Archive for the ‘Mobility Scooters’ Category

Stressing the Importance of Mobility Scooter Parts

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

When a car breaks down, the driver can normally walk to a service station. However, when a mobility scooter malfunctions, the rider cannot walk anywhere. That is why every scooter owner needs to have access to a ready available supply of mobility scooter parts.

Today, a scooter owner can go online and order a needed part. Posted information indicates that battery packs and chargers represent the most frequently requested parts. Still, a typical scooter relies on several moving and stationary parts, any one of which could need to be repaired or replaced.

Online stores must adhere to certain regulations, when they ship a battery pack. A supplier within the United States cannot ship a battery to a country beyond the U.S. borders. Yet that is one of the few scooter parts that has been linked to such restrictions.

A motor can be shipped to a needy scooter owner. The motor provides the scooter with the needed power. The gearbox contains a computer program. That program “tells” the scooter what operations it is expected to perform. That program allows the scooter to go backward as well as forward.

Sometimes the owner of a mobility scooter wants to have a joystick extension. Such extensions come in different shapes. There are those that look like a U bar; those that resemble a brake tip; and those that are described as a “ball type knob.”

Sometimes a deflated scooter rider needs a new set of tires. There are three kinds of scooter tires on the market–pneumatic tires, flat free tires and solid tires. The tires fit on a wheel axle and wheel bearing. On occasion, those specific wheel parts need to be replaced.

At times, the upholstery on a scooter wears out, and needs to be replaced. There are online suppliers that can furnish a scooter with new upholstery. The scooter owner gets to select the desired color from more than 20 different hues. While not as important as the motor or wheels, good-looking upholstery can boost the spirits of a scooter rider.

Changes in upholstery underscore the pleasures associated with many new parts. However, some parts, like the belts and drive never “see the light of day.” Because no one sees such items, it can be difficult to estimate the wear and tear on such a piece. The absence of a decent estimate makes it hard to schedule the best time for replacing one of those two items.

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Choosing Mobility Scooter Batteries

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

The explosion in popularity of mobility scooters for elderly or infirm customers has created a side along business of battery replacement and chargers. Companies that previously manufactured car or motorcycle batteries have rushed to put new designs on the market in the hopes of attracting customers looking for better options for their scooters. Many of these companies have particular deals for purchases in bulk, saving considerable amounts of money on batteries than normally cost upwards of fifty dollars. It is difficult to find mobility scooter batteries in stores, so direct ordering from online catalogs is the best means of finding the best deals.

When looking through scooter batteries, there are several things to consider before purchase. The battery discharge is an important function, as all batteries have a certain life span and capability during peak cycles. A gel cell battery — meaning one that is more expensive, but does not degrade quickly — is the best option for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Gel cells have excellent cycle life spans, outlasting a wet cell (the cheaper equivalent) considerably. An AGM battery, another higher quality option, works nearly as well as a gel cell if the rate of discharge does not drop below fifty percent efficiency.

Range and use of a battery are determined by size. The amp hours of a battery will be the effective gauge for how far a scooter can travel before needing to be repowered; a thirty amp hour battery will go no further than ten miles, while a one hundred amp hour battery doubles that range. Size and weight of the wheelchair will similarly affect total distance, but battery power is the main component of extending the travel cycles. Physical size is also important as some wheelchair casings are not meant for certain battery models whether small or large; make sure that the battery is compatible with whichever model purchased — the company will often have a list of which batteries will fit.

Lifespan of mobility batteries depends mostly upon how heavy the model (and user) will be and thus what physical strain the battery will be under. Just like car batteries are not transferable to different engines, so too are scooter batteries often manufactured for single design use; at the same time, however, third party battery manufacturers have many options on the market for one size fits most scooters. Check online sites for product availability; if you believe a certain battery fits your needs best simply check to make sure it is compatible with the particular brand of mobility scooter.

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Buying A Used Mobility Scooter

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

There are many reasons why you or someone who is important to you may find themselves in the market for an electric scooter. Perhaps you have a loved one who is elderly and not able to walk for distance anymore. Maybe you have been injured and are no longer capable of walking. There may be a medical condition that leaves you or a family member with decreased energy. Whatever your reason, a mobility scooter can restore independence, freedom of movement, and quality of life to the rider.

For all of the benefits that they provide, though, there can be drawbacks, especially if you suddenly and unexpectedly find yourself needing a scooter. New scooters can be expensive, with some models running over $2,000. Fortunately, there is a solution if your budget does not allow you to buy a new scooter. In much the same way as used cars are less expensive that new cars, you can find used mobility scooters available at a fraction of the cost of new models.

There are many benefits to looking at used models of scooters. Most scooters are built to be reliable and rugged, and to take what gets thrown at them well and still function. Because of this, a scooter that has seen a few years of use should still be a perfectly functional machine. Any scratches or dents will reduce the cost of the machine because of its reduced desirability, but such damage is almost always cosmetic, with no damage to the motor or any other functional parts occurring.

In many cases, it may also be quicker to get a used scooter than to find one at a dealer – used scooters are typically available immediately from the private sellers trying to get rid of them, while a dealer may need to special order a new scooter. Private sellers who are selling scooters may even be willing to deliver them to your house if you are unable to pick them up. Dealers may charge a delivery fee for the service.

As with any used product purchase, there are risks involved that you should be aware of. Used scooters may no longer be covered under a warranty. A thorough inspection of the scooter should take place before an agreement to buy it is made. The seller should be willing to answer any questions about its previous use. As with any purchase, caution should be used. As long as you are careful, though, you should find a used scooter can solve all of your mobility needs.

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Why You Need Mobility Scooter Insurance

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Mobility freedom that has been regained with the acquisition of a mobility scooter could be quickly snatched away in the event of an accident. In many cases, it has been a struggle for a person to come up with the thousands of dollars to get a scooter. It could be a serious loss, both financial and emotional, in the event of an accident or theft.

Presently, here is no legal requirement to have mobility scooter insurance. However,if you expect to use your vehicle in public, it would be extremely wise to purchase insurance. We live in a litigious society and the probability of a severe financial setback in the event of an accident is very real and quite high. Having insurance is prudent.

This type of insurance has two basic parts:

Insurance for the vehicle itself and the owner.

Coverage for accidental harm or damage to another person or their property

Coverage for the vehicle would include cost of repairs and possibly complete replacement. Today’s products are very sophisticated from a technological standpoint and can be extremely expensive to repair.

The policy might also include payment of transportation for the vehicle and yourself to get back home from an accident. However, be aware that this transportation coverage may be limited to a specific radius from the address of the registration. There might also be coverage for temporary mobility while your equipment is being repaired.

There will also likely be a limited on the number of calls that can be made during the year. This is usually four times, but check the policy to be sure.

Initial insurance coverage is confined to the specific product that is on the policy at commencement date. If the vehicle is changed during the life of the policy, the insurance carrier must be notified.

Third party coverage is available to cover harmful injuries to individuals and property damage. This type of coverage is very important because of the possibility of being sued for negligence and a large amount of damages. There is also the possibility of having to pay for the other person’s legal fees, which could likewise be very large.

As with any insurance, quotes should be obtained from several companies. Identify what your specific needs are and find out which companies can best provide this coverage at the best price.

With the increase in elderly population and commensurate increase in mobility products, more major insurance companies have entered this market.

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Mobility Scooters Provide Elderly and Injured with Comfortable, Safe Way to Get Around

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Mobility scooters make it possible for anyone who has limited range of motion due to aging, illness or injury to regain some semblance of independence.

Electric-powered scooters feature comfortable seating and hand rests with easy to reach hand controls operating a steel, aluminum or fiberglass platform or drive units. These personal mobility vehicles allow the rider to enjoy fresh air outdoors, accompany friends and family members on walks, and facilitate shopping trips and errands.

Unlike cumbersome wheelchairs, personal scooters are much more lightweight and able to make maneuvers and cover territory where most wheelchairs just can’t go.

In order to select a personal mobility scooter that will be a good match for its user, there are several features to consider. Smaller units with front wheel drive are the most maneuverable but generally designed for indoor use on smooth flat surfaces. Their braking system is a manually applied parking brake controlling the rear wheel.

Rear wheel scooters can handle more rugged terrain, including curbs and uneven sidewalks for outdoor usage. With a more powerful motor than front wheel drive models, these units are heavier, can run at higher speeds but are less easy to transport. Rear wheel drive models also have a more sophisticated electronic braking system controlled by a brake release lever.

Twelve volt or 24 volt batteries supply speed and range of power, and usually last between 12 and 18 months of daily use. Ensure that a battery charger comes with the scooter. Find out how long or far the scooter will last on one battery charge to eliminate the problem of the rider being stranded during an outing thanks to a dead battery.

Pneumatic tires are the most comfortable but must be replaced when worn. Foam filled tires are maintenance free but expensive. And solid tires provide the least comfortable ride and are suitable for indoor use only.

Seating and armrests should be adjustable, with fabric or vinyl coverings for easy maintenance. If the rider will be sitting in the scooter for long periods of time, choose a model with extra padding.

The rider can control the motion and speed of the scooter using a joystick, thumb levers or loop handles located in the vicinity of the armest for easy reach. Certain scooter models come with special amenities such as shade canopies, lights for use after sundown, horns, and front or rear baskets for holding supplies.

From models that can be dissassembled for portability to heavy duty units that can carry up to 500 pounds, the current range of mobile scooters can help provide mobility and independence to a wide range of riders.

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Used Mobility Scooter

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Have you ever thought about obtaining a used mobility scooter? It can be an interesting possibility with intriguing benefits. There are many, many different types, and any person can viably find the one that is best for them and their situation. Varying in size, shape, durability and function, you are sure to find the one that matches you. You can even go by color—all you have to do is start looking.

The most obvious reason for considering one is, first of all, the convenience and comfort that can be afforded in having such a device. If you have a limited physical capacity for getting around, how much easier would it be to have your own personal set of luxurious, motorized wheels that does not need to be left in the parking lot or garage? Anyone in this situation would likely agree that it would be much easier, and in their own minds could undoubtedly come up with even more specific benefits to their lives via the comfort of easy mobility.

Health-wise, such a practical convenience can lead to significant benefits to your physical condition if, for instance, you require a way to keep off your feet (to avoid straining muscles, etc). Therefore, using a scooter decidedly does not mean nurturing any sort of laziness. Granted, a scooter should not be used as an alternative to exercise, but it can and should be used as an alternative to injury and strain. In this way, scooters are proponents of healing and proper physical therapy when used and applied in the correct manner within one’s daily routine.

And, seriously, besides these practical aspects, consider that these things, like many rides, can quite simply be a lot of fun. What kid does not see one and want to immediately hop on it to take a ride? And why not? Cruising on your tricked out scooter does not necessarily have to be out of necessity. Don’t forget, it can also be fun. Thus, by being fun and taking some of the stress and anxiety out of life, they can also in some small way contribute positively to a person’s overall psyche and mental outlook.

So, okay! How about it? Yes, for all their virtues, they can be expensive, but if that is an object, then just consider buying one used. At a used price, you can balance your finances and get a really convenient, fun mobility machine in the bargain.

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