How to Choose the Right Mobility Scooter

Finding the right mobility scooter can often seem overwhelming with all the different shapes, sizes, and brands available on the market today. A mobility scooter is a vehicle that aids those who are mobility challenged be it from arthritis, muscular diseases, diabetes, or other ailments. With an attached chair the mobility scooter can open up whole new doors and avenues that were previously impossible to attain. They differ from power chairs, or electric wheelchairs, in that they are better suited for the outdoors and often considerably less expensive.

There are several things that need to be taken into consideration when you are in the market for a new mobility scooter. The first thing you should do is honestly assess the weight requirements that you will require. They make models that support over 500 pounds, but it is important to buy a model that will meet your requirements, otherwise you risk damaging the mobility scooter and possibly voiding the warranty on your mobility scooter. It also puts a tremendous strain on the batteries and drastically reduces battery life when you go over the respected weight classes of the scooter.

Traditionally 3-wheeled mobility scooters offer a smaller turn radius, making it better suited for the indoors and turning in close quarters. Travel scooters are mobility scooters that are designed to be easily dismantled and reassembled, this makes them perfect for vacations and most will easily fit in the trunk or back seat of the car. Since 3-wheeled scooters are usually smaller and weigh less than 4-wheeled scooters, many travel scooters have only 3-wheels.

4-wheel mobility scooters have increased stability, weigh support, and provide dramatically better balance than 3-wheel mobility scooters. This is because they evenly distribute the weight across the front and the back creating a much better center of balance. Of course with a, generally, much higher turn radius they are not as well suited for the indoors or tight corners.

There are many added safety features on mobility scooters. Perhaps one of the most important safety features found on many mobility scooters are the anti-tip wheels. Anti-tip wheels are mounted to the rear of the mobility scooter and provide added stability in the event the mobility scooter starts to tip backwards. Generally the anti-tip wheels are designed to not make contact with the ground, except of course when the chair begins to tip backwards, such as if the driver tries to navigate a curb that is too steep for the mobility scooter. In this event, the anti-tip wheels will make contact with the ground and ensure that the mobility scooter does not tip over backwards. Of course it is better to not take any risks, so ensure that you fully read the manual that comes with your mobility scooter and do not try to climb curbs bigger than those allowed by the manual.

Whether you are buying a mobility scooter to make it easier to get around the house or to get around the farm, there is a model available that will fit your needs. If you have any questions at all contact a reputable dealer and they will answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect mobility scooter that will provide many years of quality service.

Brad Brubaker has years of experience with home medical equipment and is a technical writer for http://www.usmedicalsupplies.com

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