Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter is an investment that can be costly. Fortunately buy second hand mobility scooter as government programs like Medicare frequently cover the cost of a scooter in the event that it's medically needed.
Individuals with mobility limitations should be familiarized with the various types of scooters that are available to them. Buyers should first understand their own requirements and objectives.
What to Consider
There are many things to consider when choosing the right mobility device. There is no one size that fits all - and the wrong mobility scooter can cause problems such as a poor fit, a low battery life or even safety concerns.
The first thing to think about is what your parent would like to use the scooter for. Do they plan to shop or run errands? Or just take it for rides around the neighborhood? If so then a lightweight mobility scooter with a long battery life is probably 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, take into consideration that your parent's physical condition may change in the near future, so you'll need to consider whether they'll still be able to drive their mobility scooter in the next few months or years. If not, they might require a change in their scooter or consider an alternative that is more durable, such as 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 is and if they are capable of reaching the tiller. They should also sit in the driver's seat to ensure they're comfortable and the scooter is a good fit for the person well.
Ask your local dealer about the possibility of refurbished scooters. You can also ask rental companies if they sell used scooters. If you do buy a used scooter, you need to review the warranty and other information to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.
Seating
Some customers purchase scooters with two seating to be capable of transporting family members or friends who want 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 this could mean bumping skin-to-skin against them. It could also create issues with personal space. If you're concerned about these concerns it is recommended to purchase a scooter that has a seat behind rather than one with a front and rear seat.
A scooter with two seats lets you to not only enjoy the company of a family member or friend, but also to cut costs by not having to purchase two separate mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and tear as well as electricity by using just one scooter that you can operate and share costs for fuel.
There are many seating options available when shopping for a mobility scooter with two seats. Certain models have the driver's seat in the front, and the passenger seat behind. Some models include both seats in the rear. The majority of mid-range scooters come with this arrangement however more sophisticated and premium scooters may come with a front seat or a rear seat only.
You can also buy a scooter that has a power-operated lifting system. This lets you effortlessly get the scooter in and out of your car. This can save you time and effort when getting ready for your trip because all you have to do is guide the scooter to the lift platform and then turn on the switch. Then, you can drive off and when you are ready to return, you can reverse the process.
Wheels
The wheels on mobility scooters are a vital part of the vehicle, and they can make or break your experience riding. A good set of tires will provide you with a smooth, comfortable ride, however old or damaged ones could be dangerous. It is important to examine the condition of your tires frequently and replace them as they wear out.
There are a variety of kinds of scooter tires that are that are available: pneumatic, solid and foam filled. Foam-filled and solid tires will are never flat however they are more difficult to move than pneumatic tires. The majority of portable and travel scooters have solid or spongy tires, and the majority of all terrain scooters have pneumatic tires.
The inner tube of pneumatic tires is filled with air just like the bicycle or motorbike tire. They're the most commonly used type of scooter tire, and they're easily repaired.
There are tires that have liner between the outer tube and the 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. Tires will last longer when they are filled to this pressure.
Many scooters are controlled by tillers that are T-shaped columns that rotate the front wheels left or right. Other controls, such as turning and speed indicators can be located on the tiller, too. Some tillers have handles that wrap around called delta tillers. They are ideal for those who have weak dexterity and strength.
Batteries
It is crucial to choose the correct type of battery in your scooter. The right battery will make your scooter last longer. You should also keep in your mind that batteries lose performance over time. If you find that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as previously, it might be time to replace it.
If you'd like to ensure your battery lasts for a long time, then it is worth investing in a gel battery or an AGM battery. These batteries are more resistant to squeezing because they feature an airtight design and an immobile electrolyte. They also have a longer time to last than other lead acid batteries. However, they are slightly more expensive in the beginning, however their longevity makes them economical in the long run.
Another option is to select a lithium battery. They're a bit more expensive upfront but they offer up to 10 times the longevity of lead-acid batteries. They are also safe for air travel and are available with a certificate from the IATA.
It's important that you examine the label on the scooter battery to see the model and the brand name. A generic or offbrand battery can cause damage to the scooter and result in it not functioning properly. If you have an older battery that was charged with a different charger it may not work the same way.
Make sure to check with the manufacturer to see whether your scooter requires a more powerful battery. They usually have a list with compatible batteries for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have any documents of maintenance records when you purchase a used mobility device. These records can help you determine whether the battery is old and if it has recently been serviced.
Safety
A scooter can be an emergency aid for people who are disabled to walk due to illness or age. However, it must be used correctly. A mistake in the use of a mobility scooter could cause injury to the user as well as those around them. It's important to know what to look for when purchasing a mobility scooter to avoid this.
Make sure that the scooter has an operating manual, which contains specific information about the model, such as safety guidelines and a maintenance schedule. Keep the manual on hand for reference when you use the scooter.
Check the scooter's comfort and see if you can operate it with ease using both hands. The scooter should also be able to handle the amount of weight you'll need to carry.
Check the ground clearance to ensure that the scooter is able to 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 purchasing a second-hand scooter, inquire about the history of its maintenance and repairs. Sellers may have records of any repairs or replacements of parts and these records could provide valuable information about the condition of the scooter prior to you purchase it.
Consider purchasing an item for your scooter like a wheel clamp, to deter theft. The device is fixed to the wheel of the scooter, and cannot be removed without tools. It's an effective protection against thieves.
It's also a good idea to be familiar with the areas that you plan to travel in, especially areas where scooter riders might have issues. Know the location of curb cuts and streets that do not have sidewalks, so you are able to avoid these areas when you go shopping or visiting your friends.