People experiencing mobility challenges require an assistive aid that helps them move independently. A mobility scooter is simple to operate, providing a way to get around and maintain freedom in daily life.
However, purchasing the wrong scooter or using it incorrectly can be even more troubling. It also doesn't ensure the safety of an individual and increases the chances of falls. That is why knowing key factors such as size and features is important before purchasing a scooter.
Here is an outline regarding the measurement of mobility scooter size and safety features.
Mobility Scooter Size
Every individual has different needs, so there is no 'one size fits all' for mobility scooters. Choosing the right scooter can help you elevate your lifestyle and add comfort. This measurement guide will help get an idea of picking the right size according to the body type.
1. Seat Width
Measure the width of the seat by measuring the widest part of the intended user while sitting. Choosing a seat with 1" extra width is recommended. It is better to go with 2" extra width if the user also requires a safety cushion. The maximum width of the mobility scooter is 30" when measured from the outside.
2. Seat Height
The seat height is imperative to measure as it permits the user to perform daily tasks easily, such as grabbing items from the countertop, reaching the dining room table, bathroom vanity, and others. A seat with a height of 20" from the ground is considered normal.
3. Back height
The height of the mobility scooter varies from person to person. Normally it should be slightly more than the middle of the back around the bottom of the shoulder blades. If a user needs to have a seat cushion, the thickness of the cushion must be calculated in the total height of the seat.
4. Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is the total weight that a mobility scooter can handle. If the individual's weight is close to the weight capacity limit and has heavier items in the basket, the user will be over the weight limit. It affects the scooter's performance, causing reduced travel range and slower speed. The maximum weight capacity limit of a mobility scooter is 600lb. Depends on its type.
5. Mobility Scooter Features
A mobility scooter has many features that can easily match a user's requirements. It is important to pick the one tailored to your needs to provide all the comfort and ease.
6. Wheels
Scooter of any size either comes with 3 or 4 wheels. The wheels of a 4-wheel scooter are very close to each other, so the driving experience is like a 3-wheel scooter. The number of spins affects the maneuverability but not the overall scooter performance.
Three-wheeler is easy to turn in tight spaces. On the other hand, the 4-wheel scooter has a wide turning radius that requires more space for turning.
7. Scooter Braking System
The mobility scooter's braking system is electromagnetic and permanently turned on until the user starts driving it. Instead of the wheels, the brakes are attached to the scooter's engine. A free wheel lever of the scooter is attached to the motor that can be disengaged to apply brakes. This permits the user to push the scooter manually when in need.
However, don't forget to reconnect the motor drive before riding on the scooter. It's because the scooter can easily roll away without brakes and reconnection. Emergency brakes are present on a few models attached to the rear wheel and can be applied when actual brakes fail.
8. Controls
The lever on the handlebar of the mobility scooters is called a wigwag. This lever is mostly operated through the thumb, but others require finger operation. Some models of luxury scooters have both finger and thumb controls.
9. Tillers
Tiller is the front part of the scooter that comprises handlebars and controls to drive. On most scooters, the tiller has many angles that allow the user to bring it closer or turn towards any suitable angle.
A few basic scooters might need to have the feature of changing the angle, which makes the user uncomfortable.
10. Seats
The seat's design and comfort features vary in different models of mobility scooters. A basic seat has a padded base with a backrest and an armrest that is width adjustable. Larger and more modest scooters also add a headrest.
The seat swivels 90, 180, and 360 degrees, enabling the user to easily get on and off the scooter. The armrest can also flip up for smooth transfer.
11. Batteries
The scooters are battery-powered and have two 12-volt rechargeable batteries. The battery size is proportional to the weight limit and range of the scooter.
Small basic mobility scooters typically have two batteries with a power of 12Ah, while luxury class scooters have batteries as large as 74Ah. The batteries can be installed easily using simple nuts and bolt with color-coded wires.
12. Basket and Walking Aid Holders
Attached to the universal socket behind the seat, it consists of one or two tubes. On some smaller scooters, clips are present under the armrest. It holds the walking stick horizontally underneath the armrest.
Other than the shopping basket, additional bags are attached to the back of the seat. But there should not be heavy weights at the back of the seat as the risk of front wheel lifting increases. It can also cause difficulty in driving a mobility scooter.
13. Canopies
These are transparent covers for mobility scooters used when it's raining. It protects from the rain to the user as well as the scooter. A folding canopy is easy to attach as it can retract when not required.
However, it should not be used in high winds as it will be difficult for the user to control the scooter.