Choosing a Mobility Scooter - Part 2
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Wheels and Tires
A mobility scooters ability to maneuver over obstacles and its overall stability is dependent to a large extent on the wheel and tire size. The tires are usually between six and ten inches, some models having the same size for both rear and front tires and some having smaller front tires than rear. Smaller tires are usually found on front wheel drive scooters mainly intended for indoor use. Larger tires with a greater width are needed for the more powerful rear wheel drive scooters that are intended to be capable of negotiating hills and rougher terrain. Wider tires however reduce the maneuverability in small spaces.
Tire are usually of three types. The familiar pneumatic tire requires good maintenance including checking tire pressures and regular inspection for worn tread. Alternative, foam filled tires may be available that contain foam inserts. These tires cannot be deflated and are almost maintenance free. They give a less comfortable ride and are usually more expensive than pneumatic tires.
Solid tire may also be available. They are much less likely to give a comfortable ride as they have very little shock absorption but they are maintenance free and primarily intended for indoor use.
Seating
Vitally important for the comfort of the rider the seating should be carefully considered when choosing a mobility scooter. Most scooters have seats equipped with arm and back rests but a few do not. A headrest may also be included. The seat covering and padding are important for comfort. Too little padding will lead to a very uncomfortable ride after only a short time. Vinyl seat covering may be less expensive but tends to be slippery and could be unsuitable for a rider that has difficulty maintaining an upright position. Vinyl is also extremely uncomfortable in hotter weather so overall fabric upholstery is to be recommended.
All seats rotate to allow mounting and dismounting a some models come with powered seats as an optional extra. These rotate and may also elevate the rider by using controls on the dashboard. Seats may also be adjustable in a forward or reverse direction, important for a very small or tall rider! Using the powered seat however will use up the battery and limit the range if used excessively.
Armrests may vary in position or construction. Some are fixed, others can be flipped up when required. Usually made of plastic with vinyl or fabric covering they may be helpful in maintaining balance while riding but may be in the way when mounting or dismounting the scooter. padding may also make it harder to grip the armrests firmly.
Controls
The steering mechanisms and controls are usually contained in an upright post attached to the front wheel and known as the tiller. Most scooters have a standard tiller with thumb levers, joysticks or handles for control. The most common is a thumb lever which allows both hands to be kept on the handlebars. The right thumb is used for forward control, the left thumb for reverse. The speed is then controlled by the pressure applied to the control. For those with less ability to use their thumbs a joystick or other controls may be more suitable and are often provided as optional extras. Other types of tillers may be available that can be adjusted to the riders requirements and can also be moved out of the way when mounting or unmounting the scooter. The key lock and other indicators may be fixed to the tiller handlebars or may be on a separate dashboard.
Scooters equipped with joystick controls usually do not have tillers. Instead the joystick is mounted on an armrest or an extension to the armrest.
Accessories
Accessories offered varies with the manufacturer but may include front or rear baskets, head and tail lights, canopies, horns, oxygen transporters and crutch or cane holders.
Conclusion
The most important considerations are to match the scooter to the needs of the rider. Is the scooter to be used mainly indoors or outdoors? Are there hills, sharp turns, inclines, curbs int he area where the scooter will be used? Will thumb levers be suitable or will a joystick be easier to operate? All these questions must be considered when choosing a new or used mobility scooter.
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