Mobility and Safe-ability

Using a mobility scooter is a great way to stay independent and keep active out and about.

They are becoming more popular as people realise the benefits of using the vehicles to carry out day-to-day tasks, visit friends and family and retain their freedom.

The chances are that you know someone who uses one or is considering becoming a user in the near future, or perhaps you are a user yourself.

Staying safe on board is essential to get the most out of your mobility scooter.

Our top tips for mobility scooter safety are:

• Seek professional advice before making a purchase to ensure that the mobility scooter meets your individual needs and requirements.
• Understand what all the switches and levers on your scooter do, and be confident that you can control it properly before you go outside on it for the first time.
• Keep your scooter properly maintained and have it thoroughly checked. The manufacturer’s handbook will tell you how often to do this.
• Make sure your battery is kept fully charged. If you are storing the vehicle for long periods without use make sure the battery is recharged at least once a month.
• It is important to see and be seen. If you are using anything to protect you from the weather, make sure that it does not restrict your vision.
• Do not use your scooter if you have drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Check the patient information on any medication your doctor prescribes or which you buy over the counter.
• Plan your route in advance. The most direct or the shortest route will not always be the best route to take. Steep hills, high kerbs or other obstructions may make it impossible to tackle certain routes.
• Keep your personal possessions safe and secure and your valuables out of sight.
• Do not overload your scooter with shopping or other goods or hand anything from the handlebars as this could make the scooter unstable and more difficult to control.
• Pedestrians have the right of way. If you are riding on a pavement or footpath, give way to pedestrians. The top speed allowed is 4mph and even this may be too fast where there are pedestrians.
• To drive on the road in Britain you need a vehicle (Class 3) that can travel at 8mph (12 km/h) or (Class 2) if there is no alternative. It must also have headlights, rear lights, flashing indicators and a horn.
• When you are on the road you should obey the guidance and rules for other vehicles – The Highway Code. When on the pavement you should follow the guidance and rules for pedestrians. Mobility scooters are called Invalid Carriages in law.
• Although you do not have to be insured by law, we strongly recommend that you have at least third-party cover. It is also a good idea to be covered for fire, theft and damage.

Mobility Scooter:

What's In It

For Me?

So you've decided to buy a mobility scooter! Congratulations! This could be your Golden Key to a life of enhanced freedom, flexibility and fulfillment. But the choice can be confusing, so what type of scooter or motorized wheelchair should you be focusing on? Is it a 3-wheel or a four? Heavy duty, or perhaps a Power Wheelchair?

Needs Must!

The short and best answer is you should be looking at a mobility scooter that matches your needs. And to help you make the right decision, consider these basic points. To begin with, will you be using your mobility scooter mostly indoors or outdoors? Indoors...and easy manoeuvrability?

The width of typical scooters ranges between 17 and 26 inches, while the average hallway for example is three feet or 36 inches. And - a key point on your check list -manoeuvrability literally turns on the turning radius of a scooter. So if restricted dimensions are a major issue you might consider a power wheelchair [out] well capable of turning round in your hallway or passage.

On the other hand maybe your focus is on predominantly outdoor use, and greater robustness and power? In which case transporting a scooter in the trunk of a car or maybe on an aircraft are likely to be major considerations. If so you will need one that folds, stores and handles easily. Or maybe you are looking for a scooter [out] that does a bit of mix and match, but with a greater emphasis on outdoor use? Whichever route you see yourself taking, here a crucial and very personal point - what is your physical handling capability? For example, if you have limited use of one or both arms you may need a power wheelchair equipped with a joystick, or a scooter designed for a one-handed operation.

And here's another and related issue... your body size and weight. You must select a scooter that will enable you to be both secure and comfortable... and in addition spacious and sufficiently to carry items such as shopping, crutches and other essential aids. So if you are more than 6ft tall and weight 250 lbs or over, you should be looking at a heavy duty scooter.

Yes, choosing a mobility scooter can be confusing and challenging. But it doesn't have to be, and the rewards in terms of a better and happier lifestyle can be immeasurable. And for more on the essential mobility scooter checklist as well as updates and advice, GO TO http://www.mobilityscooterscentre.blogspot.com

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

Wise Mobility Scooter

Riders are Insurance

Savvy!

Having a mobility scooter is a great idea and leisure which enables its rider to move outdoors frequently and independently.

Mobility scooter can be used for the fresh air outside and as well as you can visit neighboring market and friends and to other refreshing places off and on. A scooter wheelchair is a product which provides extra benefits to its users thus it is little expensive too.

When you buy a mobility scooter you invest for some longer duration and this is not such a device that can be purchased and replaced frequently. You have to move through the obstacles, ramps and you are using a rechargeable battery to keep it mobile.

A care is demanded by this product but it is also recommended that you get this device insured so that if you face any accident or some other issue you can get the expanses covered through scooter insurance policy.

You are not legally bound to do that nor it is a compulsion but it is a good piece of advice always given by the older users and manufacturers. However, it will be a great mistake if you do not get the insurance for your mobility scooter to cover your investment in case of an accident or theft.

When you go to buy a mobility scooter then you must ask the manufacturer or supplier that do they need insurance for it or not? There are some specific insurance companies which offer you an insurance plan for your scooter wheelchair and this plan normally covers the damages if happens in case of some accidents.

You can also consider third party insurance companies for this purpose which can cover such products at moderate prices. When you shortlist some mobility scooter before buying the final one at that moment you can acquire insurance coverage plans and then can compare those before making a final decision about your mobility scooter. Internet is the best medium to find such quotes from number of insurance companies.

Once you have all the required quotes you can sit down and figure out that what coverage is affordable and suits you and your scooter wheelchair most.

Scooter insurance is necessary as it is your vehicle just like motor cycle or motor car and you can accidentally hit someone and if some injury happens then you may get sued. It also secures your investment in case of accident and scooter breakage and you can get repairing charges or a new replacement of your older scooter.

It can also help you if your scooter gets stolen. In case of some issue legal costs or damages could be very heavy to afford so your insurance policy can cover all such charges and provides you peace of mind just by paying a smaller amount of money regularly.

If you are going to use your mobility scooter at public places then you must acquire its insurance policy to stay at the safe end. Have a good ride!

Do visit us to get Scooter Wheelchairs and Scooters For Disabled. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cyrille_K

UK drivers get police

Safety lessons

Mobility scooter drivers are being offered road safety training following a spate of accidents.

Drivers of the low-speed electric scooters are being taught how to negotiate a slalom of cones and other hazards, reversing skills and other road safety tips, a Norfolk Police spokesman said.

The scheme was launched by officers in Great Yarmouth after members of the public raised concerns about accidents caused by the vehicles.

"We have listened to the issues and concerns of the public and, with the help of our partners, have developed a mobility scooter awareness course that enhances the users' ability to use their scooter in a safe and appropriate manner," said a Norfolk Constabulary spokesman.

At present, riders do not need to sit a test to use mobility scooters and unlike other vehicles, insurance is not required by law.