Seniors often find it very difficult to get around and walk for extended periods of time. This can make it very difficult to go to outings with the family, such as the park or mall. For many, this might spur them to simply become withdrawn and spend time at home, but this is not a healthy choice. Instead, using a mobility vehicle, such as a mobility scooter, can often allow independence and complete mobility.
A mobility scooter, oft called an adult scooter, is in some ways very similar to a motorized wheelchair. The service that this type of scooter provides is very close to that of a wheelchair, but they are also very different. One of the main differences is the way the seating and steering is preformed.
The seating on an adult scooter is placed at the rear of the scooters base, which is usually shaped like an oval. A set of handlebars is then attached to the front of the scooter, which can be adjusted to become closer or farther away from the chair. Due to the configuration of the handlebars, it is usually not possible for an individual using one of these devices to pull directly up to the table, as you might be able to do with an electric wheelchair. As a result, adult scooters are usually used by people who have limited mobility, but are able to walk for short periods of time.
These devices use rechargeable batteries and depending on the model, some can travel more than forty miles without requiring a recharge. Most, however, have a range that is between ten and twenty miles. It is important to note, that the actual mileage a scooter gets can vary on how it is driven and the weight of the rider. For instance, driving up a steep hill can reduce the life of the battery.
One popular type of scooter is the travel scooter. A travel scooter is designed in such a manner that it is possible to take it apart and store it easily. The individual pieces are lightweight and many times, the heaviest pieces weigh less than thirty pounds. This makes storing a travel scooter in the back of a car very easy, and can make them manageable by most individuals. However, to achieve this lightweight, the scooter will lack many of the extra features a regular scooter will have. Travel scooters also have a significantly lower per-charge range.
If you are not going to be doing a lot of traveling or will not be transporting your scooter on a plane, it is generally advised to go with a traditional non-travel scooter. This will be much more sturdy, have more features, and provide an overall better ride.