Last Updated on June 18, 2020 by MakeThingsReal
A travel mobility scooter aids movement, it is similar to a wheelchair but made like a motor scooter.
They are sometimes referred to as a powered travel mobility scooter, and they are much slower than motor scooters. A travel mobility scooter is powered by batteries and designed with tillers or handle-bar steering, functional controls and sturdy, padded upright seats.\
These scooters are a cheap and convenient way to move around; they are suitable for people with restricted mobility especially people who need help moving about, are not wholly wheelchair bound, get tired quickly or are feeling pain after walking for a bit.
It is also useful for obese people, seniors who no longer want to drive and those who have arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. You do not need to be pushed and you do not have to rely on other people when you use a travel mobility scooter, you can go to nearby places, do your shopping by yourself and visit people.
Mobility scooters are not ideal for long trips as they are battery powered and quite slow, they are also not ideal for people who have lost their sight, and hearing.
There are a variety of mobility scooters in the market, and they range in price and function. Some are worth considering, and some of them are not. If you are considering a travel mobility scooter to ease your movement, there are a few things you should know.
The advantages:
Mobility scooters are usually inexpensive; some are cheaper than electric wheelchairs.
They have simple controls which are easy to operate, and one generally does not need a driving license to drive the travel mobility scooter.
Driving a travel mobility scooter does not require a lot of upper body strength, certainly not as much as a manual wheelchair requires.
Some of the scooters are made to be folded or dismantled for secure storage, so you can fit them in the boot of a car when you are traveling.
If you do not like to walk or you have problems walking, they are an easy and convenient way to move around. You also have some freedom and independence as you do not have to be pushed
The travel mobility scooter is acceptable in most places, either public or private.
The disadvantages:
Some mobility scooters can be quite costly, and they are not usually available on the National Health Service.
The scooter is battery powered so it can only last a couple of hours and you have to charge the battery every time you use it.
If you do not really need a travel mobility scooter but prefer to use, you may begin to rely on the scooter and lose mobility with time.
These scooters do not have a lot of technological features that you would see in an electric wheelchair for instance.
They are quite simple. It may be difficult to charge your mobility travel mobility scooter indoors, depending on its size.
Some scooters are not ideal for hilly areas, and some can’t climb curbs.
When you are moving around with your scooter;
1. Don’t overload it
Carrying too many things can weigh your scooter down and make it unstable. You should place heavy stuff in the middle of the travel mobility scooter, not the back so that the front of the scooter does not lift when it climbs a bump.
2. Watch your speed
Check the speed limits on walkways and footpaths. The speed limit on a sidewalk is 6.4kph, and it is 12.6kph on the road. On the pavement, the limit is four mph.
3. Maintenance
Generally, mobility scooters don’t need a lot of maintenance, as long as you recharge your battery as often as you use the scooter. However, you should also service the scooter as often as the manual instructs.
4. Tyres
When the tyres wear out, be sure to replace them. You should also keep the tyres at the pressure required by the manufacturer.
5. Watch out for pedestrians
Pedestrians always have the right of way sp you should be careful while driving on a pedestrian path. Drive slowly when you are in crowded spaces and be careful not to run into anyone.
6. Curbs and hills
A lot of travel mobility scooter struggle with hilly areas and kerbs, so you have to be extra careful when driving on them. If the kerb or slope is too high, don’t try to climb it and if it’s too steep, don’t risk driving down.
7. Be on the lookout
When you are driving in private spaces or pedestrian walkways, be on the lookout for little children as they dart around heedlessly. Also, watch out for elderly and infirm people, they may be unable to move out of the way quickly. Look out for other drivers too as well as people with sight and hearing problems.
8. Busy roads
The travel mobility scooter is small compared to the average vehicle so if you are driving one, try to avoid busy roads or avoid using roads entirely. Use a footpath or walkway when you can.
Mobility scooters will allow you to participate in more activities like shopping, visiting people and going to the park or other nearby places. They give you more freedom and independence and a better sense of security. Because you will be able to move around more efficiently, it will also increase your ability to socialize and to be mobile. It can raise your self-esteem, help you to achieve more of your daily tasks and do wonders for your well-being.
These scooters are also easy to operate and comfortable to move around in. They are quite slow, so there is no fear of running into people or things or getting injured.
Majority of them are operated with batteries which makes them quite secure if not long-lasting. Overall, they will fit well into any routine.