Q. How do I decide whether I need a scooter or a power chair?
A. A scooter must be steered and is best suited for individuals with sufficient use of their upper body and arms to operate the handlebars. A scooter also requires more room for maneuvering than a power chair. Finally, a scooter is not recommended for those with a rapidly progressing condition.
Q. How do I select a scooter?
A. To ensure comfort and safety, a scooter first must possess adequate capacity for a person=s height and weight. The second consideration is the environment in which the scooter will be operated. Rough or outdoor terrain may require more power and larger tires, while primarily indoor use may call for smaller tires and a better turning radius. The selection of a scooter that will be transported also may be affected by the limitations of the vehicle in which it will be carried.
Q. How do I select the right scooter for my height and weight?
A. Each scooter featured on our site includes a list of its specifications. Just click on the model of your choice to view the scooter=s weight capacity and other features. In addition, persons with a height of 5' 5'= or under should consider scooters with an overall length of 42 inches or less. People taller than 5' 5'= generally require longer models to ensure ample leg room. A variety of special sized seats and seat options also are available to ensure safety and comfort.
Q. What is the difference between a 3 wheel and 4 wheel scooter?
A. The biggest difference between the two types is that 3 wheelers have a better turning radius as compared to 4 wheelers. This is most apparent in a house or similar confined area. Four-wheeled scooters originally evolved from the need for more stable operation when traveling on slopes or uneven terrain. However, newer models of 3-wheeled scooters also boast a very stable ride due to their optimized center of balance.
Q. How long will a scooter operate with a fully charged battery?
A. Most scooters come with the recommended configuration of two 12 volt, 32 amp Gel batteries. These batteries provide 15 to 20 miles of travel per charge based on average use by a 175 lb person on a flat surface. Exceeding these conditions will shorten the expected range. However, most models can be fit with optional larger batteries if more range is needed.
Q. How long does it take to fully charge the batteries?
A. Battery charging takes an average of 6 to 8 hours. In addition, most models include chargers with automatic shut off. This feature allows the user to plug in the charger at night and have fully charged batteries by morning.
Q. How fast will a scooter go?
A. The speed of a scooter will range from 4 to 9 m.p.h., depending on the model. Scooter speed is controlled both with a dial and through the amount of pressure the user places on the throttle. The specifications chart for each scooter featured on our site includes the speed range for the individual model.
