Electric Disabled Scooters – A Look At The Type
An electric disabled scooter resembles a wheelchair, but is configured in a similar fashion to a motor scooter. It comprises a seat over five, four, or three wheels and has foot plates or a flat area for placing the feet. A handlebar is present to direct one or three steerable wheels. This scooter is also known as a power operated scooter or vehicle.
How Does it Function?
The vehicle runs on a battery that is stored on-board and is charged via a separate battery charger unit. Some countries even have gasoline powered electric disabled scooters. The tiller is centrally located in front of the scooter and has all the speed and direction controls.
There are two types of these scooters, rear wheel drive or front wheel drive models. The front wheel drive scooter is usually used indoors and is relatively smaller than the other version. The rear wheel drive, on the other hand, has a capacity of 350 pounds and can be used both outdoors and indoors. A customized, heavy duty rear drive scooter can carry up to 500 pounds.
The first electric disability scooter was manufactured in the year 1954. It was called an electric wheelchair back then and had an extra large battery, along with a three wheel design. The product was not successful commercially.
The Benefits Of These Scooters
This scooter has helped people suffering from mobility problems from all over the world. It is helpful, especially for those who don’t have much stamina in their arms and shoulders, or suffer from flexibility problems. Electric disabled scooters have helped people who suffer from whole body disability or systematic conditions. With the help of this scooter, such people can sit upright, walk a few steps, control the tiller, and even stand.
One of the major pros of this scooter is that it doesn’t look like a disability chair and doesn’t project a negative image. These scooters are priced way lesser than the disability wheelchairs and are a better and cheaper alternative.
The Limitations Of These Scooters
Despite having a great design, electric disabled scooters still need hand strength, good posture, and minimal upper body strength. They have fewer options for support, such as zero leg or head rests. The turning radius and low ground clearance is also a hindrance in the navigation process. The designs of these scooters largely vary, depending on the manufacturer. Hence, all mobility scooters do not necessarily have the same features and design aspects.
At present, the United States of America doesn’t allow the usage of such scooters for people who are even slightly mobile. Many medicare health organizations are lobbying against this policy and are demanding a change in the same.
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