Mobility Scooters
Posted on 16. Feb, 2009 by Dave in Electric Wheelchairs
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Mobility scooters, also referred to as electric scooters and power-operated vehicles or scooters, are mobility aids that serve the same functions as the wheelchair. Mobility scooters are used by those who are strong enough to sit upright but do not have the stamina and upper body strength to use a wheelchair.
History of mobility scooters
The first mobility scooter was first created in 1968 by Allan R. Theime, who created the scooter for the use of a family member who was suffering from multiple sclerosis. Rhieme’s scooter was a front-wheel drive model. Nicknamed Amigo, this model gave rise to the modern motorized scooters of today.
Types of mobility scooters
Three-wheel electric scooters are ideal for indoor use. Another type of scooter is the four-wheel mobility scooter which offers a greater degree of stability compared to other types of scooters. Compact scooters, another type of mobility scooter, are popular due to their flexibility. They can be easily taken apart for travelling. They are however, smaller and less luxurious than other types of motorized scooters. They also have a lower maximum travelling distance compared to larger electric scooters, and run with a top speed of about 4mph. The pavement mobility scooter is a cross between the boot scooter and the road legal scooter. They usually have a top speed of 6mph.
Uses
Mobility scooters are used by disabled individuals to move around at a faster rate than wheelchairs. They allow people who cannot walk to be mobile and independent. Mobility scooters are also used by people who are suffering from extreme obesity to move around to avoid experiencing fatigue.
Advantages and disadvantages
Aside from the fact that mobility scooters provide an easy way for disabled persons to move around, they are also lighter than wheelchairs and are very easy to use. They are easy to lug around because most models are foldable and can easily fit the back part of your car. Starting up is done with a key, and steering is done by turning the handle bars left and right. The speed of the mobility scooter is determined by the amount of pressure applied to the forward or reverse lever.
One major disadvantage of the scooter is the lack of stability in some models and the fact that it cannot be used by very weak individuals who cannot support their upper body by themselves. One major criticism against motorized scooters is that they help the morbidly obese move around, further decreasing the need for them to lose weight in order to become more mobile.
