Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter purchase is a significant financial investment. Private insurance companies as well as government programs like Medicare often reimburse the cost if the scooter is medically needed.
Mobility-impaired individuals should be familiarized with the various types of scooters that are that are available to them. In the beginning, buyers must understand their specific needs and goals.
What to Consider
When it comes to choosing the best mobility scooter, there are a variety of aspects to take into consideration. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. A wrong choice of mobility could cause problems such as a poor fit, a low battery life, or even safety issues.
What will your parent use the scooter for? Do they intend to use it to complete out for errands or to shop? If so then a light mobility scooter with good battery life is likely to be the best choice. If they intend to travel over bumpy or uneven terrain, a four wheel scooter with bigger wheels could be the best option.
Also, take into consideration that your parent's physical health might change in the future, so you will be able to determine if they'll still be able to use their mobility scooter in the next few months or years. If not, they might need to look into upgrading their scooter or a more durable solution like a power wheelchair.
If possible, your parent should test out a couple of different mobility scooters before deciding. They can test out how comfortable the seat feels and test if they can reach the handle. 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 contact rental companies to see whether they have used scooters available for auction. If you do decide to purchase an used scooter, you need to review the warranty and other details to ensure that you're getting what you purchased.
Seating
Some customers buy scooters with two seating in order to be able to transport family or friends who wish to accompany them on their journey. However, there are privacy concerns if the people who are joining you won't be of a similar weight, as it could result in bumping skin-toskin against them and may also create problems with personal space. If you're worried about these concerns it's recommended to get a scooter with an additional seat behind, instead of one which has two seats in the front and back.
A scooter with two seats allows you to not only enjoy the company of a family member or friend but also reduce costs by not having to purchase two mobility vehicles. You can also save on wear and wear and tear, as well as electric by only having one scooter to run and even share the cost of fuel.
There are a variety of seating options to choose from when looking for a 2-seat mobility scooter. Certain models come with a driver's seat in the front and a passenger's seat behind, while some have both seats in the rear. Most mid-range and premium scooters come with this configuration, but some models may have only an rear or front seat.
buying a second hand mobility scooter is to purchase an electric scooter that has a power-operated lift, which allows you to easily take the scooter inside and out of your vehicle. You can reduce time and effort by purchasing a scooter with a power-operated lift. All you have to do is put the scooter on the lift platform, and then turn on the switch. Then you can drive away and when you're ready to return, you can reverse the process.
Wheels
The wheels on mobility scooters are an important part of the vehicle, and they can affect the experience you have. Tires that are in good shape will give you a comfortable, smooth ride. Tires that are worn out or damaged can be dangerous. You should inspect your tires frequently and replace them when they get worn.
There are a few different kinds of scooter tires available: solid, pneumatic, and foam filled. The foam-filled and solid tires are not flat, but they are harder to maneuver than pneumatic ones. The majority of portable and travel scooters have rubber or spongy tires while the majority of full-sized and all terrain scooters have pneumatic tires.
Pneumatic tires come with an inner tube filled with air like motorbike or bicycle tires. They're the most commonly used type and can be fixed easily.
There are tires that have liners between the tube's outer and inner tire, providing additional protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a certain tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended value is found in the owner's manual. Inflating the tires to this level will make them last longer.
Many scooters are controlled by tillers, which are T-shaped columns that turn the front wheels left or right. The tiller may also have other controls, such as speed and turning indicators. Some tillers have wraparound handles also known as delta tillers which are perfect for those with limited hand dexterity or strength.
Batteries
It is crucial to have the right type battery for your scooter. The right battery can extend the life of your scooter. You should also keep in mind that batteries lose their performance over time. If you notice that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as it used to it could be a sign that it is in need of replacement.
A gel or AGM battery is a great option if you wish to have your battery to last a long time. These batteries are more resistant to jostling due to their airtight design and an impermeable electrolyte. They also have a longer lifespan than other lead acid batteries. They are slightly more costly initially but their long-term value is worth it.
Another option is to choose a lithium battery. They're a bit more expensive upfront but they can provide up to 10 times the lifespan of lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they're safe for travel in the air. They come with an IATA certification.
When purchasing an electric scooter battery, it's important to look for the model and brand name of the mobility scooter on the label. Using a generic or offbrand battery could damage the scooter and result in it not functioning properly. In the same way, if you have an older battery that has been charged with another charger, it might not work as well.
Some scooters require more powerful batteries than others, so make sure to consult the manufacturer. They usually have a list with compatible batteries for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have any documentation of maintenance, when you purchase an old mobility device. These records can help you determine whether the battery is old and if it's been serviced.
Safety
A scooter can be a lifesaver for those who struggle to walk due or illness however, only if it's operated properly. Incorrect use of a mobility scooter can cause injuries to the user and others who are around them. To avoid this, it's important to understand what to look for when purchasing a mobility scooter prior making the purchase.
The manual should contain specific information about the model like safety guidelines and maintenance schedules. Keep the manual handy to refer to when using the scooter.
Check the scooter's comfort and see if you are able to operate it easily with both hands. The scooter must also be able to handle the weight you'll be carrying.
Verify the ground clearance to ensure that the scooter can go over bumps, obstacles and more. Travel/portable scooters have lower ground clearance than larger models, and specialty scooters might have less clearance.
Find out the history of repair and maintenance if you're purchasing a used scooter. The seller may have records of repairs or replacements of parts, and these documents can provide valuable information about the condition of the scooter prior to you purchase it.
You should consider purchasing a security device for your scooter, such as clamps, which can deter theft. The device is connected to the wheel of the scooter and cannot be removed without using tools. It's a great security measure against thieves.
It's also a good idea to be familiar with the areas you're planning to travel through, particularly areas where scooters might encounter difficulties. Learn about the locations of curb cuts and streets that don't have sidewalks so that you are able to avoid these areas when going shopping or visiting friends.