For many individuals with mobility disabilities, a powered scooter is an attractive alternative to a manual or powered wheelchair. Scooters are often lighter, more compact, and more maneuverable than power chairs, and in many people’s eyes their appearance is more appealing.
Choosing a ScooterThe first consideration in selecting a scooter is to determine whether it will meet the needs of the potential user. The primary market for scooters is individuals with physical disabilities or health conditions which affect their ability to walk or limit their physical endurance. Typically, scooter users have some ability to walk, but are limited in distance or stamina— Scooters are used to increase and extend the range of personal mobility and help conserve energy. Scooter users often have difficulty propelling manual wheelchairs, but do not require the sophisticated electronic controls and seating systems common in powered wheelchairs.
Other considerations in selecting a mobility aid include how and where the scooter will be used, whether or not it will need to be transported, and if so, how it will be transported. Additional factors include whether or not a scooter will be the primary mode of transportation, how far it will need to travel in between battery charges on a given day, and whether it will be used primarily indoors or outdoors, or in a combination of environments. The overall evaluation of all these factors will help determine whether a scooter is an appropriate assistive device for a particular individual in a specific set of circumstances. Persons considering a scooter for the first time should seek the advice of a physician, therapist, or other rehabilitation professional about whether a wheelchair or scooter is most appropriate, and what type of scooter best meets their needs.
ConclusionScooters offer individuals with mobility disabilities an alternative in personal mobility aids. For some a more attractive, less “medical” appearance is an important factor. For others, greater flexibility is a primary consideration. Whatever the reason for considering a scooter, models should be carefully evaluated for their capability to accommodate a person’s disability and meet the requirements of the intended use.
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Hospitality industry
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