Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter purchase is a big financial investment. Fortunately private insurance companies as well as government programs such as Medicare often reimburse the cost of a mobility scooter in the event that it's medically needed.
People with mobility issues must be aware of various types of scooters that are available to them. First, they must understand their specific needs and goals.
What to Consider
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right mobility device. There isn't one size fits all mobility scooter. A wrong choice of mobility could result in issues such as a poor fit, a low battery life or even safety issues.
What do your parents intend to use the scooter for? Do they want to make use of it to run around or shop? If so then a lightweight mobility scooter with good battery life is the best choice. If they intend to travel over bumpy or uneven terrain, a four-wheel scooter with larger wheels may be the best choice.
Also, take into consideration that your parent's physical health may change in the near future, so you will need to consider whether they'll be able to drive their mobility scooter in the next few months or years. If not, they may need to consider upgrading their scooter or finding a permanent alternative such as a power wheelchair.
If it is possible, your parents should try out a few different mobility scooters before deciding. They can test how comfortable the seat feels and test if they can reach the tiller. They should also sit in the driver's seat to ensure that they feel comfortable and the scooter is a good fit for them comfortably.
Some dealers sell refurbished scooters that have been well-maintained and maintained, so inquire with your local dealer whether they have any of these available. You can also inquire with rental companies to find out if they have any used scooters available for sale. It is crucial to confirm the warranty and other details before purchasing an used scooter.
Seating
Some customers purchase scooters with two seats in the hopes of being able to transport friends or family members who wish to join them on their travels. However, there could be privacy issues if the persons who are joining you won't be of a similar weight, as this could result in bumping skin-to-skin against them and may also cause issues with personal space. If you have any of these issues that you are worried about, it's recommended to buy a scooter with a seat behind instead of one with a front and back seat.
A scooter with two seats lets you to not only be a part of a relative or friend and family members, but also reduce costs by not having to buy two separate mobility vehicles. By using just one scooter, you can save money on energy and wear and tear. You can even split the cost of fuel.
There are many seating options available when shopping for a two-seat mobility scooter. Some models have the driver's seat in the front and the passenger's seat behind. Some models have both seats in the rear. The majority of mid-range and premium scooters have this setup, however, certain models might only have an rear or front seat.
Another option is to purchase a scooter with a power-operated lift, which allows you to effortlessly move the scooter into and out of your vehicle. You can reduce time and effort by buying an electric scooter that has a power-operated lift. All you need to do is put the scooter on the lift platform and then switch it on. You can then leave and when you are ready to return, you can reverse the process.
Wheels
The wheels of a mobility scooter may cause or hinder your experience riding. A set of quality tires will provide you with an easy, comfortable ride, however old or damaged ones can be dangerous. It is important to examine the condition of your tires frequently and replace them as they get worn out.
There are three types of scooter tires that are: foam-filled, pneumatic, and solid. The tires that are filled with foam never go flat however they are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic tires. The majority of portable and travel scooters have solid or spongy tires while the majority of all-terrain scooters have pneumatic tires.
The inner tube of pneumatic tires is filled with air, similar to a motorbike or bicycle tire. They're the most common type of scooter tire and they are easily repaired.
There are also tires with liners that can be fitted between the outer tire and the inner tube, giving protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a particular tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended pressure is found in the owner's manual. Inflating scooter to buy near me to this pressure will help them last longer.
Many scooters are steered using tillers that are T-shaped columns which turn the front wheels to the left or right. The tiller may also have other controls, like speed and turning indicators. Some tillers have handles that wrap around known as delta tillers which are great for those with limited hand dexterity and strength.
Batteries
Having the correct type of battery for your scooter is very important. The right battery can help extend the lifespan of your scooter. Keep in your mind that batteries lose performance as they age. If you are noticing that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as it used to it could be an indication that it's in need of replacement.
A gel or AGM battery is a great option if you want your battery to last for a long time. These batteries feature an immobile electrolyte and are airtight which makes them more resistant to jostling. They also have a longer lifespan than other types of batteries. They're a little more expensive initially however their long-term cost-effectiveness makes them worthwhile.
A lithium battery is an alternative option. They are more expensive in the beginning, but they can provide up to 10 times the life span of lead-acid batteries. Plus, they're safe for air travel. They have an IATA certification.
When purchasing a scooter battery, it's important to look for the brand name and model of your mobility scooter on the label. Using generic or offbrand batteries can damage your mobility scooter and cause it not to work properly. If you own an old battery that was charged with another charger, it may not perform the same way.
Check with the manufacturer to see whether your scooter requires more power from the battery. Typically, they'll have an inventory of compatible batteries that are recommended for their scooters. If you are purchasing a used mobility scooter ask the seller for any maintenance documents they have. These records can help you determine the condition of the battery and whether it has been serviced recently.
Safety
A scooter is an essential aid for those who are disabled to walk due to age or illness. But it is essential to use it correctly. A mistake in use could cause injuries to the user or the people around them. To avoid this, it's important to understand what to look for when purchasing a mobility scooter prior buying.
Make sure the scooter has an operating manual that contains model-specific information, including safety guidelines and maintenance schedule. Keep the manual on hand to refer to when using the scooter.
Test the scooter's comfort and determine if you're able to operate it comfortably with both hands. The scooter is also expected to carry the amount of weight you're planning on transporting.
Examine the ground clearance to make sure the scooter can go over bumps, obstacles and more. Travel/portable scooters have less ground clearance than full-sized models, and some specialty scooters might have lower clearance.
If you're considering purchasing a used scooter, ask about its history of maintenance and repair. These documents may provide valuable information on the condition of the scooter before you buy it.
Consider buying a scooter security device like a wheel clamp, to stop theft. The device attaches 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 familiarize yourself the areas that you plan to travel through, specifically places where scooter users might have issues. You can avoid certain areas by learning about curb cuts, and streets that do not have sidewalks.
