The Wheelchair Guide

Increasing Accessibility With a Mobility Scooter

Often, for seniors walking for an extended period of time can become very difficult. Many times, this is not a big issue when at home, but it can make going anywhere, even to the grocery store, very difficult. To make it easier to get around, the mobility scooter is one of the more popular mobility vehicles available for a senior.

While wheelchairs have been used for thousands of years, the mobility scooter is fairly new, dating back only about fifty years. Mobility scooters also use a design that is very different from that of a wheelchair. One of the major differences is that due to the way a scooter is designed, you can not drive it directly up to a table or desk, so will likely have to transfer to a regular chair when eating or working.

Typically, the mobility scooter will have a rectangle shaped base, with wheels at the front and back. A chair is mounted slightly off center, positioned more towards the back of the base. Depending on the chair, it could offer a very simple lightweight design, or it could be a luxurious captains chair, with a reclining back.

A set of handlebars, called the tiller, extends from the front of the base and can be moved closer to the chair as needed. The tiller is used to control the direction and acceleration of the mobility scooter. A headlight, turn signal, and basket are also often attached to the tiller. They also typically have keyed entry, to protect the scooter from unauthorized use.

Mobility scooters are very popular, because they allow an individual to move easily over relatively large distances, with little physical effort. The range varies by model, but most adult scooters can travel at least five miles on a signal charge, with some capable of traveling more than 30 miles without requiring a charge. It is usually possible to purchase an extra battery pack for the scooter, which effectively doubles the range of the device. When one battery wears down, the battery can be taken out and charged, with the other battery pack being added. Most people will not require an extra battery pack, but it might be a good idea for those who are always on the go and don’t want to be stuck waiting for their mobility scooter to recharge.

Since the mobility scooter is battery powered, it can safely be used indoors or outdoors, although some are better suited at outdoor use than others. Typically, four wheel scooters provide a more stable platform for outdoor use and three wheeled scooters have a smaller turning radius, so are better for indoor use. Most will preform equally well over tightly packed terrain though, so for many people the extra stability offered by a four wheeled adult scooter is negligible.

For the mobility challenged senior, an electric mobility scooter is a very valuable tool that helps increase their mobility. These devices are available to accommodate people of all sizes and can be a valuable asset for those who have problems walking for extended periods of time.