Get help, advice and information on all your Home and Family issues. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/mobility.htm Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:08:06 GMT en Mobility scooters are devices that are intended to allow those that have difficulty walking to move freely and without pain. They are personal movement aids that provide a very valuable service to many millions of people every year. Whether due to age, illness, disease, or injury a mobility scooter can greatly improve a persons ability to move without assistance. This service is very powerful, important and is relied upon by many millions of people each year. Over the last 10 years much has changed in the way that a mobility scooter is purchased. It used to be that you would have to find a local dealer and then be restricted to the models that were available. It was not un-common for the consumer to be stuck with an outdated model or be forced to pay extra simply because there was only one dealer in the area. Now, however, thanks to the power of the internet it is possible to receive the lowest rate available on a wide assortment of mobility scooters without ever leaving the home. Shopping online ha s become incredibly convenient and most reputable mobility scooter dealers offer free shipping on their products. They can also offer you the lowest rate available, which is not something that you would likely encounter at a brick and mortar store. Most online distributors offer detailed scooter specifications and downloadable user manuals and allows you to be exposed to all options available. Most dealers also offer a customer support line. This means that if you have any questions or just want to confirm the order, you can quickly speak to a trained professional. US Medical Supplies is a distributor of home medical equipment that offers a special service called click-to-call. This allows you to simply enter your number online and be called instantly by one of their certified scooter specialists. In today's day and age, it is possible to purchase almost all types of products and equipment over the internet, without ever setting foot out of the door. This in most cases allows the consumer to get the lowe http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/88416_Finding_A_Mobility_Scooter_Online.html Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:00:20 GMT There are many types of mobility scooters on the market today and they provide a very important service to those that have difficulty walking. A mobility scooter is a personal mobility device that can literally carry an individual who could not walk under their own power. Their popularity has greatly increased over the last 50 years and today there are many mobility scooters available in the United States and abroad. Those that are in the market for a mobility scooter should first decide how and where they intend to use their scooter. This will ensure that when it comes time to choose one, you will find the one that best fits your individual requirements. The desired weight capacity and requirement is one of the most important considerations when investing in a mobility scooter. Most support between 250 and 400 pounds, but there are many available with a much larger weight capacity. It is imperative that you honestly assess your weight or that of the person who will be using the device and allow for a 20 cushion. This means that if you weigh 200 pounds, then you would want to find a mobility scooter that at least supports 240 pounds. This will ensure that you will not put any strain on the drive train and also that you can carry your belongs without fear of weighing down the unit. The users height is also important because you will want to ensure that the unit has enough leg room. Another very important consideration when investing in a mobility scooter is the intended application of the scooter. Determining whether you intend to use it mostly indoors or outdoors will help steer you towards a specific scooter. A 3 wheeled mobility scooter would be great for indoors, because it is incredibly maneuverable. A 4 wheeled mobility scooter, on the other hand, would be much more stable outdoors and offer superior balance, but would not be as maneuverable. Other features such as lighting packages, ease of transportation, and the availability of accessories, such as oxygen carriers, are other factors that many http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/88414_Mobility_Scooter_Considerations.html Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:05:54 GMT It can be very hard for someone who has led an independent life to accept that they might not be able to move like they used to. Often as our body begins to age, it can become difficult to walk. This can be due to things such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, injury, and disease. Whatever the cause, the inability to walk does not have to mean the inability to freely move and many have discovered the wonderful service that a mobility scooter can provide. Taking trips to the shopping center, mall, or even amusement parks can be done easily and freely on a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are personal mobility devices that utilize an electric motor to easily and efficiently transport a single individual. Many people also invest in scooter bags or baskets and are able to do their grocery shopping easily and without any assistance. One of the major advantages to a mobility scooter is that it is very easy and simple to operate. Most use a set of handle bars that is attached to an adjustable post called a til ler. The tiller can be positioned nearer or farther from the seated individual to accommodate individuals of differing sizes. The accelerator can typically be easily controlled by a single finger or the thumb and most have an automatic breaking system, so you need only use one lever and do not need to worry about a brake pedal or lever. The range that a mobility scooter can travel varies depending on the model. Some units can travel significantly over 30 miles per charge and at speeds of over 10 mile per hour, but most travel around 5 miles per hour and over distances of 10 20 miles per charge. The weight capacity of these units also varies by model, but some can support in excess of 500 pounds. Many people find that by purchasing an extra battery and ensuring that it always stays charged; they can effectively and inexpensively double the range of their mobility device. For people who have difficulty walking or moving, a mobility scooter provides a very easy to use and reliable means of transportati http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/88412_Advantages_Of_A_Mobility_Scooter.html Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:06:34 GMT Mobility scooters are similar to wheelchairs in the service that they provide. Mobility scooters are personal movement devices that carry a seated individual. They allow you to go places, like shopping or the park, you might have otherwise been unable to do independently. Mobility scooters feature a chair and a tiller. The tiller consists of a set of handle bars and several different controls. It can be adjusted to a position that is closer or farther from the seat, which makes it able to accommodate people of all sizes. Modern mobility scooters utilize rechargeable electric batteries, but you still occasionally run across a gasoline powered mobility scooter. Gasoline powered mobility scooters can be very dangerous because they get very hot, emit noxious fumes, and are at much greater risk of fire and explosion. You should always purchase a battery powered mobility scooter. Almost all mobility scooters utilize keyed access. This ensures that your scooter is not used without your permission. They also frequently feature headlights, taillights, and turn indicators, which greatly improve the safety of the device and allow it to be used at night. Many also feature seatbelts, which for added safety should be worn if included. The speed of the mobility scooter can be controlled easily and some have a top speed of over 10 miles per hour, but you do not have to drive it this fast and doing so can reduce the charge of the battery dramatically. The seat of a mobility scooter can be adjusted in many ways. They typically can be raised up and down, and frequently swivel to the left and right. The swivel feature makes it much easier to enter and exit the device. The arm rests are also frequently adjustable. The width of some can even be adjusted and many can be flipped up. Those that have difficulty walking or freely moving will greatly benefit from a mobility scooter. They can be used indoors and out and models made by reputable manufacturers, like Golden and Pride, will provide years of trouble free service. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/88133_What_Is_A_Mobility_Scooter.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:35:14 GMT People who are mobility challenged often find that a mobility scooter can greatly increase their mobility and restore their independence. There are several options for purchasing a mobility scooter. You can either buy it used from a private individual or from an auction site like EBay or you can buy it new from a reputable dealer. If you decide to buy it used you are taking a very big risk. Many things that are sold used are in poor condition and have been misused. You are frequently inheriting someone elses problem and have no way to know if the device is in working order or safe. You might end up having to replace the batteries or tires and it can be hard to spot a scooter that has been misused. You also run into a lot of no-name generic scooters on places like EBay. These are mass produced in a place like China or India and are frequently not held to the same high standard as those made by reputable companies like Pride or Golden. It is far better to purchase a mobility scooter new from a repu table dealer. This way you are guaranteed that the device is in perfect working order and will provide years of reliable service. Golden and Pride both offer very comprehensive warranties on their new scooters, so if something does not function properly, you can have it quickly repaired at no cost to you. You are taking a very large risk when you purchase a mobility scooter used and when you factor in the cost of repairs, it often ends up costing just as much if not more than a mobility scooter that was purchased new. Saving a little money is never worth risking your safety or that of a loved one and this is what you do when you buy a used mobility scooter. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/88129_Mobility_Scooters_New_Or_Used.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:35:47 GMT If you have difficulty walking, whether due to age, muscular disease, or arthritis, you may benefit from a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are personal mobility vehicles that transport a seated individual. There are many different types of mobility scooters that are designed to fulfill the specific needs of their rider. Travel scooters, or portable mobility scooters, are designed to be easily transported. They can be completely disassembled in a matter of minutes and put back together just as quick. They are designed so that no one piece of the scooter is too heavy for most people and can be placed in small places like the trunk of a car. They come in both 3 and 4-wheel design, but many are 3-wheels. 3-wheeled mobility scooters are a very common type of mobility scooter. They offer excellent maneuverability and are great for indoor use. However, they are not as stable as 4-wheeled mobility scooters. While 3-wheeled mobility scooters are great for indoor use or areas that are paved, they do not do as well in outdoor situations. For outdoor use a 4-wheeled mobility scooter is much better. They are much more stable and better able to handle rough terrain because the weight is evenly divided between the front and back of the mobility device. Of course 4-wheeled mobility scooters are not as maneuverable though. If you do not have a travel scooter and you wish to transport it, you will have to have some way of getting it on or into your vehicle. Many people purchase external hitch mounted carriers, which are relatively inexpensive. Internal scooter lifts can also be used. A third option is to purchase a foldable ramp, but this requires enough room to be able to physically drive the scooter into the vehicle and are really only practical on vans or trucks. It is important to consider where you are going to use your mobility scooter before you purchase it. This will help you necessitate what type to get. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/88125_Different_Kinds_Of_Mobility_Scooters.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:32:58 GMT Those who suffer from health problems and issues that affect their mobility often have trouble walking and moving. This makes it very difficult to go to the store, the mall, or other areas that require a lot of walking. A mobility scooter can be used to help retain your independence and mobility. Mobility scooters were first introduced in the 1960s. Since then their popularity and the technology behind them has greatly improved. Mobility scooters are personal movement devices that are powered by battery and can be used both indoors and out. If you frequently travel, then it is possible to purchase a travel scooter, which can be disassembled into several easy to handle pieces. Travel scooters are great for most indoor and paved areas, but if you plan on using it outdoors over rough terrain then you would probably be better off with a heavy duty mobility scooter. There are several different types in between as well, so it is possible to find one that will fit your specific requirements. While now almost all mobility scooters are battery powered, a few still can be found that use gasoline as their power source. These types can be dangerous though for several reasons. You are at greater risk of fire, they can get very hot, and due to the fumes put off by these units, they can not be used indoors or in areas with poor ventilation. Instead battery power is much more reliable and safer. Some units can travel over 30 miles per charge and if you plan on doing a lot of traveling, you can always purchase an extra battery. Deciding on the right mobility scooter for you will depend on several factors. Of course price is always a consideration, but most are very affordably priced. The places that you intend to use the unit and whether you need to be able to transport it easily are two important considerations. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/87956_Mobility_Scooter_Background.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:13:56 GMT Mobility scooters are used by many people who have difficulty walking. They can greatly increase your ability to independently and freely move around. With all the many types and models of mobility scooters available on the market today, it is a good idea to have an idea of what you need and expect from your mobility scooter before you buy it. One of the most important considerations is where you intend to use your mobility scooter. Do you only need it indoors? Are you planning on using it outdoors over rough terrain? Most mobility scooters can be used both indoors and out, but some are better suited for the outdoors then others. A 4-wheel mobility scooter is typically better for outdoors. It is more stable than a 3-wheel scooter and it is also better suited to handle rough terrain. 3-wheel scooters are better for indoor use though, because they have a much smaller turning radius, which makes it easier to navigate tight corners. Another consideration is whether you intend to take your mobility scooter away from the home. If you plan on traveling frequently then a travel scooter may be a good choice. Travel scooters have less features than a traditional mobility scooter, but they can quickly and easily be disassembled into several easy to manage pieces. They fit easily into the trunk of a car and can be placed on a plane easily. If you do not have a travel scooter, then you will likely need to buy some sort of vehicle scooter carrier. There are several types of scooter carriers. External scooter carriers attach to a vehicles hitch. Internal scooter carriers either use a winch system to lift it into the car or use a small platform that extends from the back of the car. A third option for scooter transport is a vehicle ramp, which allows you to drive the scooter straight into the vehicle. The safety features of the mobility scooter should also be considered. If you intend to use it frequently outdoors, then it is a good idea to purchase a scooter that has an adequate set of lights. This includes blinker http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/87955_Getting_Ready_For_A_Mobility_Scooter.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:09:30 GMT People who have trouble walking, whether due to age or other mobility related problems, often have to avoid places like the zoo that require a lot of walking. This can mean missing out on family events and puts a strain on those with you. Rather than miss out, it is far better to invest in a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are used to provide a means for moving around. They are personal mobility devices that are battery powered, and in some cases can travel over 30 miles per charge. These devices are designed to a set of very high safety standards, but it is important to operate it in a manner that is conducive to being safe. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/87009_Safety_Tips_For_Mobility_Scooters.html Sun, 25 May 2008 07:58:04 GMT There are two main names in the Home Mobility Industry. One of those names is Pride Mobility. At Pride over 20 years of experience has resulted in a company that manufactures quality products that are very innovative. They manufacturer mobility aids like lift chairs, electric power wheelchairs, adjustable beds, and mobility scooters. Pride Mobility opened its doors in 1986 when they began custom building lift chairs. They became known for well made lift chairs that were very durable. In the early 90s they expanded their business to include electric mobility scooters. They strived to create reliable scooters that were very stylish, but also completely functional. The Jazzy was born in 1996 and was Prides first electric power wheelchair. It uses an oft copied mid wheel drive system that provides the excellent maneuverability and stability. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/86758_All_About_Pride_Mobility.html Wed, 21 May 2008 12:27:12 GMT Over the years I am sure you have bought many things that were used. You may have purchased a used desk, a used computer, or a used car. Often times you end up with a very good deal, but you always taking a gamble when you buy something used. If you buy used medical equipment from a stranger either over the internet or from the newspaper classifieds you are not just gambling with your money, you are gambling with your health. One very popular and helpful piece of home medical equipment is the electric mobility scooter and this is not something that should be bought used. An electric mobility scooter is a device that allows those with limited mobility to easily and freely move about their home, shopping centers, or neighborhoods. Usually in 3 or 4 wheel configurations, mobility scooters consist of a chair that is attached to a sturdy base. When you buy a mobility scooter used you have no way of knowing how the person has used it. It is possible they let their children or grandchildren use it in improper manner. It is also possible that they exceeded the safe maximum weight limit, which puts extreme wear and tear on the motor and support features of the scooter. These days it is much smarter to buy one new because any money you save by buying it used will probably be spent repairing it anyway. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/83314_Used_Mobility_Scooters.html Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:57:33 GMT A mobility scooter can make it possible for many mobility challenged individuals retain their independence, who otherwise may not have been able to go to the grocery store, the drug store, or to the mall. Mobility scooters come in many different shapes and sizes and depending on the type of scooter, it may be better suited to go four wheeling than your car. A mobility scooter is a device, generally electric, that allows a seated individual to move about freely and independently. There are several heavy duty mobility scooters on the market. A heavy duty mobility scooter is generally not intended to be used inside of smaller structures like homes or in close corners like you might find in some stores. They are intended for the outdoors and have a much higher weight capacity. A heavy duty scooter can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go over most different types of terrain. One incredibly powerful and durable heavy duty mobility scooter is the Pride Hurricane. It is a 4 wheel drive scooter and with high impact bumpers and fenders it is made to withstand scratches, chips, and dings. With wrap around handles the throttle can easily be operated with thumbs or fingers and it has a maximum speed of 9 mph. To put that speed in perspective this is about 3 times the average walking speed of a young male. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/83287_Heavy_Duty_Mobility_Scooters.html Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:51:58 GMT The mobility scooter and the wheelchair are two of the useful medical inventions that are of enormous help to both the handicapped and the elderly. A tandem innovation for these medical equipment is the lift, which can easily bring up electric powered mobility devices (mobility scooter and wheelchairs) on a vehicles floor. A mobility scooter or wheelchair lift can be dismantled and can be easily stored, making it good paraphernalia for enabling a weak or disabled individual a ride into an automobile and at the same time allowing the scooter or wheelchair to be transported inside a vehicle. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/80158_Mobility_Scooter_And_Wheelchair_Lifts_For_Your_Vehicles.html Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:05:20 GMT Generally, mobility scooters may be modified to suit the eventual users needs. Customizing a mobility scooter primarily depends on the preferences of the user, as well as the model of the scooter. Accessorizing your mobility vehicle is not just for aesthetics purposes, but also to maximize the use of such mobility aid. Bigger batteries are heavier and are more expensive. Such rechargeable batteries may cover longer distance but may also require longer recharging time. So, instead of buying or adding extra batteries, try upgrading your old scooters battery, this can be a more cost effective option. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/80157_Accessorizing_And_Maintaining_Your_Mobility_Scooters.html Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:05:22 GMT A mobility scooter can better lead your way to freedom and independence.Mobility scooters are great investments that can be enjoyed for several years. Therefore, one should carefully choose the mobility scooter that will best suit hisher needs. Here is a list of guide questions that can help you buy the most essential and appropriate mobility scooter for you. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/80001_Buying_Mobility_Scooters_Wisely.html Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:06:27 GMT Generally, mobility scooters may be modified to suit the eventual users needs. Customizing a mobility scooter primarily depends on the preferences of the user, as well as the model of the scooter. Accessorizing your mobility vehicle is not just for aesthetics purposes, but also to maximize the use of such mobility aid. Bigger batteries are heavier and are more expensive. Such rechargeable batteries may cover longer distance but may also require longer recharging time. So, instead of buying or adding extra batteries, try upgrading your old scooters battery, this can be a more cost effective option. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/80000_Accessorizing_And_Maintaining_Your_Mobility_Scooters.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:52:59 GMT Several mobility aids are widely available for physically handicapped individuals. These may vary from conventional canes and walkers to much sophisticated electric powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The latter two can bring greater freedom and independence to disabled persons. Hence, this article will be comparing the mentioned mobility aids to help those concerned individuals to decide which of the two they will purchase for themselves, or for their loved ones who need it. Both mobility aids utilize the same types of rechargeable batteries. They can also run as far as 15 miles or more before requiring battery recharging. Also, both mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs can accommodate a weight of 500 pounds, or greater. Lastly, the controls for speed and acceleration are similar for both mobility vehicles. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/79999_Mobility_Scooters_And_Electric_Wheelchairs_A_Comparison.html Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:05:29 GMT If you experience mobility difficulties and would like to become more independent, then choosing to purchase a mobility scooter or power chair is probably the first thing on your list. But how do you know which one you need? Should you purchase a mobility scooter or a power chair? By knowing what benefits come from owning each, you can make an informed decision and ultimately choose the mobility device that will better suit your individual needs. As far as maneuverability is concerned, both mobility scooters and power chairs are easy to navigate and both give you much more independence to go where you want or need to go without the help of others. When you are considering the space that it takes to turn, however, there is a slight difference in the two. A power chair, for example can turn on a radius as small as 18 inches, while most mobility scooters require 32 inches for turning. If space is a major concern, then you may find a power chair more beneficial. Power chairs and mobility scooters can both be very easily navigated through narrow hallways, thresholds, and uneven surfaces, although if you are planning outdoor activities, you should consider that there are 4 wheel versions of mobility scooters that are ideally designed for outdoor use. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/73537_Should_I_Buy_A_Mobility_Scooter_Or_A_Power_Chair.html Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:18:15 GMT Choosing to purchase a mobility scooter can be a wonderful decision in helping you to regain your independence. However, if you neglect to purchase a lift to enable you to transport your scooter, then you may be missing out on a great benefit. A mobility scooter lift will allow you to easily transport your scooter with you when you go on long, or even short trips, giving you that added freedom that prompted you to purchase the scooter in the first place. You can find a good quality scooter lift for much less money than you think, but there are other aspects that you should keep in mind. First, you should determine whether you want your lift to be motor driven or manually operated. The manually operated lifts are, of course, less expensive, however, you may find a power operated lift much more beneficial. It depends on whether or not you can manually operate the lift yourself, or if someone can operate it for you. If you do not have the strength to operate the lift, and will not have someone with you to help you, then a power operated lift is a much smarter choice. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/70938_Selecting_The_Right_Mobility_Scooter_Lift_For_Your_Vehicle.html Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:49:01 GMT People with limited mobility have been given a chance at more independence and freedom with mobility scooters. In a variety of styles and brands, it may sometimes be difficult to determine which mobility scooter will best suit your individual needs. Having some knowledge of the factors involved in the decision will help you to know which scooter is best for you. One thing to consider when purchasing a mobility scooter is your weight. While all mobility scooters are designed for optimal weight handling, smaller scooters are designed to handle up to 250 pounds, while more heavy duty scooters are designed to handle up to, and depending on the manufacturer, over 400 pounds. Knowing the weight restrictions can be a big factor in determining the best suitable mobility scooter for each individual. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/67732_Choosing_The_Perfect_Mobility_Scooter.html Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:37:46 GMT