Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter A mobility scooter is an expensive investment. Private insurance companies as well as government programs like Medicare often pay for the cost if the scooter is medically required. Mobility-impaired individuals should be aware of the different types of scooters that are available to them. Buyers should first understand their own needs and objectives. What to Consider There are many things to take into consideration when selecting the best mobility device. There isn't any one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. The wrong mobility could result in issues such as a poor fit, a low battery life or even safety issues. The first thing to think about is what your parents want to utilize the scooter for. Are they planning to use it to complete errands or go shopping? If yes then a light mobility scooter with good battery life is probably the best choice. If they plan to travel on rough or bumpy terrain, a four wheel scooter with larger wheels might be the best option. Keep in mind that the physical condition of your parent may change in the next few years. You'll have to determine if they will be able to drive their mobility scooter after. If not, then they might need to consider upgrading their scooter or a more durable solution such as a power chair. If you can, your parent should test out a couple of different mobility scooters before making a decision. They can see how comfortable the seat feels and if they're able to reach the handle. They should also sit in the driver's seat to ensure that they are comfortable and the scooter fits them well. Some dealers have new scooters that have been taken care of and maintained, so ask your local dealer for a list of these available. You can also ask rental companies if they offer used scooters. If you decide to purchase an old scooter, you need to check the warranty and other specifics to ensure you are getting what you purchased. Seating Some customers purchase scooters with two seats with the intention of being able to transport friends or family members who want to accompany them on their journeys. However, there could be privacy concerns if the people accompanying you are not of a similar weight, as this could mean bumping skin-to-skin against them, and could create problems with personal space. If these are concerns you are concerned about, it is suggested to purchase a seat-behind scooter instead of one that has a rear and front seat. A scooter with two seats allows you to not only enjoy the companionship of a family member or friend but also cut costs by not having to buy two separate mobility vehicles. You can also reduce wear and tear and also electricity by having just one scooter to run, and you can even share the cost of fuel. If you're looking for a two seat mobility scooter, there are many different seating options to think about. Some models feature the driver's seat in the front, and the passenger seat behind. Others have both seats in the rear. The majority of mid-range scooters come with this arrangement however more sophisticated and premium models may come with one seat in the front or a rear seat with a single seat. Another option is to purchase the scooter with a powered lift, which permits you to effortlessly move the scooter in and out of your vehicle. This will save you time and effort when it comes to getting ready for your trip as all you need to do is steer the scooter onto the lift platform and then turn on the switch. After that, you can leave and when you're ready to return, turn back the procedure. Wheels The wheels of a mobility scooter can make or ruin your riding experience. A good set of tires will give you a smooth, comfortable ride, but old or damaged ones could be dangerous. It is important to examine the condition of your tires frequently, and replace them when they wear out. There are a few different types of scooter tires available: pneumatic, solid, and foam filled. The tires that are filled with foam do not flatten, but they are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic tires. Most travel/portable scooters come with solid or foam-filled tires, while most full-sized and all-terrain scooters use pneumatic tires. The tube that is inside pneumatic tires is filled with air, as the bicycle or motorbike tire. They're the most commonly used type and can be fixed easily. There are also tires with liners that fit between the outer tire and the inner tube, offering protection against punctures. The owner's manual will show you the recommended tire pressure. Inflating the tires to this pressure will make them last longer. The majority of scooters are controlled by tillers which are T-shaped columns that move the front wheels to the left or right. buying a second hand mobility scooter could also have other controls, such as speed and turning indicators. Some tillers come with handles that wrap around, referred to as delta tillers. They are ideal for those who have weak dexterity and strength. Batteries Having the right type of battery in your scooter is vital. The right battery can help extend the lifespan of your scooter. You should also keep in the mind that batteries lose performance with time. If you notice that your battery isn't able to hold charge as well as it did in the past it could be a sign that it is in need of replacement. A gel or AGM battery is a good option if you want your battery to last a long time. These types of batteries have impermeable electrolytes and are airtight, which makes them more resistant jostling. They also have a longer life than other lead acid batteries. They're slightly more expensive initially however their long-term cost-effectiveness makes them worth it. Another option is to opt for a lithium battery. They are more expensive initially however they can last 10 times longer than lead-acid batteries. They're also safe for air travel. They are backed by an IATA certification. When purchasing an electric scooter battery, it's important to look for the model and brand name of the mobility scooter on the label. Utilizing offbrand or generic batteries can damage your mobility scooter and cause it to function correctly. Also, if you own an older battery that has been recharged using an alternative charger, it may not perform in the same way. Certain scooters require stronger batteries than others, so make sure to consult the manufacturer. They will typically have a list of compatible batteries for their scooters. If you are purchasing a used mobility scooter, ask the seller for any maintenance documents they have. These records will help you determine whether the battery is in good condition and if it has recently been maintained. Safety A scooter can be an emergency aid for people who are incapable of walking due to illness or age. But it must be used in a safe manner. Incorrect use of a mobility scooter could cause injury to the user and others surrounding them. It's important to be aware of the things to look for when buying a mobility scooter to avoid this. Make sure that the scooter comes with an operating manual that contains model-specific information, including safety guidelines and maintenance schedule. Take a look at the manual and save it in mind when you use the scooter. Test drive the scooter to see how comfortable it is and whether you can easily operate it with both hands. The scooter should be able to take on the weight you want to carry. Check the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure it can travel over bumps and other obstacles. Travel/portable scooters have lower ground clearance than larger models, and specialty scooters may have even lower clearance. Ask about the details of the history of repairs and maintenance when you purchase a second-hand scooter. Individual sellers might have records of any repairs or replacements for parts, and these documents can provide valuable information about the condition of the scooter before you purchase it. Consider buying a security gadget for your scooter, like clamps, to stop theft. The device is attached to the wheel of the scooter, and cannot be removed without tools. It's a great protection against thieves. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself the areas that you plan to travel in, especially areas where scooter riders might have issues. Learn about the locations of curb cuts and streets that do not have sidewalks, so you can avoid these areas when going shopping or visiting friends.
buying a second hand mobility scooter
