From manual operations to being power-operated via a rechargeable battery, mobility scooters give the elderly and persons with disabilities added comfort and independence.
Gone are the days when one required strength and stamina to push the wheelchair around manually.
Electric mobility scooters allow the rider freedom of mobility around the house and the neighborhood.
The motive behind using a power mobility scooter is to make the home and community more accessible, maintain safety and conserve energy.
Who should use a mobility scooter?
People with lower body disability, loss of balance, weakness or fatigue, and those who have difficulty moving around despite the use of assistive devices generally need mobility scooters.
Mobility scooters are also helpful for people with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions such as coronary or lung issues, forms of arthritis, obesity, etc.
The average user can often walk short distances, but daily activities are restricted due to limited stamina.
A mobility scooter is extremely handy in such a case.
Important requirements when using a scooter
An individual needs to have:
Good upper body strength
Adequate control of torso
Skill to operate controls
Ability to transfer to and from the scooter seat
Types of mobility scooters
Mobility scooters come in different sizes, shapes, and types based on their usage, specifications, and technology.
These include:
Three Wheel Mobility Scooters
Three-wheel mobility scooters are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
They are smaller, narrower and can easily be maneuvered around corners because of a suitable turn radius.
These mobility scooters are good for tall people as they offer ample leg space.
Also, people with severe knee pain will find these mobility aids useful.
Indoor use should be limited to only smooth surfaces.
Rough terrains require scooters built for outdoor travel.
Four-Wheel Mobility scooters
Four-wheel mobility scooters have a wider wheelbase equipped with powerful motors and are custom-made for outdoor usage.
Their broad frame, tough built and safe-for-use technology with light indicators and horns provide the perfect outdoor experience.
Four-wheel mobility scooters have the power and range required for outdoor travel with an advanced full suspension system.
Indoor use is not recommended as the wide wheelbase of these scooters does not give an apt turning radius to move around in the house.
Portable travel scooters
Also known as travel scooters, these Portable Travel Scooters are perfect for people always on the go.
They are one of the most practical scooters for daily use.
Easy to maneuver and fit into narrow spaces, these scooters can easily be folded for storage.
They fit comfortably in the back of a car or truck and are perfect for use on holiday.
All Terrain scooters
Also known as travel scooters, these portable scooters are perfect for people always on the go. They are one of the most practical scooters for daily use.
Easy to maneuver and fit into narrow spaces, these scooters can easily be folded for storage.
They fit comfortably in the back of a car or truck and are perfect for use on holiday.
Bariatric/heavy-duty scooters
Bariatric scooters are designed specifically for bariatric patients.
They have a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs.
Bariatric scooters are specifically built to accommodate any person.
They have bigger motors, heavy-duty tires and wider bases so that the user has adequate and comfortable support all the time.
Weight plays an important role while maintaining balance on rough terrains, so these scooters are equipped with specific and apt mechanisms to overcome such situations.
Recreational Scooters
Recreational scooters are generally used for outdoor travel and have great features apt for outdoor use.
They are smaller than all-terrain scooters but built sturdily to sustain travel on rough terrain.
With superior tread on the tires, these scooters can be maneuvered on almost all terrains with ease.
The base is aerodynamic in some scooters, thus ensuring smooth and speedy riding.
The suspensions of these scooters are also superior to withstand bumps and ditches.
Many of them have cases and baskets to carry important equipment or more.
