Last Updated on June 19, 2020 by MakeThingsReal
Moving around can be tasking when you have a mobility impairment, you may face a lot of restrictions that you will find frustrating and will affect your social life, self-esteem, confidence and maybe even your health. Using a mobility equipment changes all of this and makes life and your daily routine much more comfortable.
A mobility scooter is the equivalent of a wheelchair which is designed like a motor scooter, the average mobility scooter is made with a seat over three, four or five wheels, it has foot plates for you to place your feet and it features handlebars or tillers in the front to turn the wheels.
Majority of mobility equipment use batteries as their power source, you store the battery on board the scooter, and you can charge it with a separate or onboard battery charger from an electric power source. Electric mobility scooters are also rising in popularity and are available in some countries.
The tiller on the mobility equipment is the steering column at the front of the scooter, it has features like forward/reverse directions, speed controls, speed limiter, battery use indicator, turn signals and lighting controls for nighttime driving. The two forms of mobility equipment are the rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive; the latter is usually meant for indoor use as it is small while the former can be used both indoors and outdoors depending on the size. The mobility equipment can be
Small and lightweight, these types are ideal for travel, and you can fold or disassemble them into small parts for secure storage and transport.
Heavy and large for rough terrain and hilly areas.
Mid-range which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
User-powered, lightweight, small and manual, mostly used for travel and without batteries. The central lever drive propels these types in a rowing motion to provide mobility and encourage exercise.
Slow, steady and ideal for short trips outside your house such as shopping trips and social calls.
Mobility scooters have a lot of advantages for people with mobility issues. It is ideal for individuals who do not have the stamina or shoulder flexibility to use a manual wheelchair. It is also useful for people with systemic or disabling conditions such as arthritis, and obesity who can still walk a few feet or sit upright without support and control the steering wheels. The mobility equipment do not resemble a wheelchair and they are generally more affordable than wheelchairs which makes them a more attractive option to people.
Some other advantages of the mobility equipment are:
Speed
The average mobility equipment can go up to four to eight meters per hour, this means that you can easily keep up with friends or family on trips out of the house such as shopping trips or a walk in the park. If you enjoy a busy social life, it is an excellent option because you don’t have to slow down or leave gaps in your routine. Being sociable keeps you confident and happy and greatly improves your health and well-being.
Independence
If you do not like to be pushed around or to depend on people for your basic needs, then a mobility equipment will do you a world of good. You can do or get what you want when you want it, you can leave your home on your own and go about your daily routine without help. You can go on shopping trips without help or company; you can visit friends and family all by yourself. Your mobility equipment will give you the independence and confidence you need to be out and about without relying on family or friends for help.
Flexibility
A lot of mobility scooters have swivel seats that allow for easy access on and off the mobility equipment, the same cannot be said for most wheelchairs. You can also adjust the height of the seats and you can dismantle your mobility equipment for easy storage and transportation. Some scooters come bags, baskets, and boxes you can lock which is excellent for shopping trips and picnics.
Style
Your mobility scooter does not have to be dull and boring; it can be as bright and stylish as you are. There are many fancy designs and variations of mobility scooters on the market; you can customize the color of your scooter and adapt it to your unique tastes. There are scooters with ergonomic handlebars, nice and comfortable driving positions, lights and horn reflective seating and safety features like turning corners and speed limitation. You can also add your unique touch to your mobility equipment to make it more fun to drive.
Battery
Battery-powered mobility scooters have a range of sizes that you can choose from, depending on your requirement and daily routine. You may need a large battery if you go out often and spend a long time outdoors, however, if you stay indoors a lot you may only need a small battery. If you are an outdoors person, it is advisable to get a heavy duty mobility equipment that can last you a long time.
Mobility scooters do a lot to make your routine easier and the outdoors, more accessible. If you have any mobility impairment, it prevents you from being isolated as it encourages movement and sociability. It is an excellent choice for anyone who would rather not use a wheelchair or does not want to deal with the stress of driving anymore.
