Over the years, your mobility can begin to falter. Your legs and joints don’t move as freely as they once did, and you might find yourself feeling quite fatigued after even minimal exertion. In fact, almost 30% of people over the age of 65 say that it is extremely difficult to walk a quarter of a mile. Or perhaps you are still young and active, but have sustained an injury to your legs and must remain immobile while you heal. In either case, a scooter is a great option to keep you mobile. This article will discuss scooters and how they keep you enjoying your freedom and mobility.
Is a scooter the right choice for me?
You might think that a cane, walker, or wheelchair will suit your mobility needs just fine, especially if you don’t need a lot of help. But for longer trips, like grocery shopping or a trip downtown, a scooter is a great device to give you peace of mind. Don’t limit yourself to staying around the house because you’re afraid that if you venture too far from home you’ll have trouble getting back. Scooters are an excellent choice for people who:
- Have arthritis or limited joint mobility
- Were injured in an accident
- Suffer from a neural and musculoskeletal disorder such as Multiple Sclerosis
- Get fatigued easily
- Suffer from breathing problems
There are many reasons why someone might choose a scooter. Speak with your doctor if you feel like a scooter could benefit you.
What exactly is a scooter?
A scooter looks like a wide motorized bike. Easily maneuverable over all sorts of terrain, they are easily controlled by a handlebar. They are a great choice if you can still manage to walk short distances, but need help on longer trips.
Aren’t scooters expensive?
Though more expensive than a traditional wheelchair, many of those in need of a scooter can get assistance through their medical insurance. If you’re over the age of 65, much of the cost can be covered by Medicare. For some people, a scooter won’t cost a cent out of pocket. Compared to motorized wheelchairs, scooters are a less expensive option.
What size of scooter should I get?
Scooter size depends on your personal body size and how you are planning to use your scooter. Smaller scooters are simple to transport in your vehicle and are highly maneuverable. These types of scooters are designed to travel up to 10 miles. This is a great option if you aren’t carrying excessive weight, or only plan on using your scooter on occasion.
Larger scooters have a much higher cruising range, but are heavier and tougher to transport via vehicle. Often times you’ll have to purchase a specialized scooter lift to get it into your vehicle.
Where will you be traveling?
Knowing the areas where you plan to use your scooter will help you determine which type you should choose. Are you planning to use it just around the house or other buildings with smooth flat surfaces, or do you want to take it out to explore all sorts of outdoor terrain?
If you will mostly be using your scooter indoors or on well maintained sidewalks, a front wheel drive three wheeler will probably be your best bet. But if you are looking to explore the great outdoors, consider a four-wheel scooter with rear wheel drive equipped with heavy-duty tires.
Test a scooter before you buy
In order to find the scooter that is best for you, stop in and visit a scooter dealership. There you can try different models and have your questions answered by professionals. Sit on them and take a few for a test ride. Only you can tell which model is best for your body shape and your mobility needs. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the seat comfortable?
- How limited is my mobility?
- Will I need my scooter to function over all sorts of terrain?
The best thing to do is ask multiple questions and don’t buy until you are completely satisfied that it will meet your needs. A scooter can be an expensive investment, and you’ll want to be happy with it for years to come.