How to Choose the Right Mobility Scooters - Essential Aids UK

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Folding Mobility Scooters A Gateway to
Maintaining Independence
Limited mobility can reduce independence and
mobility scooters can make performing tasks
independently much easier e.g. moving from room
to room, or shopping locally.
Using a mobility scooter will allow for
exercising a greater level of independence in all
situations and will enhance quality of life and
inclusion. A folding mobility scooter is simply
a mobility scooter which can fold up for easy
storage and for travelling purposes. In
comparison to other mobility scooters, folding
mobility scooters are lighter in weight,
allowing for easy lifting and carrying. The
birth of the first mobility scooter took place
around 2005. These would have had to be
dis-assembled, making smaller separate parts
which could then fit into the boot of a car.
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Folding mobility scooters can easily be stored in
the house, on a train, in a car boot and on
aircraft and cruise liners. Some folding mobility
scooters are so designed that, when folded, they
can be pulled along like a suitcase on
wheels. Folding class 2 mobility scooters have a
speed adjustment facility, should you wish to
reduce the maximum speed of 4 miles per
hour. Manual or Automatic There are two types of
folding mobility scooter manual and
automatic. Manual folding mobility scooters are
simply folded into a smaller size, for easy
storage and carrying. Automatic folding mobility
scooters fold with the flick of a
button. Automatic folding scooters have a manual
option override, in case the battery dies, making
automatic folding out of the question. Manual
folding mobility scooters are cheaper than
automatic folding mobility scooters, as they
have fewer electronic parts. For those who lack
the strength to fold a mobility scooter, the
automatic model will prove the better
choice. Automatic folding mobility scooters
usually have more features than the simpler
manual model, hence the higher
price. Batteries Batteries for mobility scooters
can be purchased for around thirty pounds,
inclusive of VAT. Batteries for mobility scooters
give periods of low current, as opposed to car
batteries, which give short bursts of high
current. As with wheelchairs, mobility scooters
require two batteries. It costs very little to
fully charge a mobility scooter battery but check
that the monthly cost is within your range
before purchasing. Depending on what model you
choose, a mobility scooter can do between 15 and
25 miles on a fully-charged battery. Scooters
with bigger batteries allow for a longer travel
range (i.e. how many miles on a full battery)
than do smaller batteries, so the user needs to
be aware of its purpose and needs before
purchasing.
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The lighter the weight of the scooter, the
smaller the battery may be and so the travel
range (miles on a fully battery) may be lower
than wished. A flat battery can take between
eight and twelve hours to fully charge. Never
leave a battery on permanent charge, as this can
damage its power. If charging overnight, always
unplug first thing in the morning. The only
batteries which are questionable for airline
travel are lithium batteries, as these must not
exceed the maximum of 300 amp hours. All other
sealed batteries are allowed on airlines but
always make a point of checking before booking
flights. Batteries can last up to two years but
can last up to three years, if they are
well-maintained and correctly charged. Choosing
the Right Scooter for You Always be mindful of
the overall weight of a folding mobility scooter,
as it has to fit in with the lifting capacity of
the scooter user or their assistant. A
lightweight mobility scooter can weigh as little
as 17.8 kg (39.16 lbs. / 2 stone 12 lbs.) Some
lightweight scooters can weigh as much as 31.82
kgs. (70 lbs. / 5 stone), the heavier weights
relating to wider frames and heavier
batteries. When choosing the right scooter weight
for the user, work on a difference of fifty
pounds between the scooter weight (the higher of
the two weights) and the users weight (the lower
of the two weights), to avoid any risk of
hurting the user or damaging the scooter. Compare
the scooter seat width to the width of the users
comfortable chair at home, when choosing the
best fit. Some scooters dont come with armrests,
so decide the importance of these (e.g. the
users body stability) before purchasing.
Armrests will add a safety element when the
scooter is in motion. Be sure that the
measurements of the scooter you buy will fit into
the storage area you have planned for it and
will also fit into the boot of the car. Different
scooter models offer different maximum speeds, so
the user needs to be sure of their requirements
before purchasing. Using a Scooter Lightweight
mobility scooters are not for use on the road,
unless for crossing, or if there is no pavement
available at certain points. Their real purpose
is for use indoors, on pavements and for general
light shopping.
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Carrying another person on a mobility scooter is
not allowed. Lightweight scooters are classed as
class 2 and only class 3 can be used on
roads. You do not need insurance for a mobility
scooter, though it is advisable to have something
in place for personal injury, damage to the
scooter, or injury to others. Mobility scooters
manage best on the flat but can cope with hills
of up to ten degrees incline. Mobility scooters
should be regularly serviced, to be sure that you
are getting the best out of them and to prevent
untimely breakdowns. Water on a mobility scooter
can cause both electronic and mechanical damage
to a scooter and can also cause corrosion and
rust. If open to the elements, keeping the
scooter covered or under a canopy is
essential. The most common breakdown problem with
a mobility scooter is the battery. The hard
wearing tyres can last for hundreds of miles. The
ignition switch is a part which may occasionally
need attention. Class 2 Mobility Scooters A
class 2 scooter is sometimes referred to as a
4mph (4 miles per hour) scooter, which compares
to normal walking speed. The mobility scooter is
to be used indoors and on the pavement and not
on the road, except for crossing, or if no
pavement is available. There is no legal
requirement to tax a class 2 mobility
scooter. The battery can be easily removed and so
charged wherever possible. There are no class 3
lightweight scooters on the market, though
technology may visit this need in the
future. Class 3 Mobility Scooters A class 3
mobility scooter is sometimes referred to as a
road scooter and has a top speed of 8 mph (8
miles per hour), twice the speed of
walking. Class 3 scooters are fitted with front
and rear lights and also wing mirrors. One does
not need a driving licence to use a class 3
mobility scooter but knowledge of the Highway
Code is advisable. A class 3 mobility scooter
doesnt need tax but the user still has to
register ownership with the DVLA (Driver and
Vehicle Licensing Agency).
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The battery is not removable and so the owner
needs a charging point for the vehicle e.g.
outside the house or in the garage. Class 3
scooters are not suitable for indoor use and
cannot be used on a motorway, or in bus or
bicycle lanes. Summary Class 2 and 3 mobility
scooters can only be used by people with
disabilities and from the age of fourteen and
upwards. Take all needs into consideration,
before deciding which model, or whether a class 2
or class 3 mobility scooter, is the right one
for your needs. The maximum speed for a class two
mobility scooter is 4 mph (four miles per hour)
and is 8 mph (eight miles per hour) for class 3
models. If the user manages alone and without
assistance, attention must be paid to the weight
of the mobility scooter for lifting
purposes. Whilst getting used to the controls on
a class 3 mobility scooter, starting out on the
pavement at 4 mph will give you a chance to
understand the controls, before going for the
higher speed of 8 mph on a road. Owning and using
a class 2 mobility scooter will greatly improve
the users current level of independence, both
indoors and out. When looking at mobility
scooters for sale , be fully aware of
measurements for the preferred seat width and
also the folded down measurements for storage,
both inside the house and in the car
boot. Whilst mobility scooters for sale can be
second hand, always be sure of its condition and
working order, before purchasing. It is
recommended that there is a difference of fifty
pounds in weight between the user (the lighter
of the two weights) and the mobility scooter (the
higher of the two weights), to ensure the safety
of the user and the life of the mobility
scooter. Whilst tax is not needed for a mobility
scooter, it is advisable to take out insurance,
to cover any situations that might arise over
time. NB - For interest, class one is for
wheelchairs, which can only be used indoors or on
the pavement. Source https//www.essentialaids
.com/blog/folding-mobility-scooters.html