Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter

by Kevin Smith Author

Whether you’ve lost mobility due to advancing age, a disability, or an injury, a mobility scooter can represent a path to greater independence. With a mobility scooter, tasks that would have otherwise required the assistance of others can be undertaken alone. Scooters can help restore the quality of life to those who’ve lost their mobility.

Because of their usefulness, there are many varieties, makes, and models of mobility scooters on the market today. Sorting through the range of sizes, styles, and features can sometimes be overwhelming. However, when shopping for mobility scooters for sale in Detroit, MI, there are a few tips you can employ to get the right scooter for your needs. Read on to learn more about choosing the perfect mobility scooter.

Usage

First, you must decide how the scooter will be used. Some scooters are better suited to travel off-road than others, for example. You’ll also want to consider the duration of use. If you’ll only be using it to navigate a grocery store a few times a week, battery life may not be of critical importance. But if you will use your scooter to work for 8 hours per day, you’ll need one with a battery that can go the distance. Also, consider the size of the scooter. If you’ll be using it at home, you’ll need to make sure it will fit through doorways and around corners.

Operation

Scooters can be operated in many ways. Some have a turn-key start, while others have a simple push button. Some are steered with handlebars, others with a single-armed tiller, and some even have a joystick for use by those with limited manual dexterity. The throttles can also vary from a foot pedal accelerator to a handlebar-mounted throttle. These are all important considerations. Decide which mechanism you are comfortable with, and which will work best for your condition.

Portability

Another key concern is how the scooter will be moved around between uses. Some scooters fold for storage in a trunk, while others are larger and require a lift for transportation from one site to another. Decide which type suits your lifestyle and remember that you may need auxiliary equipment like a trunk lift or ramp to move your scooter from place to place.

Comfort

Make sure to test out any scooter you’re considering to gauge its comfort. After all, if you’re planning to use the scooter often, it will become as familiar as your favorite recliner. You want a scooter with a padded, comfortable seat and a smooth ride.

If you’re shopping for mobility scooters for sale in Detroit, MI, make sure to use these tips to get the right scooter for your needs. Scooters represent a tremendous investment in your independence, so it’s worth it to conduct diligent research before purchasing one.