What to Consider Before Buying a Folding Mobility Scooter
The decision to purchase a mobility scooter is a crucial one. Before settling on a purchase, you need to first identify your mobility needs, and then determine whether the mobility scooter you prefer meets those needs. Both a mobility scooter and a wheelchair are similar. but the configuration of the former is like a motor-scooter. Mobility scooters are suitable for people with some degree of mobility. This includes the ability to walk briefly, stand, sit upright without the support of the torso, and control a steering lever.
For those living an active, on-the-go lifestyle, a folding mobility scooter would be the perfect companion for those who want to take the scooter with them. If you have a car with trunk storage, then a lightweight mobility scooter with simple disassembly would be the perfect pick. However, it’s important to note that in some cases, cruise ship and plane travelers may need a mobility scooter that meets certain standards to be allowed on board.
The Benefits of Using Folding Mobility Scooters
There are many advantages of using a folding mobility scooter and they are not restricted to seniors. These devices can easily be transported in a car trunk or kept away in the closet. A caution to remember is that lightweight scooters have a maximum weight limit of 300lbs to 320lbs. Some scooters have a long-lasting and durable lithium battery, thus capable of longer trips. A folding mobility scooter is ideal for people who need special designs and features. Below are the advantages of folding Mobility Scooters:
Home Demonstration
Knowing that you’re dealing with a company that has many years of experience assisting those with mobility issues makes your investment of money and time more satisfying.
There are mobility scooter companies like Frenetic Wellbeing that provide home demonstrations at a small fee. These live demonstrations offer amazing hands-on access from a professional.
Simple to Operate
Some mobility scooters in the mid-range and mini/portable categories, such as the Sterling Sapphire 2, offer a quick assembly of less than one minute. Most mobility scooters are surprisingly easy to control and maneuver as necessary.
A mobility scooter’s battery recharge can be done from the comfort of your home. Make sure to read the product instructions and also inquire about proper charging instructions. This is to prevent overcharging as it can lead to a gradual power decrease.
Increased Independence
A mobility scooter best serves individuals who tire easily. It is an electric vehicle that enables you to move around without needing an assistant.
Mobility scooters don’t just offer physical benefits like increasing independence. They also have psychological benefits because of the ability to leave the home, when necessary, which results in peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. These reasons make a high-quality mobility scooter an ideal long-term investment.
Increase Accessibility
Modern mobility scooters blend in excellently and adapt with ever-changing socialization methods.
Most public spaces and shopping malls are constantly increasing accessibility, thus enabling easy access for mobility scooter users. Another advantage is that portable mobility scooters can easily be taken on public transport.
Injury Prevention
The risk of injury from fall increases due to age, or simply due to loss of physical strength. A mobility scooter significantly reduces the chances of fall-related injuries.
Another reason for using a mobility scooter could be in a scenario whereby someone is recovering from surgery. A mobility scooter reduces physical exertion when moving around thus allowing for easier recovery.
The Relevant Things to Consider Before Buying a Folding Mobility Scooter
Persons with limited mobility also require the freedom to move around and travel wherever they want. Luckily, a folding mobility scooter assists in making all this possible as it provides a lot of assistance in daily life activities. However, it is important to note that despite all their benefits, mobility scooters have limitations as well.
In this section, we will go through the things you should expect from a mobility scooter and specifications to look out for when purchasing one.
Do Your Research Diligently
Before settling on a mobility scooter to buy, you should first visit different shops and compare prices. You should also read online reviews and customer testimonials to gauge the trustworthiness of a company and the quality of its products. This could enable you to know whether other users have issues with the product and how the company handles those issues when they arise.
Consider the Features Carefully
Accessorizing your mobility scooter could make a huge difference even though such features might not seem important. Do you use crutches and need space for them, or will you require extra room to store specific luggage? Then you could consider customizing your mobility scooter to include features such as a canopy, a horn, or extra lights and baskets. This should be taken into account before settling on a mobility scooter.
Check and Find the Suitable Terrain
You should note that light electric scooters might not be capable of the same power, range, and speed as heavier electric scooters. This is due to their lighter weight. Lightweight mobility scooters perform well on dry and flat surfaces, gentle inclines, ramps, and patchy grass surfaces. These scooters are perfect for trips to the office, school, or simply running errands on terrain conditions that are not very intense.
There are foldable mobility scooters models that don’t perform well on muddy or snowy surfaces and can’t go through steep or rough terrain. These harsher conditions may call for electric bikes or heavy-duty electric scooters. It is therefore crucial that you check for the capabilities of a folding mobility scooter before purchasing one.
What Is Cost of a Folding Mobility Scooter?
Usually, folding mobility scooters can be bundled for transport anywhere within seconds. This is in contrast to electric scooters that need disassembly and loading of individual components. Therefore, foldable mobility scooters are costlier than other models due to the materials and technology they require. Regardless, the majority of portable mobility scooters are quite affordable starting at about $2,000, with more expensive scooters costing around $5,000 or more. Their superior quality features however make them a worthy purchase.
What About the Batteries?
If you are concerned about whether you can carry your mobility scooter on a plane or not, then you need not worry. Some folding mobility scooters come with airline-approved batteries, which are sanctionable for air travel. Airlines permit scooters with nickel-metal hydride batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries, and select lithium batteries. Larger lithium batteries may also be permissible but under certain conditions.
Before flying with your foldable mobility scooters, you must confer with both your product distributor and airline about whether the batteries are safe for plane travel or not.
Driving And Movability
One thing that could build or destroy the reputation of a mobility scooter is its maneuverability. Stay alert to the fact that there are other crucial factors to consider apart from distance and speed.
Foldable mobility scooters have tillers that enable easy control of the ride. Their sharp turning radius also enables easy navigation in narrow spaces like corridors and shopping aisles. Furthermore, these scooters can go up an incline of 6 inches at least. They also have high ground clearance that protects the motors from damage when driving over humps or unforeseen objects.
Storage And Portability
As previously stated, mobility scooters can be bundled for transport within seconds. Some mobility scooters have designs that allow them to automatically fold with the press of a button. Other mobility scooters have even more portability by the fact that they can be pulled like a trolley.
Folding mobility scooters take up little space when folded, hence enabling the elderly or persons with disabilities to take them wherever they go. Non-folding scooters lack the same advantage when it comes to convenience because they don’t allow for disassembly. Furthermore, you might not always have enough time to disassemble the scooter into several parts.
You Should Consider Your Weight
Each scooter has a specific weight limit for the user therefore it’s important to check for this when buying the scooter. Mobility scooters have a weight capacity of 250lbs for the smallest scooter and 500lbs for heavy-duty models. Surpassing the suggested weight limit greatly reduces the scooter’s travel range, and could also result in damage not covered by the product’s warranty.
What Type of Seat Do You Prefer?
There are numerous customization options for scooter seats including, variations in size and style. For instance, there are simple, stadium-style seats that fold, all the way to premium captain’s seats that come with a headrest, generous padding, and armrests.
Individuals who intend to use their scooters for long periods may discover that they are most comfortable when using a large, high-back chair. On the other hand, a compact, fold-down seat is ideal for people who only use their scooters occasionally.
What Accessories Do You Need?
The majority of folding mobility scooters allow for customization with helpful accessories such as sunshades, front and rear baskets, and cup holders. Determine what accessories you will need beforehand and then explore models that allow additional custom features.
Add-ons such as canopies are easy to install and can protect you from the scorching Arizona sun. They also help protect your investment and keep it clean from the rain, sun, and dust. Institutions like Valley Medical Supplies will quickly install a canopy for you.
Folding Mobility Scooter Insurance: Do You Need It?
Having insurance for your mobility scooter is recommended but not legally required. This could come in handy during breakdowns (i.e., flat batteries or punctures), damage, and loss. Taking mobility scooter insurance gives you peace of mind when you’re running around. Our scooter insurance policies start at £59 only.
Get professional advice: You could acquire a mobility scooter as a lifestyle choice or because of medical reasons. You should consult an occupational therapist or mobility vendor before settling on the best scooter for you.
Choose the right extras: The prices of mobility scooters vary greatly, so do proper analysis and research on different models to find out if they are worth the extra penny. We have a guide that shows you what to pay when selecting the right mobility scooter.
Pick your supplier carefully: If you are capable of purchasing a new scooter, then you should do so directly from the manufacturer or from a shop that specializes in mobility equipment. It may be costlier to buy from a specialist but you should get an appraisal, preferably at your home, and also receive a variety of scooters to try.
Experts encourage that you purchase the scooter from a retailer or manufacturer that adheres to the industry code of practice, such as those set by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). This ought to protect you from pressure selling.
Ensure that your scooter comes with an aftersales service and product guarantee. New models typically come with at least one year guarantee. If you prefer a second-hand purchase, make sure you consider the cost of servicing and maintaining the scooter, as well as breakdown cover and insurance.
Final Thoughts
Most people know how devastating it feels to be stuck in the house, sick, and incapable of moving, with just the TV and newspapers to keep you company. However, limitations in mobility should not prevent you or someone you love from living a fulfilling and exciting life! Therefore, what are you waiting for, take into account all the points made in the article and implement them when buying a mobility scooter.
Thanks for the tip to get insurance on a mobility scooter. That would help me feel better about my mom using one. That way she is financially safe in case something bad were to happen.