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How to Choose the Right Mobility Scooter

Posted by Susan T. on Nov 19th 2020

According to a study, more than 18 million Americans have limited mobility. If someone you or someone you know has reduced mobility, a mobility scooters can help improve their quality of life. They are designed to help users move around with little to no assistance and retain their independence.

Modern mobility scooters come equipped with a host of features to make rides comfortable and safe. No mobility scooter is truly a one-size-fits-all product. Individual customers has specific needs that must be met by different products. When choosing a medical scooter near you, consider your needs and brand preference, be it Pride, Golden, or one of our other great brands we carry.

Here are some factors to consider when buying a mobility scooter.

Your Budget

The cost of mobility scooters varies depending on a number of factors, including size, brand, and features. Some other factors that can influence the cost of a mobility scooter are its size, weight capacity, and selected accessories.

When setting your budget for a mobility scooter, conduct a cost-benefit analysis based on the different offerings of each product. Think about how a mobility scooter would improve your quality of life and weigh the benefits against the cost for each product.

Your first step should be to figure out what you can afford based on your income. We offer financing solutions through PayTomorrow and Pay Pal Credit that will allow you to make monthly payments on your mobility scooter.

Do I Want a 3 Or 4 Wheel Scooter

When selecting a style of scooter, considering the main things that you will be using the scooter for is incredibly important. Both 3 and 4 wheel scooters excel in different things and getting a scooter specific to your needs will drastically improve your life.

3-wheel scooters typically feature a tighter turning radius and are easier to use in indoor environments. They also typically tend to cost (and weigh) less than their 4-wheel counterparts. Oftentimes they also offer more legroom when compared to 4-wheel scooters.

4-wheel scooters are typically built sturdier than their 3-wheel counterparts. They tend to excel in outdoor environments are include options for increased comfort for the rider. Though they are heavier than 3-wheel variants, they compensate for this with usually increased range, weight capacity, and battery life.

Different types of scooters

1. Three-wheel

2. Four-wheel

3. Travel

4. Heavy Duty

Maximum Range

An average mobility scooter can travel 12-15 miles on a single charge. Heavy-duty scooters, on the other hand, can have a range of up to 40 miles. If you like exploring the outdoors, look for a high-range mobility scooter. But remember, scooters with a high range are usually not as mobile as their traditional counterparts.

If you want to move around your house or neighborhood, consider a lightweight, mid-range mobility scooter.

Portability

Think about how you want to use your mobility scooter. If you intend to carry your scooter wherever you go, look for a lightweight, portable travel scooter that can fit in the trunk of your car. A travel scooter can be easily dismantled into four or five pieces for quick transportation and storage.

Comfort Features

Portable scooters have stadium seating. They are an ideal choice for users who require additional upper body support. If you need more comfort features, opt for a mid-sized or heavy-duty scooter. Most mid-sized and heavy-duty scooters come equipped with a Captain’s chair, which includes an adjustable headrest and additional comfort options.

Safety Features

Scooters offer a wide variety of safety features to make sure that the rider is comfortable, in control, and has peace of mind. Some examples of safety features include:

1. Headlights: For those who may be using their scooters in low-light or at night, having a powerful headlight ensures that your visibility is great no matter the time of day!

2. Rearview Mirrors: Mirrors increase the ease of use by helping users see behind them without needing to turn their neck and torso.

3. Emergency Brake: In the instance the scooter may start to go out of control, nearly every model includes an easy-to-reach emergency brake that quickly and safely brings the scooter to a stop.

Additional Costs

One of the main attractions of mobility scooters is that they can truly be made their own by the user. Any tasks that are part of your daily routine can remain so as there are add-ons and options to help you get the perfect scooter to facilitate the way you want to live your life. Obviously these options and subsequent services may come with additional costs, however that usually pales in comparison to retaining your independence!

Mobility Masters offers a wide range of mobility aids for those with limited mobility. We are committed to helping people reclaim their independence. To speak with one of our experts, call us at (800) 936-7006.