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  • What Is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and...
    By Five Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    What Is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?
    Mobility scooters and powerchairs are often grouped together to differentiate them from traditional self-propelled, or pushed wheelchairs. There are however some fundamental differences between a mobility scooter and a powerchair.
    Mobility scooters have three or 4 wheels and are steered using a bicycle style handlebar (or tiller) which requires 2 hands, and are designed to travel up to 35 miles. They are used by people with limited mobility, or those who tire easily when walking.
    Powerchairs usually look more like traditional wheelchairs, and some models even look just like a traditional wheelchair with batteries and a motor attached to each wheel. The powerchair is driven using one hand by a joystick controller on the arm of the powerchair. Powerchair users tend to spend more time in their chairs than scooter users spend on their scooters. Because of this, powerchairs tend to be more adaptable than disabled scooters and some models can have specialist seats and controllers fitted to suit the individual requirements of the user. For example, the powerchair can be controlled by hand, by a chin controller, or even using a sip and puff pipe operated with the mouth. The footrests can be specific to the user’s needs and can include swing away or articulating footrests. Powerchairs are also more likely to be used inside although some powerchairs are equally capable indoors and outdoors. Mobility scooters are more likely to be used outdoors, although some of the smaller ones can be used indoors.
    Electric scooters usually have one motor to drive the rear wheels. Powerchairs have two motors to individually drive the rear wheels. This gives the powerchair a great turning circle, and provides a lot of traction and control. Some powerchairs even have an electrically operated hydraulic seat so that the user can reach traditionally unreachable places like cupboards and shelves. Disabled scooters tend to be less customisable than powerchairs, and have fewer optional extras.
    Disability scooters tend to be less expensive than powerchairs. Powerchairs have two motors, and better, more supportive seating as users often spend a lot of time in the powerchair. Powerchair users may not be able to support themselves, or be able to walk at all, and so their requirements are different from mobility scooter users.
    Traditionally, powerchairs were not as easy to dismantle as mobility scooters, but this is changing and most of the powerchair manufacturers offer powerchairs that will fit into a car boot. Designs are changing so that powerchairs are becoming as easy to dismantle and as rugged as mobility scooters. Some powerchairs have six wheels for added stability, and some are front wheel drive for added manoeuvrability.
    Now that you have found out more about the differences between mobility scooters and powerchairs, you can decide which will suit you best.

    For more information about mobility scooters, please visit www.scootamart.com

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  • The Advantages of Electric Wheelchair Scooters –...
    By Five Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    Electric wheelchair scooters, or mobility scooters, are specially designed for providing mobility to disabled people. Electric scooters are high performance in terms of speed as well as safety. They are adaptable, affordable, durable and come with reliable warranties. Power mobility scooters are a great economic alternative to electric wheelchairs. They are available as portable/travel, three-wheel and four-wheel, front-end drive and rear-end drive scooters. The cost of motorized scooters ranges between $900 and $3,200.

    Electric wheelchair scooters are steered with a tiller, which is something like a bicycle’s handlebar. They have speed control knobs to control speed between 1 and 5 mph. They can be disassembled for easy transportation. Since mobility scooters operate on gel cell batteries, they are safe for transport.

    Electric wheelchair scooters are comprised of two kinds: Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive mobility scooters. Front-wheel drive mobility scooters are basically for indoor use and for moving on leveled ground. They are powered by a 12-volt battery and have a range of 5-10 miles for each recharge.

    Rear-wheel drive mobility scooters, on the other hand, can carry up to 250 to 350 pounds. Some heavy-duty models can even carry up to 500 lbs. Rear-wheel drive scooters are powered by two 12-volt batteries and can travel 15 to 20 miles per recharge.

    A wide range of electric wheelchair scooters are available in the marketplace. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are being designed to suit individualized requirements. The latest models are more maneuverable, highly durable and lightweight. Most online as well as brick-and-mortar stores have experienced and expert staff to assist the customer when buying an electric wheelchair scooter. They also offer specialized services like maintenance and repair, provision of spares like cushions, tires and batteries, routine servicing as well as emergency services. There is also the option of buying used electric wheelchair scooters. All suppliers usually offer shipping services to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and many other countries.

    Some of the most popular electric scooter brands include, Sunrise Medical; Merits; Pride Medical Products; Tuffcare; Shoprider; Golden Technologies; Ranger; Palmer Industries; Quickie; Wheelchairs of Kansas; Roho; Winco; Gendron; Harmar Bruno; and Silver Star.

    Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.

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  • Mobility Electric Scooters for the Elderly! – b...
    By Five Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    No need to feel disabled any longer. Advanced mobility electric scooters can provide independence for the handicapped, disabled or elderly.

    There has been much advancement in the field of wheelchairs, specifically mobility wheelchairs. But now there is something even more versatile, mobility electric scooters. When it comes to the elderly or handicapped mobility scooters may be the best thing since sliced bread.

    In the past disabled persons would lose out on many uplifting activities. But with the innovations in mobility scooters, the elderly and handicapped are not feeling quite as old or as feeble as they once were. Why? When you can get around almost as well as active healthy people you can return to being a part of the family or community. Independence is once again your ally. The ability to get around the house or out in public once again can be a major boost in a persons self worth. No more dependence on others to perform common everyday tasks.

    Motorized electric scooters for people with a handicap are fast becoming the way of the future. With technological advances being made with regard to electric mobility scooters it’s no wonder they have taken the disabled world by storm. It’s a thrill seeing a 90 year old man walking his dog with the help of a mobility electric scooter, something that he wouldn’t have been possible just a few short years ago. But now there is practically nowhere a person can’t go with the help of an electric motor scooter.

    There are gas motor scooters and electric motorized scooters, but for the handicapped gas scooters are out and electric is in. No need for gas, just plug it in for a recharge and then off you go with full independence once again. These wonderful scooters are getting faster and lighter. Plus, the scooter batteries have drastically improved, allowing much longer periods of driving without the need for a recharge. Wouldn’t it be nice being able to scoot around all day without the need for a charge?

    Another advantage of mobility electric motor scooters is the cost. They are not only becoming increasingly less expensive, but if a person is disabled or handicapped it may even be possible to have Medicare or other medical insurance pick up some or all of the tab.

    When purchasing an electric scooter be sure to take it for a test drive before buying. The most important thing is making sure that your motorized scooter is comfortable. By purchasing a comfortable scooter it’ll be a pleasant drive anywhere you go. Another consideration is the cost. If at all possible have your health insurance company pay for part of the price. But even if you have no insurance it is well worth the price. No price can be put on being independent and mobile, especially if you’ve been laid up for awhile.

    One of the many options available in mobile electric scooters is their number of wheels. There are models that have either 3 wheels or 4 wheels. The 3 wheel scooters are typically lighter in weight. The 4 wheel models are typically heavier, but may be a little better balanced when going quickly around a turn. Two wheels in the front make for a more stable vehicle around sharp corners. Once again, it is wise to test drive before buying.

    There are many different options including colors, sizes, weights, number of wheels, battery capacity and the types of seats. If chosen carefully an electric scooter can become one of the best purchases ever made for the handicapped, disabled or elderly.

    Sally Johnson writes about many topics. Spreading the word about the wonderful world of mobility electric scooters is one of her missions. For more information about mobility electric scooters please visit her site.

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  • Freedom With Mobility Scooters – by Lyn Davis
    By Five Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    Mobility scooters can provide a great sense of freedom for those with physical challenges. There are many variations of mobility scooters available. The styles, colors, size and features vary greatly – to meet the needs of many different people. Popularity for scooters has grown in the past few years. Leading manufacturers include such names as Invacare, Pride,….. Advertising campaigns abound on television, print, radio, and billboards touting the convenience and benefits of various models of scooters.
    When considering the purchase of a mobility scooter, there must be careful consideration of what the primary use of the scooter will be.
    Will the scooter be used primarily indoors or outdoors?
    What is the size and weight of the user of the scooter? The scooter should be matched to the size of the rider to assure that the rider will be able to easily handle the scooter.
    The scooter must provide a comfortable ride, especially if the rider will be seated for a considerable amount of time.
    Mobility scooters generally are much more compact and provide easier maneuverability than a power wheelchair. Scooters are more compact than power wheelchairs – usually the seat is either removable or it can be folded down. These foldable scooters are often referred to as travel scooters. They can be quickly folded down and placed in an average size car trunk. Many of the scooters can even be taken with you when you travel on an airline. If you plan on booking a fight, check with the airline to make sure of size or weight restrictions of taking your scooter with you.
    Mobility scooters come in three wheeled or four wheeled models. Te three wheeled scooter provides more maneuverability, and often provides many convenient features, such as swivel seats, comfortable arm rests, and storage baskets. Make sure the scooter you choose can accommodate the weight of the rider; some of the more compact scooters may only accommodate a weight of 250 pounds or less. However there is a few that can accommodate larger individuals. Four wheeled mobility scooters usually provide more stability because of the wider wheel base – they may be best suitable for more rugged outdoor terrain. Some scooters have a distance range of as much as 25 miles. This distance can vary depending upon the weight of the rider as well as added weight of any other cargo.
    RV owners may even find some of the lightweight two wheeled scooters will meet their needs, but the two wheeled models may not meet the needs of the some people.
    Most places that sell mobility scooters will provide information and assistance in choosing a mobility scooter that will be best matched to the individual needs of the rider.

    Lyn Davis is a freelance writer who enjoys Gardening, for more information on mobility scooters.

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  • Electric Scooters (Mobility Scooters) – by Tyso...
    By Five Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    Electric Scooters or Mobility Scooters are specially designed for people who have low mobility. An electric scooter is basically a battery-operated vehicle with the capacity of only one person. These scooters are mainly used by those people who feel difficulty in standing or walking for long periods of time. The Electric Scooters or Mobility Scooters are either designed for indoor use, outdoor use and both indoor and outdoor use. The main difference between an Electric Scooter and a motorized wheelchair is that the later is generally intended for indoor use and also costs more.
    The Mobility scooters generally come in a wide range of styles which are capable of accommodating different types of user needs. The Electric Scooters can have three wheels or maybe four. All these scooters run with battery power, so there is no chance to create environmental pollution. The pair of batteries used by these scooters are rechargeable and need to be re-charged on a regular basis. The time and distance covered by an electric scooter after every charging depends significantly on the type of battery and its capacity. There is no need to worry about the operation of these scooters as they are very easy. The Electric Scooters are generally equipped with advanced brake systems which make the stopping of these scooters very simple. These scooters also have parking brake which stops from rolling the vehicle when it is parked.
    ·Different types of Electric Scooters
    There are different types of Electric Scooters or Mobility Scooters according to the various users needs. They are as follows:
    1) Transportable or Foldable Mobility Scooters: As the name implies these scooters are easily foldable and ready to transport at any time. These type of scooters are perfect for people those who love traveling. These scooters can be disassembled into 3 or 4 pieces of light parts, according to the different scooter models, for easy transport in most cars trunks.
    2) Three-Wheeled Electric Scooters or Mobility Scooters: The three- wheeled mobility scooters offer full-sized comfort and durability which is absolutely perfect for both indoor as well as outdoor use. These scooters have a maximum weight capacity of 300 to 500 lbs.
    3) Four-Wheeled Electric Scooters or Mobility Scooters: Whenever maximum stability is required a fourth wheel is necessary to support the three- wheeled structure to obtain a stable platform. These types of scooters are mainly used for outdoor use. These scooters have bigger tires with wider base and can go as fast as 10 mph.
    4) Heavy Duty Electric Scooters: These scooters are built for heavy people who weigh more than 350 pounds. These scooters come with both three and four-wheeled models and with the weight capacity up to 500 pounds.
    ·The Advantages of Electric Scooters or Mobility Scooters
    The main advantages of Electric Scooters or Mobility Scooters are as follows:
    1)As the Electric Scooters are powered by battery therefore no physical exertion is required.
    2)The people with low mobility can go uphill very easily with the help of these scooters.
    3)The person who feels difficulty in walking does not need anybodies assistance to drive these scooters as it is very easy operating these scooters.

    Tyson J Stevenson writes on a wide variety of subjects, always with valuable news & reviews. Expect to see his name often. A related resource is Electric Scooters Further information can be found at HubbuH

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