As you get older, you are going to start losing mobility. This usually happens because your legs and knees are getting weaker. As muscles and joints wear down, you need to find ways that can help you retain mobility so you can still do your daily activities and enjoy your freedom.
A popular method is to use mobility scooters. These small personal vehicles are excellent for getting around and maximizing the freedom that you deserve. What aging people want to know is how safe they are, and the answers are in what you are looking for in such a scooter. Here is how to determine how safe a scooter can be for your needs.
Battery Range
Each mobility scooter comes with a set range on a charge of its battery. The good news is that they can vary depending on how far you need to go. Anywhere from a few miles to over 20+ miles is possible on a mobility scooter. The experts at Mobility Paradise show how many different models there are, and each one comes with its own battery classification. The more money you spend, the better the chance is that the scooter will be able to get you farther. Knowing you have a long operational range can help keep you safe if you venture too far and need enough power to get back home or to your destination.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
What you use the scooter for will also determine the safest ways to operate a mobility scooter. Not all scooters are designed for multi-purpose use. There are indoor scooters and outdoor scooters, with different features on each or that cross over. Indoor scooters are usually less durable because they aren’t expected to be exposed to the elements. Outdoor scooters can be quite tough and even allow you to drive through some rougher terrain like dirt and grass. Choosing the right scooter for your needs will help keep you safe if you pick smartly.
Speed Capability
Because these mobility scooters are electric-powered, they are not going to be as powerful as something with a motor. With that being said, the batteries on these scooters are still strong enough to get you up to speeds of 8mph, which is twice as fast as a normal walking pace. This can be quite speedy for an elderly person, but that is only when using it on the road. Using it on the sidewalk means having to keep it to 4mph or slower for safety’s sake. The speed can be dangerous if you are not careful, but it is nothing to fear if you ride responsibility.
Maintenance Needs
Just like any kind of mechanical device, a mobility scooter needs to be maintained over time to ensure effective and safe use. Thankfully this can be taken care of by the scooter manufacturer or company you purchased from. Getting a warranty is always a good idea to protect you and your scooter from unseen costs that happen when a piece breaks or a part stops working. Regular maintenance checkups will ensure the safety of any user.
Turning Radius
A mobility scooter can only move so much, and that means it has a restricted turning radius. Some of them can be bulkier at times, especially in tight indoor spaces, so looking for a tighter turning radius can allow for much safer passage in doorways or hallways and keep you from getting stuck. A turning radius of 30 to 55 inches is a common range for a good scooter that allows for safe mobility even in tight areas indoors.
Tips for Using ba Mobility Scooter Safely
There are some useful tips to abide by when using a mobility scooter and they include:
- Wearing a helmet
- Driving the recommended speed limit (4mph on sidewalks, 8mph on the road)
- Drive towards traffic so motorists or cyclists can see you, and you can see them
- Wear a helmet to avoid any spills that could hurt your head
- Maintain the scooter as much as possible to avoid damages
- Don’t overload the scooter with too much weight or decrease your potential turning radius
- Only use it on suitable terrain
- Never have a second person riding with you
When you follow those tips, you can operate your scooter in the way it was intended.
Now that you see how easy it is to be safe on a scooter, it makes sense why they are so popular. You need to think of it as a vehicle, but one that doesn’t operate on the road like a car, so exercising caution and safe practices will make it a worthwhile experience.