Disabled Mobility Scooters
A disabled mobility scooter is a motorized scooter or wheelchair for people with inhibited mobility. Mobility scooters may also be called power wheelchairs or motorized wheelchairs, but most manufacturers distinguish mobility scooters as separate from electric wheelchairs by the presence of a front handlebar on a scooter.
A disabled mobility scooter differs from an electric wheelchair in that mobility scooters have a handlebar for the users operation of the scooter. This handlebar can make it difficult for the user to position the scooter close to a table. Scooters cannot turn in narrow spaces like electric wheelchairs can.
While wheelchairs are commonly used all of the time, people who use a disabled mobility scooter may only need occasional assistance. They may only use the scooter for shopping or other times when walking and standing are otherwise necessary.
A disabled mobility scooter can help people who have difficulty walking move freely outdoors or in public. Insurance often covers all or most of the costs of a disabled mobility scooter.
While maneuverability is often not a strength of a mobility scooter, some are designed with improved maneuverability. Disabled mobility scooters have different designs and features.
Some mobility scooter companies supply various accessories to help to transport the scooter by car. Lifts and ramps can ease the loading of the disabled mobility scooter into a vehicle. Trailer attachments to cars are sometimes an option.
Since disabled mobility scooters use rechargeable batteries, the user should take the battery charger with them if they take the scooter with them while traveling. This is especially important if the scooter will be in use away from home for over a week.
Disabled mobility scooters come with several optional accessories. Cup holders, supports for oxygen tanks, cane holders, small shopping baskets, foot rests, and tray tables are some of the optional accessories supplied by disabled mobility scooter manufacturers.