What You Need To Know About Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters
Heavy duty mobility scooters used to be called electrical carts or mobility assistance vehicles when they first came out. Sometimes they are known as "disabled cars" or "granny-mobiles", but that is sometimes considered a derogatory description. Whatever they were once called, they are now marketed as heavy duty mobility scooters. Although designed for the disabled and for senior citizens, many kids look on them with envy.
What Makes Them Different From Electric Wheelchairs?
There are several things that make heavy duty mobility scooters different from electric wheelchairs. First off, heavy duty mobility scooters can carry a lot more weight, usually up to 350 pounds. However, the morbidly obese will not be able to use heavy duty mobility scooters, although there are now scooters made for those up to 500 pounds. You might have to get a scooter specially made, perhaps without the handlebars in front.
Also, due to the handlebars in front, many people are more comfortable and better balanced in heavy duty mobility scooters. Some also prefer the handlebars as steering devices rather than relying on pressing buttons to try and get an electric wheelchair to go where you want it to go. And many people like the basket on the front of the mobility scooter to carry things about.
Who Pays For It?
The answer to who pays for your heavy duty mobility scooter varies considerably, depending on which scooter you want. Most stores and online sites that sell scooters and other medical supplies should be able to help you determine which scooters will be covered (at least in part) by Medicare or your health insurance company. If you can't get any financial help, then expect to pay a few thousand dollars for a heavy duty mobility scooter.
What About Repairs?
You need to take the entire scooter in to get it repaired. Because of this, you need to know where to go for repairs and who pays for them before you buy a heavy duty mobility scooter. One of the best ways to find a scooter dealer is to ask them these questions up front and see if they have a decent answer for you.
Most scooters will come with some kind of warranty, which will spell out what will be covered and what won't. These usually last for a couple of years, but you need to find out before you buy. In order to help keep repairs to a minimum, check the tire pressure weekly, keep the battery charged every night and keeping it reasonably clean.
