How to Choose an Electric Mobility Scooter

Choose an electric mobility scooter that will give you the freedom to move about in your home and also that is convenient to take on outings. Many people choose to have an electric mobility scooter so that they can continue with their daily activities and to enjoy outings with their families and friends. Taking walks in a park, shopping at the mall or just getting around a large home or community complex are few things that your scooter will allow you to do again. There are scooters that fold up easily to transport while others are meant to stay in one location. Check out the steps below to choose the best mobility scooter for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Measure Your Size
   Scooters are made to fit people of all sizes and shapes. The best way to test for size is to go out and test different scooters. You will find a variety of scooters available to test at a medical supply store that handles scooters. Be sure that you have enough room for your feet and that you feel comfortable in the scooter. Do you need room to keep an oxygen tank?

2. Determine Your Battery Power
   Running out of batter power on a long ride can be devastating. If you plan to use your scooter a lot outdoors or when you travel the amount of charge that your battery takes would be an important issue. Try to find a battery that will last at least 8 hours for when you are out and about. Find out how long it takes to charge the battery.

3. Go For a Test Drive
   A medical scooter is going to be something that you will be using on a daily basis. You need to take the time to test drive several models before deciding on a purchase. Test the controls to see if they are easy to work. Can you handle the levers and speed with ease? Try to spend at least 15 – 30 minutes testing the scooter to get the feel of how it operates.

4. Financing Your Scooter
   One of the main factors when choosing a scooter is how to finance it. Check with your health insurance or Medicare to see if you are eligible to receive an electric mobility scooter. Because the scooter will become part of your daily life choose the best one that you can afford.

5. Pack It Up and Go
   If you plan to take your scooter with you when you travel choose one that is easy to pack up and that will fit in your car. Some scooters are easy to fold or dismantle to put into a trunk or van. Another choice is to purchase a van with a ramp or lift to transport your electric mobility scooter.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when you drive your scooter and be considerate of people around you.
• Enjoy the freedom that an electric scooter will bring to you.

Resources

• Senior Living Tips and How To's
• More Senior Living Articles by Sharon Meier

[jaredsgirl]

on 10/5/2009 These are super tips for choosing an electric mobility scooter! Nicely written. 5*