A mobility scooter is a mobility aid similar to a wheelchair but configured like a motorscooter.

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. Assistive and small sit-down motor scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world. Mobility scooters are usually electric-powered. A battery or two is stored onboard the scooter, and is charged via an onboard or separate charger unit from standard electric outlets. Gasoline-powered scooters are also available, though they are rapidly being replaced by electric models.

Advantages

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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.

Limitations

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While a mobility scooter eliminates much of the manual strength problems of an unpowered wheelchair, its tiller steering mechanism still requires upright posture, shoulder and hand strength, and some upper-body mobility and strength. Other drawbacks of mobility scooters are their longer length, which limits their turning radius and ability to use some lifts or wheelchair-designed access technologies such as bus lifts. Scooters also have fewer options for body support, such as head or leg rests. They are rarely designed for ease of patient transfer from seat to bed. These limitations prevent some disabled individuals from using scooters.

Currently in the United States, Medicare will not approve an electric wheelchair for persons who do not need to use the chair "inside their own home", even if they have medical needs which make a scooter a poor or useless choice. For example, a person with severe arthritis of both shoulders and hands and a weak heart should not use a scooter, as it will put strain on their hands and arms. However, because they can walk a few steps in their own home, such persons are not seen as candidates for a powered chair. Various disability rights groups are campaigning for Medicare to change this policy.

Models and manufacturers

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Mobility scooters are 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 amusement parks or grocery stores. Manufacturers and distributors of these mobility products for the disabled include: Drive Medical, Golden Technologies, Invacare, Merits, Pride Mobility, Rascal scooters and powerchairs, The Scooter Store and Hoveround.

External link

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• Fact sheet on mobility scooters from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Accessibility | Medical equipment | Assistive technology | Electric vehicles | Patient transport