4 Decisions to Make Before Shopping for a Mobility Scooter

Are you thinking about getting a mobility scooter? This vital tool helps millions of Americans continue to live an enjoyable, healthy, and satisfying life. But unlike many other mobility aids that can easily fit into your physical space without much adjustment, a mobility scooter does require some preparation of your home and lifestyle.

Here are four things to decide on and prepare before bringing home your new scooter.

1. Where You’ll Store It

Mobility scooters often have a smaller profile than older versions, but they do still take up some space when not in use. You’ll need to determine where your scooter will live at home. Will you bring it inside the house or store it outside somewhere? If it will be outdoors, how will you secure it against theft, weather, and vandalism?

Wherever you do plan to keep the scooter, it should be easily accessible to and from the home as well as to and from your means of transportation. You’ll need plenty of space to get on and off the scooter. And don’t forget to place it near an outlet so that the battery can charge.

2. What You’ll Transport It In

Depending on what type of scooter you want, your transportation needs vary. Smaller two- and three-wheel scooters are designed to be very light and often even fold up for easy carrying. This type of scooter can often fit into a car’s trunk. But there is no one-size-fits-all trunk or cargo area size, so you’ll want to measure your vehicles before you settle on a specific scooter model.

There are larger, four-wheel scooters that are heavier and designed for more rugged use. These can be very heavy and are not designed to fit into a trunk. If you want this type of device, you may need to have a larger vehicle into which the scooter can wheel directly. Many owners opt for a lift system that attaches to the rear of a vehicle — usually a van, SUV, or truck — to store when the vehicle is in motion.

3. What Are Your Needs

Scooters today come in a range of sizes and purposes. There are lightweight and extremely agile models designed for use inside the home, shopping, and spending time with friends or family. These also come in airline-friendly widths if you like to travel.

If you want to go off-road, though, you’ll likely need a larger, four-wheel model that can stand up to a more rigorous lifestyle safely. These scooters require a bigger investment and more space, but they can help active owners continue to enjoy their interests.

4. How It Will Fit at Home

There are generally two styles of mobility scooter use. First, some owners only plan to use the device outdoors or away from home. If you can get around just fine at home but aren’t up to walking long distances, this is the perfect arrangement. In this case, you may store the scooter outside or in a garage and it doesn’t need to fit into your home.

The second type of user is one who plans to — or expects to in the future — use the scooter inside the home. If you think this is a strong possibility, plan ahead how it will fit into your existing home’s layout. If any doors or corners are tight, for example, you may want to use a narrow scooter with a tight turning radius. You may also need to move or reduce furniture to allow wide pathways for the scooter.

One of the best ways to decide on the right mobility device for your situation is to consult with an experienced professional. Corner Home Medical can help during all stages of your purchase — from planning to buying. Call today to have your questions answered by an expert.