Why Outdoor Mobility Scooters Are Different
For those who are limited by not being able to move around freely, life can become very difficult. Depression and loss of enthusiasm can quickly set in if a person is confined and unable to maneuver about. For a person who is used to being independent and getting outside frequently; this abrupt change in their lifestyle and loss of freedom can be overwhelming. Outdoor electric mobility scooters can give back this loss of freedom and get a person outside again.
Not all scooters are intended to be outdoor mobility scooters. Outdoor electric mobility scooters are made differently than those that are for indoor or indoor/outdoor use.
What Makes Outdoor Mobility Scooters Different?
Some of the key differences in outdoor mobility scooters are:
1. The body and frame of the scooter are made heavier to be more durable and hold up to rugged uneven terrain.
2. The tires are wider and made of thicker rubber to enable traveling through gravel, dirt, and other harder to navigate environments. Big wheel mobility scooters have the ability to go through most places a user will want to traverse.
3. The wheel base is wider so that the vehicle does not turn over as easily. This is very important on uneven surfaces.
4. The scooter is equipped with more power to go up hills without slowing down.
5. Some scooters are equipped with mirrors, headlights and taillights to give the driver the option of using the scooter on roadways. Generally these units have a capability of traveling at least eight miles per hour. You must check the traffic laws in your area to find out what the regulations are for using a scooter on the roadways.
6. Outdoor scooters will require more upper body strength to steer them.
7. Additional safety testing is usually performed on outdoor electric mobility scooters to ensure consumer safety.
8. Outdoor scooters are quite a bit larger than the more portable mobility scooters on the market.
When deciding to purchase an outdoor scooter; keep in mind the extra weight of this type unit. You may need ramps to load the scooter into your vehicle for travel. Some mobility scooter lifts are not equipped to accommodate this weight and are unsafe to load an outdoor model with. You will need a truck or van to put your unit in as well. The vehicle will also need some slight modification for the ramps to fit in and be stored.
Insurance may more readily pay for a portable scooter rather than an outdoor one. You will need to check with your specific insurance carrier. They may allow you to pay the additional expense of buying the outdoor model. You may be able to compensate for the increased cost of an outdoor scooter by looking at a second hand scooter.
The freedom outdoor models give back to the individual who is active in outside activities is phenomenal. The person can get back to lawn and garden activities, attending sports events, traveling in their neighborhood and visiting friends; the possibilities are endless. The additional cost of outdoor electric mobility scooters can be well worth the investment to the outdoor enthusiast.
