of manufacturers recommend a specific tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended pressure is found in the owner's manual. Tires will last longer if they are filled to this pressure.

The majority of scooters are controlled via tillers which are T-shaped columns that move the front wheels to the left or right. The tiller may also have other controls, like speed and turning indicators. Some tillers come with wraparound handles called delta tillers. These are great for people who have limited strength and dexterity.

Batteries

Having the correct type of battery for your scooter is crucial. The right battery can extend the lifespan of your scooter. You should also keep in your mind that batteries lose performance over time. If you notice that your battery isn't able 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 wish to have your battery to last for a long time. These batteries are more resistant to shaking due to their airtight structure and an immobile electrolyte. They also have a longer lifespan than other types of batteries. They're a little more expensive initially but their long-term value makes them worth it.

Another option is to opt for an lithium battery. They are more expensive initially, but can last up to 10x longer than lead-acid batteries. They're also suitable for travel on planes. They come with an IATA certification.

When buying the battery for your scooter, it's 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 properly. If you have an old battery that was charged using a different charger it may not work similarly.

Certain scooters require stronger batteries than others, so make sure to consult the manufacturer. They will typically have a list of compatible batteries for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have documents of maintenance records when you purchase an old mobility device. These records can help determine whether the battery is in good condition and if it's been maintained.

Safety

A scooter can be an emergency aid for people who are unable to walk due to age or illness. But it is essential to use it correctly. The incorrect use of a scooter could cause injury to the user and others who are around them. To avoid this, it's vital to know what you should look for in a mobility scooter prior to buying.

The manual should contain model-specific information such as safety guidelines and maintenance schedules. Keep the manual on hand to refer to when using the scooter.

Check the scooter's comfort and determine if you're able to operate it easily with both hands. The scooter is also expected to handle the amount of weight you're planning on transporting.

Examine the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure that it is able to travel over bumps and other obstacles. Travel/portable scooters have lower ground clearance than larger models, and specialty scooters might have less clearance.

If you're buying mobility scooter; see it here, a used scooter, inquire about its history of maintenance and repairs. These documents can provide valuable information about the condition of a scooter before you purchase it.

You should consider purchasing a scooter security device like a wheel clamp, to stop theft. The device attaches to the scooter's wheel and can't be removed without tools, so it's a good deterrent for thieves.

It's a good idea also to familiarize yourself the areas you're planning to travel through, specifically places where scooter users might have issues. Know the location of curb cuts and streets that do not have sidewalks, so that you are able to avoid these areas when going shopping or visiting friends.