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Electric Mobility Scooters

February 4th, 2009

TIGHTER RULES ON MOBILITY SCOOTERS

A new rule covering the use of mobility scooters on the Tyne and Wear Metro has been introduced by Nexus following two accidents in the last year. It requires scooter users to travel at all times with a companion able to guide and assist them safely when getting on and off the trains.

This rule does not apply to electric wheelchairs, for which existing regulations and restrictions will continue to apply.

Nexus is the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive. Bernard Garner, Director General, said: “We’re changing the rule on using mobility scooters on Metro for the safety and comfort of all passengers, including scooter users themselves. It’s not permanent but will stay in place until a safe alternative can be found.”

The change in rules follows two recent incidents in which mobility scooters have struck the opposite doors after boarding Metro trains, with the users falling through on to the track and needing hospital treatment as a result. The second of these occurred last week at Howden station and is now being investigated by Nexus and the Railway Inspectorate.

Metro train doors are designed to withstand a force of one metric tonne before opening outwards, but these incidents have shown that mobility scooters are capable of applying a force in excess of that on impact.

A reader of Mobility Today’s web magazine said: “I use my mobility scooter on the Tyne and Wear Metro operated by Nexus and access for scooter and wheelchair users in excellent. But this knee jerk reaction will cause myself and others - who regard ourselves as competent and are insured - serious inconvenience.”

Nexus has confirmed that companions can travel free with mobility scooter users who have a Gold Card.

Mobility scooters make life easier for the immobile

January 23rd, 2009

The physically disabled or the immobile have always had trouble moving around due to various reasons. This creates a problem when it comes to traveling from place to place. Generally, people use wheelchairs as a solution to their mobility problems, making living comfortable for them.

Wheelchairs, though very convenient, are not suitable for all as they require a certain amount of strength and dexterity to move around, especially if they are self-propelled. In some cases people need an attendant to help them move around in their wheelchairs, which takes away a certain amount of their freedom. This is where mobility scooters become an advantage compared to wheelchairs.

Mobility scooters help you move around with ease and comfort. They are very similar to wheelchairs, but have a more comfortable seat and better operational function. Being battery operated; these scooters do not require any effort on your part to move around, as you can easily control these devices with the help of the various controls made available to you.

Mobility scooters generally have a seat that swivels, making it easy for you to get in and out of it. They also have adjustable foot rests and are suitable for both indoor as well as outdoor use. Their stylish designs make them more appealing compared to other wheelchairs.

Mobility scooters – Get the right one

January 17th, 2009

Over the past few years, technology has improved a lot. A clear example for this is in the level of mobility equipment that is available for the disabled. Mobility scooters are equipment that can provide many benefits to the disabled. Sometimes, the disabled have to depend on others to move around. Using mobility scooters, the disabled can simply move around with ease.

Mobility scooters are convenient, versatile and are a must to boost the quality of life of the disabled. Using mobility scooters, the disabled can maintain their independence. Mobility scooters are available in a range of sizes, prices and shapes, so that a user can choose one according to their required needs.

Benefits of mobility scooters:

• One can move around indoors as well as outdoors
• The disabled can feel more independent
• A low expense way to provide valuable freedom

Presently there is a vast range of mobility scooters available. Choosing the right one can be very difficult at times.

You can look for these things in a mobility scooter, before purchasing:

• Three-wheeled and four-wheeled mobility scooters
• Mobility Scooters with baskets and headlights
• Heavy duty electric mobility scooters

Other things that need to be considered are its weight, size, colour and its battery capacity. Mobility scooters with three wheels are relatively lighter than four wheeled ones. Although, with four-wheeled scooters, you get better balance. Many mobility scooter distributors and manufacturers have professionally trained staff that can help you in purchasing the best one that suits your needs.

The Features That Make Mobility Scooters a Boon for the Disabled

December 18th, 2008

There are thousands of disabled and elderly people who find it difficult to move around whether inside or outside their homes. Immobility can be extremely hard to cope with as it always requires the concerned person to have someone around to assist them. Unfortunately it is not always possible to have someone else around, which causes a problem.

However, a solution to deal with this type of short coming has been found in mobility scooters. Everyone should be aware that scooters are vehicles which help people to move from one place to another; mobility scooters are a little different as they are built for elderly people and those with restricted mobility.

Features of a mobility scooter

• Mobility scooters are available in three and four wheelers so that users do not have to worry about balance on this mobility product.
• Getting on and off a mobility scooter takes very little effort as the seat on this mobility product can swivel and is made comfortable for the users.
• Mobility scooters run on batteries and are perfect for disabled and elderly people or those who have limited arm and shoulder strength and flexibility.

Mobility scooters are available in different models to suit the different requirements of people. This type of mobility aid is a great way to move around because they do not require much effort to manoeuvre them and they give users a sense of independence.

Portable scooters make travel easier

December 15th, 2008

A few years back, people suffering from walking or standing complications found it troublesome to travel. They had to be dependent on others to assist them in their movement and often found themselves deprived of an independent life. Wheelchairs were available but were not designed to offer a comfortable and stress-free mobility experience.

The answer for people with mobility challenges is a portable scooter. Portable scooters can also be used by senior citizens or elderly for a comfortable travel experience from one place to another. Portable scooters are perfect for all those who have mobility limitations and complications in getting around.

Portable scooters are lightweight and some are even foldable, which make them easy to dismantle and store. These mobility scooters are available in a choice of different colours and sizes and the right one should be selected depending on your area of usage. If you want to have a scooter that manoeuvres easily, then a three wheeled scoter would be a better choice. But if you want a sturdier and larger scooter, then a four wheeled portable scooter should be considered.

Portable scooters are simple to use and are deigned to offer you the maximum in style and comfort. They come with a storage basket that stores all your shopping items and provide you a hassle free shopping experience. A portable scooter helps you in regaining a life full of dignity and independence and can be purchased at a very affordable price.

The importance of mobility scooters

November 14th, 2008

Mobility is a very important thing to have and people who are immobile or find it difficult to get from one place to another by themselves do not enjoy the same quality of life as others do. Many people who have limited mobility usually suffer from permanent disabilities which can be difficult to cope with.

In order to help disabled people move around, innovators have devised an extremely useful product: the electric mobility scooter. Conditions like muscular dystrophy, arthritis and multiple sclerosis can make walking a very difficult task. Mobility scooters can be very useful for these people as it makes moving around easier and stress free.

A basic electric scooter should consist of a seat, back rest and foot support to provide a stable and comfortable seating base. It is important that the seat base is contoured so that the users gets the most comfort while riding and can solely concentrate on driving responsibilities instead of trying to maintain the balance. You should make sure that the seat is not too small as it could lead to pressure sores.

A mobility scooter with arm rests that can be folded is a great feature as it will provide more comfort to the rider and will reduce the strain on the body while transferring on and off the seat. Mobility scooters are wonderful mobility aids that can help disabled people regain their independence without having to depend on anyone

Scooters are highly useful for people with mobility problems

September 30th, 2008

Scooters are among the most useful products for people with mobility problems. When buying a scooter, go for one that has a compact and neat design. This will make it convenient and easy to transport.

A scooter made of a tough, scratch-resistant plastic shell will last longer. Based on your budget, you can look for additional features such as an adjustable tiller. Check the capacity of a scooter. In other words, confirm how much weight it can easily carry and withstand.

A portable scooter, since it is very light, is easily transportable. This makes it convenient to take it in and out of your car. You may go for a three wheel scooter or a four wheel scooter depending on your choice. Just see to it that it has ample leg room and a comfortable seat.

Foldable electric scooters are also available. There are scooters, such as the Lite mini-mobility scooter, that are designed with the more petite individual in mind.

Make sure that you get quality accessories for your scooter. There is a wide selection of useful accessories for mobility scooters like weather covers, rear baskets, cup holders, oxygen holders, saddle bags, walker holders, canopies, and even tyres of all styles and sizes plus an off-board battery charger.

Mobility scooters provide convenience for the disabled and elderly

September 10th, 2008

A mobility scooter is an excellent aid for people who have mobility problems. Mobility scooters are used for a number of medical conditions like arthritis or a stroke. Mobile scooters are an alternative to different types of equipment like wheelchairs. Mobile scooters are usually used for handicapped or disabled people but they can also be used by people who cannot walk long distances or get tired easily.

Mobility scooters allow people to take care of themselves and drive safely. The developments in the design of mobility scooters for disabled have helped to increase the popularity of the product. Unlike previous designs, the current designs are lighter in weight and some of them can be easily disassembled and stored when not in use.

Mobility scooters are chargeable and you do not have to worry about the fuel. You simply have to plug the electronic model into the wall. Mobility scooters for handicapped people incorporate a number of comfort features. Many of them have a wide chair which makes it easy to sit for longer periods of time. Mobility scooters have a storage compartment, including a basket for easy access.

Mobility scooters for disabled people offer increased mobility and independence. Many people who own a mobility scooter, feel that it has improved the quality of their lives and they cannot imagine living without it. If you have an elderly person or someone with mobility problems in your family then you must consider getting a mobility scooter for them.

Features of large mobility scooters

August 31st, 2008

Portable scooters make life so much easier and smoother when you want to go out on shopping or for an outing with your family. Compared to their light-duty counterparts, scooters in this category are considered the big road-worthy type of scooter. Some of them have all-terrain tyres to go over poor, rough ground surface, making them ideal for getting around.

Check the speed ranges, which can be different for pavement use (often up to 4 mph) and for road usage (up to 8 mph). Ensure that the scooters have full lights and the necessary indicators so that they comply with road safety norms. For instance, front and rear bumpers ensure added safety.

These scooters can be fitted with a beacon for dual carriageway use. They can come with a variety of canopies to ensure all weather protection, or may have an integrated canopy like the Traveso. It gives you a waterproof setting for braving the elements with no fear of catching cold and getting wet.

The large mobility scooters, however, will not fit in a normal vehicle since they are heavy. Some people do use a trailer to transport them.

Electric travel scooters: ultra lightweight, ultra portable and affordable

August 28th, 2008

In the following overview, you will get answers to your basic questions regarding portable or foldable electric scooters for your mobility related needs.

The electric scooters, as the name implies, are ready to get you on the move and help you to overcome your mobility problems. The travel scooters easily fit in most car boots. Importantly, they are easy to dismantle and reassemble hence they can easily be taken on holidays, for shopping and during small trips. They are ideal for cruises or airplanes.

Check there is ample space for leg room. A height adjustable, padded seat makes it comfortable from a user’s perspective. Adjustable footrests allow a rider the utmost comfort. Durability is also a factor which can be ensured through a strong body and puncture proof tyres.

Some users find the three wheel version easier to use, especially around their home, than a wheelchair. They are light and compact, but it is advised to check the weight factor for transportability. For instance, travel scooters may not be recommended for people over 300 pounds or those more than 5′ 10″ tall.

To sum up, mobility scooters: they are ultra lightweight, ultra portable and affordable, which make them popular. Mobility experts will help you get the perfect electric scooter for you.