A growing aging population coupled with significant technological advancements has made the mobility scooter industry quite big. As per a Market.us study, the segment is bound to grow at a 7.5% CAGR. This introduces competition but at the same time, gives you a variety of options to choose from. This can make the purchase decision a little complex.
There are several things that you must consider when shopping for a disability or mobility vehicle such as a scooter. Most importantly, the brand’s reputation, your budget, and the overall comfort and ergonomics of the vehicle should be researched initially. Once you have done that, you will be able to shortlist a few products that fit the bill for you.
But how do you choose the best mobility vehicle for your use? That’s what we’re here to find out today in this comprehensive guide. There are 5 factors that you need to pay attention to. Let’s begin with the first one—Understanding your mobility needs.
1. Understanding Mobility Needs
A proper assessment of your specific mobility challenge will help you fine-tune your selection. For example, there are different options for different kinds of challenges. Whereas a long-range scooter might be better for people with difficulty walking long distances, some might need a heavy-duty scooter instead. Furthermore, those suffering from limited mobility might need something compact with more advanced safety measures. The list goes on.
Consider the environment—Home, office, shopping centers, outdoor terrain, etc. You should also look into the tasks you need help with. A lightweight mobility scooter at $600-800 might be good for those who need help getting around the house but a more expensive option might be needed by someone who wishes to run errands and participate in outdoor activities.
Metro Mobility USA is a reliable manufacturer of customer-trusted mobility & disability scooters and they happen to have an excellent option for just about any environment and activity.
2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Vehicles that prioritize maneuverability in tight spaces, are compact, and offer ease of navigation through doorways and narrow corridors are good for people looking for an indoor mobility scooter.
On the other hand, you need a mobility scooter that emphasizes stability and durability while having larger wheels if your main requirement is for outdoor use.
Outdoor mobility scooters should ideally be designed for rough terrain and have waterproof features.
3. Maneuverability & Accessibility
If you’re planning on using the vehicle in tight spaces, then you need a mobility scooter that has a small turning radius. This remarkably improves maneuverability. Look for features like power steering or joystick control for easier maneuverability.
It’s also important to evaluate additional accessibility features such as adjustable seating positions and swivel seats. If you have limited mobility, then you need to limit your search to scooters with easy entry and exit mechanisms.
4. Battery & Charging
Frequent charging can be a hassle. Always check if the vehicle’s battery life is sufficient for your daily use.
The charging time required and the availability of charging outlets are both critical factors that you need to pay attention to. If charging options are few and far apart, you will need a disability scooter with a higher battery capacity. For example, Metro Mobility USA’s heavy-duty options S700 and S800 are ideal for those who only have access to 1-3 charging outlets in their daily use.
And don’t forget—Removable and swappable batteries are always a good deal. A backup battery can be a godsend in situations when you run out of juice unexpectedly.
5. Safety Features
Last but not least, safety features are critical to assess before you buy a mobility scooter. Even if a mobility vehicle checks all the boxes but lacks features like anti-tip mechanisms, a stable base, and reliable braking systems, then it can lead to accidents.
Mobility scooters overturning are not a one-off case. For example, just recently in Wamphray, Britain, a man’s mobility scooter overturned leading to his death. This is why you must only choose mobility scooters from reputable brands that offer all the necessary security features. Metro Mobility USA’s disability scooters are well-known for their robust security features and rigorous testing.
Apart from anti-tip mechanisms, stable bases, and powerful braking systems, make sure you pay attention to a couple of secondary security factors before making up your mind:
- Lights and reflectors can aid in visibility. This is a prerequisite for outdoor conditions and low-light conditions.
- Some people might need additional support options such as seatbelts and armrests. Their quality and durability should be taken into account.
Wrapping Up
From compact models designed for indoor use to sturdy and versatile options for outdoor adventures, there is a wide range of mobility & disability scooters available to enhance your independence.
We recommend test-driving different models to get a feel. Also, read reviews and recommendations from the experts before you finalize your decision.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
