Understanding the Features of Mobility Scooters

For people with disabilities, any item that will help them fend for themselves and gain some independence is very important and priceless. It is also the case of mobility scooters which are useful pieces of equipment that allow disabled people to move on their own easily and without pain.

The mobility scooter is a battery powered machine with three or four wheels and a comfortable seat that provide the necessary movement possibility for persons with disabilities who can not get around on their own. Depending on the necessities of the user, these devices consist in a range of features that ease movement and improve the quality of life. Understanding these features offers possible buyers enough information to make the best choice regarding the purchase of such a machine, therefore a brief review of the mobility scooter's features will come in handy if you want to purchase one.

Personal requirements of the user

When you look for a mobility scooter, take into account your personal requirements, such as weight and height, to make sure the device will bear your weight and the weight of your crutches, in case you use some. Also pay attention to the size and type of the seat so that you will feel comfortable in it especially if you have back problems.

The maneuverability of mobility scooters

A mobility scooter is easy to maneuver, much easier than regular wheelchairs given that they do not require physical strength, as they are usually driven by a joystick easy to control, depending on the level of incapacity of the user. However, mobility scooters are bigger than wheelchairs and harder to handle in narrow spaces and require users to be able to get on and off, which can be difficult or impossible for some disabled people.

Controls and accessories of the mobility scooter

The mobility scooter is usually controlled by control paddles that move the scooter back and forth and a lever called "wig-wag" that puts the scooter into drive and some mobility scooters are even designed for left handed persons, allow them to easily handle the machine.

The seat's size depends on the size of the scooter. Small scooters have smaller seats with limited range of adjustments, while bigger models have big seats with backrests and headrests and more adjustment possibilities. The seat is also equipped with safety belts for safe driving and most of the seats are swiveling seats that allow people to easily get on and off the scooter.

The brakes of the scooter stay engaged until the "wig-wag" lever is pulled and the device is in motion and reengage the moment the lever is turned off. Larger models have an emergency brake for cases when the normal braking system fails, which is unlikely to happen, but people feel safe knowing they are completely secured.

The battery on the mobility scooter is usually a 12V and its run time depends on its size. Large models offer a 20h autonomy before the battery runs out.

Other features that mobility scooters can contain are solid or pneumatic tires, maximum slope gradient which means the scooter's ability to climb steep hills, high range which is the battery's run time, or an on-board charging feature, which means the battery can be charged whilst driving.

Before you go shopping for a new mobility scooter, it is essential to understand these features and choose in which of them you would want to invest. However, there are many devices which seem very similar. In order to be able to compare those scooters, visit mobilityscooter.reviews where you will find a lot of concise and easy to understand reviews.

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