Handicap Mobility: Help Your Loved One Get Around With a Scooter

Handicap mobility is possible with scooters that allow disabled people to travel in their homes or in their communities. People can use the scooter to spend time in their neighborhoods, visit friends, or shop. The scooters can fit in tight spaces, and the durability of the scooters make them more convenient for travel in the community. Many of the scooters have the capacity to hold tanks for patients who are on oxygen. The scooters may also have the ability to have the height of the seats adjusted so that riders could be more comfortable. These scooters are sometimes available in different colors, so riders do not necessary have to have a black scooter. When selecting a scooter for a loved one, check the top speed available, and be sure that your loved one can control the scooter at its fastest speed. A top speed of 4 mph may be dangerous if the disabled driver lacks the coordination to control the scooter at this speed.

You should also be aware of the length of time that it takes to charge the scooter's batteries. This is important, because the scooter may take several hours to charge. The owner will need to be sure to charge the batteries overnight. If the driver will be responsible for changing the battery, the battery should be easy to remove and light enough for the disabled person to change. Check the distance that the person will be able to ride the scooter once the batteries are charged.

Make sure that the disabled person feels comfortable changing the battery, if necessary and make sure that the disabled person has had practice changing the battery before committing to buying the scooter for handicap mobility. Be aware, that it may also be necessary to complete other assembly tasks to the scooter after purchasing it.

Your scooter may also have a basket for carrying items. This will be convenient for shopping and for handicap mobility. People with disabilities can place purchases in the basket. You should also consider the scooter's weight capacity. Some scooters can hold up to 300 pounds, but if you check with the retailer, you may be able to find scooters that can hold more weight. Think about the amount of weight that the basket can hold and the anticipated combined weight including the person with disabilities and the objects that he or she may carry.

You should also consider a scooter that is easily adaptable to your loved one's disabilities. Some scooters can be driven with one hand. Other scooters have seats that are power adjustable. You should also consider the width of the scooter in regards to the person's home or living facility.

Be sure that the person with disabilities feels comfortable in the scooter. He or she should feel that the scooter can be easily controlled. The person should also enjoy riding in the scooter. Once a person accepts how the scooter can improve handicap mobility, he or she will be more likely to use the scooter on the day-to-day basis.