Mobility scooters- main page
A mobility scooter can be a life enhancing purchase for anyone who is restricted in their mobility. In the past most people accepted that, as they got older or put on weight, their lifestyle would become less mobile and more inactive. However this need not be the case, a mobility scooter can return anyone to independent “freedom of movement” in a comfortable and dignified manner. Furthermore, these personal carriages remove the stigma that some associate with wheelchairs making them less intimidating for younger people to use.
Use the links below to get specific information about each of the following
- Mobility scooter intro page (this page) Main menu page for this section.
- Mobility scooters FAQ Question and answer section.
- All-terrain mobility scooter Scooters suitable for less than perfect surfaces.
- Folding mobility scooters Carriages that can be folded or disassembled for carriage or storage.
- Pavement (sidewalk) mobility scooters (UK class 2) Not suitable for use on public highways.
- Road-able mobility scooters (UK class 3) Suitable for use on pavements and highways.
- Advantages of a mobility scooter over a wheelchair Why a mobility scooter "may" be the best option.
- Accessories and parts Extras that complete the package.
- Why you might consider buying a mobility scooter reasons to own a scooter.
- Relevant legislation UK regulations governing mobility scooter use.
Why you might want a mobility-scooter
A loss of mobility can be the result of natural aging, an infirmity, an illness, an accident, a weight increase, or general obesity. However, whatever the reason, a mobility scooter can make any individual mobile and active again. This can enable you to turn the clock back to a time when you were independent, able to get around and live a full and active life – and, without the need for anyone’s assistance.
In the case of many individuals who have mobility issues, a scooter can quite literally give them back a part of their life that they thought they would not experience again – their independence.
The types of mobility scooter that are available
There are many different types of mobility scooter and it is important to buy the right one for your personal needs.
The features, cost and usability of different models vary considerably, but this is a life enhancing appliance and it is vital to make an educated and considered choice when deciding upon which model to buy.
Remember, you want this scooter to be reliable, to meet all of your needs, and very importantly to last for many years. This means that you should always try to buy the best model that you can afford. Think about how you will use your new scooter and which features will be of the greatest importance to you.
The most basic scooters will have three wheels (one front and two back), a small battery and a standard seat with no facility for carrying baggage. They will have restricted load capacities, a simple handlebar arrangement and no lights. Even so they will prove more than adequate for many owners.
A more expensive mobility scooter will usually have four or five wheels (including two front stabilizer wheels). These higher model carriages have large adjustable and heavily padded chairs and a more completely enclosed frame. They feature bigger tyres, lights for night time use and useful extras like mirrors and a front mounted carrying basket. They have a longer battery life, which means more extended use between charging, and offer superior suspension and shock absorption during driving. Speed displays, horns and footrests are just some of the many options that you will find on different models and model ranges. Some carriages even have a fully enclosed cabin area with front, side and back windows.
Not surprisingly there are a good number of scooter manufacturers and many different model specifications. This means that it is always possible to find a scooter that will fit your requirements, whatever they may be. You will also find that even the most basic mobility scooters will often come with a selection of optional extras ensuring that features like baskets and seating options can be added or upgraded. Some models will fold for transportation or storage in a vehicle.
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