Showing posts with label mobility scooters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mobility scooters. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Mobility Scooter Battery Maintenance
If you have trouble walking due to arthritis or other mobility related problem, then a mobility scooter may be for you. A mobility scooter is a personal transportation device that allows the user to move around freely and easily. There are many different types of mobility scooters that are available, and depending on your individual needs there
Mobility scooters are generally powered by electricity, but older models often used gasoline. Gasoline powered mobility scooters proved to be inefficient and very unsafe. They could not be used indoors and posed many safety and health risks. Today almost all mobility scooters are powered by rechargeable electric batteries. Since the battery is responsible for powering the unit, it is very important to properly maintain and use the battery.
In order for your mobility scooter, or any thing that uses electricity, to function properly it must have a good connection to its power source. In a mobility scooter this means that the scooter must have a good connection to its batteries. It is important to make sure that all connections to and from the battery are tight. Most batteries have two exposed metal surfaces called terminals. Terminals are either short posts that stick out of the battery, or they are inverted and allow a connection to be screwed into them. In either case it is important that the connection is tight. A loose connection can lead to poor and unreliable performance.
Another factor that can negatively affect the life and performance of mobility scooters is corrosion. In terms of batteries, corrosion is a chemical reaction between the moisture in the air, electricity, and metal. It often looks like a bluish white grainy substance that seems to be 'growing' on the battery. Typically, due to a special type of battery, mobility scooters do not suffer from corrosion the way a car battery does. They do sometimes still get corroded though and a corroded battery results in very poor performance. Always check your battery for corrosion and clean it if necessary. A solution of baking soda and water can be used to clean a corroded battery. Mix the baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the corroded battery. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and scrub with a tooth brush. Rinse with water and repeat as necessary. Since corrosion is in part caused by the moisture in the air, it is possible to prevent corrosion by blocking the exposed terminals exposure to the air. Ensure that all connections to the battery are tight and apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the exposed metal connections. This will prevent air from reaching the metal, which will in turn prevent corrosion.
In addition to keeping clean and tight connections, it is also important to properly charge your battery. Consult your manual for specific details, but generally your battery will provide the best performance when it is regularly charged. It is also important to not over charge your battery. Properly maintaining your battery is one of the keys to keeping your mobility scooter running and when done properly will extend the life of your battery.
Monday, October 10, 2011
The SunRunner 3 by ShopRider
Many people across the United States, Canada, and the rest of the World, rely on mobility scooters to help them move around freely and without assistance. Mobility scooters are electric powered personal mobility devices that can be used both indoors and outdoors. There are several prominent companies that manufacture mobility scooters. One company that has several very popular models is ShopRider Mobility Products.
ShopRider first began to manufacture electric mobility scooters in the late 80’s. They have continued to make quality products that have won several awards. The SunRunner 3 is one of ShopRider’s best selling units and is packed with special features. There is a 3-wheeled and a 4-wheeled SunRunner available. The 3-wheeled SunRunner has a much smaller turning radius, but is not as stable as the 4-wheeled SunRunner. This makes the 3-wheeled SunRunner better suited for indoors where there is often a need for higher maneuverability.
The SunRunner is designed to travel around 25 miles per charge and can achieve speeds of up to 5 miles per hour. The swivel seat is very comfortable and because it swivels is much easier to enter and exit the unit. The width of the armrests can also be adjusted. The SunRunner 3 can support up to 300 pounds and weighs less than 180 pounds. It can be broken down into 4 easy to handle pieces, with the heaviest one being only 42 pounds, which makes it very easy to transport without the need for purchasing a vehicle lift.
The SunRunner 3 by ShopRider is a very versatile and durable unit. It can be used indoors as well as out. There are several other fine products by ShopRider that are also very affordable and they have excellent warranties and customer service.
ShopRider first began to manufacture electric mobility scooters in the late 80’s. They have continued to make quality products that have won several awards. The SunRunner 3 is one of ShopRider’s best selling units and is packed with special features. There is a 3-wheeled and a 4-wheeled SunRunner available. The 3-wheeled SunRunner has a much smaller turning radius, but is not as stable as the 4-wheeled SunRunner. This makes the 3-wheeled SunRunner better suited for indoors where there is often a need for higher maneuverability.
The SunRunner is designed to travel around 25 miles per charge and can achieve speeds of up to 5 miles per hour. The swivel seat is very comfortable and because it swivels is much easier to enter and exit the unit. The width of the armrests can also be adjusted. The SunRunner 3 can support up to 300 pounds and weighs less than 180 pounds. It can be broken down into 4 easy to handle pieces, with the heaviest one being only 42 pounds, which makes it very easy to transport without the need for purchasing a vehicle lift.
The SunRunner 3 by ShopRider is a very versatile and durable unit. It can be used indoors as well as out. There are several other fine products by ShopRider that are also very affordable and they have excellent warranties and customer service.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Buying a Mobility Scooter Online
Buying a mobility scooter is a major decision, and one that will ultimately help you to become more mobile and give you more independence than you could possibly imagine. That being said, with the onslaught of the internet over the past few years, you should know that purchasing products online has become much easier and much more secure than ever. You should also know that it is very possible to purchase a mobility scooter online, and receive a high quality, brand name scooter, often at a lower price than you might expect to pay.
Buying a mobility scooter online gives you the convenience of browsing through several stores, as well as searching for several models at once. While there are many styles and models available, it could potentially take you days to see each one if you were to travel to the different stores in order to view them. By shopping online, you have the convenience of being able to view multiple scooters at once, thus cutting down on the time that it takes you to see all available models.
Being able to shop while sitting comfortably at home is important for a number of reasons. If you are one of millions of people who find it hard or even painful to travel, then buying a mobility scooter online will have many benefits. If you were to travel to a traditional store, and find that they do not have the select model that you have chosen, you would be forced to do even more traveling, thus enduring more pain and discomfort. By shopping online, however, if you come across a store that does not carry your selected model, you can simply move to another store, all without actually moving.
You also have the added convenience of being able to compare the pricing and features of several models at once. By looking at more than one model at a time, you can get a side by side comparison of price, features, and quality. This gives you an advantage over shopping in a traditional store, simply because you can see all models that you are interested in at once, and compare the features to ensure that you choose a model that suits your needs individually, as well as your individual budget.
With the many styles and models that are currently available, buying a mobility scooter online affords you the comfort and convenience of looking at every available model before making your ultimate purchase decision, which would be very difficult if you were to travel to individual stores in order to make your comparison. You can do more research into each individual model to ensure that you have chosen the perfect mobility scooter, one that fits your needs in terms of comfort and functionality, and one that meets your budget.
Buying a mobility scooter online gives you the convenience of browsing through several stores, as well as searching for several models at once. While there are many styles and models available, it could potentially take you days to see each one if you were to travel to the different stores in order to view them. By shopping online, you have the convenience of being able to view multiple scooters at once, thus cutting down on the time that it takes you to see all available models.
Being able to shop while sitting comfortably at home is important for a number of reasons. If you are one of millions of people who find it hard or even painful to travel, then buying a mobility scooter online will have many benefits. If you were to travel to a traditional store, and find that they do not have the select model that you have chosen, you would be forced to do even more traveling, thus enduring more pain and discomfort. By shopping online, however, if you come across a store that does not carry your selected model, you can simply move to another store, all without actually moving.
You also have the added convenience of being able to compare the pricing and features of several models at once. By looking at more than one model at a time, you can get a side by side comparison of price, features, and quality. This gives you an advantage over shopping in a traditional store, simply because you can see all models that you are interested in at once, and compare the features to ensure that you choose a model that suits your needs individually, as well as your individual budget.
With the many styles and models that are currently available, buying a mobility scooter online affords you the comfort and convenience of looking at every available model before making your ultimate purchase decision, which would be very difficult if you were to travel to individual stores in order to make your comparison. You can do more research into each individual model to ensure that you have chosen the perfect mobility scooter, one that fits your needs in terms of comfort and functionality, and one that meets your budget.
Monday, June 21, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Using a Mobility Scooter Safely
A mobility scooter, or adult scooter, is used by people who have trouble walking. It allows them to freely and easily move around. Depending on the unit, some mobility scooters can travel much faster than a person could walk or run. This makes getting around much easier, but it is very important to ensure that you are very careful when using your mobility scooter.
While driving your mobility scooter it is imperative to be especially careful when crossing or driving on the road. Most commercially available mobility scooters are not street legal. Different states have different definitions of what is required to be street legal, but it typically requires that the vehicle include specific lighting and safety features and be licensed and registered with the state. Since most mobility scooters are not street legal, you can typically not drive it on state maintained roads. You should consult your state regulations before attempting to drive your mobility scooter on a road.
Not only can it be illegal to drive your mobility scooter on a state road, it can also be very unsafe. This is because it is much harder to see someone that is on a mobility scooter. A safety flag is a good investment; this is especially true if you will be using your mobility scooter frequently around vehicles. Safety flags improve your visibility to others and attach to your mobility scooter easily. Not only do safety flags make it much easier for people in cars and trucks to see you, but they also make it much easier to maintain contact when traveling in crowds. Since mobility scooters sit so low to the ground it can be easy to get separated from your family or loved ones in crowded areas. A safety flag will make it much easier for them to keep you in sight.
Another way to ensure that you maintain your safety is to avoid placing yourself in situations where you might tip over your mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are designed to be able to traverse small curbs and embankments. It is important to not try to climb over too high a curve though, because you risk tipping over. Your owner's manual will have information describing the maximum curb or embankment that your unit can climb. It is far better to avoid obstacles whenever possible, but if you must navigate a curb or small embankment make sure you meet it head on. A quality mobility scooter will have a set of anti-tip wheels in the back that in normal conditions will help prevent the unit from tipping over backwards. If you attempt to cross a curb at an angle this will negate the effect of the anti-tip wheels.
A mobility scooter can be a powerful device that can restore independence and allow you to move around freely without assistance, but when used improperly or placed in unsafe situations, they can be very dangerous. Always take extra care around roads and intersections, use a safety flag to improve visibility, and take care when attempting to navigate curbs or other obstacles.
While driving your mobility scooter it is imperative to be especially careful when crossing or driving on the road. Most commercially available mobility scooters are not street legal. Different states have different definitions of what is required to be street legal, but it typically requires that the vehicle include specific lighting and safety features and be licensed and registered with the state. Since most mobility scooters are not street legal, you can typically not drive it on state maintained roads. You should consult your state regulations before attempting to drive your mobility scooter on a road.
Not only can it be illegal to drive your mobility scooter on a state road, it can also be very unsafe. This is because it is much harder to see someone that is on a mobility scooter. A safety flag is a good investment; this is especially true if you will be using your mobility scooter frequently around vehicles. Safety flags improve your visibility to others and attach to your mobility scooter easily. Not only do safety flags make it much easier for people in cars and trucks to see you, but they also make it much easier to maintain contact when traveling in crowds. Since mobility scooters sit so low to the ground it can be easy to get separated from your family or loved ones in crowded areas. A safety flag will make it much easier for them to keep you in sight.
Another way to ensure that you maintain your safety is to avoid placing yourself in situations where you might tip over your mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are designed to be able to traverse small curbs and embankments. It is important to not try to climb over too high a curve though, because you risk tipping over. Your owner's manual will have information describing the maximum curb or embankment that your unit can climb. It is far better to avoid obstacles whenever possible, but if you must navigate a curb or small embankment make sure you meet it head on. A quality mobility scooter will have a set of anti-tip wheels in the back that in normal conditions will help prevent the unit from tipping over backwards. If you attempt to cross a curb at an angle this will negate the effect of the anti-tip wheels.
A mobility scooter can be a powerful device that can restore independence and allow you to move around freely without assistance, but when used improperly or placed in unsafe situations, they can be very dangerous. Always take extra care around roads and intersections, use a safety flag to improve visibility, and take care when attempting to navigate curbs or other obstacles.
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