Mobility scooters have transformed the transport landscape tremendously. These vehicles came as a welcome relief to people with impaired mobility, especially senior citizens with degenerative bone disorders.  

Mobility scooters improve the quality of life by providing users with unrestricted access to places that would ordinarily require physical assistance. The vehicles also come in a variety of designs and functionalities.  

Here’s a beginner’s guide to choosing and using mobility scooters.  

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What Is A Mobility Scooter? 

A mobility scooter is a powered personal transporter meant for people with physical impairment. The vehicles are a step up from wheelchairs in terms of speed, comfort, and ease of use.  

As stated, mobility scooters come in many styles and sizes. The 4 wheel mobility scooter has become popular for providing better stability and maneuverability than its three-wheel counterpart.  

Who Invented Mobility Scooters? 

The first mobility scooter is attributed to Allan R. Thieme, a Michigan-based plumbing and heating contractor.  

Thieme developed the first mobility scooter in his garage in 1968. He named it The Amigo, Portuguese, and Spanish for “friend.”  

Allan Thieme desired a mobility aid with better functionalities than the traditional wheelchair. He began working on The Amigo project after observing the struggles faced by a relative who was living with multiple sclerosis.  

The demand for The Amigo grew exponentially soon after its invention, so much so that Thieme was forced to quit his plumbing job and focus on scooter manufacturing.    

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Who Is A Mobility Scooter Suitable For? 

Mobility scooters are designed for people who cannot walk long distances due to impaired mobility but who are still capable of operating small vehicles. This is important to note, as not anyone with reduced physical functionalities is a perfect candidate for mobility scooters.  

For instance, a person who has lost complete control of their legs may be unable to accurately push the gears of a mobility scooter. The same is true for people who’ve lost total control of their hands and may experience challenges steering the vehicle.  

It’s also worth noting that mobility scooters are short-distance mobility aids. These transporters aren’t meant to go on daylong road trips with. While some are ideal for off-roading, it’s safer to use them for running errands within your home’s general vicinity.  

Lastly, mobility scooters are a middle ground between power wheelchairs and regular cars. They’re suitable for users who don’t require a power wheelchair for short trips but who are otherwise unable or prohibited from driving cars on medical grounds. 

How Do I Choose The Right Mobility Scooter? 

No two mobility scooters are made equal. So, it’s important to define your needs before hitting a scooter outlet.  

Below are the top features to look for when shopping for mobility scooters; 

1. Size 

Small mobility scooters are suitable for shorter distances. Consider these options if you intend to use the vehicle to run errands within your general neighborhood.  

However, smaller mobility scooters have reduced wheel sizes, which may cause a bumpy ride. Avoid using such scooters on uneven grounds.  

Large mobility scooters come with larger wheels and a wider turning radius. These scooters are suitable for longer trips. You can also use them on rough terrains.  

On the flip side, larger mobility scooters are difficult to navigate through crowded spaces due to their wider turning radius. It’s also prudent to consider storage before investing in larger scooters. 

2. Number of Wheels 

Mobility scooters are either three-wheeled or four-wheeled.  

Three-wheel scooters are typically lighter and more affordable. They have a smaller turning radius, making them maneuverable through narrow spaces at high speeds.  

However, four-wheel mobility scooters provide better stability and comfort.  

If safety is your overriding factor while shopping for mobility scooters, then you should consider four-wheel scooters. 

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3. Seating 

A mobility scooter’s seat directly impacts its comfort levels.  

If your medical condition is so severe that you must spend most of the day on a scooter, you may want to prioritize larger and well-padded seats.  

Alternatively, you can forego comfort if you only require a mobility scooter for shorter trips. 

4. Speed 

Mobility scooters have an average speed of 4 miles per hour (mph). However, some can achieve incredible top speeds of up to 18 mph. 

Consider a larger and faster mobility scooter if you live in rural settings where the nearest grocery store may be a mile away. But if you only need the vehicle for indoor use, then one with a lower speed rating would suffice.  

Also, the fact that your mobility scooter has a higher speed limit isn’t a license to drive it like a maniac. Always keep to lower speeds to avoid becoming part of the grim statistics of mobility scooter accidents.   

5. Battery Capacity 

Lithium-ion batteries are the gold standard for mobility scooter batteries. These batteries can last between 18 months and three years, depending on how frequently you use your mobility scooter.  

It’s also important to consider rechargeability while choosing a mobility scooter battery.  

Insist on fast-charging batteries to minimize unnecessary scooter downtimes.  

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The Bottom Line 

Mobility scooters were designed to aid physical movement, not replace it altogether.  

Emerging research suggests that prolonged usage of mobility scooters might prove harmful in the long run due to their ability to reduce physical activity.  

Mobility scooters can notably increase the risks of lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. They may also cause older or frail users to lose what’s left of their physical mobility.  

So, it’s best to use a mobility scooter only when necessary.