Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter purchase is a major financial investment. Fortunately, private insurance companies and government programs such as Medicare often reimburse the cost of a scooter in the event that it's medically needed.
To ensure they buy the right model, individuals with travel-limiting disabilities should know all they can about scooters and what alternatives they have. To start with, buyers should understand their individual requirements and objectives.
What to Consider
When it comes to choosing the best mobility scooter, there are many factors to consider. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. A wrong choice of mobility could cause issues like a bad fit, low battery life or even safety issues.
What do your parents intend to use the scooter for? Are they planning to make use of it to run out for errands or to shop? If so, a light mobility device with a long battery lifespan is the best option. If they plan to travel over rough or bumpy terrain, a four-wheeler with larger tires could be the better option.
Be aware that the physical health of your parent could change in the next few years. You'll have to decide whether they'll be able to operate their mobility scooter then. If not, they might need to upgrade their mobility scooter or think about an alternative that is more durable, such as a power chair.
Before making a final decision, you should encourage your parent to try various mobility scooters. They can test how comfortable the seat is and determine if they are able to reach the handle. They should also sit on the driver's side to ensure that the scooter fits their needs and is comfortable.
Some dealers have used scooters that have been taken care of So inquire with your local dealer whether they have any of these available. You can also check with rental companies to find out whether they have any second-hand scooters for sale. It is crucial to confirm the warranty and other information before buying an used scooter.
Seating
Some customers buy scooters with two seats in the hopes of being able to transport friends or family members who wish to join them on their journeys. There are privacy issues if the persons who will be joining you are not of the same weight. This could mean that they'll be bumping into each other and creating issues with privacy. If these are concerns you are worried about, it's recommended to buy a scooter with a seat behind instead of one with a back and front seat.
With a scooter with two seats, you can not just enjoy the company of a relative or a friend but also save money by not purchasing two separate mobility vehicles. By using only one scooter, you'll save on energy and wear and tear. You can even split the cost of fuel.
There are many seating options to choose from when looking for a two-seat mobility scooter. Certain models have the driver's seat at the front, and the passenger seat behind. Some models include both seats in the rear. Most mid-range scooters will have this configuration, but more advanced and premium scooters may have either a front seat or a rear seat with a single seat.
You can also buy a scooter that has a lift system powered by electricity. This allows you to effortlessly lift the scooter into and out of your car. You can reduce time and effort by buying 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. After that, you can leave and when you're ready to return, reverse the procedure.
Wheels
The wheels on mobility scooters are a vital element of the vehicle and they can make or break the experience you have. A set of tires that are in good condition will provide a smooth, comfortable ride, but old or damaged ones can be dangerous. It's important to check the condition of your tires frequently and replace them if they wear out.
There are several kinds of scooter tires that are available: pneumatic, solid and foam filled. Solid and foam-filled tires never go flat, but they are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic tires. Most travel/portable Scooters come with rubber or spongy tires while the majority of the full-sized and all-terrain scooters have pneumatic tires.
Pneumatic tires come with an inner tube that is filled with air similar to a bicycle or motorbike tire. They are the most popular type of tire and can be repaired easily.
There are tires that come with liners that fit between the outer tire and the inner tube, providing added protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a particular tire pressure for each scooter model and the recommended value is found in the owner's manual. Tires will last longer when they are inflated to this pressure.
The majority of scooters are controlled via tillers that are T-shaped columns that rotate the front wheels to the left or right. Other controls like speed and turning signals may be located on the tiller, too. Some tillers have handles that wrap around, referred to as delta tillers. These are perfect for those with limited strength and dexterity.
Batteries
Having the right battery for your scooter is very important. Selecting the right battery will make your scooter run longer. It is important to keep in mind that batteries may lose performance over time. If you notice that your battery isn't able hold charge as well as it did before, it may be time to replace it.
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 shaking because they feature an airtight design and an impermeable electrolyte. They also have a longer time to last than other lead acid batteries. However, they are more expensive upfront, although their long-lasting nature makes them more cost-effective in the long run.
A lithium battery is another option. They're more expensive at first, but can last up to 10 times longer than lead acid batteries. Plus, they are safe for air travel and are available with a certification from the IATA.
When buying the battery for your scooter it is essential to search for the model and brand name of the mobility scooter on the label. Using a generic or offbrand battery can damage the scooter and cause it to not work properly. Similarly, if you have an older battery that has been charged using a different charger, it may not work similarly.
Contact buy second hand mobility scooter to see if your scooter requires more power from the battery. They will typically have a list of compatible batteries for their scooters. Ask the seller if they have any documentation of maintenance, in the event that you purchase a used mobility device. These records will help you determine whether the battery is old and if it's been maintained.
Safety
A scooter can be a lifesaver to people who are incapable of walking due to illness or age. But it is essential to use it correctly. A mistake in the use of a mobility scooter could cause injury to the user and others surrounding them. It is important to know what to look for when buying a mobility scooter to avoid this.
Make sure the scooter has an operating manual that provides 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.
Test the comfort of the scooter and determine if you're able to operate it comfortably with both hands. The scooter should be able to handle the weight you plan to carry.
Verify the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure that it can maneuver over bumps and other obstacles. Travel/portable scooters have less ground clearance than full-sized models, and some specialty scooters might have lower clearance.
Check the history of repair and maintenance when you purchase a second-hand scooter. Individual sellers may have records of any repairs or replacements of parts, and these documents can provide valuable insight into the condition of the scooter before you purchase it.
Consider buying a scooter security device like a wheel clamp, to deter theft. The device attaches to the wheel of the scooter, and isn't able to be removed without tools, making it an effective deterrent to thieves.
It's important to familiarize yourself with the areas you intend to travel in, especially places that have difficulty accommodating scooter users. You can steer clear of certain areas by learning about curb cuts, and streets that do not have sidewalks.