Mobility scooters are a great way to reclaim your freedom and increase your mobility. However, with the great variety of medical scooters for sale currently in the market, it is often hard to pinpoint the perfect device for you. Below are some important tips and questions you should ask yourself if you are looking to buy or choose a perfect mobility scooter for yourself or a loved one.
How Portable Do You Need a Mobility Scooter?
Depending on how you plan to use your mobility scooter, you need to consider which kind of device you truly need. If you are looking for a scooter to fit in the trunk of your car and easily pack away on a plane, you will want to consider a travel scooter or a folding mobility scooter. A travel scooter will allow you to dismantle it into 4 or 5 pieces for easier transportation and storage.
A folding scooter will be your lightest and most convenient option as no disassembly is required. On the other hand, if you think you need a mobility scooter with a larger range and more comfort features — and you plan to use the device in and around your home– a mid-size or heavy-duty scooter will be a better choice.
Will You Be Using Your Scooter – Indoors, Outdoors or Both?
If you are planning to use your mobility scooter to get around your home, you will need to choose a compact device that has a tight turning radius– a fundamental feature when it comes to making sure that you’ll be able to properly navigate your home while keeping your furniture and belongings intact. If you live in a condominium or apartment building, a smaller scooter will be crucial as you might want it to fit into your elevator in order to reach your unit.
If you live in a house and plan to use your scooter mostly outdoors– think of taking it to the store, to a nearby park or to visit friends or family in your neighbourhood– you may benefit from a larger mobility scooter. They come packed with features that will keep you safe and comfortable on the road– like LED lights, cup holders and even USB chargers.
What Kind of Comfort Features Do You Require?
Portable scooters come equipped with stadium seating. It is a comfortable and lightweight option for individuals who have good upper body support. If you are looking for added neck support and a cushier seat that will be ideal for longer rides, a mid-sized or heavy-duty mobility scooter will offer the comfort of a Captain’s chair, which includes an adjustable headrest.
Another comfort feature you must consider is suspension. If you are looking to ride your scooter on uneven terrain, a scooter with stability control features will improve your experience and relieve you of any possible pain that rough movement could inflict on you.
How Far and How Fast Will You Travel on Your Scooter?
Whereas an average travel scooter will travel between 6.5 -8 km/h and have a range of about 20-25 kilometres, a heavy-duty scooter will travel at about 18 km/h and go as far as 60 kilometres. That is a big difference and a factor that you should definitely take into account when looking at your mobility scooter choices.
What’s Your Budget?
The price range for mobility scooters is just as diverse as the product choices. As you start your research into a brand new scooter to buy, make sure that you find out if you qualify for government help or for any other programs that provide financial aid to people living with disabilities. It is also possible that your health insurance may pay for a portion of the device if deemed medically necessary. This kind of information will help you make the ultimate decision much easier.
Vital Mobility carries one of the largest selections of mobility scooters for rent and buys in the Toronto area and GTA. We retail and rent quality brands like FOXTR, Pride Mobility, Drive Medical, Invacare and more. If you have any additional questions and need help narrowing down your scooter for sale choices, feel free to reach our mobility experts today.
FAQs on Mobility Scooter
What is the cost of a mobility scooter?
The cost of a mobility scooter can range between the mid $1000s for a portable, compact scooter all the way up to $5000-$6000 for an all-terrain, heavy-duty mobility scooter. You should also factor in delivery costs when you decide to purchase a mobility scooter.
Can a mobility scooter fit in a car?
Portable and foldable scooters can fit in the trunk of your car. A folding mobility scooter can easily be folded in order to compactly fit into your vehicle – some can fold automatically and others manually. A portable mobility scooter can be disassembled into several compact pieces in order to fit into the trunk of your car.
Which is the better 3 or 4 wheel mobility scooter?
Whether a 3 or 4 wheel mobility scooter is better for you depends on how you plan to use it. A 4 wheel scooter is best for outdoor use as it provides better balance and traction. A 3 wheel mobility scooter is best for indoor use – especially if you live in a condominium or apartment as a 3-wheel configuration helps you navigate tight corridors and elevators easily with a smaller turning radius.
Can mobility scooters go on the pavement?
Unless a sidewalk is not available, mobility scooters should always be used on the pavement instead of the road. If pedestrians are present as your circulate, please make sure to lower your speed in order to keep you and everyone around you safe.
Can anyone drive a mobility scooter?
Mobility scooters can be driven by any responsible adult – but they are particularly designed for individuals with limited lower body mobility. For someone to drive one, it is highly recommended that the person have no serious vision, coordination or balance issues as these may jeopardize their safety.
