Mobility Scooter At Little Or No Cost To You
Join the thousands of Americans who have discovered the freedom a Power Wheelchair or Scooter makes possible for them and their caregivers. If you and/or your insurance plan qualify, you may be eligible to receive a Power Wheelchair or Scooter at little or no cost to you.
Mobility Scooters Have Came Along Way
A mobility scooter has a seat over two rear wheels, a flat area for the feet, and handlebars in front to turn one or two steerable wheels. The seat may swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars. Mobility scooters are usually battery powered. A battery or two is stored on board the scooter and is charged via an onboard or separate battery charger unit from standard electric power. Gasoline-powered scooters are also available, though they are rapidly being replaced by electric models.
The tiller, with forward/reverse directions and speed controls, is the steering column centrally located at the front of the scooter. Direction can be controlled by thumb paddles, finger controls, or a switch. There are two types of mobility scooters: front-wheel drive (FD) or rear-wheel drive (RD). The FD is usually a smaller device and is best used indoors. Rider weight capacity is generally upwards to 250 pounds maximum. The RD is used both indoors and outdoors with rider weight capacity of 350 pounds. A heavy duty RD is capable of carrying up to 500 pounds, varying by manufacturer.
Allan R. Thieme built the first mobility scooter in 1968, in Bridgeport, Michigan. Thieme was personally motivated to create this product in order to help a family member diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This first mobility scooter, a front-wheel drive model, was conceived and built at his home. The Amigo, as it was brand-named, initiated the entire “scooter” industry. Today, Amigo Mobility International Inc headquarters is located in Bridgeport, Mich.
Mobility scooters are now available in a wide range of models, from tiny folding travel scooters to heavy-duty bariatric models. Scooters are commonly available for loaner use at public facilities, such as grocery stores and for rent at theme parks/amusement parks.
Advantages Of Having Your Own Mobility Scooter
Assistive and small sit-down motor scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world. A scooter is useful for persons without the stamina or arm/shoulder flexibility necessary to use a manual wheelchair. Also, swivelling the seat of an electric scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most conventional wheelchairs. A mobility scooter is very helpful for persons with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions (coronary or lung issues, some forms of arthritis, etc.) who are still able to stand and walk a few steps, sit upright without torso support, and control the steering tiller.
A main selling point of the electric scooter is that it does not look like a wheelchair, which many people see as a sign of old age. However, as increasing numbers of elderly persons choose mobility scooters, the scooter is now developing its own reputation, at least among the able-bodied, as a geriatric item. Mobility scooters are generally more affordable than powered wheelchairs, and often easier to obtain from insurers or health care agencies.
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