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Scooters Scooters or power operated vehicles work best for people who can walk but only very short distances. They have three or four wheels and are steered using a bicycle style handlebar (or tiller), which requires two hands, and are designed to travel up to 35 miles. Compared to power chairs they are less expensive, lighter and have a larger turning radius – making them less maneuverable in tight spaces like an elevator. Some models have a power seat lift the enables the user to reach shelving and access items high off the ground. Four wheel models offer more stability outdoors are but are wider whereas three wheel models are narrower but offer less stability outdoors. Scooters come with battery chargers. When fully charged, batteries can last between 20-25 miles. The batteries should be charged regularly once a week overnight and need to be replaced yearly. Contact Advanced Seating and Mobility to help you evaluate and then "test drive" a scooter for comfort, fit and function. Advantages of scooters:
- Less expensive than a power chair
- Easier to transport in the car or disassemble
- Improved access to the work and social activity
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
Disadvantages of scooters:
- Not as easy to maneuver in tight spaces like a bathroom stall
- Few options for seating and positioning
- Not lightweight -- parts weigh between 25 to 63 pounds
- Hard to fit into a vehicle, require a vehicle lift for transport
- Require more maintenance than a manual wheelchair
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