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Things to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter Mobility scooters are an investment that can be costly. Private insurance companies as well as government programs like Medicare usually reimburse the cost if a scooter is medically necessary. To ensure that they purchase the correct model, people who have disabilities that limit their mobility should be aware of about scooters and the options available to them. In the beginning, buyers must understand their specific needs and goals. What to Consider There are many things to consider when choosing the right mobility device. There isn't such thing as a one-size-fits-all mobility scooter. The wrong mobility can cause issues like a bad fit, low battery life or even safety concerns. The first thing to think about is what your parent wants to use the scooter for. Do they intend to use it to complete out for errands or to shop? If yes, a light mobility device with a long-lasting battery is the best option. If they want to travel on rough or bumpy terrain, a four-wheeler with larger tires could be a better choice. Keep in mind that the physical condition of your parent may change in a few years. You will need to decide whether they will be able to drive their mobility scooter then. If not, they might have to look into upgrading their scooter or a more permanent alternative such as a power wheelchair. If possible, your parent should test a few different mobility scooters before deciding. They can feel how comfortable the seat is and if they're in a position to reach the handle. They should also sit in the driver's seat to make sure that they are comfortable and the scooter is a good fit for them comfortably. Ask your local dealer about used scooters. You can also contact rental companies to see whether they have used scooters for auction. It is essential to confirm the warranty and other details prior to purchasing a used scooter. Seating Some customers buy scooters with two seats in the hope of being able to carry family members or friends who would like to join them on their trips. There could be privacy issues if the persons who will be with you are not of the same weight. This could mean that they will be crashing into each other and causing problems with personal space. If you have any of these issues that you are worried about, it is suggested to purchase a seat-behind scooter instead of one with a back and front seat. With a scooter with two seats, you can not only enjoy the company of a family member or a friend but also save money by not buying two separate mobility vehicles. You can also save on wear and tear and also electricity by only having one scooter that you can operate, and you can even share the cost of fuel. When shopping for a 2 seat mobility scooter, there are many choices of seating options. Some models have the driver's seat in the front, and the passenger seat behind. Some models have both seats in the rear. Most mid-range scooters will feature this arrangement however more advanced and premium scooters may have either an front seat or a rear-only seat. Another option is to purchase the scooter with a powered lift, which enables you to effortlessly move the scooter into and out of your vehicle. This can help you save time and effort when it comes to getting ready for your trip because all you have to do is steer the scooter onto the lift platform and then turn on the switch. You can then drive off and when you are ready to return, just reverse the procedure. Wheels The wheels of a mobility scooter could make or ruin your experience riding. Tires that are in good condition will give you a comfortable, smooth ride. Tires that are damaged or worn out could be dangerous. It's important to check the condition of your tires regularly, and replace them when they get worn out. There are a variety of kinds of scooter tires that are available: pneumatic, solid, and foam filled. Solid and foam-filled scooter tires are never flat, but are more difficult to maneuver than pneumatic ones. The majority of travel/portable scooters have filled with foam or solid tires, whereas most all-terrain and full-size scooters use pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires have an inner tube filled with air like a bicycle or motorbike tire. They're the most commonly used type of scooter tire, and they can be easily repaired. There are tires that have liners between the outer tube and the inner tire, which offer additional protection against punctures. Most manufacturers recommend a particular tire pressure for each scooter model, and the recommended pressure can be found in the owner's manual. Inflating the tires to this value will help them last longer. Many scooters are controlled by tillers that are T-shaped columns that rotate the front wheels to the left or right. Other controls like turning and speed indicators can be found on the tiller too. Some tillers have handles that wrap around, called delta tillers, which are ideal for people who have limited hand dexterity or strength. Batteries It is essential to choose the correct type of battery for your scooter. The right battery can prolong the lifespan of your scooter. Keep in the mind that batteries lose performance as they age. If you notice that your battery doesn't retain charge as well as before, it may be time to replace it. A gel or AGM battery is a good option if you want your battery to last a long time. These batteries are more resistant to shaking because they have an airtight design and an immobile electrolyte. They also have a longer lifespan than other lead acid batteries. However, they are more expensive upfront, although their longevity makes them economical in the long run. Another option is to choose a lithium battery. These are a bit more expensive upfront but they offer up to 10 times the lifespan of lead-acid batteries. Plus, they're suitable for travel on planes. They have an IATA certification. It is crucial to take a look at the label of the battery for your scooter to determine the model and the brand name. Using generic or offbrand batteries can damage your mobility scooter and cause it not to work correctly. Also, if you own an older battery that was charged with a different charger, it may not work in the same way. Some scooters require more powerful batteries than others, so make sure to inquire with the manufacturer. Typically, they will have an inventory of compatible batteries that are recommended for their scooters. If you're buying a used mobility scooter, ask the seller to provide any maintenance records they have. These records can help you determine the age of the battery as well as whether it was recently serviced. Safety A scooter is a lifesaver to people who are incapable of walking due to illness or age. But it must be used correctly. Incorrect use can cause injuries to the user or the people around them. It is important to be aware of what to look out for when purchasing a mobility scooter to avoid this. The manual should include specific information for the model, such as safety guidelines and maintenance schedules. Keep the manual in your pocket for reference when you use the scooter. Test the scooter's comfort and determine if you're able to operate it with ease using both hands. The scooter should be able to handle the weight you plan to transport. Check the ground clearance of the scooter to ensure that it can travel over bumps and other obstacles. Travel/portable scooters have less ground clearance than larger models, and specialty scooters may have even lower clearance. If you're purchasing a second-hand scooter, ask about the history of its maintenance and repair. These documents can provide valuable information about the condition of a scooter before you buy it. Consider purchasing a security device for your scooter, such as clamps, to stop theft. The device attaches to the wheel of the scooter and isn't able to be removed without tools, making it a good deterrent for thieves. It's important to get familiar with the areas that you plan to travel through, especially areas that aren't accommodating to scooter users. Find out where to find curb cuts and streets that don't have sidewalks so that you can avoid these areas when you go shopping or visiting your friends.