If you’re considering buying a mobility scooter, you need to take into account a few questions that you need to ask yourself before making the purchase. For example, whether you’ll be using the scooter indoors, outdoors, or both, and whether you’re going to be traveling with the scooter or not. You also need to be considering the size of the rooms you have at home as well as your weight and height. Eventually, you’ll need to decide whether getting a mobility scooter is a good idea or not. These machines require adept knowledge about how they work before you can decide to deal with them. Besides, returning these vehicles is not the easiest task and they usually cost from $600 to $7000 so be careful making a decision like this. Here’s everything you need to know about mobility scooters.
What Are Mobility Scooters?
Mobility scooters are vehicles that are battery-powered to help move disabled people. They travel at speeds between 3.5 to 15 miles an hour and cover from 6 to 43 miles when fully charged. You can find all sorts of mobility scooters from scooters that are designed to travel outdoors only, indoors only, scooters for heavy people, to scooters for taller people. We can safely say that mobility scooters are a combination of a motorized bicycle and a wheelchair. This means that having a disability that requires a wheelchair can also require that you use a scooter to move around more comfortably.
Categories of Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters come in 3 main types or categories. The first category is travel scooters or portable mobility scooters that are easy to carry around due to their lightweight. There is also the heavy duty mobility scooter or the bariatric which is larger in size and can handle heavier or bigger loads. The third category is recreational or all-terrain mobility scooters. This type comes with larger tires that allow it to move smoother on the ground which is more suitable for outdoor use. Choose the type of mobility scooter you want to use carefully.
Crossover Categories
You’ll notice that some scooter models have three wheels, other models may have four instead. Some scooter models even belong in more than one category at the same time. Some of the most famous models can be identified as both All-terrain and heavy-duty at the same time. These models are characterized by their stable design, large wheels, and high ground clearance. They can also carry a weight capacity of up to 500 lb and travel at speeds up to 15mph. Similar models often cover up to 43 miles after a full charge.
Battery Longevity
You need to work your scooter’s batteries a few times a week in order for the batteries to maintain their voltage. This is important even if you don’t use your vehicle as many times. Even when the scooter is not in use, the batteries need to be worked a little bit in order for them to start again smoothly the best time you use the scooter. All you have to do is turn on the ignition key for a couple of minutes a few times a week and it should be in perfect shape.
Locking the Steering Wheel
It’s essential to learn how you can lock your mobility scooter’s steering wheel for many safety reasons. This step is made easier thanks to the efforts of the manufacturers of these vehicles. You will need to turn the steering wheel all the way to the left side and maybe move it slightly about. Then, with the steering wheel pointed to the left and the ignition key in the lock, you will need to press it in and turn it in the counterclockwise direction.
The VIN Number
You’ll often hear people talk about the serial number or VIN number whenever they’re talking about registering their vehicles. Due to the importance of this number, you need to learn where you can obtain it or locate it on the vehicle. Look on the seat of the scooter and most importantly, underneath the seat. The number is usually found on a plate which can also be located at the bottom of the scooter and a little close to the right wheel.
Mobility scooters are a bit more complex than most people think. They usually come with a manual that explains all the instructions of use, but you can also learn all about their properties from this guide. Make sure you pick a scooter that can handle your weight and height and fit the type of activities you engage in.