Benefits of Using a Mobility Scooter

Using a scooter gives people with mobility limitations a new lease of life and freedom. They provide a new source of transport which is both efficient and independence.

Mobility scooters are a significant financial investment. It is therefore important to research them properly before committing to a particular model. Prices range from under £500 up to £6000. The quality and size of the vehicle can also vary greatly.

There are numerous manufacturers, some of which have a better reputation than others. Some scooters are for pavement use while others can go on the roads themselves. Some collapse down into the boot of a car, while others are much larger, substantial units.

The larger models are heavier, require greater battery power and stronger mobility scooter ramps. They also take up more space when parked. Nearly all modern scooters are electric and their batteries need recharging regularly.

The most important consideration is that the mobility scooter meets your personal needs. Will you only need to make short journeys when using it, or will you travel longer distances? Larger models have bigger batteries and a greater range.

Comfort is another factor. Some scooters come with luxurious seats which support your back and make longer journeys more comfortable. They might also provide means of carrying bags or mobility aids like walking sticks. Some models carry mobility scooter ramps on board. The telescopic varieties are most suitable for this purpose.

Different Classes of Mobility Scooter

There are two categories of modern scooter: class 2 and class 3 (there is no class 1 in the UK).

Class 2 includes vehicles designed for use on the pavement. These smaller models usually collapse down for transportation, maybe in the boot of a car. Their parts are typically easy to disassemble and reassemble for storage or transport.

Some in this class are small enough to use indoors, for instance in shopping centres or even at home.

Class 3 scooters are more substantial and can legally go on the road. They are suitable for longer distances of travel. Because of their size, these models are not suitable for use indoors.

They are more expensive than class 2 models but are usually much more robust.

Choosing the Right Ramp

Depending on which vehicle you opt for, it is important to select the right mobility scooter ramps to go with it. These are not so much mobility scooter accessories as crucial equipment in any number of situations. When making your choice, it is imperative to consider exactly how you will need to use them.

Some ramps are much stronger than others. If you are buying a large class 3 scooter, make sure you buy ramps with enough weight capacity. Remember that you need to add your own weight to the overall calculation, as you may be on board when using the ramp.

Some class 3 vehicles have the capacity to store a lightweight ramp on board.

Mobility scooter ramps are commonly used to climb steps, over door thresholds, over pavement kerbs or for loading onto a car or van.

In the latter case, you must carefully consider if the vehicle concerned will be suitable for the ramp fixings. Usually sets of twin ramps are must suitable for this purpose. They have raised rims, keeping wheels on track and not at risk of falling off.

To this end, make sure the wheels of the vehicle and its ground clearance will fit.

Mobility ramps frequently have a high-friction surface to improve grip. If the ramps are metal and there is no special grip-coating, a milled pattern on the surface improves grip and safety.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.