Electric Mobility Scooters - Why They Are The Right Mobility Tool

| Sunday, May 1, 2011
By Chris Station


Electric mobility scooters are in many ways like motor scooters or electric scooters as far as how they function and how they're built. An electric mobility scooter has features that are found on a power wheelchair. A scooter is an excellent way of moving around for those who have a degree of arm strength as well as good upper body balance. These scooters are intended for use by those needing assistance occasionally.

Electric mobility scooters can be very useful for those having any medical condition which makes walking around challenging. They are also handy for elderly persons who find walking any further than a very short distance to be difficult. A person who is able to make use of a scooter should still have the ability to walk at least a little bit because a scooter is not intended to take the place of a wheelchair.

Mobility scooters have a very basic design.

There will be two rear wheels with the seat located above them. The riders' feet will sit comfortably on the flat area which contains the power source. Three wheel scooters have a single wheel at the front while four wheel scooters will have two wheels.

There will be a steering column with handlebars. Most mobility scooters are operated using a battery, but gas powered scooters are readily available.

Electric mobility scooters come with one or two batteries. Trying to operate a mobility scooter on a hill or a steep slope can be quite challenging with only a single battery. In these cases, you may find that the extra power that a second battery delivers is needed. The rechargeable batteries used in scooters come with a standard charger. This charger can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet.

Located at the front of the scooter is the tiller, or steering column. The tiller controls both forward and reverse movements for the scooter. It's operated using a switch, a thumb paddle or possibly finger controls.

Mobility scooters are available in either front or rear wheel drive. The right choice depends upon the weight of the user as well as where it will be used primarily. A front wheel drive scooter will be best for indoor use because of the smaller size. Front wheel drive scooters will carry users of up to 250 pounds.

A rear wheel drive mobility scooter can be used indoors and outside. Since they're larger, they are able to easily accommodate a weight of about 350 pounds.

Heavy duty mobility scooters are also available and they also come with rear wheel drive. Both types are pretty much the same. The only real difference is in the amount of weight they are rated to carry. Heavy duty scooters have a much larger weight capacity of 500 pounds. This rating includes both medical equipment and user weight.

Power scooters come standard with automatic braking systems. What that means is that they will automatically stop rather than coasting whenever the controls are released. Whether you're using a finger, thumb, or switch control you have to physically press on the controls for the scooter to move. You will quickly learn to press and release controls gently in order to increase or decrease speed gradually. There's also a setting that can be used to lock in a maximum speed.

Electric mobility scooters are useful for the elderly and also for those with a medical condition which makes it difficult to stand or walk for any extended length of time. With an electric scooter, these people can maintain their independence, instead of becoming housebound.




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