Mobility scooters may be the answer for those suffering from isolation due to a disability or illness. Renewed freedom and the ability to return to normal daily activities are solutions offered by mobility scooters. Imagine being able to remain in your home and maintain your independence without relying on family and friends for the smallest things.

Comfort is first with these devices. You can relax into the padded seats and armrests as you perform your daily tasks. There are swivel aids to assist in getting on and off safely. Deluxe models boast captain/admiral chairs and a sophisticated suspension system. With the ability to travel up to 35 miles between charges, there are no restrictions to the activities that may be enjoyed.

Have you been thinking of purchasing a mobility device? Take one for a test ride! Most shopping centres and supermarkets have scooters for use while shopping. Check on your holiday destination and see if they offer a lease for the duration of your travel. Doors open up with scooters that have been closed due to disabilities.

Mobility vehicles come in all sizes to meet your individual needs. For those that tire easily or just have a minor disability, the small/boot model may be the scooter for you. They are lightweight and fold easily to fit into the boot. This model is recommended for shopping centre use and pavement travel. You have the flexibility of going between 15-20 miles between charges with the small/boot scooter.

With a more heavyweight frame, the medium sized one is better suited for longer distances and for people who may spend much of their day on the scooter. This will not fit into a boot but they are able to handle outdoor terrains. Many medium scooters come with light and indicator kits to allow for pavement or road travel. The battery life is extended, as well, from the boot one.

You may find that you no longer need a car with the large size scooter. Pneumatic tires and full lighting and indicator kits are some of the benefits of this model. At double the size of the boot scooter, you will see large mobility scooters on or off the road. They can travel at up to 8mph and may go up to 35mph before requiring a battery charge.

You can go the distance with a mobility scooter. Spending the day with children or grandchildren becomes stress free. Shopping and meeting your friends for meals returns to the enjoyable activity that it was. You can ride back to normal activities with a mobility scooter.

It's All About Mobility

It can be very difficult for elderly people and patients with mobility-impaired problems to retain their independence and desire for getting out and about on a regular basis.

An alternative solution to mobility issues exists, with a range of mobility scooters readily available on the market. These vehicles are safe and easy to operate and durable enough to cope with the demands of high streets to countryside footpaths.

For active patients choose a mobility scooter with a compact design to ensure it manoeuvres easily in tight spaces while providing stable outdoor performance. The portable mobility scooters are lightweight and designed to be folded up and easily taken apart for storage in a car or a disability adapted vehicle.

Recent enhancements to mobility scooters have seen waterproof canopies fitted to create a deluxe scooter that is both waterproof and protects drivers from the elements such as high winds, sleet and snow.

This can be an incredible help to allow owners to maintain their usage and complete everyday chores and hobbies for a good quality of life. The expense of a mobility scooter makes it imperative to provide effective protection out of use. Fully waterproof storage covers protect scooters from rain and dust.

There are mobility scooters to suit all budgets. High-end mobility scooters offer elegant simplicity and an unmatched reliability. They bring extra comfort with front and rear suspension and a softening arm chair that is perfect for a long afternoon across the promenade.

Mobility Scooter Means Freedom

Electric mobility scooters can provide the elderly, disabled, and seriously ill freedom of movement. And mobility is a critical to just about every aspect of everyday living.

Having some freedom of movement enhances a person's capability to learn, earn a living and interact with friends, family and community. A large percentage of people with mobility limitations have permanent disabilities. Many suffer from conditions that make walking an extremely difficult and painful task.

These individuals benefit from a variety of mobility aids and devices to assist them in lead fulfilling and active lives. The most popular forms of independently operated mobility equipment are electric mobility scooters and motorized wheelchairs.

A motorized wheelchair is a form of personal transportation that typically has six wheels and is steered using a "joystick" type control mechanism. Other names for the motorized wheelchair include, electric chair, power wheelchair and power chair. A motorized wheelchair is usually equipped with outstanding maneuverability features that make them perfect for use in the home and will generally fit just about anywhere. Motorized wheelchairs are typically for in-door use.

The power mobility provided by electric wheelchairs has made a dramatic difference in many people's lives. The development of new technology in the industry has made it possible for people to obtain smaller, more lightweight and maneuverable motorized wheelchairs for use inside the home allowing people to move about in small places and complete their activities of daily living without being bed-ridden or sent to nursing homes.

In comparison, electric mobility scooters have either three or four wheels and steer much like a bicycle, using a set of handlebars and hand operated control mechanisms.

Electric mobility scooters are ideal for indoor and outdoor activities, as they glide smoothly and easily over a variety of surfaces. There are even portable electric mobility scooters that will fit easily in the trunk of a car.
Electric mobility scooters are reliable, easy to operate, comfortable, safe and do not have the more obvious medical appearance of a motorized wheelchair.

Today's electric mobility scooters have three or four wheels, a steering column-known as a tiller-with handlebars and hand operated control mechanisms and a platform that supports the seat, battery and the riders feet. Electric mobility scooters are much less physically strenuous than a walker or manual wheelchair.

Although the rider of a mobility scooter must be physically able to walk a few steps and have adequate upper body strength and dexterity, they do not require the more substantial amount of strength and dexterity necessary to operate a walker or manual wheelchair.

The swiveling captain's style seat of an electric mobility scooter is typically easier than moving the foot supports of a manual or motorized wheelchair. In addition, Electric mobility scooters are simple to maintain and easily recharged using a standard electrical outlet and charger.

Physical impairments need not prevent someone from participating in daily activities as well as special occasions with family and friends. Electric mobility scooters restore independence and freedom of mobility to help promote an active lifestyle.

Motorized Disability Scooters - Prices Coming Down

Mobility electric motor scooters are not only becoming increasingly less expensive, but if a person is disabled or handicapped it may be possible to have Medicare or other medical insurance pick up some or all of the tab.

But before investing in a motorized scooter be sure to take it for a test drive. And the first consideration is your comfort. By purchasing a comfortable scooter it’ll be a pleasant drive anywhere you go. Another consideration is cost. If possible have your health insurance company pay for part of the price. But even if you have no insurance it is well worth the price. No price can be put on being independent and mobile, especially if you’ve been laid up for awhile.

One of the many options available in mobile electric scooters is the number of wheels. The 3 wheel scooters are typically lighter in weight. The 4 wheel models are typically heavier, but may be a little better balanced when going quickly around a turn. Two wheels in the front make for a more stable vehicle around sharp corners. Once again test drive before buying.

There are many different options including colors, sizes, weights, number of wheels, battery capacity and the types of seats. If chosen carefully an electric scooter can become one of the best purchases ever made for the handicapped, disabled or elderly.

The Four Types of

Mobility Scooter



DON'T BE FAZED by the many makes and models of personal mobility scooters to choose from.

Break them down and they fall into the four following categories.

(1) Folding/Easily Transported Scooters: Usually this type of scooter can be disassembled into three or four lightweight parts - making the scooter easily transportable. Able to fit into the trunk of most cars.

(2) Three-Wheeled Scooters: These usually have a maximum weight capacity of 300 to 500lbs. Offering comfort and durability, three-wheel motorized scooters can get you where you want, indoors and out.

(3) Four-Wheeled Scooters: If you plan on mostly using your scooter outdoors, then a four-wheeled personal mobility scooter is probably right for you. More stable than the three wheeled, it has larger tyres and is able to go as fast as 10 miles per hour.

(4) Heavy Duty Electrified Personal Mobility Scooters: Three or four wheels, and can support a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds.

Factors to consider: Weight of the user, whether the motorized mobility scooter will be used mostly indoors or outdoors, and the likely usage. Make sure you inform your salesperson of these factors and don't get talked into buying a scooter you don't need.

City Centre

Power Point

First


Newport City Council in South Wales has installed an emergency charging point for electric wheelchair and scooter users at the library in John Frost Square.

The point is the first to be installed by a council in Britain and was donated by Rookwood Hospital, Cardiff.

It will allow users of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs to recharge batteries in the city centre.

To Ramp

Or Not To

Ramp?


To the uninitiated, curb ramps might seem a Good Thing, but not all wheelchairs perform the same on a curb ramp.

While short wheelbases mean most powered mobility devices maneuverable in small spaces, mobility scooters have a longer wheelbase but have manual steering, and most can perform a three-point turn in tight spaces. Manual wheelchairs can turn on their own wheelbase but are difficult to steer on a cross slope as they tend to turn downhill.

In fact for many people with mobility impairments, curb ramps are not critical to access. Indeed in some circumstances curb ramps make navigation more difficult.

For example crutches and canes are sized to fit the individual user to make movement as easy as possible on a hard, level surface. Move to sloped surfaces such as curb ramps and the walker must lower the body forward when going downhill, while on upward slopes, the cane or crutch must be lifted higher and placed on the surface. So when it comes to curb ramps, what might seem the best can sometimes be the enemy of the good.

Shock EU Tax on mobility

Scooters 'Disgraceful'

Says Disabled Man.


A shock new EU tax on mobility scooters has been denounced as "disgraceful".

The World Customs Organisation, which advises governments on import duties, recently issued a document recommending that scooters should be taxed, as they could be used by people without disabilities.

Although many countries, including the US, have rejected the advice, the EU decided to accept it, and has put the scooters in the same tax classification as Formula 1 cars.

Since the scooters were first invented 30 years ago they have been classed as equipment for the disabled, making them exempt from tax. However, the EU, which has the power to set import duties for all member states, intends to enforce a 10 per cent import tax on scooters.

"For many of us with disabilities, a mobility scooter is literally a lifeline, without it we are locked out further from the world around us. To tax the most disadvantaged in society in this way is simply disgraceful,” says Reggie Lane of Lancashire, England.


“This decision by the EU is an absolute disgrace and unfortunately it will have an immediate impact on the number of disabled people who can afford to buy mobile scooters.

"Scooters provide many disabled people in Rochdale with a means of independence. To suggest that scooters are not just for disabled people is ridiculous. Charities, which are already stretched hard in meeting the needs of disabled people will be hit hard by this thoughtless decision.”

His Member of Parliament, Rochdale MP Paul Rowen says, “The 10% charge is nothing more than a direct tax on the disabled. Quite why the EU feels the need to discriminate against disabled people and the charities that support them is beyond me.

I will be writing to the Chancellor Alistair Darling and colleagues in the EU urging them to seek support for member states to get this terrible tax decision reversed.”

British MP Calls For

Compulsory Mobility

Insurance.

A TORY MP has called on the Government to introduce new laws forcing mobility scooter users to take out insurance.

David Amess, MP for Southend West, lodged a parliamentary written question suggesting the Government should introduce legislation over mobility scooter insurance.

Transport minister Chris Mole replied and said there were “no plans” to bring in new laws.

However, Mr Amess’s intervention has won support from companies selling scooters in South Essex.

Ron Sverdloff, a director of the Scooter Club UK which runs three shops in the Southend area says he is astounded that it’s not a legal requirement already.

“As you get older you lose your ability to retain the skills you learned when you were younger.

“It’s not a fault of the individual, it’s a part of ageing, a natural process. But that makes them a little bit more risky on the pavements.

“Insurance is a good idea for everybody’s benefit.”

But mobility scooter users say any compulsory insurance would be too pricey.

Olive Mermod, 83, of Southchurch, has had a mobility scooter for two years, but says insurance should not be compulsory. “My scooter doesn’t go on the road as it has only got three wheels.

“Mine is very safe and I have not had any accidents in the time I have used it. What is needed is places for scooters to cross the road safely.

“I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere without my scooter. I use it to get to the shops and bring my shopping back. If insurance was compulsory I wouldn’t be able to afford to go."

Moving Up

in Power

and Comfort!

LOOKING to improve your electric mobility wheel chair so you can enjoy it more? Many people might rush right out and buy a new one but here are ways to improve your existing model

Purchasing accessories may not be the answer, but it could help solve some of your challenges. And if you can extend your wheel chairs active life with just a few inexpensive accessories, isn’t it worth it? Here are some ways to improve performance.

Upgrade the tires. If use your electric wheelchair mainly indoors then slick tires might be okay but they tend to give a harder ride. All season’s are better because of their improved cushioning support. If you have knobby tires on your wheelchair you may find the noise can be very loud and that you go through tires pretty regularly. A simple tire change could improve your chair’s performance and actually REDUCE costs.

Are you unhappy with the operational span of your battery? Then perhaps consider carrying an extra battery (if they are not too heavy) or getting a solar powered charger so that you don’t find yourself stranded halfway home from a day of shopping!

Additional accessories include back and seat cushions, mesh bags, a tray, an umbrella holder and a cup holder. In fact there is a whole range of accessories you can add to your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair to make it more comfortable and useful.

And one of these is a portable ramp. Ramps are becoming increasingly portable and lightweight - some are about the size of a suitcase. This will allow you to get around more easily if your town or city has not yet “caught up” with the times and completed wheel chair compliant sidewalks, pavements and curbs.

Another consideration if you are thinking of switching your mobility scooter or mobile wheelchair for another another model is the furniture and appliances in your house. If you switch wheelchairs and one is taller than the other, you’ll notice that difference every time you try to work at the stove, counter or desk.

Finally you may want to get your model tuned up. If you are feeling dissatisfied with your electric wheel chair, it could be the result of it too-rough running. A tune up could put the zoom back!

Purchase Your

Mobility Scooter

With Care

MOBILITY scooters are one of the most convenient mobility devices used by the disabled. They make it easier for the disabled to move from place to place and without feeling dependent on others. And the life-transforming impact means you must be very careful while purchasing your mobility scooter.

Electric mobility scooters are extremely easy to use. However,buying the right kind is not an easy job and you must consider certain guidelines to make the perfect choice. Mobility scooters are designed to meet the specific needs of the user, so ensure that the size of your mobility scooter is right for you. It is better to check the comfort offered by the mobility scooter before you purchase it, so that you do not feel uncomfortable sitting on it in the future.

Mobility scooters have a number of advantages, the biggest one being that they do not require any effort while moving. Since mobility scooters are battery operated, they are controlled with the help of a motor, eliminating the need of any strenuous physical effort on the part of the user.

Make sure that you maintain your electric mobility scooter with due care at all times, so ensuring proper functioning and hopefully without problems for years ahead.

Mobility Scooter

Insurance

THERE is a lot of confusion surrounding the requirements over mobility scooter insurance. Under current UK legislation there are no legal requirements for a mobility scooter user to hold valid insurance.

The DVLA make the following comments with reference to mobility scooter insurance:

“Although it is not a legal requirement, it is strongly advised to have insurance. Suitable schemes are not too expensive and are available to cover your personal safety, other people’s safety and the value of the vehicle.”
It is recommended by the DVLA that insurance is taken to cover both third parties and the scooter itself. Third party insurance will cover accidental damage against other people and their property. Full insurance can also cover the scooter itself if damaged. Mobility scooters can be expensive and it will be worthwhile to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the scooter.

The Electric Wheelchair:

Did You Know.....?


THE electric wheelchair was discovered by the greatest Canadian inventor of all time, George Johann Klein in the 1950s. The electric powered wheelchair came as a great aid to quadriplegics whereas normal wheelchairs were useful only to paraplegics. This instrument was the result of Dr. Klein’s work with a lot of medical specialists, patients, scientists and engineers.

Electric Wheelchair Options

WHEN it comes to buying power wheelchairs (also known as electric wheelchairs) there are several options to choose from. Consumers always consider between travel, center wheel drive, folding and heavy duty power chairs. Several factors must be considered to determine the type of motorized wheelchair that will meet individual consumer needs.

When buying a wheelchair consumers must consider the following:

1. How much do you weigh and what is the weight capacity of the wheelchair you will be buying?
When buying a power chair it is not advisable to buy one with a 300lb capacity if you weigh 300lbs or your weight is very close to 300lbs. For example, if you weigh 200lbs, a 250lb or 300lb weight capacity wheelchair could be appropriate for you. Based on your weight you can choose between a standard or a heavy duty power chair.

2. Where do you plan on using the electric wheelchair?
Consider whether you will be using it indoors, outdoors or both. There are several power wheelchairs available for indoor and outdoor use. Typically, most are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

3. How often do you plan on transporting the wheelchair?
If transporting your new chair is important to you, it will be in your best interest to consider between a foldable or travel motorized wheelchair. For instance, Merits EZ Go and Pride's Go Chair weighs the least and is appropriate for those concerned about transportation.

4. What seat size will be more comfortable for you?
Seat width goes a long way in determining how comfortable you will be in your new wheelchair. It is of utmost importance that you use a measuring guide when buying a power wheelchair or scooter.

The following are tips consumers should consider when buying a power wheelchair. Buying a power wheelchair is a big investment and given the cost of these equipment, it is important for consumers to ensure they purchase the right equipment to avoid hassles and unwarranted restocking fees.

http://www.mobilitywheelsonline.com is a website providing you detailed information and the lowest prices on power wheelchairs also known as Electric wheelchair, Electric Mobility Scooters and Traditional wheelchairs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_I

Pointers For Wheel Chair Lifts



FOR anyone facing physical challenges outside and inside the home, inventions in recent years have made life easier and more fulfilling.

Wheel chairs for example, started out as manual mobility devices and have since been upgraded to battery charged or electrically powered devices. Lifts were then designed to glide through staircases so that users don’t need helpers to carry them. Today these devices have been made so much easier to use. The vertical wheel chair lift is now being used in virtually every kind of building application. Whether you are in the home, office or simply visiting a place, everyone deserves to have easy access and comfort while traveling.

What is a vertical wheel chair lift?

This is simply a platform with the ability to vertically lift a wheel chair or an individual from a ground position to a more elevated level. It resembles an elevator and is in fact considered a home elevator to most users.

What are the kinds of vertical wheel chair lifts?

The electric vertical wheel chair lifts and hydraulic vertical lifts are the two major types. An electric vertical wheel chair lift requires electric power while a hydraulic one does not-prices may therefore differ; so choose wisely according to your specific needs.

Vertical wheel chair lift comes in different models. There is the usual elevator-style lift that is fitted within four walls (minor renovation may therefore be needed in your home).

Then there is the enclosed model, which has a platform that automatically encloses with four walls when the wheelchair is on it and ready to be lifted. Other models are smaller in size, have no ceiling, or have only platforms to raise the wheelchair to shorter levels such as when elevating to get into a vehicle or single floor step. Again, costs may differ because of the varying structures, but remember, there are some features you may or may not need.

Where can I use vertical wheel chair lifts?

Residential Homes – Homes with more than 2 stories can definitely benefit from a vertical wheel chair lift for easy access to the top floor.

Universities and Schools – Auditoriums, which are usually found in schools and universities, are known to have many steps and so can be very difficult for students who are physically challenged. A smaller sized vertical wheel chair lift would be appropriate for these types of setting.

Establishments – Older buildings often do not have elevators that are as spacious as the modern ones. Therefore electric powered or motorized wheelchairs usually cannot fit into their elevators. Older establishments can easily install a vertical wheel chair lift.

What features should I look for?

Safety – A good vertical wheel chair lift should have an anti-slip platform for maximum safety, especially if the area is busy or outdoors. And it should be low enough for electric powered wheelchairs to easily roll on and off of it and have safety railings.

Replacing Mobility

Scooter Batteries

YOU rely on your mobility scooter! So much so that there is nothing worse than when it develops a problem that makes you virtually immobile.

And the most common problem is the battery. No batteries last forever, and the electric powered wheelchair and mobility scooter batteries are no exception. So here are some tips to keep you motoring.

Make sure you always have a backup battery otherwise you will be stuck until you can get a replacement. Check before hand with your dealer, and source the internet for mobility scooter and motorized wheel chair battery suppliers.

If you are still to awaiting your mobility scooter or are thinking of upgrading, pay special attention to the battery and how it is installed. Make sure it is easy to get replacements and simple to install.

Ensure too that the new battery is compatible with your model. - those for motorized scooters are not quite the same as car batteries which tend to have fairly standard types and sizes. Mobility scooters will have different batteries depending on the manufacture.

To replace your battery, have a look at some online shops rather as well as going down to your local store - it can be a lot more convenient to have it delivered.

Motorized Hired

Scooters

In Shopping

Boom



Shoppers on motorised scooters are helping to regenerate the English coastal own of Bognor Regis.

The thousands of hirings of the mobility transport from the town's Shopmobility scheme are pumping tens of thousands of pounds in the town's tills.

One week in July had seen 21 scooters and wheelchairs hired from Bognor Shopmobility's office in the Belmont Street car park.

Each of the individuals using those would have spent at least £10 in the shops. One man was known to have done £100 ($170 USD) worth of shopping.

Helping with the Cost

WHILE mobility scooters can be life-changing, the cost for many seniors and pensioners is not at all pocket-friendly. As a result many buyers have to seek some form of financial assistance to acquire one.

In the USA mobility scooters for seniors is often sanctioned by Medicaid, a federal healthcare program for the senior citizens, disabled or underprivileged - but it is mandatory to be qualified for eligibility

And often the real associated headache is the form filling requiring the provision of details such as monthly salary, the type of disability and its extent, the manner and scope of repayment and many related issues. The person will also have to furnish tangible proofs, and all in all this makes the process quite long.

But the good news is, there are a few companies that are now doing the paper work themselves, particularly for those people who are in urgent need to get the scooter. This is a great help because it saves a lot of time and hassles for the applicant who is already burdened with disability and related problems.

A number of companies step into the process and help a person in filling out the Medicaid forms. Certain companies even go to the extent of giving away the scooter absolutely free, while the Medicaid application is in process. This facility is offered to the person to ease out the tension and anxiety over the time taking procedures and the anguish in getting the scooter.

Even when an application for Medicaid is turned down there are ways in which the senior person can still get the mobility scooter and so enjoy its many benefits. Options like deferred payment plans or easy monthly installments can be taken up, and if the candidate is qualified, then special discount schemes are available as well.

Live Life Independently

with a

Mobility Scooter

MOBILITY scooters can be considered as the best mode of movement for the disabled or the mobility impaired. They are single seated vehicles and may have either three or four wheels. They are very popular and are also very cost effective. There are many different models available for a mobility scooter.

These scooters can be either battery operated or even petrol operated. However, mobility scooters that are run on batteries are generally preferred. The batteries of these vehicles are rechargeable.

Most models can also be folded or dismantled and can be easily transported in the boot of a car. They can be operated easily and are very convenient to use. Any person can use these vehicles who has difficulty walking, regardless of whether it is a temporary or permanent condition.

The most important benefit of using a mobility scooter is that the user can live life independently without too much support. They can carry out their daily tasks without help and can go outdoors to visit friends or go to the shops.

A mobility scooter may be a little more expensive than any other means of movement for the mobility impaired. However, these scooters are worth the price, especially when it comes to living life independently.

Oz Mobility

Scooter

Deaths

"Alarming"

By ABC News Online's Nic MacBean

Aug 10, 2009

MOBILITY scooter drivers have been warned to be extremely careful when using their vehicles, with the consumer watchdog alarmed at 71 scooter-related deaths in the past nine years.

Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Emerson has taken the step of issuing an official warning about the scooters, with concerns their increasing popularity is putting vulnerable lives at risk.

He says not enough attention has been given to the safe use of the vehicles, which have a top legal speed of 10 kilometres per hour.

"Tragically there have been 26 deaths in Victoria alone and more than 150 people have received hospital treatment," he said.

"While mobility scooters allow people with limited ability to maintain active, independent lifestyles, these injury statistics are alarming."

He says the deaths include on-road and off-road accidents and they highlight the potential dangers of the scooters.

"Obviously some of the people who use them aren't the fittest people on Earth, that's the whole reason for their existence," he said.

"I don't want to see anything severe happen in this space, but I do think we have an obligation to warn people of the dangers of using these scooters, particularly at dusk when they're not so easily seen."

Former scooter driver John, from Maleny on Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, says he found it difficult to use his scooter because there was not enough road-space.

"I had a mobility scooter for two years when I had leg problems. I had it registered and insured but I stopped using it because the width of the bicycleways and footpaths at the side of the road wasn't wide enough," he told ABC Local Radio.

"When you've got big b-double trailers going past you and when you're going at 10 kilometres an hour on the main road out of Maleny, they blew me away so I had to give the scooter away instead of risking the heavier traffic."

The warning notice has a number of recommendations for scooter drivers, including ensuring the scooter is highly visible, avoiding very steep hills, taking footpaths or quiet roads when possible and wearing a helmet.

Mr Emerson says it is also very important for people to be aware of any effects that medication may have on their driving ability and to avoid drinking too much alcohol before driving.

In a statement, the managing director of Mobility Aids Australia, Andrew Gannan, says the statistics used in the warning need to be put into context.

"Scooters users are generally part of an elderly demographic, who already have the highest mortality rate, so we need to establish in what sense the scooters are deemed responsible for the level of deaths or injury," he said.

"The medical condition of the user when they purchase the scooter may be vastly different from their condition in six months' time.

"We need to establish whether there is a suggestion that the scooters themselves are 'unsafe', whether it is the people using them or even if motorists are failing to follow safe driving practices around scooter users, similar to the current debate about cyclists and motorists sharing roads."

Mr Gannan says Mobility Aids Australia only sells scooters that meet Australian standards and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The ACCC will form a working group to come up with possible recommendations on the safe use of scooters.

What Type

of Scooter

for You?




ON a more positive and characteristic note, a mobility scooter can be a life opener, the key to self-reliance, giving you the capability to up sticks and visit friends, family, shops and numerous facilities whenever you choose.

Easy to use, economical and simple to maintain, they are available across a broad range of types, so it's essential to undertake due diligence before buying to ensure you buy the scooter best-fitted to your requirements.

To begin with functionality will help identify which type of electric mobility scooter you require.

Micro Mobility Scooters.

These are portable and ideal for transporting, are light weight and maneuverable and are ideal for use around the family home, in shops or for short trips. They can be either 3 or 4 wheels and typically go up to 4mph.

Mini Mobility Scooters

Normally 4mph and ideal for use on pavements, and further range trips. These scooters are again ideal for trips to shops, visiting family and so on. More balanced than the lighter portable scooters , they are capable of greater distances. They are restricted to pavement use.

Midi and Maxi Scooters

These are capable of up to 8 mph and ideal for use on pavement and road for further trips. 8mph scooters are able to go on the road, and so must be equipped with lights and indicators.

All-Terrain Mobility Scooters

These are off-road mobility scooters, often capable of up to 8mph. These can be used on pavement, road and off-road use, and ideal for traveling the countryside and maintaining pursuits once believed to be beyond your capabilities!