Electric Mobility Scooters for an Independent Life
For those who are disabled, elderly or have other problems electric mobility scooters can improve their freedom of movement and make a huge difference to their quality of life. As we are all aware impared mobility can have a drastic effect on people’s earning capacity, social interactions and on their ability to look after themselves. For many people who have arthritis, multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy for instance their mobility problems are permanent and they need a solution that will allow them to live a normal life, earning a living, shopping for themselves and generally being independent. Motorised wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters are the most popular forms of independent mobility equipment.
Motorised wheelchairs, sometimes called power wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs or power chairs are ideal for using about the home and usually have six wheels and are steered by a joystick. They are highly manoeuvrable and can fit into most places inside the home. There have been enormous advances in the design and features of electric wheelchairs which have made them much lighter, smaller and more manoeuvrable.
However electric wheelchairs are not designed for mobility outside the home, for that an electric scooter or mobility scooter is more practical. With 3 or 4 wheels and steering similar to a bike with handlebars or other types of hand operated controls they are easy to use and ideal for outdoor activities. Some are portable so that they easily fit into a car’s trunk. They are usually fitted with anti bumping devices so that they can be used on a variety of different terrain.
To operate an electric mobility scooter requires much less upper body strength than manual wheelchairs or walkers and can be used by people who have limited ability. They can be operated with thumb controls so can be used by people who have limited movement in their hands. They consist of a platform with a seat, a compartment that holds the battery, foot rests and a tiller for the controls. Many have swivelling seats to allow easy mounting which makes them easier to get in out of than a manual wheelchair. In addition they are easy to maintain and can be recharged with the provided charger using an ordinary power outlet.
For those who are afraid of losing their independence because of limited ability electric mobility scooters can be the perfect solution.
Image by World of Oddy