For disabled persons in the market to enhance their independence and mobility, the options are often limited to motorized electric-powered wheelchairs that come in various styles and specification for indoor or outdoor use, or both.

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.