Scooters for the Elderly

Elderly folks who used to be totally dependent on others have a new lease on life---or at least getting outdoors---with the help of the scooter. Available in a wide range of styles, colors, weights and battery capacities, scooters for the elderly have been a godsend to many. Several factors should go into choosing a scooter that is right for a particular person, and the scooter should never be used unless the driver is fully comfortable with it.

Types

• Scooters for the elderly can run on gas or electric power, with the latter being much cleaner and easier to use. They run off a rechargeable battery that can simply be plugged into a wall socket when not in use. Scooters will come with either three or four wheels, with the former being smaller and more lightweight but the latter offering increased stability. People should expect to pay at least $700 and up to $4,000 or more for a scooter, depending on the type and features chosen. Scooters can sometimes be purchased locally at wheelchair, vehicle or bicycle shops, at stores that specialize in scooters or online (see Resources below).

Features

• The basic set-up for scooters includes a roomy seat and places for the feet, handlebars and arm rests. Many contain a front basket or rear storage area for carting around groceries and other amenities. Depending on the colors and style chosen, some wider gray or steel ones resemble a wheelchair while others, like a bright red streamlined style, appear as if they could go zooming down a senior Olympics racetrack.

Considerations

• As scooters for the elderly have increased in popularity, they have also decreased in price. Some elderly folks may also be able to have their insurance carrier or Medicare pay for part of the cost. Regular maintenance is also a must, as is following the rules of the road or sidewalk. Most areas will allow mobility scooters on the sidewalk, but city codes should be double-checked to be sure. Also allow ample room for other pedestrians, pets and scooters.

Misconceptions

• Not every elderly person will find that a scooter is the right choice. Riding around in a scooter takes a lot of coordination, motor skills and vision. It also takes some practice. In addition to taking a test ride on several models before purchasing one, new scooter owners should practice riding in vacant parking lots or other areas until they are fully comfortable maneuvering and riding the unit.

Benefits

• The benefits of scooters for the elderly are vast. They provide quick, easy transportation, allowing folks who had very limited mobility a chance to get out and do things. Since the scooters run on gas or electricity, elderly people no longer have to struggle with pushing their own wheelchairs on uneven terrain. Nor do they have to rely on someone else to push them around or perform tasks and errands they can now perform themselves.