Electric Mobility Scooters For Independent Living
Electric mobility scooters are very similar to motor scooters in how they function and how they are constructed. One big difference though is that these electric mobility scooters share many of the features of a power wheelchair. They are intended for use on an occasional basis for those needing help getting around. To use one of these scooters you need to have a good degree of arm strength and upper body balance.
Electric mobility scooters are used primarily by anyone who has difficulty walking for any distance. This would include not only the elderly but those suffering from medical conditions that need assistance in getting around. Mobility scooters are not designed to take the place of a wheelchair.
Mobility scooters have only a few basic components. They come with two rear wheels which sit below the seat. The floor of the scooter is a flat area used for the power source as well as for the user’s feet. Scooters come with either one or two wheels on the front and are steered with handlebars that are attached to the steering column. The majority of mobility scooters are electric, although gas powered scooters are manufactured.
An electric mobility scooter operates with either one or two batteries. If you are in an area where you are likely to encounter steep slopes or hills you will be better off having two batteries since the two working together will deliver more power than a single battery. The batteries can be charged with a charger that plugs into a standard wall plug.
At the front of the scooter is the steering column, usually referred to as a tiller. The tiller is what controls the movement of the scooter, either forward or reverse. It is operated using a switch, thumb paddles or finger controls.
Mobility scooters come with either front or rear wheel drive. The one you choose will depend on the weight of the user and where it is going to be primarily used. The smaller front wheel drive scooter is better for indoor use because of its smaller size. Front wheel drive scooters can hold users up to about 250 pounds.
On the other hand, rear wheel drive scooters can be used both inside and out. They are larger so are suitable for users weighing up to 350 pounds. Heavy duty mobility scooters are also available. The main difference is that they are built to accommodate weights of up to 500 pounds.
Power scooters are built with automatic braking systems so they will automatically stop rather than coast when the controls are released. Whether using a finger, thumb, or switch control you have to press the controls for the scooter to move. Press and release the controls gently to increase or decrease speed at a gradual rate. There is also a setting to lock in the maximum speed that can be reached.
Many people are at the stage where they don’t require a wheelchair to go from place to place but cannot walk or stand for more than short time. In these cases, power mobility scooters allow the person to maintain his or her independence and not be housebound.
Folding wheelchair ramps are specially designed to safely load and unload electric mobility scooters or motorized wheelchairs from a vehicle or even a house. The best type of ramp is an aluminum loading ramp. They are strong and durable but lightweight enough that they are easy to handle and store.
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