Scooter wheelchairs, also called electric mobility scooters, are a versatile and convenient device for people who have mild disabilities and want to maintain independence. For many people, they're essential for daily mobility, being more functional over a variety of terrains than most electric or manual wheelchairs. Scooters are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and prices. There's one to suit every budget and taste.
Owning a scooter can open up a range of activities you may have previously been unable to enjoy, or have had to give up. They allow movement around the house and outside as you please, and allow travel over rougher surfaces. They reduce reliance on others for daily tasks, and their adjustable speeds mean that they can move faster than most people's walking speed.
As scooters become more popular, they also become less expensive, and more models are available. There are now scooters with two seats, foldable models, scooters which have oxygen holders for those requiring it, options with three or four wheels, and scooters for children or the very petite. Models with headlights and baskets exist for those who need to travel in the dark and carry items with them, and heavy duty scooters are available for people who really put their mobility devices to work.
When buying a scooter, consider its weight, size, and the capacity of its batteries. Three wheeled models are generally lighter, but are sometimes less steady, and corner less well than four wheeled scooters. When buying your scooter, be sure to talk to a professional. Most manufacturers have trained staff who will gladly help you find the right one. Larger batteries mean a longer life, but they also mean more weight. If you need to lift or have someone else lift your scooter, this could be a problem.
There are some downsides to electric scooters. They're bigger and bulkier than wheelchairs, making traveling with them in a vehicle difficult. They're also wider than many wheelchairs, so you may find that traversing narrow hallways and getting through some doorways is a challenge. Expense is also a problem for some. While electric scooters are lowering in price, they remain more expensive than many wheelchairs. Some insurers are only willing to cover a portion of scooter cost, or require the scooter user to be unable to use a manual wheelchair before they will cover the purchase.
For many people, however, scooters are a great solution to the problem of mobility. They help us get around and give us a wider area of travel. In places where disabled access is minimal, scooters can also assist in travel over rough terrain, although they still can't manage curbs. If you're interested in improving your ability to get around, look into a scooter to replace your wheelchair or walker.
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