Mobility Aids

A mobility scooter has a seat over three, four or now five wheels, a flat area or foot plates for the feet, and handlebars in front to turn one, two or three steerable wheels. The seat may swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars. Mobility scooters are usually battery powered. A battery or two is stored on board the scooter and is charged via an on board or separate battery charger unit from standard electric power. Gasoline-powered scooters may also available in some countries, though they are rapidly being replaced by electric models. The tiller for a mobility scooter, with forward/reverse directions and speed controls, is the steering column centrally located at the front of the scooter. Forward/reverse direction can be controlled by thumb paddles, finger controls, or a switch. There are two types of mobility scooters: front-wheel drive (FD) or rear-wheel drive (RD). The FD is usually a smaller device and is best used indoors. Rider weight capacity is generally upwards to 250 pounds maximum. The RD is used both indoors and outdoors with rider weight capacity of 350 pounds (bariatric scooter). A heavy duty rear-drive can carry up to 500 pounds, varying by manufacturer. Assistive and small sit-down mobility scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world. A scooter is useful for persons without the stamina or arm/shoulder flexibility necessary to use a manual wheelchair. Also, swiveling the seat of an electric scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most conventional wheelchairs. A mobility scooter is very helpful for persons with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions (coronary or lung issues, some forms of arthritis, obesity, etc.) who are still able to stand and walk a few steps, sit upright without torso support, and control the steering tiller. Key Brands we carry; EV LIFE, the Luggie, Vita, SportRider A major selling point of mobility scooters for many users is that they do not look like a wheelchair, disability still being seen by many as a negative or somehow shameful. Mobility scooters are in general more affordable than powered wheelchairs, leading to them being procured as a cheaper alternative. They are a great gift idea for anyone who is disabled, has an injury, overweight or simply aging. ELDERLUXE also carries lighter weight travel scooters that can be transported or shipped with the Client as they travel domestically and abroad for ease of touring while away. These scooters make a perfect gift for those who travel and need assistance.

Let's talk about your choice in Personal Mobility Scooters (PMS):

If you are challenged with limited mobility or have ambulatory issues, a mobility scooter is a ticket to freedom. An battery powered scooter assists you in living a more active and independent life, without having to rely upon those around you to ensure that you can move about your home or to simply take in the beauty of the outdoors or your social life.

The decision of which electric mobility scooter to buy provides many options, however. these specialize personal mobility vehicles are an investment that you can enjoy for many years. Read our helpful tips on buying a personal mobility scooter below; it will help you familiarize yourself with those key issues surrounding this important investment for Aging Well.

1. Are you looking for an mobility scooter primarily for indoor or for outdoor travel?

Where you plan to use your mobility scooter will have a major impact on your choice of which model to buy. If you are planning to use your scooter mostly inside your home, for example, a tight turning radius and easy maneuverability are going to be your most important concerns. A smaller, more compact mobility scooter with three wheels versus four could be the right choice for you.

If you are intending to travel outdoors, you will want to have a more solid scooter that can handle rough ground and uneven pavement gracefully. Stability and speed will be important considerations. A 4 wheel mobility scooter with rugged suspension fits the bill here.

2. Will you be traveling over curbs or hills or other variable terrain?

If you are planning to navigate difficult terrain such as steep hills or curbs, you will need an electric scooter with some extra power behind it, a rugged suspension and sturdy wheels with knobbier tires. A 4 wheel personal mobility scooter often has the power and the stability to handle the rougher terrain.

3. Will you drive your mobility scooter on local roads?

If you would like to use your travel mobility scooter on roads instead of on pavement or grass, you should familiarize yourself with local laws. In most cases, medical-based scooters need to be able to travel at least 8 MPH to be used on roads, and must be equipped with both headlights, turn signals and taillights- similar to their motorcycle "brethren".

4. Will your home restrict the scooters you can use?

If you traverse areas with narrow doorways or gates or if you use stairs , you will want to factor this into consideration as well when buying an electric/battery powered scooter. A larger, outdoor mobility scooter that cannot fit through your front gate or your doors, for example, would be less than desirable.

5. Will your new scooter comfortably fit your body's needs?

Personal Mobility Scooters assist you in handling a wide range of mobility restrictions, to achieve a higher level of independence. Therefore, it is important for you to determine which scooter is right for your body. For example, if you have difficulty sitting upright, stability may be key. A 4 wheel mobility scooter is an excellent choice.

If you are tall, for example, a 3 wheel mobility scooter can better accommodate your long legs.

For some people, getting on and off of a medical scooter creates an altogether different challenge. A mobility scooter that offers a swivel seat for easy ingress and egress provides true benefits for you.

6. Will you need to transport your mobility scooter?

If you are planning to take your electric scooter with you when you travel in a vehicle, you will have a different set of concerns than if you are planning to run most of your errands from your home. Unless you have a large vehicle that accommodates a full-sized scooter, a compact mobility scooter is a good choice for travel in automobiles.

Compact mobility scooters are designed for convenient travel. Depending on the model you choose, these scooters can fold down to fit into the trunk of a car, or be assembled and disassembled without requiring tools. ELDERLUXE even sells a scooter, the LUGGIE, that folds into its own suitcase for travel.

Many forms of public transportation, such as busses, trains, and subways, will also accommodate electric scooters. Check with your transportation authority for information about size restrictions that you must know when traveling with your mobility scooter.

7. What about your storage space(S)?

A compact mobility scooter is also a good choice for people who have limited storage room in their home. These easily collapsible electric scooters can be stored in closets or in a convenient corner.

It is also convenient if you have an electrical outlet in the area where you will want to store your scooter, so that it can be recharged when not in use.

8. Can the battery scooter handle the accessories you want?

Different models of medical scooter offer a range of accessories to go with them. From canopies to keep off the rain to storage for crutches or cargo, you have many options to consider.

For example, if you are planning to use your scooter for shopping trips, you’ll need to consider the question of where to store your cargo. The options for carrying items with your medical scooter vary widely, from baskets that attach to the handlebars to trailers that are pulled behind the scooter, and many options in between.

An electric mobility scooter that can accommodate the accessories that you need to achieve your goals will be paramount to you. Remember though, the more accessories you have on the scooter, the greater the weight and strain, limiting battery charge/life per charging.

9. How long will you demand your scooter run?

Smaller, lighter scooters have an advantage in that they provide less drain on the battery. If the time required to recharge a scooter throughout the day is too taxing, you might want to consider using a lighter model.

10. Will you buy your scooter online or offline?

Although shopping for a personal mobility scooter in a store is traditional, online shopping offers many advantages, especially for people who have trouble getting around. Online shopping for electrical scooters lets you compare quality, prices, accessories, and options from the comfort of your own home. ELDERLUXE.COM can help you in your decision making. Call us at 1.888.537.LUXE for advice. we only handle the very finest scooters at ELDERLUXE.com, with generous warranties and guarantees.