Is a Travel Scooter Right for You?

There are many names for a mobility scooter. Some simply refer to them as electric scooters. They are also frequently called adult scooters or adult electric scooters. No matter what they are called, however, almost everyone agrees that they are great. This is because they allow people who would otherwise be greatly restricted in their movements to freely move around without assistance.

One of the most popular types of mobility scooter is the travel scooter. Travel scooters are designed for, yep you guessed it traveling. They can be completely broken down into several easy to manage pieces in only a few minute. The pieces can be easily handled by most people, with the heaviest piece usually around 30 pounds. When it comes time to put it back together, it only takes a matter of minutes. These devices can be placed in the trunk of a car and do not require that you purchase a scooter carrier for your vehicle.

Travel scooters have traditionally been 3-wheele, but there are some 4-wheeled models available. A 3-wheeled scooter has excellent maneuverability and usually weighs less than a 4-wheeled scooter. This makes easier to handle and ideal for areas of close quarters. A 4-wheeled mobility scooter will not be as maneuverable, but because the weight is more evenly distributed, it tends to be much more stable. 4-wheeled mobility scooters are also better suited for outdoor use and rough terrain. The weight capacity of a 4-wheeled mobility scooter is often greater than a 3-wheeled mobility scooter as well.

If you need to be able to easily transport you mobility scooter then a travel scooter may be for you. They can be taken on most airplanes and trains, but it is a good idea to check with the company first to find out their policy. If you have difficulty walking then consider purchasing a travel scooter today.

Mobility Scooters: New or Used?

People who are mobility challenged often find that a mobility scooter can greatly increase their mobility and restore their independence. There are several options for purchasing a mobility scooter. You can either buy it used from a private individual or from an auction site like EBay or you can buy it new from a reputable dealer. If you decide to buy it used you are taking a very big risk.

Many things that are sold used are in poor condition and have been misused. You are frequently inheriting someone else’s problem and have no way to know if the device is in working order or safe. You might end up having to replace the batteries or tires and it can be hard to spot a scooter that has been misused.

You also run into a lot of no-name generic scooters on places like EBay. These are mass produced in a place like China or India and are frequently not held to the same high standard as those made by reputable companies like Pride or Golden.

It is far better to purchase a mobility scooter new from a reputable dealer. This way you are guaranteed that the device is in perfect working order and will provide years of reliable service. Golden and Pride both offer very comprehensive warranties on their new scooters, so if something does not function properly, you can have it quickly repaired at no cost to you.

You are taking a very large risk when you purchase a mobility scooter used and when you factor in the cost of repairs, it often ends up costing just as much if not more than a mobility scooter that was purchased new. Saving a little money is never worth risking your safety or that of a loved one and this is what you do when you buy a used mobility scooter.

What is a Mobility Scooter?

Mobility scooters are similar to wheelchairs in the service that they provide. Mobility scooters are personal movement devices that carry a seated individual. They allow you to go places, like shopping or the park, you might have otherwise been unable to do independently.

Mobility scooters feature a chair and a tiller. The tiller consists of a set of handle bars and several different controls. It can be adjusted to a position that is closer or farther from the seat, which makes it able to accommodate people of all sizes. Modern mobility scooters utilize rechargeable electric batteries, but you still occasionally run across a gasoline powered mobility scooter. Gasoline powered mobility scooters can be very dangerous because they get very hot, emit noxious fumes, and are at much greater risk of fire and explosion. You should always purchase a battery powered mobility scooter.

Almost all mobility scooters utilize keyed access. This ensures that your scooter is not used without your permission. They also frequently feature headlights, taillights, and turn indicators, which greatly improve the safety of the device and allow it to be used at night. Many also feature seatbelts, which for added safety should be worn if included. The speed of the mobility scooter can be controlled easily and some have a top speed of over 10 miles per hour, but you do not have to drive it this fast and doing so can reduce the charge of the battery dramatically.

The seat of a mobility scooter can be adjusted in many ways. They typically can be raised up and down, and frequently swivel to the left and right. The swivel feature makes it much easier to enter and exit the device. The arm rests are also frequently adjustable. The width of some can even be adjusted and many can be flipped up.

Those that have difficulty walking or freely moving will greatly benefit from a mobility scooter. They can be used indoors and out and models made by reputable manufacturers, like Golden and Pride, will provide years of trouble free service.

Travel Scooters and Independence

Almost everyone loves traveling. This includes going places like Disney World, the Grand Canyon, or just visiting family. If you are mobility challenged and have difficulty walking though, these types of vacations can seem out of reach. It doesn’t have to be that way though if you own a travel scooter. Travel scooters are mobility devices that are designed to be easily disassembled and assembled in a matter of minutes. After it has been broken down it can be easily placed in the trunk or back seat of a car. It is also easy to transport it on planes or trains. The heaviest piece of a travel scooter is usually around 25 or 30 pounds, which is light enough for most people to easily handle. The ability to easily transport a mobility scooter does not terribly affect its range. In fact many can travel over 25 miles per charge. If you need a greater range, it is possible to purchase an extra battery and simply switch it out when you run out of juice. They also travel at a very good pace and at top speed it is usually faster than most people could jog. Even though most train and plane services will have no trouble accommodating your travel scooter, it is still a good idea to check with them first. They may have special requirements or require that you arrive a little earlier to ensure that you can bring your device. A travel scooter is a great way for people who might otherwise be unable to handle the rigors of a family vacation to enjoy the company of someone they love.

Different Kinds of Mobility Scooters

If you have difficulty walking, whether due to age, muscular disease, or arthritis, you may benefit from a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are personal mobility vehicles that transport a seated individual. There are many different types of mobility scooters that are designed to fulfill the specific needs of their rider. Travel scooters, or portable mobility scooters, are designed to be easily transported. They can be completely disassembled in a matter of minutes and put back together just as quick. They are designed so that no one piece of the scooter is too heavy for most people and can be placed in small places like the trunk of a car. They come in both 3 and 4-wheel design, but many are 3-wheels. 3-wheeled mobility scooters are a very common type of mobility scooter. They offer excellent maneuverability and are great for indoor use. However, they are not as stable as 4-wheeled mobility scooters. While 3-wheeled mobility scooters are great for indoor use or areas that are paved, they do not do as well in outdoor situations. For outdoor use a 4-wheeled mobility scooter is much better. They are much more stable and better able to handle rough terrain because the weight is evenly divided between the front and back of the mobility device. Of course 4-wheeled mobility scooters are not as maneuverable though. If you do not have a travel scooter and you wish to transport it, you will have to have some way of getting it on or into your vehicle. Many people purchase external hitch mounted carriers, which are relatively inexpensive. Internal scooter lifts can also be used. A third option is to purchase a foldable ramp, but this requires enough room to be able to physically drive the scooter into the vehicle and are really only practical on vans or trucks. It is important to consider where you are going to use your mobility scooter before you purchase it. This will help you necessitate what type to get.

Advantages of a Mobility Scooter

It can be very hard for someone who has led an independent life to accept that they might not be able to move like they used to. Often as our body begins to age, it can become difficult to walk. This can be due to things such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, injury, and disease. Whatever the cause, the inability to walk does not have to mean the inability to freely move and many have discovered the wonderful service that a mobility scooter can provide.

Taking trips to the shopping center, mall, or even amusement parks can be done easily and freely on a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are personal mobility devices that utilize an electric motor to easily and efficiently transport a single individual. Many people also invest in scooter bags or baskets and are able to do their grocery shopping easily and without any assistance.

One of the major advantages to a mobility scooter is that it is very easy and simple to operate. Most use a set of handle bars that is attached to an adjustable post called a tiller. The tiller can be positioned nearer or farther from the seated individual to accommodate individuals of differing sizes. The accelerator can typically be easily controlled by a single finger or the thumb and most have an automatic breaking system, so you need only use one lever and do not need to worry about a brake pedal or lever.

The range that a mobility scooter can travel varies depending on the model. Some units can travel significantly over 30 miles per charge and at speeds of over 10 mile per hour, but most travel around 5 miles per hour and over distances of 10 – 20 miles per charge. The weight capacity of these units also varies by model, but some can support in excess of 500 pounds. Many people find that by purchasing an extra battery and ensuring that it always stays charged; they can effectively and inexpensively double the range of their mobility device.

For people who have difficulty walking or moving, a mobility scooter provides a very easy to use and reliable means of transportation. This in turn ensures that they retain their independence and also their freedom.

Getting Ready for a Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooters are used by many people who have difficulty walking. They can greatly increase your ability to independently and freely move around. With all the many types and models of mobility scooters available on the market today, it is a good idea to have an idea of what you need and expect from your mobility scooter before you buy it.

One of the most important considerations is where you intend to use your mobility scooter. Do you only need it indoors? Are you planning on using it outdoors over rough terrain? Most mobility scooters can be used both indoors and out, but some are better suited for the outdoors then others. A 4-wheel mobility scooter is typically better for outdoors. It is more stable than a 3-wheel scooter and it is also better suited to handle rough terrain. 3-wheel scooters are better for indoor use though, because they have a much smaller turning radius, which makes it easier to navigate tight corners.

Another consideration is whether you intend to take your mobility scooter away from the home. If you plan on traveling frequently then a travel scooter may be a good choice. Travel scooters have less features than a traditional mobility scooter, but they can quickly and easily be disassembled into several easy to manage pieces. They fit easily into the trunk of a car and can be placed on a plane easily. If you do not have a travel scooter, then you will likely need to buy some sort of vehicle scooter carrier. There are several types of scooter carriers. External scooter carriers attach to a vehicles hitch. Internal scooter carriers either use a winch system to lift it into the car or use a small platform that extends from the back of the car. A third option for scooter transport is a vehicle ramp, which allows you to drive the scooter straight into the vehicle.

The safety features of the mobility scooter should also be considered. If you intend to use it frequently outdoors, then it is a good idea to purchase a scooter that has an adequate set of lights. This includes blinkers, headlights, and running lights. There are two different types of scooter tires available as well. Solid foam filled tires are great because they never need to be filled with air and are puncture proof. They do not provide as good of a ride as air filled tires, which also can be adjusted to accommodate different terrains.

By thoroughly analyzing your needs before you begin shopping, you will be able to better select a mobility scooter.

Mobility Scooter Background

Those who suffer from health problems and issues that affect their mobility often have trouble walking and moving. This makes it very difficult to go to the store, the mall, or other areas that require a lot of walking. A mobility scooter can be used to help retain your independence and mobility. Mobility scooters were first introduced in the 1960’s. Since then their popularity and the technology behind them has greatly improved. Mobility scooters are personal movement devices that are powered by battery and can be used both indoors and out. If you frequently travel, then it is possible to purchase a travel scooter, which can be disassembled into several easy to handle pieces. Travel scooters are great for most indoor and paved areas, but if you plan on using it outdoors over rough terrain then you would probably be better off with a heavy duty mobility scooter. There are several different types in between as well, so it is possible to find one that will fit your specific requirements. While now almost all mobility scooters are battery powered, a few still can be found that use gasoline as their power source. These types can be dangerous though for several reasons. You are at greater risk of fire, they can get very hot, and due to the fumes put off by these units, they can not be used indoors or in areas with poor ventilation. Instead battery power is much more reliable and safer. Some units can travel over 30 miles per charge and if you plan on doing a lot of traveling, you can always purchase an extra battery. Deciding on the right mobility scooter for you will depend on several factors. Of course price is always a consideration, but most are very affordably priced. The places that you intend to use the unit and whether you need to be able to transport it easily are two important considerations.