A mobility scooter is a specially designed mobility aid to assist people with mobility problems. A flat floored scooter, it has swivelling seats which allow access when the front part is blocked by the handlebars. In terms of looks it is not like any wheelchair which is one of its selling points as well. It may not be necessarily used by persons with physical deformity. Some people suffering from lung diseases, arthritis, obesity etc too use these scooters. Gasoline powered models are available in some countries, though electric versions are gaining some much needed popularity. The credit goes to Allan R. Thieme for inventing the first mobility scooter in 1968.
The electric mobility scooters run on a battery having different charge cycles depending on those claimed by the manufacturers. With being environment friendly they also provide the convenience of being chargeable at home unlike gasoline powered versions which need regular visits to the gas stations (keeping cans full of petrol at home is never a good idea... is it?). Plus carrying a spare battery too is reasonably convenient in comparison to the idea of keeping petrol cans in tow. Moreover, there are newer models coming these days which charge the battery with the heat energy produced while applying the brakes. Some serious technological intervention that one!
For elderly people coming to zoos, airports, visiting huge malls such motorised scooters are being made available. There certainly are many common points between a mobility scooter and a Golf cart for that matter but the purpose differs considerably. Among the various positives about such a thing there are certain limitations as well. Most of the models available today require the rider to maintain an upright position, surely not convenient for someone with shoulder or back pain on a long journey. The turning radius too poses a problem with models having a longer length. They have very low ground clearance which again can be problematic on uneven roads.
The mobility scooters have been successful at introducing people with disabilities and those with age related body ailments to a smoother way of transporting themselves. Though the use of this product is mostly limited within privately owned spaces as it is not yet something which one could take to the road right among the fast moving cars, it still manages to keep sales going. The medical industry is a loyal customer for the different manufacturers of mobility scooters. There has been some interest shown by other members of the hospitality sector like hotels etc. It is time other environment conscious people too switch over to this interesting produce of technology.
For more information about
Mobility Scooter and
Electric Mobility Scooter
Please visit
www.mobilityscooterdirect.com
