| Thanks to tremendous advances in disabled mobility | | | | can traverse rougher terrain and handle more weight. |
| scooter design and technology over recent years, | | | | With rear-wheel drive models, you can achieve |
| people who are physically challenged now can enjoy | | | | speeds of five miles per hour or faster with a range |
| greater freedom and independence than ever | | | | of approximately 25 miles before needing to recharge |
| before.Disabled mobility scooters offer greater | | | | your battery.Seating: Choose a chair for your scooter |
| maneuverability over motorized wheelchairs and | | | | based on your individual comfort and utilization |
| provide the capability to make tight turns, navigate | | | | requirements. Most manufacturers allow you to select |
| small spaces, and move over smooth and rough | | | | seat covering, swivel options, extra padding, lumbar |
| surfaces with ease.As a result, those with limited | | | | supports, and powered height adjustments. Armrests |
| walking ability can enjoy a richer quality of life by | | | | are another consideration and can be added, |
| easily accomplishing daily activities such as grocery | | | | removed or changed to address your needs.Steering: |
| shopping, meeting friends at a nearby park, going out | | | | Most scooters have handle-bar style steering with |
| to dinner, navigating large shopping malls, and | | | | thumb controls or levers that allow the user to |
| spending more time outside.Selecting a disabled | | | | manage speed and drive the scooter forward or in |
| mobility scooter involves doing some research to | | | | reverse. Other steering systems like joy sticks and |
| make sure you get the features and functionality | | | | loop handles can be adapted according to |
| that best suit your needs. There are many decisions | | | | manufacturer specifications.Additional Features: There |
| to make including size, weight, number of wheels, | | | | are a wide variety of add-ons and accessories you |
| drive train, power system, battery life, seat style, | | | | can purchase to equip your disabled mobility scooter |
| steering, color, lighting, and storage capacity.Wheels: | | | | to match your lifestyle. These include portable |
| Three-wheeled scooter models are lighter and the | | | | battery chargers, baskets, headlights and taillights, |
| most maneuverable; while four-wheeled scooters are | | | | oxygen carriers, walker and cane holders, storage |
| heavier and more stable. A test drive will help you | | | | compartments, horns, and canopies.Batteries and |
| determine which you prefer for your lifestyle.Tires: | | | | chargers are usually considered add-ons and are not |
| Choose the type and size of wheels based on how | | | | included in the base scooter price. Scooter power is |
| you plan to use your scooter. Tire sizes range from | | | | most often generated from one or two 12-volt deep |
| six to 12 inches. Smaller tires are best for indoor use | | | | cycle batteries, depending on the model, that last up |
| that requires sharp turns and navigating tight spaces. | | | | to 18 months before they need to be replaced. Gel |
| Larger, wider tires are better suited for rough terrain | | | | cell batteries are recommended for their safety over |
| and stability needs.Drive Train: Your disabled mobility | | | | other batteries types.Before making a scooter |
| scooter also comes with a choice of front or rear | | | | purchase, it is important to test drive a number of |
| wheel drive. Front wheel drive models are lighter and | | | | models to determine comfort, ease of steering and |
| designed for indoor use or traveling on level surfaces. | | | | functionality. Ask about warrantees and how you will |
| They are smaller in size are more likely to be | | | | can get servicing or repair for your scooter. Finally, |
| compatible with transport wheelchair lifts. | | | | make sure you are provided with the total cost |
| Front-wheel drive scooters do not have as much | | | | (including add-ons) in writing before making any |
| speed and duration as rear-wheel drive scooters that | | | | decision.This article was written by Jules Sowder of . |