Lately though, there’s a new breed of self-powered mobility contraptions. These are the handicap scooters, also known as mobility scooters. These are 3 or 4-wheeled contraptions that offer a more powerful mobility option that can take invalids to greater distances and faster travel with a maximum of 8mph – just enough to bring them safely to the corner convenience store or to amusement parks.

If you’re in the market for one, there are handicap scooters for sale online and in stores dealing with medical equipment. Don’t forget about used handicap scooters as they can provide excellent value for the money.

Who May Use Handicap Scooters

Scooters may not be for every one. Patients suffering severe neuromuscular atrophy and totally incapable of controlling and navigating one of these may expose themselves to unnecessary risks. They are better suited to disabled persons with strong upper limb muscles who can still have coordinated control over them. These scooters fall under Class 2 and Class 3 under the Use of Invalid Carriages on the Highway regulation of 1988. Class 2 types have up to 4mph and weigh less than 113.4 kg. Class 3 mobility scooters are heavier and power powerful types that can exceed this up to 8 mph and require registration and licensing with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

Some tips on getting Used Mobility Scooters

Looking for secondhand scooters is no different from shopping for used cars and motorcycles. If you are not familiar with these, it is best to have someone knowledgeable to accompany you when shopping for one.

Things like the condition of wheels, seat cushions and fabrics, brakes, controls, wheel motors and the rechargeable batteries need to be checked and if they require replacement and should be discounted accordingly.

Most used mobility scooter dealers already who have them reconditioned and restored can command relatively higher prices than those coming from private homes disposing of one. Be aware that the latter is selling their mobility scooters on an “as is” condition and should be heavily discounted if they still require conditioning.

Second hand disability aids may not always fit your specific needs. Most of them are generic types using joystick controls that can best suit paraplegics or the elderly. If you’re patient is a quadriplegic or a paralytic from the neck down, you will need special customized controls on the scooter that may not be readily available from used items. In cases like this, shop around for the accessories you need to custom-rig and used mobility scooter before purchasing one.

Things to Consider before Sourcing for the Right Disability Scooter

Much like EPWs, scooters for the disabled come in various style, power and configuration to suit personal and medical needs of the disabled. Most are 4-wheel direct driven types with electric engines powered by rechargeable battery that can reach 4mph for 4-5 hours when fully charged.

Of course, there are more powerful models but they are required by law to install devices that limit their speeds to 4mph. These types fall under Category 3 of the Use of Invalid Carriages on the Highways Regulations of 1988 being implemented by the Driver and Vehicles Licensing Agency.

They require registration and licensing to the invalid rider but unlike cars and other road vehicles, there’s no need to show VED exemption and are exempt from first-tem registration fees as well as displaying license plates.

While not a legal mandate, disability scooter insurance is often advised. There are a number of affordable insurance plans to cover the rider’s personal safety, the value of the scooter as well as the safety of other people and damage to any property.

Your Sources

Do a Google search online and you’d be swamped with thousands of online merchants offering disability scooters for sale and for rent. If your health insurance or Medicare finds that you’re eligible to owning one, they can cover as must as 80% of the approved costs of a mobility scooter and you only have to worry about the balance.

Otherwise, if you want to save and get the best value for your money, going used or pre-owned can be your best source. Check out the classifieds of your daily broadsheet as well. Some of the best values for used scooters are placed there by families of invalids who have passed away or are upgrading to more powerful mobility scooters.

Don’t be squeamish about using used scooters. A good disinfectant regimen can banish any fears of being contaminated by the previous owner’s ailment. And most ambulatory cases are not infectious. You only need to check the moving parts if they are in good condition.

Electric batteries often need replacement as their lifespan goes down in between charging as they grow old. 1-2 year old batteries may not need replacements though.

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Even in the area of necessities, consumers are getting wiser. Meeting medical needs is one area where restraint in spending has likewise prompted consumers with medically handicapped and ailing household members has taken hold. Not only are generic drugs proven to be more economical and just as effective as more expensive branded ones, even in getting disability aids like wheelchairs and scooters, there is now a growing market for those looking for used or pre-owned ones.

motorized wheelchairs and scooters specifically designed for the disabled ambulatory cases are the most expensive when purchased brand new. Patients who prefer them would be hard-pressed to cough out the money even if their Medicare can shoulder 80% of the cost if proven they need one.

Most of the time, these motorized ambulatory aids are considered frivolous when the medical prescription is just for a generic manual wheelchair. Wheelchair-bound persons using them for years have come to realize the value of motorized variants as well as the more hip scooters that can make them look less of an invalid than when using wheelchairs. Hence, Medicare support may not be their answer.

Getting Used to Used Mobility Aids

In situations like these, going for used mobility scooters can be a prudent and most economical option. It is understandable that many among the disabled have a squeamish disposition over used wheelchairs and scooters as they are known to have been disposed by hospitals or relatives of similarly disabled persons who most likely have passed away in them.

The fear that the diseases of these former users could rub off to worsen their situation is not altogether unfounded but this threat is essentially taken out once the scooters have been thoroughly disinfected.

In addition, ambulatory cases are rarely contagious. Used mobility scooters can also come from those who are moving on to better more powerful or sophisticated mobility scooters or from those who have recovered.

For used mobility scooters, due diligence is needed and is no different from what any prospective buyer of used motorcycles and cars use. Because they are motorized and have batteries, you need to make sure that they are still in good working condition. Don’t expect any warranties but check if replacement parts are available. Used mobility scooters that are 3-5 years old may need to have their batteries replaced and motors reconditioned. Half the price may not be good enough if you will spend a lot restoring it.

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It used to be that crutches and wheelchairs were the only mobility aid they enjoyed. Now there are more sophisticate mobility aids like motorized invalid carriages that can provide reasonably safe and efficient transport of disabled people outside their homes.

Types of Mobility Scooters

Three and four-wheeled electric mobility scooters abound that are basically derived from your typical motor bikes and scooters used for short-range transport. Compared to older gas-powered scooters using combustion engines, the electric variant uses rechargeable batteries to power them.

The DVLA or Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has categorized these motorized invalid carriages into three category classes based on the recently amended Invalid Carriages on the Highways Regulations of 1988.

The more pertinent categories are Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles. The former do not require registration and licensing with the DVLA as they don’t speed up to more than 4mph.

The latter require one as they are more powerful and are required to fit suitable devices that can limit their speeds to at most 4mph. Despite the required registration and licensing to the disabled person, no registration plates for WEV exemption are required.

And though it’s not required by law, electric mobility scooter insurance is often recommended. Insurances premiums are not that expensive and should be taken to cover a disabled person’s personal safety, as well as that of other people and the value of the mobility carriage or properties that may be destroyed resulting from any accident in using one.

Because of limited range and speeds, electric mobility scooter manufacturers abound and have essentially proved more popular among the disabled as power source is easy. You only need to charge their batteries overnight and they can be used with the short distance on footways throughout the city.

Advantages and Limitations

Many disabled and invalid persons prefer these scooters to wheelchairs when exercising their mobility freedoms. They look better on them and dispenses with traditional image of decrepitude associated with seating on a wheelchair, even if motorized.

The only problem is that most motorized scooters require you to sit up and maintain an upright posture, as well as shoulder and hand strength to control and navigate your way with them. People with medical conditions that render this position unattainable would be better advised to use wheelchairs instead.

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Being able to get to work and do shopping over short distance has never been easier with initiatives that bring road vehicle technologies to products that disabled persons can use.

You now have motorized and electric wheelchairs. And one that has extended the reach of disabled people beyond where the wheelchair can bring you is the emerging modes of private personal road transport vehicles specifically designed to cater to the growing active lifestyle of the disabled. These are your mobility scooters.

A simple Google search online will return pages of countless merchants offering various models of fresh from the factory mobility scooters for sale as well as pre-owned or used mobility scooters. The industry for mobility aids targeting disabled persons call the contraption variously as electric scooter or power-operated scooter.

They are basically a three or wheeled scooters derived from the 2-wheeled low engine-displacement motorcycles and scooters. Most disabled and geriatric people prefer them over electric wheelchairs which give them an aura of really being sick, disabled and invalid. Scooters make them look more fit and smart on the road.

Types of Mobility Scooters

Using 3-4 rear wheels give them better road stability without relying on the driver’s sense of balance. There are two types, electric scooters which battery-powered requiring overnight or regular charging to give the battery the power to drive it and the usual gasoline-powered using single or double stroke combustion engines.

Under the Use of Invalid Carriages on the Highways Regulations of 1988, these powered scooters will not exceed a maximum speed of 4mph fall under Class 2 and do not require to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

There are more powerful models that can exceed this rate but tops at 8mph. These require DVLA registration and are required to be fitted with any device that can limit their maximum speeds to 4mph. They need to be licensed to the name of the disabled user under the disabled category of the taxation class.

But unlike regular land vehicles, these scooters, classed as invalid carriages under the law do not required VED exemption and are exempt from first-time registration fees nor are they required to display any registration plates.

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There are a lot of choices when it comes to scooter storage and here are some of them:

• Mobility Scooter Shed – this comes as a prefabricated panel which you can assemble so you can have a sturdy mini garage for your scooter. It offers a lot of space where you can store other accessories and spare parts.
• Scooter Shelter – this is a smaller version of a shed. It is made of materials that are waterproof, non porous and fire proof. You will definitely have peace of mind knowing that your scooter is protected.
• Covers – You can choose from a wide variety of covers made from nylon and tough PVC. Often they are made to fit all sizes of scooters. This may be the cheapest or the most practical choice.
• Portable Garage – This is ideal if you travel a lot. They are made of tough PVC coated fabrics which can protect your scooter from dust, heat, rain, and other elements.

There are also covers designed especially for the panels of your scooters. These protect the gauges or meters that you have on your dashboard.

Mobility scooter storage also involves cleaning the scooter of dusts or dirt before covering them up. It is also advisable to recharge the mobility scooter when you get back home even from short trips. This ensures that your vehicle is ready at all times.

If you are leaving it in storage for quite sometime, it is highly recommended to fully charge the batteries and disconnect it from the terminal prior to locking it up.

When dealing with mobility scooter storage you may need to check with your local government unit or insurance company if you are required to chain the scooter while not in use. Some insurance do not cover policy holders involved in accidents if they neglect this condition.

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In the UK there are some of the most respected manufacturers of mobility scooters:

Shop Rider Mobility Products

They have a wide range of products from scooters, power chairs, recreational devices, and accessories

Sunrise Medical

Sunrise markets their wheelchairs, scooters, and seating systems internationally. They manage brands like Sterling, Coopers, Jay, Quickie, and Lomax

FreeRider

They have the Knightsbridge, Kensington, Ascot, Mayfair, and Westminster series of scooters

Electric Mobility

Electric Mobility has a wide range of scooters, power chairs, and rise recliners. They market these products under the brands of Rascals, Ultra Lite, Cosi, and Liteway.

Pride Mobility Products

The company also markets international products like power chairs, scooters, riser recliners, and lifts.

What to Consider when Purchasing a Mobility Scooter

Remember that the main reason in purchasing a mobility scooter is for you to be more functional. This is your top priority. Aside from opting for respected brands, specifically shop for mobility scooters that can fit your lifestyle and meet your needs. The price will vary depending on the class and make of the scooter that you want to purchase.

Keep in mind that there is a high possibility that you can get sizeable discounts from any of the major manufacturers. Negotiate well and bring home the scooter that will make your life more fun.

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All terrain mobility scooters are meant for places where your normal scooters can’t go. It is perfect for enjoying the outdoors like the park, walking the dog, appreciating the garden, or enjoying the breeze of the countryside.

When looking for all terrain mobility scooters you have to look for the following features:

• Seat – Make sure that the seat is ergonomically designed so you will not suffer back pains after long rides. Check the cushions to make sure that they are not too soft or too hard for your spine and hips. There should also be enough leg room so your knees can be comfortably bent or extended when needed.
• Controls – Check that the handle bars are proportional to the size of your grip and the control levers are easy to manipulate. This is important so you can react fast while driving on roads or paths where there are other pedestrians and vehicles.
• Built – The frame must be sturdy to outlast the bumps that you may encounter when riding the all terrain mobility scooter outside your home. Check for suspension so you know the ride is comfortable.
• Tires – Proper tires are very important for comfort and safety. The tires should be big enough and properly designed so it can negotiate stones, grass, mud, and slopes.
• Accessories – Since you will be using the scooter outside most of the time, you may want to consider baskets or holders where you can place your drink, food, cane, and other stuff.

You can shop online for excellent quality all terrain mobility scooters. You will find varying prices per manufacturer but most of them are ready to do price matching to beat the competition.

A scooter or third party insurance, though not required by law, may come handy when untoward incidents occur. The dealer or manufacturer of your all terrain mobility scooter may help you find a good insurance for your mobility vehicle.

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Comparing the 3 wheel to a 4 wheel mobility scooter, the latter has a bigger turning radius compared to the former. So maneuverability is not its highest advantage.

However, stability wise, the 4 wheel mobility scooter is king of the road. The wide base provided by the 4 wheels makes it impossible to easily topple the machine. The 4 wheel mobility scooter is highly recommended for people who have balance problems.

The 4 wheel mobility scooter is also considered more rugged and durable compared to the portable and 3-wheel scooter counterparts.

It can also negotiate tougher terrains like wet grass, gravel, and dirt. The 4 wheel mobility scooter also handles slopes and curbs very well. The machine is ideal for people who want to stay active. These mobility scooters can easily keep up with the pace if you are planning to walk your dog.

The engines of the 4 wheel mobility scooter are normally more powerful than other designs. They also have better control during higher speeds of up to around 10mph.

The price of the 4 wheel mobility scooter is a bit higher compared to the 3 wheel scooters. You might find bargain scooters for as low as £600 to higher than £4000. It will be wise if you inquire from trusted names in the mobility industry like Medicare, Invacare, Sunrise, Days Healthcare, Electric Mobility, Shoprider, and Pride.

Choosing the right mobility scooter really depends on your lifestyle and personal preference. Your stock 4 wheel mobility scooter can be customized to fit your needs. You can install mirrors and additional lights if you are using the scooter outside your home. You can also purchase warmer fleece, canopies, coats, baskets, and holders to make it more functional and practical.

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They are structured for comfort and functionality using tough materials that can withstand heavy loads and daily use. If you are in the UK you have a number of manufacturers and range of products you can choose from.

Your Options

There is a wide range of 3 wheel mobility scooters available. You can opt for al lightweight travel scooter which can be easily folded or disassembled so it can fit into your car. A lot of brands are even designed to be used for air travel.

A lot of people choose 3 wheel mobility scooters that are more rugged and sturdy. These bigger scooters can handle loads of as much as 500 pounds.

The 3 wheel mobility scooter has a greater maneuverability and mobility compared to its 4-wheel counterpart. This is possible because it allows a smaller or tighter turning radius. These scooters are very useful moving inside your home or when enjoying the park, garden, or mall.

These scooters often come standard with power-elevating seats, movable arm rests, storable baskets, and swivels seats. You can spruce it up with cane holders, cup holders, oxygen tank holders, canopies, mirrors, lights, and a lot more. They can be customized to fit your needs.

When you purchase a 3 wheel mobility scooter, it is best that you test ride it. See if the machine has good balance, turning, and slope handling.

Some of the well known brands are Pride, Pacesaver, and Invacare. You can check out the websites of these companies and other makers that can deliver to your county. Shopping online can help you find a great deal. Some manufacturers sell their products less 30 to 60% their shelf price.

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