What Is A Mobility Scooter

What is a mobility scooter? A mobility scooter or an electric scooter, is a battery-operated vehicle that is specially designed for people with poor mobility.

It is generally used by those who have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. 

A mobility scooter has a seat over two rear wheels, a flat area for the feet, and handlebars in front to turn one or two steerable wheels. The seat is adjustable and will swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars. 

Mobility scooters are available in three different designs, one is intended for indoor use, another for outdoor use, and those that are used for both. A mobility scooter is different from a power wheelchair, in that the wheelchair is generally intended for indoor use (but can also be used outdoors) and can cost  a great deal more.

A mobility scooter may have three wheels or four. The mobility scooter is powered by batteries, therefore it does not create any pollution.

A typical mobility scooter requires two batteries, the batteries are rechargeable, and can last for years, The length of time an mobility scooter can run on each charge depends on the battery's type and the weight capacity of the mobility device, the terrain it will be traveling on eg. up hills, loose gravel, grass and such. The most common batteries will run for around three hours, and between 15-35 miles, before needing to be charged. (Batteries are 12 volt. by 2 = 24volt)

The tiller , with forward, reverse, directions and speed controls, is the steering column centrally located at the front of the scooter. Direction can be controlled by thumb paddles, finger controls, or a switch.

There are two types of mobility scooters: front-wheel drive (FD) or rear-wheel drive (RD). The FD is usually a smaller device and is best used indoors. Rider weight capacity is generally upwards to 250 pounds maximum. The RD is used both indoors and outdoors with rider weight capacity of 350 pounds. A heavy duty RD is capable of carrying up to 500 pounds, varying by manufacturer. 

The first mobility scooter was built by Allan R. Thieme in 1968, in Bridgeport, Michigan. Thieme was personally motivated to create this product in order to help a family member diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This first mobility scooter, a front-wheel drive model, was conceived and built at his home. The Amigo, as it was brand-named, initiated the entire “mobility scooter” industry. Today, Amigo Mobility International Inc. headquarters is located in Bridgeport, Mich.

Some people are a little wary of purchasing a mobility scooter because they fear it will be difficult to operate, But with a little bit of practice it becomes quite simple to operate.

Mobility scooters come equipped with advanced braking systems, so stopping is simple and comfortable. The brake will engage as soon as the operator lets off the throttle, that's it! They also are equipped with a speed control device so the speed can be adjusted. 

No pedal to put your foot on, no hand brake to engage, just let go of the controller and the scooter will stop, pretty simple.

Mobility scooters are now available in a wide range of models, from tiny folding travel scooters to heavy-duty large models. Scooters are commonly available for loaner use at public facilities, such as amusement parks or grocery stores.

The advantages, assistive and small sit-down motor scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems.

A mobility scooter is useful for people without the stamina or arm/shoulder flexibility necessary to use a manual wheelchair. Also, swivelling the seat of an mobility scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most conventional wheelchairs.

A mobility scooter is very helpful for persons with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions (coronary or lung issues, some forms of arthritis, etc.) who are still able to stand and walk a few steps, sit upright without torso support, and control the steering tiller.

A main selling point of the mobility scooter is that it does not look like a wheelchair, which many people see as a sign of old age. However, as increasing numbers of elderly persons choose mobility scooters, the scooter is now developing its own reputation, at least among the able-bodied, as a geriatric item. Mobility scooters are generally more affordable than powered wheelchairs, and often easier to obtain from insurers or health care agencies.