How to Choose the Best Mobility Scooter and Use it Safely

Staying active is important, no matter your age. If you have mobility issues, it can be hard to tend to your daily activities, visit friends and family, or attend social events.

For many, a mobility scooter opens the door to greater freedom and a more active lifestyle. A scooter is easy to operate and can help you get around without the use of a walker or cane.

There are many motorized scooters on the market today. You may have a hard time choosing the best mobility scooter for your particular needs.

That’s where we can help. Here are some things to consider in your search for a mobility scooter.

Where You Live

If you’re thinking of buying a mobility scooter, consider your home and surroundings before making a decision. Someone who lives in a city building with a small elevator has to consider their limited space and how it will affect mobility.

Consider the access to your home and if it’s handicapped accessible or not. If you must navigate stairs or narrow spaces, choose a smaller scooter or one that is collapsable.

Individuals who live in the country, have plenty of space, or must navigate cobblestone streets, may want a larger scooter with adequate control and suspension.

Where You Will Use Your Mobility Scooter

If you plan to use your scooter indoors, a three-wheeled model may be a good choice due to its tighter turning radius. Those who prefer the four-wheel variety, should consider a scooter with a tight turning radius and small wheels.

Be sure to measure your doorways before choosing a scooter. Choosing one too wide will leave you bumping into walls and doorways, making it difficult to manoeuvre with ease.

For outdoor use, a larger four-wheeled model can handle bumps and rougher terrain. Large pneumatic wheels help make the ride smoother and easier to use over outdoor surfaces.

Choosing the right scooter for your needs will help you enjoy your independence and stay safe as you are out and about.

Transporting Needs

You can’t drive your scooter everywhere, so you have to consider how you will transport it from place to place. Will you transport it in a car trunk, a van, or in the back of a truck?

Most scooters can be taken apart, but you may need help with the pieces. Consider whether the main frame and the seat will fit into your vehicle’s space.

These are the largest parts of a scooter, so make sure you’re able to transport it without difficulty. With some scooters, the main frame may be too large for a car trunk.

If you have access to a van or truck, you can purchase a power lift or scooter trailer. This helps lift the entire scooter for transport without any disassembly.

It’s also important to consider your method of travel. For example, when traveling by aeroplane, airline regulations and laws will dictate that the scooter be of a specific size. Battery type is also a consideration, as airlines may have regulations on lithium ion batteries and other types.

Make sure to check with the airline you’re flying with and ensure your wheelchair fits any regulations beforehand.

Storing Your Mobility Scooter

You need a dry, secure area to store your scooter. With a large garage or adequate storage space in your home, you can store a scooter of any size.

But if you live in a small space and have limited storage, a collapsible scooter may be a better option. If you’ll need to bring the scooter into your home or apartment, consider whether you’ll be able to get it through the doorway.

For narrow doorways, consider a smaller or collapsible model. Some scooters have adjustable armrests or a fold-down tiller for easier storage.

You’ll  need to charge your electric scooter while it’s not in use, so storing your scooter near an electrical outlet is a good idea. This way your scooter is ready to run whenever you need it.

Before buying your scooter, consider whether you need to add ramps or other accessible features to your home or vehicle. Users lacking storage space may have to take the scooter apart after each use.

Dismantling a scooter each time you use it may be a burden for some users. That’s why it’s always better to have a space to store your scooter intact, if possible.

Comfort Matters

Your scooter should provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride. You’ll be sitting in it for long periods of time and don’t want to feel uncomfortable or restricted in any way.

There are many models on the market, and the comfort features are different for each one. A basic model may be all most users want or need.

But some users have special needs and may require extra comfort features for a smoother ride. For those with back problems or other physical challenges, features such as extra-padded seats, extra-wide seats, adjustable armrests, or adjustable seat backs may be helpful.

Some users may want extra comfort features for a more pleasurable ride. No matter the reason, you should take a look at the variety of comfort features as you shop for your scooter.

Safety Features

Be sure to ask about the safety features before buying a scooter. Stability for inclines and sharp turns is important. Features such as anti-tip breaks and a single hand control help make your scooter safe.

If you plan to use your scooter around the city, extra safety features are necessary. You’ll need visible turning and parking lights, front headlights, a rearview mirror, a horn, and a bumper.

You want the safest possible scooter for your particular needs.

Steering and Control

The tiller on a scooter controls its speed and direction. On most models, the scooter moves as you push or pull the tiller lever.

Some models are sensitive to finger motion or allow you to push using only your thumb. This is ideal if you have limited use of your hands.

The control panel on a tiller includes a battery gauge, speed and light controls, and the horn. Speeds range from 4 to 8 kph.

Although thumb levers are the most common type of control, loop and joystick handles are also options. Features vary by model and by the accessories you choose for your individual needs.

Manoeuvrability and Size

Mobility scooters come in a variety of sizes. Whether you want a slim 3-wheeled model or a chunky outdoor scooter, there’s something for everyone.

Three-wheeled scooters have a more precise turning capability, which makes them ideal for indoor use. The larger the scooter, the more room it needs for transport, storage, and manoeuvrability.

Before purchasing a scooter, consider its size, where you will use it, and whether you have adequate space to store your scooter.

Your Mobility Scooter Budget

Depending on your health needs, your health insurance plan may cover all or a portion of the cost of a mobility scooter. In some cases, you may qualify for a scooter if your doctor verifies you need it.

Insurance companies and Medicare cover scooters when your doctor sends an order to a licensed medical supply company. You should speak to a representative from the company about which scooter options and features your insurance will cover, for example:

• Battery type
• Size
• Feature

If you plan to buy a scooter at your own expense, you may have a wider selection of options to choose from.

Finger Control and Dexterity

For individuals with nervous system disorders, including Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other issues, mobility is often difficult. A scooter can help them be more active and participate in activities they enjoy.

For some people, a typical mobility scooter is too hard to manoeuvre. They may not have the manual dexterity to operate the controls, and this can be dangerous.

They may need a scooter that’s engineered for those with dexterity limitations. Some scooters have sensitive controls for this purpose.

However, all mobility scooters require some physical strength to operate safely. And for some people, a wheelchair, rather than a scooter, may be the better option.

Range of the Mobility Scooter

You should also consider the range of the scooter. Some scooters will be able to travel further distances without a break, whereas others may only be able to go shorter distances but have other advantages (such as cost or additional features).

Each scooter should have a range listed in its specs, so make sure to look at it and compare with others.

Things to Keep in Mind

Once you decide on the best scooter for you, don’t forget to check out the range of accessories for comfort, safety, and durability. Extra padded seats, canopies, easy-to-reach controls, and attached baskets are a few of the many available options.

Scooter users who need a little storage space for shopping trips may want a little extra cargo space. Some models include baskets or a detachable trailer you can pull behind your scooter.

You can even have a scooter with a place for your phone, keys, and wallet. All of these bells and whistles make your scooter more personalized to your individual needs.

Mobility Scooter Safety Tips

A mobility scooter is a wonderful mobility tool for disabled, injured, or aging individuals. It helps them have more independence and control over their everyday lives.

It’s important to use a mobility scooter in a safe way to prevent injury. Here are a few safety reminders.

Understand the Safety Features

Be sure to read and ask about the various safety features on your scooter. Make sure you understand the various functions and how to operate the scooter before taking a ride.

Start Slow

You control the speed of your mobility scooter, but controlling the speed can be a bit tricky at first. First-time drivers should start slowly and work their way up to a comfortable speed.

Mind the Terrain

Although many motility scooters are capable of traveling over various terrains, it’s important to be aware of the ground beneath you.

Watch for hills, bumps, and holes as you drive. Try to stay on smooth terrain whenever possible.

Play by the Rules

As you drive your scooter around, keep the “rules of the road” in mind. Follow basic driving rules such as staying on the left, using signals, and looking behind you before passing or stopping.

Following basic driving safety procedures can help keep you and others safe as you enjoy your scooter.

Avoid Texting and Driving

Just like the kids today, adults sometimes focus on their cellphones at the wrong times. Stay safe and avoid texting or using your phone as you drive your scooter.

Call Ahead

It’s never fun to arrive at an outing and realize your scooter won’t fit through doorways or manoeuvre over the terrain.

Before you go, call ahead. Make sure the location you’re visiting has the ramps or other safety features you need to have an enjoyable time.

Make Some Noise

Today’s scooters are quiet while they’re in motion. Adding a bell or horn to your scooter can alert people of your presence and help keep you and others safe.

This is especially helpful in crowded public spots where manoeuvring around people can get a little tricky.

Add Some Light

For evening use, make sure your scooter is equipped with safety lights. Adequate lighting can keep you safe in the early mornings or at night as you drive.

Finding the Best Mobility Scooter

There are many types of mobility scooters on the market. What matters most is finding the best mobility scooter to meet your needs.

Matching your needs with the scooter manufacturer’s features is the goal. Your scooter should be safe, easy to operate, and suited to your lifestyle and individual needs.

Be sure to take a look at our mobility scooter options and other quality medical products.