| Since its invention in the early 1960's, the | | | | problematic on uneven or rough terrain. |
| popularity and technological advancement of the | | | | 3) Shopping – These are great for shopping |
| personal mobility scooter has risen consistently to | | | | due to their tight turning radius. |
| the point now where they are the choice for | | | | 4) Lower length of time in use – Built for |
| those with limited mobility around the world. Along | | | | lighter duty than 4 wheel scooters, the run times |
| with the rise in popularity and technology, sheer | | | | on 3 wheel scooters are more limited. |
| number of choices in the category has risen | | | | 5) No balance issues - # wheel scooters are |
| dramatically as well to the point where it's now a | | | | generally stable but if balance is an issue, a 4 |
| wise move to run a personal needs assessment | | | | wheel might be the better choice. |
| before making a purchase to ensure that needs | | | | Considerations for the 4 wheel scooter: |
| are being met in the most cost effective manner | | | | 1) Use locations are relatively close to home – |
| possible. | | | | If this is the case, a 4 wheel scooter can be |
| One of the first assessments has to be the | | | | driven to its area of use due to its longer battery |
| physical condition and capabilities of the potential | | | | life and hill climbing capability. If a 4 wheel scooter |
| buyer. Physical limitations are the first determinant | | | | requires transport, it will have to be done via a lift |
| of whether a 3 wheel or a 4 wheel mobility | | | | or a trailer. |
| scooter will provide the optimal solution for the | | | | 2) Outdoor use – With two wheels up front, |
| buyer. | | | | the 4 wheel scooters have a much wider turning |
| Another assessment is the type of use that the | | | | radius which can make indoor use inconvenient. |
| electric mobility scooter will be predominantly | | | | 3) Weight of the rider – Once a rider's weight |
| designated for. Issues such as the types of | | | | goes over 300 pounds, a heavy duty 4 wheel |
| terrain the scooter will be driven on, the distance | | | | scooter becomes the best (and only) option. |
| the scooter will be driven, and whether there are | | | | These are just a few of the considerations to |
| hills would be important factors in the decision | | | | take into account when contemplating the |
| process. | | | | purchase of a mobility scooter. Other |
| The following are a few considerations for the 3 | | | | considerations, such as the length of time a rider |
| and four wheel mobility scooters: | | | | can sit comfortably, can actually rule out scooters |
| The 3 wheel: | | | | altogether if back support is required after a |
| 1) Portability – The 3 wheel mobility scooters | | | | short period of time. In that type of situation, an |
| can be broken down for transport in the trunk of | | | | electric wheelchair can serve as a much better |
| a car. If the predominant uses of the scooter are | | | | option. With all the variables to be considered, |
| going to be at locations some distance from | | | | consulting a professional for a full needs |
| home, portability will be a consideration. | | | | assessment is normally the best way to |
| 2) Generally flat terrain – These are fine on | | | | determine the best personal mobility option for |
| flat and smooth terrain but become more | | | | each individual. |