How to Choose a Scooter for the Disabled

Scooters are used by many people who suffer from disabilities or injuries that make it difficult for them to walk or move around on their own. If you're thinking of purchasing an electric scooter for yourself or for a loved one, there are several features and safety issues you should consider before choosing one. Once you choose a scooter that fits your needs, you will gain back a great deal of your independence and an improved quality of life.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you're a good candidate to operate an electric or motorized scooter. Have your eyesight checked and, if needed, get corrective lenses or a new prescription for your glasses. If you have ever suffered from fainting spells or seizures, you should not purchase a motorized scooter. Also, you need to be sure that you have the cognitive function to be able to control a scooter safely with the hand controllers.

• 2

  Contact medical equipment dealers and manufacturers in your area and request more information about the electric scooters they sell. Contacting dealers and manufacturers will ensure you're purchasing your scooter from a reputable medical supplier.

• 3

  Make an appointment with a registered occupational therapist, or OTR, in your area. Occupational therapists can be found at rehabilitation centers or in the rehabilitation centers of local hospitals. The OTR can evaluate you and let you test out motorized scooters that may be a good fit for you. This will ensure you're physically able to operate a motorized scooter before purchasing one. With the right diagnosis, you may also be able to receive government assistance to help pay for the scooter.

• 4

  Request that the electric scooter you're considering be brought to your home by the medical equipment supplier. Your OTR can recommend which scooter or scooters may be best for your needs, and she should be present when the scooter is brought to your home. Your home should be inspected for safety and usability, and the supplier should allow you to test out the scooter in your home before you purchase it. The halls in your home, and even the smaller rooms, need to have enough space for the the scooter to make turns. Also, ramp access is essential.

• 5

  Consider which special features you may need on your electric scooter. Special features include grips, handles and reaching tools. Your specific medical condition or disability will determine which features you need. One or two rear-view mirrors should also be included on your scooter. Ask about battery life before choosing a scooter in terms of how many hours of use it can get before needing a recharge.

• 6

  Choose an electric scooter that can be adjusted for comfort. Areas that may need adjusting include the seat height, foot rests, and the location of the manual steering control, hand braking control, hand parking brake levers, seat rotation locking mechanism, controls for parking brakes and rear-view mirrors. All of these features should be properly adjusted before you purchase the scooter.