Disabled Scooters – How to Choose a Disabled Scooter
For an individual with limited mobility, a disabled scooter will give them back their freedom and independence. Unfortunately many people hesitate to buy one because they think the process will be too confusing. The good news that it is a relatively simple process and it will change your life for the better overnight.
Find, Compare, and Buy a Mobility Scooter
No, you don't have to be a mechanic to shop for disabled scooters.
They are surprisingly straight forward vehicles, and a reputable retailer will walk you through the process answering all of your questions and concerns. You should, however, go through this process with more than one retailer to ensure that you are getting a fair price and the best mobility scooter for your needs. Here is a bit of basic information to help you when shopping for disabled scooters.
The first, and arguably the most important decision you will need to make is between the three basic types of scooters: Indoor, Outdoor, and Indoor/Outdoor.
The smallest of the three types are the indoor scooters. They have three wheels and are designed to work best indoors or on paved, level ground. They are a smallest and lightest of the three and their tires are made of a material that won't mark your floors. Indoor disability scooters are front-wheel drive. Because it's a smaller, lighter vehicle, an indoor scooter can manoeuvre the tight corners in your home or apartment without bumping into moulding or walls. However, they travel shorter distances on a single electric charge, and at slower speeds. They are also the least expensive of the three types.
Indoor Disabled Scooters
Outdoor Disabled Scooters
Outdoor disabled scooters are the heavyweights. They can weigh as much as 100 pounds more than their indoor counterparts. The added weight is simply heavier materials and the mechanics necessary for their added abilities. They are rear-wheel drive vehicles, and almost always have four wheels for stability on rough terrain. They also sit higher off the ground for better ground clearance. Because of their larger size and more powerful motor, outdoor scooters are able to climb hills, manoeuvre up curbs, and travel over open ground. Additionally, outdoor mobility scooters are faster, travel farther on a battery charge, and can be used in all kinds of weather.Please note that outdoor disabled scooters can not comfortably transition to indoor driving. Because of their size they often can not fit through narrow doorways or make sharp turns. Also their tires may mark up your floors.
Indoor/Outdoor Disabled Scooters
Indoor/outdoor disabled scooters are a true mixture of the best features from both indoor and outdoor scooters. Most are three-wheeled with rear-wheel drive and soft tires. Although they can be comfortably manoeuvred in your home, they are slightly harder to manoeuvre indoors than a strictly indoor scooter. Also, although you can use indoor/outdoor scooters outdoors, they can't climb curbs and hills with the power and stability of the heavier outdoor models. In fact, they should not be used on uneven ground or steep hills.These are the basic differences between the three types of disabled scooters. This information should make choosing your disabled scooter much easier. As you shop around, be sure to ask questions and review more than one retailer to properly compare brand and styles. Also inquire about batteries, battery chargers and scooter lifts; they are accessories you will need to know about.
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