The Ultimate Glossary On Terms About Buying Mobility Scooter
Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter Buying a mobility scooter is a major financial investment. Fortunately private insurance companies as well as government programs such as Medicare often reimburse the cost of a mobility scooter when it's medically required. To ensure they buy the right model, individuals with disabilities that restrict mobility need to know about scooters and the options available to them. To start with, buyers must understand their specific requirements and objectives. What to Consider There are many things to consider when choosing the right mobility device. There isn't any one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. The wrong mobility could cause problems such as a poor fit, a low battery life, or even safety concerns. What will your parent use the scooter for? Do they intend to use it to run around or shop? If yes, a light mobility device with a long battery life is the best option. If they intend 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 health might change in the future, so you'll need to consider whether they'll be able to operate their mobility scooter in the next few months or years. If not, they may need to upgrade their mobility scooter or think about an alternative that is more durable, such as the power chair. If you can, your parent should try out a few different mobility scooters before making a decision. They can see how comfortable the seat is and whether they are capable of reaching the tiller. They should also sit on the driver's side to ensure that the scooter is suited to them and is comfortable. Some dealers have used scooters that have been well-maintained So inquire with your local dealer if they have any of these available. You can also ask rental companies if they have used scooters. If you do buy an old scooter, be sure to review the warranty and other details to make sure that you get what you purchased. Seating Some customers buy scooters that have two seats to be able to transport family or friends who wish to join them on a trip. However, there are privacy concerns if those who are joining you won't be of the same weight as this could result in bumping skin-to-skin against them, and could create issues with personal space. If you have any of these issues that you are worried about, it is suggested to get a seat-behind scooter instead of one with a back and front seat. With a scooter with two seats, you can not just enjoy the company of a loved one or friend and save money by not purchasing two separate mobility vehicles. By using just one scooter, you can save on electricity and wear and tear. You can even split the cost of fuel. When you are looking for a 2 seat mobility scooter, there are many choices of seating options. Some models have the driver's seat in the front, and the passenger seat behind. Some models have both seats in the rear. The majority of mid-range and premium scooters feature this setup, however, certain models might only have a front or rear seat. Another option is to buy a scooter with a power-operated lift, which enables you to effortlessly move the scooter into and out of your vehicle. This will save you time and effort when it comes to getting ready for your trip as all you need to do is guide the scooter to the lift platform and then turn on the switch. You can then leave and when you are ready to return, you can reverse the process. Wheels The wheels of a mobility scooter may make or ruin your experience riding. A good set of tires will provide an enjoyable, smooth ride, but worn out or damaged ones could be dangerous. It is important to check your tires on a regular basis and replace them if they are worn out. There are a few different kinds of scooter tires that are available: pneumatic, solid and foam filled. The tires that are filled with foam never go flat, but they are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic tires. Most travel/portable scooters come with foam-filled or solid tires, while most all-terrain and full-size scooters have pneumatic tires. The tube that is inside pneumatic tires is filled with air as a motorbike or bicycle tire. These are the most common type and can be fixed easily. There are also tires with liners that can be fitted between the tire's outer and inner tube, offering protection against punctures. The majority of manufacturers recommend a specific tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended pressure can be found in the owner's manual. Tires last longer if they are filled to this pressure. The majority of scooters are controlled via tillers that are T-shaped columns that move the front wheels to either the left or right. Other controls such as turning and speed signals can be located on the tiller too. Some tillers come with handles that wrap around called delta tillers. These are great for those with limited strength and dexterity. Batteries It is important to select the correct battery for your scooter. Selecting the right battery will make your scooter last longer. It is important to keep in the mind that batteries lose performance over time. If you find that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as before, it may be time to replace it. If you want to ensure your battery will last for a long period of time, then it is worthwhile to invest in a gel battery or an AGM battery. These batteries are more resistant to jostling because they have an airtight structure and an immobile electrolyte. They also have a longer time to last than other lead acid batteries. They're a little more expensive initially but their long-term value makes them worthwhile. Another option is to select the lithium battery. These are a bit more expensive initially, however they can offer up to 10 times the longevity of lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they're suitable for travel on planes. They come with an IATA certification. When purchasing the battery for your scooter, it's important to look for the model and brand name of your mobility scooter on the label. Using generic or offbrand batteries can damage your mobility scooter and cause it to function correctly. If you have an old battery that was charged using a different charger it may not function as well. Contact the manufacturer to determine whether your scooter requires an extra powerful battery. Typically, they'll have a list of compatible batteries that are recommended for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have any documents of maintenance records if you are purchasing an old mobility device. These records can assist you in determining the condition of the battery and if it was recently serviced. Safety A scooter can be a lifesaver for people who struggle to walk due or illness however, only if it's operated correctly. A mistake in use could cause injuries to the user or people around them. It's important to know what to look for when purchasing mobility scooters in order to avoid this. The manual should contain model-specific information like safety guidelines and maintenance schedules. Keep the manual in your possession and read it for reference when using the scooter. Check the scooter's comfort and see if you are able to operate it with ease using both hands. The scooter is also expected to handle the weight you'll need to carry. Verify the ground clearance to make sure the scooter can go over bumps, obstacles, and more. Travel/portable models have less clearance than full-sized scooters, and special models could have even smaller clearance. Check the history of repair and maintenance when you purchase a second-hand scooter. Individual sellers might have records of any repairs or replacements for parts, and these documents can provide valuable insight into the condition of the scooter prior to you purchase it. You should consider purchasing the scooter's security device such as a wheel clamp, to deter theft. The device attaches to the scooter's wheel and isn't able to be removed without tools, so it's a good deterrent for thieves. It's also a good idea to be familiar with the areas that you plan on travelling in, particularly places that have difficulty accommodating scooter users. You can steer clear of certain areas by knowing about curb cuts and streets without sidewalks.