Mobility Scooters – a Great Way to Get Around!

Mobility scooters are a great way for the elderly and those with disabilities to get out and become active in their community again. Much snazzier than electronic wheelchairs, mobility scooters are easily maneuverable, break down easily (making them portable), and very affordable. They also do not carry the stigma of being disabled that wheelchairs often do.

These scooters can be used to get around the house, travel outside, and maneuver around stores – almost anywhere you can imagine! Some of the newest models even climb up stairs and curbs and are designed to go through things such as sand and gravel. This is great for the person that loves the outdoors, but may be missing it due to immobility. These mobility scooters can open up a whole new world of opportunity for those that were previously confined to their home.

One of the most important things to look for when purchasing a mobility scooter is the turning radius. The scooter that has the smallest turning radius will be easy to move through a small house or a crowded store. A scooter offering one of the best turning radiuses is the Jazzy 1103, with a turn radius of 18 inches. These are great for individuals that live in cramped apartments because they can still use their scooter indoors. Scooters that have one wheel in the front rather than two usually offer a better turning radius as well.

Another consideration when purchasing a mobility scooter is how easily it breaks down and how much each piece weighs. Many people need to break down their scooters to put them in a vehicle. While most come apart, you need to notice how many pieces it breaks into and how heavy the largest piece is.

There are many additional features to mobility scooters today. You can purchase one with a high back for better posture or a low back scooter, which are generally lighter in weight. If you plan to do a lot of shopping in your scooter, there are “monster” bags that attach to the back so you can carry things. There are also smaller baskets that will attach to the front of your scooter. For those who suffer from arthritis, there are scooters that have an electric seat lift to help you in and out of the mobility scooter. There are also special scooters for people suffering from obesity.

Purchasing a mobility scooter can be a great experience for anyone who has suffered from confinement. For senior citizens that meet the requirements, Medicare will pay up to 80% of the cost of a scooter and many companies file the paperwork for you.