| Advancements in mobile and battery technology have | | | | many insurance companies will pay for the vehicle, |
| made it possible for many physically impaired individuals | | | | since it is considered a medical device. Mobility |
| to replace wheelchairs with mobility scooters. | | | | scooters allow for individuals with hidden health |
| Mobility scooters provide greater range of movement | | | | problems such as heart and lung trouble, to participate |
| than manual or motorized wheelchairs, by allowing the | | | | in events and care for themselves with less aid from |
| operator to make tighter turns and move over a | | | | other individuals. |
| variety of surfaces with less effort. The batteries hold | | | | Retailers that specialize in mobility scooters provide a |
| larger charges for longer periods of time, allowing an | | | | service to help with submitting the insurance |
| individual to leave home with little concern. | | | | paperwork. Retailers also offer scooter accessories |
| The tight turns that mobility scooters can perform, | | | | such as baskets to aid in the operator's ability to shop |
| allow the operator to get closer to restaurant tables | | | | or carry other items. Retail shops carry replacement |
| and through tight isles in public places. The vehicles are | | | | parts and are a local provider of repair service. |
| often lightweight, and break down into two pieces for | | | | Motorized scooters are considered low-power motor |
| a companion to load the scooter into the trunk of a | | | | vehicles by many municipalities and are subject to |
| car. | | | | state and local regulations. Some scooters meet |
| Mobility scooters are sometimes referred to as power | | | | Department of Transportation regulations for operation |
| chairs. The power chairs may operate with a | | | | on streets and roadways while others are prohibited |
| joystick-style controller, while most mobility scooters | | | | from being on the streets. Any time a motorized |
| have operating buttons on the handle bar. Regardless | | | | vehicle is introduced into traffic areas, appropriate |
| of the name given to the vehicle they operate on | | | | cautionary measures must be taken and proper |
| electric motors with rechargeable electric batteries. | | | | safety gear must be worn. |
| Although mobility scooters can be quite expensive, | | | | |