| Since their invention in the early 60's, mobility scooters | | | | transportation options are limited, these scooters fold |
| have advanced in both capabilities and popularity. The | | | | down to allow for placement in smaller areas whether |
| advances have resulted in a full slate of quality choices | | | | in the house, car, or van. |
| requiring a full review of options, needs, and optimal | | | | * Three wheel scooters – These models are best |
| solutions for each personal situation to ensure that the | | | | suited for use on level ground and activities such as |
| vehicle of choice suits the needs of the buyers in the | | | | shopping due to their tight handling and turning radius in |
| most cost effective manner possible. | | | | close quarters. |
| The following is a summary review of personal mobility | | | | * Four wheel scooters – These models are built to |
| scooters descriptions as well as the strengths, | | | | heavier specifications and can carry up to 500 pounds. |
| weaknesses, and considerations to be taken for each | | | | The 4 wheel design of these scooters offers more |
| option. | | | | stability, longer battery life, and heavy duty mobility than |
| Personal Mobility Scooters: | | | | the three wheel mobility scooters. One disadvantage |
| Personal Mobility Scooters are designed for use by | | | | of the 4 wheel scooter is that the turning radius is |
| people with less severe mobility limitations such as | | | | much wider than the 3 wheel, making it somewhat |
| such as arthritis, endurance or fatigue issues, and minor | | | | inconvenient to operate in grocery stores or retail |
| back problems. These users can typically sit | | | | locations. |
| comfortably for long periods of time with minimal back | | | | Built for users without major mobility issues, steering |
| support and can walk under their own power. | | | | and control of electric mobility scooter is done via |
| The mobility scooters allow for lower cost mobility | | | | handlebars much like those seen on bicycles. Top |
| without the psychological bearing of being confined to | | | | speeds average around 8 miles per hour, with higher |
| a wheelchair. The typical mobility scooter users do not | | | | power 4 wheel models being suitable for road use, |
| see themselves as wheelchair users at all. Options in | | | | uneven terrain, and hills. Another advantage of |
| scooter designs include a variety of styles, colors, | | | | personal mobility scooters is that they are |
| accessories, and upgrades with categories covering a | | | | transportable whether by folding down, disassembly, or |
| full spectrum of uses from shopping to navigating | | | | by a simple trailer or lift in the case of 4 wheel |
| uneven terrain. Personal mobility scooters can be | | | | scooters. |
| divided into three separate categories: | | | | Personal mobility scooters range in price from $1,000 |
| * Compact scooters – These are considered to be | | | | for a basic model to $5,000 for fully customized and |
| the lightest duty scooters with relatively short battery | | | | upgraded models. |
| life and limited range. For situations where storage or | | | | |