How to Choose a Scooter for an Elderly Person

As a person ages, getting around can be a challenge. But, scooters are making the lives of elderly people more enjoyable by offering them the ability to keep up with those around them. In this fast paced world, a scooter may make a big difference to someone who feels that they can not participate in activities that require mobility. Whether it's a trip to the park, or simply maneuvering from room to room, scooters create a feeling of freedom and comfort for those with limited mobility.

Things You'll Need

• Measurements of the home including, hallways and doorways Financial assessment Scooter comparisons

Instructions

1. Consider the needs of the elderly person that will be using the scooter. The type of scooter to be purchased will depend on how it will be used. While some elderly citizens will be using the scooter exclusively indoors to get around, others will find it to be a great way to get around town, too.

2. Assess the finances of the elderly person. Some scooter companies will work with Medicare recipients in order to lower the costs associated with purchasing a scooter. For those that do not receive Medicare benefits, private insurance may relieve some of the burden. For self pay individuals, shopping around for the best price will be a necessity.

3. Measure the areas of the home that will require scooter usage by the elderly person. The scooter will need to fit through doorways and maneuver down halls, as well as, around furniture. Proper measuring of these locations will help to choose a model that will be adequate.

4. Check the braking, acceleration, and speed control systems pertaining to the scooter of interest. While the controls for many senior scooters are located directly on the handle bars, others have controls in the foot area and on the arm rests. It is also a good idea to check the expected battery life of the unit, and how often it will need to be charged.

5. Choose a scooter that has been manufactured by a reputable company with a reliable warranty. Elderly customers commonly have limited mobility and may be unable to bring a scooter back and forth to a shop for repairs. Reputable dealers offer in home repair services that are usually worry free for the first year, saving the elderly person money and headaches.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the elderly person's home insurance carrier to determine whether or not the scooter will be insured for theft or liability. Unattended scooters have been known to be stolen, and accidents happen periodically due to inexperienced drivers.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Electric scooters can be browsed and purchased online, at: