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Posts Tagged ‘electric mobility scooters’

Electric Mobility Scooters For An Independent Lifestyle

June 24th, 2010 No comments

We all know how important mobility is to maintaining an independent life. There is not much that we do in our daily lives that doesn’t involve at least some moving around. Electric mobility scooters have proven to be a blessing to many in this regard.

Electric mobility scooters are used most often by the elderly, but also frequently by people with certain disabilities that make walking difficult, as well as people affected by illness. Using a scooter provides the means to move around freely and interact with friends and family as well as remaining active members of the community.

Mobility scooters are often used by people with arthritis, M.S. or other conditions where walking is painful and difficult. Using a personal mobility scooter is a boon for those who were forced to depend on others to get out, or just stay home. And they are ideal for people who need help getting around but don’t need a wheelchair.

Personal scooters are made to use to supplement canes and walkers. Scooters are much less demanding physically than using either a cane or a walker. There are one or two factors which can help to figure out whether a person will be capable of using a scooter like this instead of using a wheelchair.

For a person to be able to use a scooter he or she should be able to take a few steps and get onto and off of the scooter independently. The user should also have enough dexterity and strength in the upper body so they are able to get off and on their scooter. Without these things, the person may be better off using a wheelchair.

The electric mobility scooters of today come in many different styles and models. Your first basic choice will be for either a three or a four wheel model. Which is best for you will depend upon where the scooter will primarily be used.

For use inside 3 wheel mobility scooters are probably better because they are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Four wheel scooters may be a better choice for use outdoors because of the increased stability that the extra wheel provides.

Generally, mobility scooters all function in the same way. Forward and backward movement, speed, and stopping and starting, are all hand controlled with the tiller which is a steering column with handlebars.

You will find that an electric mobility scooter is quite easy to operate and it’s easy to maintain as well. The battery is rechargeable and the charger comes standard with most scooters. Just plug it into a standard electrical outlet to recharge.

You can get a basic mobility scooter that will get you from place to place, or opt for one with more bells and whistles. These options include things like an extra battery, a plusher captain’s swivel seat, additional baskets and more.

Some folks have one scooter that they use inside and a smaller portable one for use when traveling. Folding mobility scooters are easy to transport in the trunk of a car because they can be folded to fit.

For those who need to bring along medical equipment of some kind, a heavy duty mobility scooter may be ideal. And for bigger individuals, the larger seat may prove more comfortable.

A physical impairment doesn’t have to keep anyone from getting involved in the activities associated with daily life or get-togethers with family and friends. Electric mobility scooters can give you back an independent life and restore the joy of living.

Travel mobility scooters are perfect “bring along” mobility scooters. Take a trip to the mall or travel across the country. Visit my website at http://www.personalmobilityscooter.org/ for more information.

Electric Mobility Scooters – An Introduction

March 6th, 2010 No comments

An electric mobility scooter is very much like a motor scooter or an electric scooter in the way it functions and how it is built. An electric mobility scooter has some of the options that a power wheelchair has. That makes the scooter an excellent means of transportation for those having a good degree of arm strength as well as upper body balance. Its use is mainly for those needing assistance occasionally rather than all the time.

Electric mobility scooters are used primarily by anyone who has difficulty walking for any distance. This would include not only the elderly but those suffering from medical conditions that need assistance in getting around. Mobility scooters are not designed to take the place of a wheelchair.

There is nothing complicated about the design of a mobility scooter. There are two rear wheels with a seat placed above them. The users’ feet sit on a flat area which also houses the power source. Some scooters will have one wheel at the front while others will have two wheels depending on the design, along with handlebars on the steering column. For the most part, mobility scooters are electric, powered by rechargeable battery. Gas scooters are uncommon.

An electric mobility scooter operates with either one or two batteries. If you are in an area where you are likely to encounter steep slopes or hills you will be better off having two batteries since the two working together will deliver more power than a single battery. The batteries can be charged with a charger that plugs into a standard wall plug.

The steering column is called a tiller. It of course is located at the front of the scooter. With the tiller, you control direction as well as the speed. It has thumb paddles, finger controls or a switch.

Mobility scooters come with either front or rear wheel drive. The one you choose will depend on the weight of the user and where it is going to be primarily used. The smaller front wheel drive scooter is better for indoor use because of its smaller size. Front wheel drive scooters can hold users up to about 250 pounds.

A rear wheel drive mobility scooter is for use both indoors and outdoors. Since they are larger they can accommodate a weight of up to about 350 pounds. You can also get heavy duty mobility scooters. These are also rear wheel drive and can accommodate a user and equipment weighing up to about 500 pounds

Power scooters have automatic braking systems in place so you don’t have to manually engage the brakes. When the controls are released the scooter automatically stops so there is no worry about it continuing to coast. To increase or decrease speed, you simply gently press or release the controls. You can also set the maximum speed that the scooter can reach which is a good safety feature.

Power mobility scooters are useful for either elderly persons or those with a medical condition that makes it difficult to stand or walk for any length of time. With an electric scooter, these people can maintain their independence, instead of being housebound.

Folding wheelchair ramps are specially designed to safely load or unload electric mobility scooters or motorized wheelchairs from a vehicle or even a house. The best type of ramp is an aluminum loading ramp. These ramps are strong and durable but lightweight enough that they are easy to handle and store.