Mobility scooters can be a blessing to senior citizens and handicapped people who have issues with walking distances. These issues can be caused by a myriad of things, such as accidents, health issues and more. In fact, for many people a scooter can be the difference between being housebound and getting out into the world. Similar to a motorized wheelchair, these scooters allow you to move around in a seated position by using a built in electric motor. And seniors who have difficulty in walking are finding that they make a big difference in their quality of life.
The Design
These mobility scooters typically have 4 wheels for stability. The seats are wide enough to provide comfort. These scooters are more stable than a motorized wheelchair. Additionally, they’re easier to get in and out of. They use a handlebar for steering, which also contains the controls for forward or backward movement. Some models may include turn signals, lighting controls or a battery indicator. Others include audible alerts while going into reverse. Rechargeable batteries power the electric motor. Some models are designed for indoor use only, while others are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Availability
Many of the larger stores provide these scooters free of charge for their shopper’s convenience. I’m familiar with the situation since someone close to frequently uses the store supplied scooters. And I’m sorry to say that quite often there aren’t enough available to satisfy demand. Additionally, quite often many are out of order and many stores have an issue with keeping them charged.. Also, quite often, in order to get access to the mobility scooter, one must park and walk into the store. In addition, the scooters aren’t always kept near the entrance. However, many stores keep the scooters right at the entrance.
Should you Get Your Own Scooter?
It may be to your advantage to own your own mobility scooter. But there’s a disadvantage in that the units are heavy. Getting them in and out of a normal vehicle is, to say the least, difficult. A solution may be to use a mini van or an SUV which is equipped with either a ramp or a motorized lift.
Bottom Line
A mobility scooter can make a huge difference in the quality of life for people who have issues with walking distances. However, if your home has stairs, you may consider moving to a single level home. If that’s in your future, call us. We specialize in active adult community homes.
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