Mobility Scooters Help People Retain Their Independence

Difficulty with walking and standing on our own can make life challenging. From moving around the house to completing shopping and other errands, being able to move on our own is a necessity for maintaining our independence. Moving with ease also allows us to participate in our favorite leisure activities and socialize with family and friends. Aging or illness can often leave people unable to stand and walk on their own, especially for extended periods of time. Mobility scooters are a wonderful way to help people retain their independence when walking and standing become difficult. Available in a variety of types and styles, it is easy to find a mobility scooter to fit each individual’s needs. Read on to learn more about mobility scooters and tips for purchasing one.

How to Buy a Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooters are perfect for those who have trouble standing or walking. They are also great for those who use oxygen and need to conserve their energy and for those with chronic pain. Medicare will often pay for a mobility scooter if a person’s doctor has determined that it is medically necessary. For those that don’t have a medical need, mobility scooters can be purchased privately from a manufacturer or an authorized dealer. Refurbished and second hand scooters can also be purchased. Mobility scooters come in a range of styles and offer a number of accessories. Before purchase, consumers should consider what types of activities they plan to use the scooter for and what accessories will best fit their needs.

Finding Local Mobility Scooters to Buy

Once the decision has been made to buy a mobility scooter, the next step is to actually find one to purchase. There are a number of ways to locate mobility scooters for sale in a buyer’s local area. A good place to start is at a medical supply store. If the store doesn’t carry mobility scooters, they will often be able to direct consumers to local dealers within the area. They may also know of other resources or sales venues locally. Consumers can also research manufacturers online to locate local dealers in their area. For locating used mobility scooters for sale, look for local classified ads as well as searching online resources specializing in used scooters.

Mobility Mopeds

Mobility mopeds are gaining popularity among both able-bodied people as well as those with mobility challenges. This type of scooter has two wheels and an electric motor. Mobility mopeds are economical, quiet and produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice. There are many models on the market that generally fall into two main types. One type allows the rider to sit, like on a traditional motorcycle, and the other allows the rider to stand.

A sit-down mobility moped is a good choice for those with mild mobility deficits. With a top speed of around 20 mph, mobility mopeds can be used on some city streets and usually wherever bikes are allowed. Because they are classified as power-assisted bicycles in many states, often a license and registration are not required to operate them. Users are advised to check the law in their states to learn more. Mobility mopeds are an excellent alternative to using a car or wheelchair for short trips around town, visiting neighbors or just getting out to enjoy some fresh air in a local park.

Electric Wheelchairs

An electric wheelchair is probably the most well-known type of mobility scooter. Electric wheelchairs come in a wide variety of types and styles. Electric wheelchairs can be extensively customized to fit the particular needs of each user. They are a good choice for those who need help with mobility both in the home and in the community.

Electric wheelchairs are often classified by the type of drive system they have. Front wheel drive chairs are designed with the drive wheels in the front. They can maneuver well around corners and navigate bumps and curbs up to 2 inches high. This type of chair is a good choice for both inside and outside use. The mid wheel or center drive chair has the smallest turning radius, making it a good choice for use in apartments or other environments with limited space. They can also be used outside but are not as stable as other models on rough terrain. Finally, rear wheel drive chairs are also popular. These chairs require a larger turning radius, but they tend to do well on rough terrain and are often faster than other electric wheelchairs.