| Electric mobility scooters can provide the elderly, | | | | same time as steering can be complicated. |
| disabled, and seriously ill freedom of movement. | | | | A motorized wheelchair is a form of personal |
| Mobility is a critical to just about every aspect of | | | | transportation that typically has six wheels and is |
| everyday living. Having some liberty of movement | | | | steered using a "joystick" type control mechanism. |
| enhances a person's capability to learn, earn a living | | | | Other names for the motorized wheelchair include, |
| and interact with friends, family and community. A large | | | | electric chair, power wheelchair and power chair. A |
| percentage of people with mobility limitations have | | | | motorized wheelchair is usually equipped with |
| permanent disabilities. Many people suffer from | | | | outstanding maneuverability features that make them |
| conditions that make walking an extremely | | | | perfect for use in the home and will generally fit just |
| complicated and painful task including arthritis, muscular | | | | about anywhere. Motorized wheelchairs are typically |
| dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. These individuals | | | | for in-door use. |
| benefit from a variety of mobility aids and devices to | | | | The power mobility provided by electric wheelchairs |
| assist them in lead fulfilling and active lives. The most | | | | has made a dramatic difference in many people's lives. |
| popular forms of independently operated mobility | | | | The development of new technology in the industry |
| equipment are electric mobility scooters and motorized | | | | has made it possible for people to obtain smaller, more |
| wheelchairs. | | | | lightweight and maneuverable motorized wheelchairs |
| The basic construction should combine a backrest, | | | | for use inside the home allowing people to move about |
| seat and foot support to provide a comfortable and | | | | in small places and complete their activities of daily |
| stable seating base. This enables riders to expend their | | | | living without being bed-ridden or sent to nursing |
| energy on the essential activities, such as operating the | | | | homes. |
| vehicle and accomplishing tasks from within the mobility | | | | In comparison, electric mobility scooters have either |
| scooter rather than wasting effort trying to maintain a | | | | three or four wheels and steer much like a bicycle, |
| comfortable, upright position. The seat unit should have | | | | using a set of handlebars and hand operated control |
| an anatomically contoured seat base and backrest | | | | mechanisms. Electric mobility scooters are ideal for |
| and be wide enough to accommodate outdoor clothing | | | | indoor and outdoor activities, as they glide smoothly |
| if necessary. However, it should not be so wide that | | | | and simply over a variety of surfaces. There are even |
| the user is forced to sit asymmetrically to feel properly | | | | portable electric mobility scooters that will fit simply in |
| supported. If the seat is too narrow it will become | | | | the trunk of a car. |
| uncomfortable and increase the risk of pressure sores. | | | | Electric mobility scooters are reliable,easy to operate, |
| Try to choose an electric mobility scooter that has a | | | | comfortable, safe and do not have the more obvious |
| seat and backrest which can be adjusted to meet | | | | medical appearance of a motorized wheelchair. |
| individual comfort levels. In addition, a seat with fold up | | | | Today 's electric mobility scooters have three or four |
| armrests adds to the comfort of the rider, make | | | | wheels, a steering column-known as a tiller-with |
| transferring on and off the seat easier and will reduce | | | | handlebars and hand operated control mechanisms |
| the amount of physical strain on the upper body. A | | | | and a platform that supports the seat, battery and the |
| stable seating posture is essential in order to manage | | | | riders feet. Electric mobility scooters are much less |
| the vehicle 's controls which are located on the tiller, or | | | | physically strenuous than a walker or manual |
| steering column and handlebars. | | | | wheelchair. Though the rider of a mobility scooter must |
| The tiller is the control and steering mechanism for the | | | | be physically able to walk a few steps and have |
| mobility scooter and has the controls to drive the | | | | adequate upper body strength and dexterity, they do |
| scooter forward or in reverse, as well as steering the | | | | not require the more substantial amount of strength |
| front wheels. Some tillers feature height and angle | | | | and dexterity necessary to operate a walker or |
| adjustability to ensure that the rider can comfortably | | | | manual wheelchair. The swiveling captain 's style seat |
| reach the tiller and therefore has maximum control | | | | of an electric mobility scooter is typically easier than |
| over the scooter. A console, centrally located on the | | | | moving the foot supports of a manual or motorized |
| tiller, has the supplementary controls for lights, | | | | wheelchair. In addition, Electric mobility scooters are |
| indicators, horn and to power the unit on and off. Two | | | | simple to maintain and easily recharged using a |
| hands are typically required to manage the tiller | | | | standard electrical outlet and charger. |
| steering component of an electric mobility scooter. | | | | Physical impairments need not prevent someone from |
| Some models can be controlled by only one hand if | | | | participating in daily activities as well as special |
| the model is equipped with one level for acceleration | | | | occasions with family and friends. Electric mobility |
| that switches for forward and reverse mode, | | | | scooters restore independence and freedom of |
| however operating supplementary controls at the | | | | mobility to help promote an active lifestyle. |