used electric wheelchairs

Introduction To Portable Mobility Scooters

Portable Mobility Scooters are an innovative development which has come as a boon to people with walking disabilities or limited mobility. It is also a very popular mobility aid for the elderly. They are very similar to basic wheelchairs but are self-propelled, unlike a wheelchair which has to be moved manually. This technological innovation, which is battery operated, has opened up a whole new world to the disabled and walking challenged giving them mobility with a renewed sense of independence.

Uses Of Portable Electric Mobility Scooters

Scooters for indoor use are easily maneuverable, with tight turning circles, ideal for limited spaces like within the home. Portable electric mobility scooters are available in a wide range from lightweight, no-frills models to heavier scooters for outdoor and more rugged applications. They are available with varying-sized seats to accommodate a range of body sizes and weights. In certain models seats can swivel 360 degrees to facilitate ease of entry and exit for those with exceptional disabilities. Well upholstered seats and arm rests offer a more comfortable riding experience. When buying a portable mobility scooter, body size, easy entrance and exit are significant points to consider. Portable motor scooters are available in 3 and 4-wheel models. 3-wheel scooters offer more legroom and turn in a tighter circle which makes them more maneuverable. They are best suited to taller riders. 4 wheel models are more stable and forgiving, which makes them perfect for use on uneven ground.

Portable Electric Scooter Batteries

One of the most important part of mobility scooter is the battery. These are electric scooters with a selection of battery capacities which can vary from 12 to 100 amps, enabling a wide range of travel. The smallest scooters have a range of about 10 miles and the largest up to 25 miles on a single charge. On average, mid-sized scooters run for between 15 and 20 miles with a standard load, on flat ground.

What Will A Scooter Cost Me?

Portable mobility electric scooters vary considerably in price. As a guideline, expect to pay upwards of $550 for a 3-wheel scooter, $650 for a 4-wheel model and $2,400 for a heavy-duty model.

What Are the Best Mobility Scooter Brands Available?

There are a number of excellent manufacturers who offer attractive terms. Here are some of them, but the list is by no means exhaustive.

§ Pride Mobility of Exeter, PA

§ Merits Health Products of Cape Coral, FL

§ Drive Medical Design and Manufacturing Company with offices around the world

§ Shoprider Mobility Products of Carson, CA

§ Invacare Company of Elyria, OH

Important Parts Of Handicap Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooters are fairly rugged and require little maintenance because they are electric scooters with minimal moving parts. They also run at comparatively slow speeds over reasonably good surfaces. Nonetheless, the tires and battery are the two major parts which fail and would need to be replaced in time. Tires tend to wear after some use while batteries have a limited life even though you can extend it with careful routine maintenance.

Types Of Tires For Mobility Scooters

Portable mobility scooters use a variety of tires, the most common being pneumatic (air-filled), foam filled (flat free) and solid rubber. Pneumatic or air-filled tires offer the most comfortable ride, but these develop flats when punctured with nails, or when the inner tube develops small leaks. At such times they have to be repaired. Foam filled tires are rubber tires filled with an expanding urethane foam. While foam-filled tires do not develop flats, the downside is that they are heavy and difficult to manoeuver. Also, because they are solid, the rubber outer tire tends to wear more rapidly than pneumatic tires. Solid rubber tires are stable, puncture-proof and maintenance free, but have the same disadvantages as foam filled tires. Mobility scooter tires are available in a wide range of tread patterns, the most common being ribbed and knobby. Ribbed tires are typically used for the front wheels because they are stable and hold the surface better. Knobby tires are perfect for rear wheels.

Batteries For Mobility Scooters

The other major component that requires to be replaced is the battery. Battery packs for mobility scooters come in a huge range beginning with 7 amp-hour battery packs for traveling mobility scooters, up to 110 aH for large capacity, long range vehicles. Most mobility products work on a 24 volt system. This means that if you use 12 volt batteries, your pack will consist of 2 units. The most common size is the U1 where the physical dimensions remain the same but the capacity in amp-hours varies. The amp-hour rating is what determines the range of the scooter and the length of time the battery holds the charge. It has no impact on the top speed of the scooter.

When you are purchasing batteries, make sure that you also have the corresponding chargers for the mobility scooter batteries. You can check the ratings of the chargers to see if it matches against that required by the batteries. Major mobility scooter manufacturers like Pride, Rascal and Hoveround are compatible with most battery brands in the market.

How To Replace Your Mobility Scooter Parts

The best way to replace mobility scooter parts is to follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. But if you are not familiar with mobility scooter installation and repair, you are advised to take the scooter to an expert or you might damage your mobility scooter.

If budget is your concern, you can buy used parts for mobility scooters which may cost less. However, you are advised to beware of the quality of these secondhand replacement parts as they may compromise the performance of your disabled mobility scooter. These used components can be purchased as spare parts that you can use while awaiting the proper replacement parts to be installed.