Today, you have a huge number of different mobility aids to choose from to help you live your best life. Power chairs and electric wheelchairs have long been very popular. However, there are plenty of other options if you would prefer something different.
Mobility scooters are a great alternative to powered wheelchairs for people across the city, for example. A bariatric mobility scooter is often a better option for people who don’t need to use a mobility aid all the time. There are plenty of other options, too.
They are perfect for offering motability solutions, such as freedom and independence to people who need assistance getting into town, but who can walk around the shops unaided. If you are going to use one, you’ll need good balance and some upper body strength to manage the scooter.
Today you can even find all-terrain handicap scooters that you can use to visit the countryside with friends. The options available are extensive, designed to make sure that you can find the perfect scooter for your need specifically. In this blog post, we are going to reveal more about mobility scooters. We will take a look at why you may need one, as well as providing you with some useful information on how to choose the right mobility scooter for you.
After all, with so many different options to choose from, it can often feel difficult when narrowing down your search.
Why You Might Need A Mobility Scooter
Mobility scooters can give those of us who can’t walk unaided for long a much greater sense of freedom. As there is a great deal of variety between models available, it is important to consider which will best suit you before making any decisions. Find a scooter that is easy to use, comfortable, and particularly suited to what you want to use it for. Ensure the controls are easy to reach, large enough to see, and comfortable to grip for long periods of time, such as when you are driving around. It is important that you choose the right mobility scooter for your needs.
These 3 scooters can come in a wide range of styles, sizes and functions. Some are extremely light, manoeuvrable and can be easily dismantled to transport on longer journeys in the car. Others are more rugged four-wheelers that are suitable for driving on some roads. When you are thinking about either mobility scooter hire, or purchasing one, you need to consider where and when you will mostly be using your scooter as well as how much you will need it.
Different suppliers group scooters according to range (in miles or kilometres) size, and power. Before you consider whether or not you need a mobility scooter, it is important to ensure that it will meet all your requirements. A good way to do this is to shop around a bit, trying out different types of mobility scooter before you commit to purchase or hire.
How To Choose The Right Mobility Scooter
There are two types of a mobility scooter, class 2 and class 3 scooters. You can drive a class 2 mobility scooter at up to 4 mph. You’re only allowed to use them on the pavement, apart from when crossing the road. Class 3 mobility scooters tend to be larger than the class two’s. They are also more powerful and can travel at up to 8mph. As such you are permitted to drive a class 3 scooter on the road.
Whilst you don’t need a driving licence to drive one, you do need to follow the Highway Code and have them fitted with lights, a horn, indicators and a rearview mirror – the same as any road vehicle.
One of the biggest factors affecting both your comfort and safety is the base plate. Essentially this is the body of the scooter. It determines whether you can use it indoors or outdoors. The control centre is referred to as the tiller. You should be comfortable using this if you are going to be using the scooter for extended periods of time. Both the tiller and seat should be adjustable to fit you. As using tiller steering for extended periods of time can be difficult and tiring, people with poor balance or reduced upper body strength should consider whether a powered wheelchair is better for them.
Hopefully, this will now give you a better understanding of the different options that are available for anyone who is in the market for a mobility scooter, as well as the various factors that you should consider.
Revision 23.8.2020 – links adjusted
