| troduction | | | | The electric power system is either 12 or 24 volts |
| For many people with limited mobility a powered | | | | supplied by one or two batteries. Rear wheel drive |
| scooter is a good alternative to a wheelchair. Many | | | | systems are generally 24 volts while the front wheel |
| people prefer a scooter to a wheel chair as they are | | | | systems 12 volts. Add on units may be available to |
| more attractive visually, are lighter, more compact and | | | | increase the range, but not the speed, of the scooter. |
| have better maneuverability. We will look at mobility | | | | The batteries are not interchangeable with auto |
| scooter features, their value as mobility aids and other | | | | batteries as their job is for sustained provision of |
| information to consider when choosing a mobility | | | | power rather than a short starting burst as required by |
| scooter. | | | | an auto battery. Their lifetime is between twelve and |
| Construction | | | | eighteen months and they are designed for regular |
| An electric mobility scooter is composed of a wheeled | | | | charge and discharge. Batteries may be of the lead |
| platform containing the drive unit and batteries, with | | | | acid type or the gel cell type and are usually |
| controls and hand rests towards the front and a seat | | | | purchased as an extra. Battery chargers, whether |
| at the rear. For rugged terrains and hills a rear wheel | | | | integral or separate units are usually included in the |
| drive unit would be preferred as they have better | | | | purchase price. Ensure that the correct type of battery |
| traction than a front wheel drive model. The platform | | | | is purchased as chargers may be specific to the type |
| or drive unit is usually made from steel, aluminium or | | | | of battery (lead acid or gel) although some chargers |
| fiberglass or sometimes a composite is used. There | | | | are dual purpose. Both independent and integral |
| may be a cover over the drive head and dashboard | | | | chargers have their advantages and disadvantages. |
| instruments. When considering the scooter to purchase | | | | An integral charger is convenient but if it goes wrong |
| the size, ground clearance and turning radius should all | | | | the whole scooter must be returned for repair. An |
| be considered as these relate directly to the | | | | independent charger is bulkier to move around but |
| maneuverability. | | | | more easily replaced if needed. |
| Comfort and Safety | | | | Wheels and Tiresmaneuverability of the scooter |
| To ensure the needs of the rider are met the base | | | | depends to a large extent on the wheel and tire size. |
| unit dimensions and construction should be carefully | | | | Small tires on front-wheel drive models increase |
| considered. The feet must be comfortably | | | | maneuverability but decrease traction so rear wheel |
| accommodated and the controls easy to use and | | | | drive scooters generally have bigger tires for better |
| comfortably within reach. This is vitally important for a | | | | grip on uneven terrain. Pneumatic tires, foam filled tires |
| very tall or short riders. Many scooters have | | | | and solid tires are available. Pneumatic tires, as on |
| adjustable seats and arm rests and some have | | | | most autos, are better for comfort but need |
| various base dimensions or extra footrests for longer | | | | maintenance and replacing when worn. Foam filled |
| legs or for those who wear leg braces. | | | | tires cannot be deflated and are almost maintenance |
| Safety Features | | | | free. However they are less comfortable to ride and |
| Stability of the base unit on inclines and sharp turns is | | | | more expensive. Solid tires are only suitable for indoor |
| important. Many scooters have anti-tip mechanisms on | | | | use, are maintenance free but considerably less |
| the wheels for stability during maneuvers of these | | | | comfortable. |
| kinds so we advise you to check that the scooter | | | | Seating |
| your are considering has these mechanisms. | | | | The seating should be considered carefully when |
| Drive Train | | | | choosing a mobility scooter. Arm and head rests may |
| Front Wheel Drive Models | | | | be included and seat padding will play a big factor in |
| Manufactured primarily for indoor use, front-wheel drive | | | | comfort especially when the scooter is ridden for a |
| units are less powerful than rear wheel drive models | | | | long time. Fabric covering is much more comfortable |
| but usually smaller and more maneuverable. They are | | | | than vinyl but more expensive and harder to clean. |
| only recommended for smooth floors or pavements | | | | Powered seats are a big help in mounting and |
| and may have difficulty coping with curbs. Because | | | | dismounting but add to the cost. Powered seats may |
| they are smaller than rear wheel drive units they are | | | | also allow elevation but again this feature will increase |
| more easily transported and more likely to fit into a | | | | both the initial cost and the drain on the batteries. |
| wheelchair lift. | | | | Seats that can be adjusted will be necessary if the |
| Rear Wheel Drive Models | | | | rider is taller or shorter than average. Check to see if |
| With more powerful motors and longer range, rear | | | | armrests can be flipped up for mounting. |
| wheel scooters are much better in rougher terrain or | | | | Controls |
| uneven pavements. They are larger than front wheel | | | | Thumb levers are the most common types of controls |
| drive models and less maneuverable. More suited to | | | | but joysticks and loop handles are also used. A |
| outdoor use they have higher speeds but are less | | | | joystick attached to the armrest may be more suitable |
| easily transported and less likely to fit into wheelchair | | | | for someone with limited thumb mobility or strength. |
| lifts. | | | | Accessories |
| Brakes | | | | Other accessories that may be important to an |
| Rear wheel drive models have an electronic braking | | | | individuals needs include oxygen transporters, crutch |
| system that is engaged when pressure is released | | | | holders and front or rear baskets. Horns, lights and |
| from the controls. The brakes therefore will always be | | | | canopies are also optional in many cases. |
| engaged when the unit is not being driven forwards or | | | | Conclusion |
| in reverse. In order to be able to move the scooter | | | | Matching the needs of the rider with the features |
| manually a brake release lever is provided. Many | | | | offered by the manufacturer is the most important |
| scooters have disc brakes in combination with, or | | | | consideration. Where will the scooter be used? Is the |
| instead of, the electronic system. | | | | scooter the right dimensions and can it be adjusted for |
| In contrast front wheel drive models do not usually | | | | the size of the rider? Will thumb levers or a joystick be |
| have an electronic system but have a parking brake | | | | more suitable? Consideration to these questions will |
| that is manually applied to the rear wheel. | | | | ensure that the mobility scooter chosen is the best one |
| Batteries | | | | for the individual rider. |