A lot of seniors seek self-sufficiency and independence. Thankfully, seniors who want to stay mobile well into their old age can now do so through reliable medical equipment, such as canes, walkers, electric wheelchairs/power chairs, and the ever-popular mobility scootersElectric scooters that provide mobility assistance for seniors, facilitating movement over longer di....
Senior mobility scooters are a worthy investment when it comes to the safety and security of your loved one. Whether they have a serious health condition or just need a bit of help moving around on their own, a mobility scooter can be the perfect accompaniment to their daily routine. Since mobility scooters have engines, users can easily hop on board and start using them immediately.
For those who are still on the fence about buying a mobility scooter for themselves or their elderly loved ones, keep reading below to find out what the benefits of these scooters are, how much they cost, and which options are available to you.
Mobility scooters allow the elderly to move freely. With the help of a mobility scooter, you can access places that might be difficult to reach on foot. You can even use scooters to go to shopping centers and other commercial centers since they have access to ramps that you can use even without assistance. Not to mention, mobility scooters can be used even in various modes of public transportation, such as buses or trains.
Mobility scooters have swivel seats. This makes getting on and off the scooter a breeze.
There are also mobile scooters that you can dismantle, which makes them easy to store without taking up too much space. This also gives you the option to bring them around with you wherever you go.
Electric mobility scooters are also made of heavy-duty materials. Most of these scooters have a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs. With such a high weight capacity, you don't have to worry about the mobility scooter supporting your or your loved one's weight.
The weight capacity also means that an electric mobility scooter can be for long-term use. Since some seniors have health conditions that can lead to fluctuating weight, having a scooter that can easily accommodate both light and heavyset people can be a huge help.
What's more, the versatile weight capacity also means that an electric mobility scooter can be used by family members who might need it in the future.
People of advanced age often have weaker bodies and are more prone to injuries resulting from accidental falls. A scooter for the elderly can help prevent accidents, as it reduces the likelihood of getting into fall-related situations.
Those who are recovering from surgeries and/or going through physical therapyA branch of rehabilitative health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patie... can also benefit from mobility scooters. This is because it can help avoid overexertion that can disrupt the healing process.
Scooters for seniors are easy to operate.
Although they have modern designs, their controls are easy to learn. Just like bicycles, they have handlebars that you can use to maneuver them in any direction you want to effortlessly. You don't need to have the exceptional upper body strength to move these handlebars.
Mobility scooters don't have a steep learning curve, as the accessible controls can help you master turns and stops in just a short period.
Unlike other motorized vehicles, you don't need a license to operate motorized scooters.
Because motorized scooters have limited speeds, you can only use scooters in pedestrian areas. In areas with a high volume of vehicles, scooters are not allowed. This is for the safety and protection of both the users of scooters and car owners.
There's no need to go through the legal process of acquiring a license. The great thing about this is a person in need of the help of scooters for mobility can immediately use them. You can also avoid the likelihood of getting denied a license because of advanced age or disability.
All you need to do is familiarize yourself with your electric mobility scooter's basic operations, and you can freely move around and go on with your daily life. As mentioned previously, scooters are much easier to control precisely because their controls are made with ease of use in mind.
You can get a mobility scooter for as low as around $700. More expensive models can set you back close to $2,000.
Mobility scooters are just like any other vehicle. The more features they have, the more expensive they become. In general, a 3-wheel scooter is more affordable compared to a 4-wheel scooter. Foldable or travel scooters are also more expensive due to their portable feature.
Another factor that affects the price of a scooter is its range. Scooters that allow you to travel longer distances cost more. These scooters often have batteries with larger capacities and cost more to produce.
Yes, MedicareA federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disab... covers mobility scooters. Just like wheelchairs and walkers, Medicare considers electric mobility scooters as hard-wearing medical equipment.
Medicare willA legal document that states how a person's property should be managed and distributed after death. cover a mobility scooter after an attending physician provides a written order stating that there is a medical need for a scooter. In other words, for it to be covered by Medicare, your doctor should certify that a motorized scooter is a vital need.
All patients need to shoulder is 20% of the amount, while Medicare will cover the remaining 80% of the cost. This is, of course, also subject to certain circumstances.
Regarding insurance coverage, be sure to speak with your insurance provider to check if your plan covers the cost of a scooter. Insurance companies have different policies, and only your insurance company can provide you with accurate information regarding the coverage of mobility scooters for seniors.
Policies also have different coverages, so it is possible for someone who uses the same insurance company to have different coverage to what you have.
While mobility scooters can eliminate certain risks, it's not 100% safe. At the moment, the accident rate for mobility scooters is 21%.
While the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) doesn't require seniors to pass a test to acquire a scooter, some seniors may still lack the necessary skills to operate one. This is what can cause accidents.
Here are some tips to improve the safety of mobility scooters among seniors:
• Helping seniors get driving tests in facilities frequented by seniors using mobility scooters
• Using turtle speed and/or setting and saving the speed of the scooters for seniors
• Reading the mobility scooter manual before usage
• Staying on flat surfaces and avoiding high-pile carpeting that may harm the wheels’ functions
• Using side and/or rear-view mirrors
• Consulting an Occupational Therapist to determine the best mobility scooter units for seniors
There are different mobility scooters available on the market. Each one has different features that make them ideal for certain activities. Here are a few of the best scooters that you might want to consider buying.
BUZZAROUND EX Extreme 4-Wheel Heavy Duty Long Range Travel Scooter
What makes it great?
• Long battery life
• Long-range
• Bright LED headlight and taillight
• Anti-slip wheels
• Great suspension system
If you're looking for a scooter that you can use for outdoor activities, then the Buzzaround EX Extreme is worth checking out. One of its biggest selling points is its range. The EX Extreme has one of the largest batteries among travel scooters. This will allow you to travel up to 18 miles on a single charge. This motorized scooter can reach speeds of up to 5 miles per hour.
You don't have to limit your activities to areas near your residence with such a long travel range. You can finally go to that park that you've always wanted to revisit.
Even if you don't travel too far from your residence, the long battery life saves you from the hassle of having to charge the battery of your mobility scooter frequently. Additionally, the EX Extreme has an ultra-bright LED headlight and taillight that makes outdoor travels safe even during nighttime.
This 4-wheel mobility scooter features 9-inch wheels that can help you navigate bumpy roads and sidewalks. The wheels are anti-slip and can grip slippery surfaces so you can avoid accidents while enjoying your morning stroll. Furthermore, the 4-inch ground clearance will enable you to easily go over outdoor obstacles like small rocks or even protruding tree roots.
It features front and rear Comfort Spring Suspensions so you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride. Speaking of comfort, the Stadium seat on this mobility scooter is height-adjustable, so comfort can be achieved for any elderly user.
This heavy-duty mobility scooter also has a weight capacity of up to 330 lbs, so there's no need to worry about it being unable to support the weight of just about anyone who takes a liking to it.
Although this is a full-sized mobility scooter, it is portable and easy to disassemble. This makes it easy to take during family trips. It also means that storing the scooter won't be an issue because it will easily fit even in small storage spaces like under the stairs or in a tiny closet.
EWHEELS EW-36 Elite Recreational Electric Mobility Scooter
What makes it great?
• Can reach up to 18 miles per hour
• Boasts plenty of storage space
• Possesses variable speed control
• Has a 45-mile driving range
• Equipped with a full lighting system
If you miss the adrenaline rush brought by fast rides or you just want to move around quickly, the EWHEELS EW-36 Elite might be the mobility scooter you're looking for.
You can reach a top speed of up to 18 miles per hour while riding this 3-wheel scooter. That's more than enough power to satisfy your need for speed. To top it off, you can travel up to 45 miles with a fully charged battery in this deluxe mobility scooter.
It features an easy-to-use variable speed control dial that lets you determine how fast or slow you can go. This is a great feature since you can use lower-speed settings while you're getting used to the controls. You can then shift to higher speed settings once you have mastered the scooter.
One of the main concerns with fast mobility scooters is safety. Thankfully, you don't have to worry about safety concerns when you're in an EW-36. This 3-wheel mobility scooter features a front and rear electronic braking system. This will make sure that you have a stable ride that's easy to steer even during sudden stops. The rear wheels have anti-tippers as an additional safety feature.
The EW-36 also features one of the best full-lighting systems. It has bright headlights, taillights, and turn signals that make it safe for outdoor use even in the dark.
Aside from its speed, this mobility scooter also does not skimp when it comes to comfort. It has a captain's seat with folding armrests so you can ride in style and comfort. The seat features a safety belt that can help keep you safe and secure during your travels.
There is also plenty of storage space available if you plan to use this mobility scooter to run errands or do your groceries. It features a rear basket and under-the-storage storage where you can place your groceries.
It also has a locking glove compartment that you can use to safe-keep your valuables. You'll find this glove compartment handy when you're in places where there are large crowds and you'll need to store small items like hand sanitizers or face masks.
ATTO Folding Mobility Scooter
What makes it great?
• Lightweight design
• Easy to store
• FAA-approved
• Stylish design
Although mobility scooters for seniors are meant to make traveling easier, they can sometimes restrict mobility given certain circumstances. Some mobility scooters for seniors are too bulky for use in public modes of transportation, while some are too heavy and wieldy to bring when traveling by plane. ATTO's Folding Mobility Scooter solves these problems for you.
This folding 3-wheel mobility scooter weighs just around 4.4 lbs. When folded, it is just the size of a small suitcase. This makes it an ideal scooter for those who love to travel. You can even disassemble this mobility scooter into several small pieces so it can fit into a bag for easy transport.
This mobility scooter features a lightweight lithium battery that's approved safe for air travel by the FAA. This stamp of approval means you and your loved one can take long-haul flights with no problem. Of course, its foldable build also allows you to place your scooter on the plane's overhead bin for easy access.
Don't let its diminutive size fool you. This mobility scooter is packed with features that make it a worthy travel companion. It can reach speeds of up to 4 miles per hour, and a single charge can last up to 12 miles, making it an excellent choice during sightseeing trips.
Although it is lightweight in design, it has more than enough storage space for you to keep your valuables safe. It also helps that this mobility scooter has an eye-catching design. Whoever said that mobility scooters could not be functional and look good at the same time haven't seen the ATTO Folding Mobility Scooter.
Drive Medical SFSCOUT4-EXT Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter
What makes it great?
• Easy to disassemble
• Flat-free, non-marking tires
• Swivel, height-adjustable seat
• Ergonomic throttle control
The best mobility scooters are those that you can count on for all your mobility requirements. Drive Medical's EXT Scout is an example of a mobility scooter that is great for just about anything that you need it for.
Whether you're looking for a scooter for indoor or outdoor use, this scooter is something that you need to look at. It is powered by 20AH batteries that increase the maximum range to up to 15 miles. This is the best mobility scooter for a senior who needs a go on a grocery trip or enjoy a quiet morning in the park. Feel free to see as many sights as you want, your scooter won't run out of battery!
Whether indoors or outdoors, a stable ride is of utmost importance. Stability can help prevent accidental falls that may lead to injuries. The Scout has flat-free wheels that you can use even on rocky trails or pebble-strewn driveways.
This 4-wheel scooter has anti-tip wheels to make it even safer to use even on uneven terrains. You also don't have to worry about using this mobility scooter indoors because the wheels are non-marking and won't damage your floor tiles or hardwood floor.
Even better, this heavy-duty 4-wheel scooter is easy to use and fully functional. It features a large plastic carry basket that you can use to bring goods or personal effects. It is also easy to disassemble into five smaller pieces, which means you can easily load it into a car or van during your travels.
You might think that mobility scooters are as feature-packed as the Scout is difficult to operate. That's where you're wrong. This is one of the easiest scooters to use, as it has an easy freewheel operation that you can master after just a few uses. The throttle control is also ergonomic, so it's easy to grip even for long instances.
Power scooters like this one often look bland and unappealing but not the Scout. This heavy-duty scooter features a cool design that users will love. Its color panels are interchangeable, so you can easily hide scratches arising from accidental bumps.
The Scout also has featured a padded, comfortable seat with armrests for additional comfort. The swivel seat is height-adjustable making it a perfect ride for anyone who might want to use it no matter how short or tall they are.
All in all, senior mobility scooters allow aging adults to get around with comfort and ease, whether they are outdoors or indoors. This medical equipment, if properly utilized, can provide our beloved seniors the independence they deserve as they go about their day-to-day lives.
With the number of available choices, looking for the right mobility scooter for you or an elderly loved one can be a difficult task — but Senior Strong can help you with that.
If you have any questions or want to start looking for the mobility scooter that's right for yourself or a loved one, schedule a consultation with our expert team. Contact Senior Strong today.
