Mobility Scooter Manufacturers – a Short Survey

Since the popularity of mobility scooters has been on the rise, their construction, merchandising, and dispersion have grown into a competitive market which is proving to be a benefit to the consumer. If you are in the market for a mobility scooter, you will find a number of good manufacturers. If you will first do some research, you will be capable of reducing your selection and thereby increase the probability of choosing the mobility scooter which is the correct one for you.

There are several reasons that the deliberate consideration of the scooter’s manufacturer must be a major factor in your purchasing decision. Dealing with a recognized, responsible company will minimize any aggravation should future problems or issues arise and expedite their resolution. Your scooter ought to last for several years at minimum and you need to be capable of having it serviced or fixed without difficulty. Further, if your scooter is from a recognized manufacturer, you will find it easier to obtain replacement parts. Even if the exact model of your scooter has been discontinued, you will still be able to obtain parts from the larger companies. In addition, more authorized repair firms can be found, so you should not have to be concerned where to take it if it needs repairs.

One of the biggest and most recognized manufacturers is Pride Mobility Products Corporation. They sell more mobility scooters than any other manufacturer in the United States. Further, they are very responsible and consumer friendly, and the designs Pride mobility scooters incorporate a variety of features which are easy to use. However, somewhat due to their favored status and sturdiness, they are likely to be more costly than some of the other brands on the market.

Rascal scooters are another favored brand, with several lightweight models in their line of scooters. Rascal has a line of convertible scooters, where the scooter can be transformed from indoor use to outdoor use in mere minutes by easily changing its front section. They also have scooter models which are exclusively designed for either outdoor use or indoor use.

Invacare scooters is a manufacturer which is recognized for the stability and robustness of their scooters over outdoor terrain. They make several models from which you can select, and the more recent designs and models are thought to be very good. If what you need is an outdoor scooter, Invacare scooters may fit the bill.

There are numerous other manufacturers in business which also make reliable scooters. Some of the most popular are  Pacesaver, Sunrise Medical, and Shoprider Mobility Scooters. By purchasing from a well-recognized mobility scooter company such as these, you will be certain of any support or help you may require after bringing your scooter home. Again, you will probably want to make some comparisons in the beginning with a retail store which carries several mobility scooter brands. You can also enlist the assistance of a seasoned representative who can lead you in the direction of the brands and models which offer the features and functions that you require.

Medical Mobility Scooters

Motor or electric scooters are very similar to medical mobility scooters in how they work and are made. Mobility scooters also can include extra features that make them operate similar to a power wheelchair also, so they are suitable for people who may need assistance occasionally, despite having strong arms and good balance.

Individuals who are challenged by walking normally, or the elderly, can benefit from the use of a mobility scooter, which can be both convenient and enjoyable. Those who use mobility scooters can generally move about on their own, but might have trouble across longer distances up on an incline.

In 1968, Alan Thieme built the prototypical mobility scooter in Bridgeport, MI. Thieme had someone in his family who suffered from multiple sclerosis, so to help them get a portion of their mobility back, he created a scooter with front wheel drive.

The essential parts of modern mobility scooters are a seat atop a pair of rear wheels, and a space to place one’s feet at the front, which doubles as a support for the seat and the power source of the scooter. Also included are handlebars atop a steering column, and of course, front wheels. Most mobility scooters are now electric, though there are also those which use gasoline. The more common mobility scooters operate electrically, using one battery or two batteries, housed in the scooter. If you anticipate traversing many slopes and hills, a pair of betteries will work better as they’ll give more power to your scooter. You can charge your scooter’s batteries by plugging them into a charger, operating from a standard power outlet.

The scooter’s steering column, which is at the center of the front portion of the device, is called the ’tiller’. This uses a switch, a thumb paddle or finger controls to control forward and reverse movement, as well as speed. You can also choose from mobility scooters that have front or rear wheel drive. Generally, mobility scooter that use front wheel drive are best for riders under 250 pounds, and are also better to use indoors, as they’re typically smaller than the alternative. Mobility scooters that feature rear wheel drive are good for both outdoor and indoor use, and best for people who weigh up to 350 pounds. Rear wheel drive scooters also come in a ‘heavy duty’ variety, which are designed for passengers who weigh up to 500 pounds – which typical mobility scooters cannot handle.

You cannot coast using a mobility scooter, as they are built with automatic braking. All movements are controlled by the controls operated by your hands. You can slowly increase or decrease your rate of travel by manipulating these controls. Your mobility scooter can also be adjusted to have a maximum speed, also.

Mobility scooters are generally simple to control and use, providing that your upper body operates normally. Mobility scooters can also be taken apart for easy travel to events with friends or family, where they can be reassembled and used once again. Individuals who are disabled or who suffer from systemic conditions but can generally move around slightly, sit up, and have control over the steering column of a mobility scooter, will enjoy the freedom and independence that a mobility scooter can give them.

photo credit: MonkeySimon