Scooters. I now need one. What do I need to know before I buy one??

fuzzybuddy

fuzzybuddy

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Location
The Sticks, Northeast PA.
Got a spinal problem. It ain't getting any better. I've been using the scooters in the stores. And it finally got through my thick skull that I really need to own a scooter. I still can walk a little and I'm able to lift some things. I live alone with a cat. And frankly, he's not mechanically minded at all. So it'll be just me. I want something I can handle myself. No $20,000 vehicle alterations, lifts, elevators, etc. What do I need to know before I plunk down money?
Thanks
 

The smaller ones, which fold or come apart to fit in a car, can be unstable over rough ground. OK for malls and supermarkets but not good on poor pavements (sidewalks). Don't get a three wheeler, they turn over very easily.

Not sure if you'll be able to manage it, but ideally you need a road legal one (lights and indicators, and, in the UK, 8mph) which you can load in a car under its own power using ramps.

Mobility scorers with a tiller type handlebar are not too manoeuvrable in tight spaces. Have a look at a powered wheelchair, which uses a little joystick on one of the arms - they can turn in their own length. Something like this (It's US made so available over there), though this doesn't have lights. It fits in my car. just straight up-the ramps, with no adjustments other than folding down the seat back.

http://www.electricmobility.co.uk/products/rascal-p312-turnabout/58/

Don'y forget to think of the future.
 

Laurie said:
The smaller ones, which fold or come apart to fit in a car, can be unstable over rough ground. OK for malls and supermarkets but not good on poor pavements (sidewalks). Don't get a three wheeler, they turn over very easily.
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Excellent point, Laurie! I had an electric 3-wheeler, street-legal, lights, reflectors, turn signals, the "works". But I had to be careful to take a serious uphill at a gentle angle rather than straight-on. Other than that, I absolutely loved it. I'd have it still, but I was moving to where I'd have no place to plug it in overnight for recharge, and I don't care to bring outdoor vehicles into the house/carpet. I should've kept it -- even if I had to bring it inside for recharge! It was "candy apple red" if you're old enough to remember that auto color. :) When out running around on the scooter, I'd get honks/waves/"Wow" remarks. FUN!!!
 
Thanks for the info. It seems that a 4 wheel one with the "works" is what I should get. I guess being able to up a ramp by it self is a good thing,too. Also, thanks for the medicare angle. I never thought about them.
 
We are often concerned when we see one going along the roadway's shoulder, that it could tip over. We see a lady now and then in the middle of a long stretch between cross streets: at least 2 miles. I've wondered if the machines provide a running indication of charge remaining? That would be one of the things I would investigate, as well as tipping possibility. imp
 
Thanks for the medicare stuff. Ya, know isn't there anything "easy" any more? Today, even "easy" is a four page form, which you have to wait 6-8 weeks to get approval to send in another 4 page form.
 
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