Making Your Home or Office Handicap Accessible

It is important for people with disability whether temporary or permanent to continue their everyday jobs and chores with ease and comfort. If you are planning to make your home or office handicap friendly and accessible, then you may want to check the simple yet helpful guidelines below:


Home Tips:

Doors:
It should be wide enough to allow walker and wheelchair access.  If the doorway is positioned in a typical hallway and needs turning a wheelchair, then you will need a wider door and floor space. 


Bathtubs:
Bathtub and shower grab bars should be installed in order to provide support.  You can also place a tub transfer seat that allows persons to sit in the tub and take a bath or shower.  In this way, the person does not necessarily have to lower himself to the tub floor. 

Toilet seat:
The height can be customize and adapted from one individual to another.  It can be replaced with raised seats or other special units.  Installing toilet grab bars can be very useful in providing individuals safety transfer from and to a wheelchair. 


Sinks and faucets:
Vanity cabinets may be removed from below the sink.  Pedestal style sinks can provide more space to maneuver.  You can also replace faucets with single lever controls.  But consider using an anti-scald temperature control to prevent water temperature from going beyond its limit. 


Office Tips:

Office location:
The workplace must be located as near as possible to public transportation routes – subway stops and bus shelters.  There must be curb cuts in the blocks around the building for people using wheelchairs or scooters. 

Parking space:
Persons with disabilities should be reserved with designated parking areas and properly marked.  It must be next to the building entrance.  Spaces should be enough to have room when transferring from wheelchair to vehicle. 

Buildings:   
It should be visibly marked with suitably big and legible signage to prevent any difficulty for people with visual disabilities.  The signage must be immediately noticeable upon entering the building.  It has to indicate locations of elevators, offices, rest rooms and other facilities. 

Travel path:
When there is a change in level of travel path inside or outside the building, elevators, ramps or other facilities should be provided.  This allows the person to reach the other level without the need to use the stairs or escalators.


Entrances:
Building entrances must have electric, automatic hinged or sliding doors except when existing doors are wide enough to accommodate passage of wheelchairs.  The doors must permit trouble-free clearance for people in wheelchairs when opened.

Rest rooms:
Its doors are recommended to be automatic.  There should be at least 1 sink reachable to persons using wheelchairs.  Horizontal bars should be positioned on the wall side of the stall closest to the toilet.  Soap or towel dispensers must be also reachable to persons in wheelchairs.  

The guidelines mentioned will not only provide our handicap friends with convenience but most importantly it can help them become more productive and efficient individuals despite their health conditions.

Mobility Scooters and Electric Wheelchairs: A Comparison

Several mobility aids are widely available for physically handicapped individuals. These may vary from conventional canes and walkers to much sophisticated electric powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The latter two can bring greater freedom and independence to disabled persons. Hence, this article will be comparing the mentioned mobility aids to help those concerned individuals to decide which of the two they will purchase for themselves, or for their loved ones who need it.

Both mobility aids utilize the same types of rechargeable batteries. They can also run as far as 15 miles or more before requiring battery recharging. Also, both mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs can accommodate a weight of 500 pounds, or greater. Lastly, the controls for speed and acceleration are similar for both mobility vehicles.

In terms of cost, electric wheelchairs are considered as the most expensive among all mobility vehicles. The advanced power, speed, and features of such wheelchairs can cost as much as, or even exceed, the price of average automobiles. The price of electric wheelchairs can be as much as $15,000. On the other hand, mobility scooters are more cost-effective. The deluxe types of such vehicles can only cost a small fraction of an electric wheelchair’s price, that is, from $1,000 up to $5,000.

For storage purposes, mobility scooters are more convenient than electric wheelchairs. Mobility scooters may be folded or dismantled and can be expediently kept in a closet or be transported in a car’s trunk. On the contrary, electric wheelchairs are very heavy and are not foldable primarily because of the sturdy materials that they are made of. Such properties make these types of wheelchairs hard to keep or transport.

To achieve optimum comfort, the adjustability of some features on both mobility aids is of major importance. The seats, armrests, and footrests of electric wheelchairs can be accordingly angled and adjusted for comfort. The seats and handlebars of mobility scooters can also be adjusted for the same purpose.

An electric mobility scooter can be steered using handlebars like that with a bicycle while an electric wheelchair makes use of a joystick.

Individuals with problems on mobility of the upper portion of their bodies may find electric wheelchairs easier to manipulate compared to mobility scooters. For those with impaired postures, electric wheelchairs may include motorized reclined, tilt, and stand options for support. Also, wheelchairs are more comfortable for those who require spending most of their time in their mobility aids.

So, which of the two aforementioned mobility assistance vehicles is best for you? We have compared the electric wheelchair and mobility scooters. This is surely a great help for affected individuals to make a wise and informed decision on which one to purchase. Either of them will tremendously aid a mobility impaired individual to become more self-reliant and to move around better. But in the end, your decision whether to buy an electric wheelchair or an electric mobility scooter will greatly depend on your personal needs, preferences and budget. If you can comfortably mount a scooter then go for it, otherwise if balance is an issue, it will be safer to ride the wheelchair type.

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.

Stairlifts – A Guide For The Disabled And Elderly

Many elderly people face a difficult choice in their later years, as their ability to tackle the stairs in their houses becomes more difficult. Do they sell the houses they love and move into a bungalow or sheltered accommodation or do they convert their dining room to a bedroom and live downstairs, assuming they have a bathroom on the ground floor. Of course, there is a third option, which is to provide safe and secure access to their upstairs facilities by using installing a stairlift.

The purchase of a stairlift is quite a daunting prospect since it is something that you have probably never done before and will never do again. What should you look for in a stairlift and do you understand all of the facilities available and which ones are most important to you? There is also the cost factor, how much do you pay to get peace of mind and should you consider second-hand or reconditioned stairlifts.

Firstly, my recommendation is that whether you buy new or reconditioned that you go to a reputable supplier who can advise you on all of the issues, especially installation. If someone has passed away in you locality and their stairlift is for sale cheaply, it is tempting to buy it. However, remember that there are strict safety standards to adhere to, and that installation may not be straight forward. Just consider the tracking for a moment, is it a straight run, is it on the same side of the stairs, are the stairs the same dimensions, or is the tracking actually curved. With stairlifts you are not just buying a mobility product, you are also buying peace of mind. Make sure you deal with suppliers who have years of experience in advising customers and installing their products.

When considering actually what type of stairlift you require, most people opt for the seated version of the product although other types are available including a standing stairlift and one with a large platform to accommodate a wheelchair. For the rest of the article we will consider the most common type, the seated stairlift.

Seated Stairlift
These tend to be the most common type used in a domestic setting. The majority of users are able to walk, but find it difficult to negotiate the stairs. The person must be able to sit safely on the seat during transit and transfer on and off at the top and bottom of the stairs. A swivel seat and lift-up armrests will make transfers onto and off the seat easier.

The swivel seat can be manually or electrically operated. It is preferable that the user can transfer independently; however, in some situations it may be possible for the carer to carry out an assisted transfer in conjunction with a piece of small handling equipment. The ability of the carer to transfer the user at the top of the stairs should be very carefully considered and avoided if at all possible.

Seating Position
There is a choice of fixed seats, fold-down seats, perching seats and seats which slide forward to assist access in and out of the lift. Some companies will fix the seat at the most appropriate height for the user.

Some of questions you should consider prior to purchase are:

• Will the standard seat provided be the correct size for the user?

• Will the user need a special seat for a child or a harness for a more severely disabled child? A seat unit or moulded seating system will have to be removed before the seat can be folded.

• Which direction will the user need to face? Most seats face sideways, but if the user has a stiff knee he/she may need to face forwards to give them more room.

Installation Design Considerations

If your staircase has a sub-landing at the top, with a few steps to the left or right, most companies can fit a manual or motorised folding platform which bridges the gap between the top of the stairlift and the landing, although the number of stairs and the amount of available headroom will need to be taken into consideration. This allows the user to get off the stairlift and walk straight onto the landing, avoiding the need to have a curved or two straight stairlifts installed.

Some people may find the platforms unnerving as they are quite high up over the staircase. If the track for the stairlift cannot continue beyond the bottom or top step of the staircase, usually because it will obstruct a door, some companies can provide a fold-up, hinged rail to overcome this problem. Can other members of the household easily use the stairway when the lift is folded against the wall?

How will the stairlift be controlled and powered

Will the user be able to operate the standard controls, usually push button controls sited on the end of the armrest, or is an alternative method required, for example joystick or toggle controls? Will the controls need to be sited in another position? Wander leads allow the user to operate the controls from the most comfortable position or a carer to operate the lift independently. Remote controls, for a carer to operate, are also available from some companies. Lifts are available with an audible signal to alert blind and partially sighted users that the lift is at the top or the bottom of the track.

Straight stairlifts are available with a battery backup option in case of power failures. Most standard straight stairlifts are powered from the mains. Most curved stairlifts run from rechargeable batteries, which are continually topped up from charging points at the top and the bottom of the stairs. This needs accurate re-siting at the charging point because of a warning bleep if it is in the wrong place.

Maintaining your stairlift

Most major companies guarantee their stairlifts for one year. After this it is recommended that they are inspected every six months and serviced annually. Some companies offer an emergency call-out facility. However, check that they have fully trained service engineers on call 24 hours per day. On completion of your one year warranty most companies will offer to re-guarantee the lift for a charge. It is advisable to check these charges before purchasing.

So, in summary, my advice is to consider all of the points above and then contact a reputable supplier of stairlifts and go and discuss your requirements with them. Most have expert staff on hand to answer your technical queries and build a tailor made solution to fit your needs. Products to make someone more mobile are often bought by, or for, the vulnerable or infirm - take the risk out of the purchase and talk to experienced care advisors that have been specially trained to understand their customer's needs and requirements.

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.

Buying Mobility Scooters Wisely

A mobility scooter can better lead your way to freedom and independence.
Mobility scooters are great investments that can be enjoyed for several years. Therefore, one should carefully choose the mobility scooter that will best suit his/her needs.

Here is a list of guide questions that can help you buy the most essential and appropriate mobility scooter for you.

1. Will the mobility scooter be used to travel indoors or outdoors?

If you intend to travel your mobility scooter indoors, like inside the home or at the malls, a compact type of mobility scooter with easy maneuverability and a fixed turning radius is the right option. On the other hand, when traveling outdoors are considered, like on highways or difficult landscapes, a sturdier and more rugged mobility scooter that has the capability to pass through rougher roads/grounds is recommended. Speed and stability must also be considered for long outdoor travels. Also, it is important to note that mobility scooters that will travel on main roads should be equipped with taillights and headlights with speed of 8 mph minimum, as provided by law.

2. Do you intend to navigate difficult terrains?

If it would be necessary for you to pass through rough roads like curbs or steep hills, a mobility scooter with four wheels may provide you with extra power and stability to deal with obstacles.

3. Is the mobility scooter comfortable for you?

In choosing a mobility scooter, the support and room of a 3-wheeled scooter will best accommodate the length of your legs. For individuals who find it difficult to sit upright, the stability of a 4-wheeled scooter is a perfect choice. Also, a seat that swivels can add more comfort for trouble-free way to get in and out of the vehicle.

4. Do you need a mobility scooter that can be easily stored and transported?

Some mobility scooters can be folded and be fitted in the boot of your car. And many of these scooters can also be dismantled and re-assembled with no tools necessary. If you own a large automobile, bringing along a fixed and full-sized mobility scooter will not be any trouble. However, for a safer and more convenient travel, as well as for easy storage, compact and foldable mobility scooters will make a brilliant choice.

5. Do you want to include accessories in your mobility scooter?

Certain models of mobility scooters feature a variety of accessories that are both stylish and functional. Some may include canopies to protect the occupant from the rain while others may have storage for cargoes or crutches. Scooter accessories can be personalized according to the preference of the buyer or eventual user.

6. Where do you like to purchase your mobility scooter?

The conventional way of buying mobility scooters is purchasing them offline at dedicated mobility stores and dealers. But with the popularity of the Internet nowadays, online shopping for mobility scooters are becoming a hit. Many online stores offer free door-to-door shipping and an exchange/return policy for defective or unsatisfactory mobility scooters.

Buying a mobility scooter may be somehow overwhelming, so think first before purchasing. Be a wise consumer! GP

Accessorizing and Maintaining Your Mobility Scooters

Generally, mobility scooters may be modified to suit the eventual user’s needs. Customizing a mobility scooter primarily depends on the preferences of the user, as well as the model of the scooter. Accessorizing your mobility vehicle is not just for aesthetics purposes, but also to maximize the use of such mobility aid.

Bigger batteries are heavier and are more expensive. Such rechargeable batteries may cover longer distance but may also require longer recharging time. So, instead of buying or adding extra batteries, try upgrading your old scooter’s battery, this can be a more cost effective option.

Tires may also be customized to withstand rougher roads or longer journeys. Pneumatic tires ensure a comfortable and relaxing ride. For optimum benefits, such tires may also be made puncture-proof to keep them safe and protected from accidental punctures along the way.

Other mobility scooters may include a tiller to be used in controlling the scooter. Delta tillers are actually levers that require pushing/pulling by one hand to move the scooter forward/backward.

A certain holder may be featured in a mobility scooter to contain a walking stick or a crutch that you need to carry along wherever you may go. A holder for oxygen cylinder is also available for the scooter.

Mirrors on the rear view may also be provided to make reverse parking easier to do.

A relatively large bag or a rather small pouch may also be added to the mobility scooter to hold bigger items (grocery/shopping goods) and smaller things (keys/mobile phone), respectively.

Some mobility scooters may come with capes and canopies to protect both the user and the scooter from bad weather conditions. Replacement covers are also available, depending on your scooter’s model and type.

Aluminum or fiberglass foldable ramps for your mobility scooters are also obtainable to help you get the scooter inside the house or up the garage.

Maintenance Issues

After you have finished accessorizing your mobility scooter, you may find it encouraging enough to drive it around. With regular use, it is also important that you know how to properly care for your mobility scooter to maintain its dependable and acceptable performance.

First and foremost, you should be able to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer as stated in the manual of the mobility scooter. Some scooter batteries require recharging every after use while others require recharging only when the battery indicator tells that the battery charge is already low.

Just like typical cars, a mobility scooter will also require regular service and check-up. You can read the frequency of service/check-up that your mobility scooter requires in the manual enclosed in the box when you first bought your scooter. Generally, mobility scooters require annual servicing. Some maintenance checks are necessary every week or every month like pumping the tires up or adding grease to the hubs. Checking the mechanism of the seat is also customary as well as the brake pads.

The frameworks of most mobility scooters are made from steel or plastic and are thus subject to normal wear-and-tear. Mobility scooters can continuously provide freedom and self-reliance. You can make sure of this when they are cared for properly.

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.

New vs Used Mobility Scooters

Many people who consider buying a mobility scooter to restore their mobility and independence often consider purchasing a used one mobility scooter to save money. Auctions sites, such as Ebay, offer what seems to be good deals on power wheel chairs and scooters. The rule for buying merchandise off of Ebay and similar web sites is caveat emptor. Caveat Emptor is a Latin phrase that means let the buyer beware. Even the new mobility scooters that are sold on Ebay can suffer from poor quality, especially if the product is not made by a reliable manufacturer. Many new discount scooters sold on online auction sites are mass produced in China, where the labor costs are low. The concern of discount scooter manufacturers is quantity rather than quantity. The best strategy for buying a reliable new mobility scooter is to purchase only brand names that you recognize that are known to be of consistent quality. Buying any used product involves certain inherent risks. Anyone who has bought a used car knows this rule, as dealers are known to not tell a buyer about mechanical faults t in the vehicles they sell. The private deals under which used mobility scooters are purchased may not suffer from this sort of dishonest behavior, but the scooters former owner who does not need the product or never needed the mobility scooter in the first place are not professional mechanics in most cases. The batteries of used mobility scooters may be worn down, and brake problems often develop after prolonged use. Buying a new battery or having someone available to fix the brakes of a used scooter may be a solution, but it is often more trouble than it is worth. The seat likely has also conformed to the body contours of the scooter's previous owner. Buying a new mobility scooter made by a recognized manufacturer ensures that mechanical faults are not present, and if faults are present, a manufacturer's warranty covers the cost or repairs or replacement parts. In extreme cases where the vehicle is beyond repair, provision may be made for a new scooter to be sent to the buyer. You can save money buying a used mobility scooter if you shop around carefully. Considering that it is often a medical necessity for the user to buy one, it is better to buy a brand new scooter to avoid many of the pitfalls and frustrations that come with buying a used product. Manufacturer warranties change the buyer's guideline from caveat emptor to caveat vendor. The latter Latin phrase simply means let the seller beware. Which is just a fancy way of saying sellers make mechanical faults in the scooter the responsibility of the manufacturer.

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.