The Essential Mobility Scooter Buying Guide

by g s

After plenty of thinking and talking with family and friends, you've finally decided the time is right for you to invest in a mobility scooter. You're ready to enjoy all the benefits of staying mobile or becoming more mobile. But you have suddenly entered a whole new world where people are talking about load, terrain, battery capacity and suspension. So where do you start in choosing a scooter that is best for your needs?

Firstly, don't let all the technical talk bamboozle you! Your choice really comes down to where, when, how often and how far you want to use your scooter.

Here are some of the questions to think about and how their answers might affect your scooter choice:

Indoors, outdoors or a combination?

Where you want to ride your scooter is one of the most important factors to consider because it impacts on many of the features you will need.

• If you mainly want to use your scooter within your home and shopping centres, then its size, turning circle and ease of manoeuvring will be top priorities.

• For outdoor travel that includes varied terrain such as uneven footpaths, gravel, grassed areas and some hills, then a larger 4-wheel model will provide more power and stability and solid tyres will help you to avoid punctures.

• If you expect you will spend an equal amount of time using your scooter indoors and out, your Bluesky consultant can advise you on a scooter that will give you the best of both worlds.

How fast and how far?

• You can't get too carried away here, because scooter drivers do need to stick to a maximum speed of 10 km/h on foot paths, shared paths and roads. But if you need to navigate steep hills or travel longer distances, then you will generally want a more powerful scooter that can reach higher speeds.

• If you are planning longer trips, you'll want a scooter with a larger batter capacity, so be sure to ask how many kilometres you will get out of each battery charge and how long the battery will take to fully charge. You'll also appreciate size, suspension and extra seat comfort when travelling longer distances.

• If you will mainly be taking shorter trips down to the local deli or milk bar and to visit neighbours, you may be happy with a model with a lower maximum speed and a shorter battery life.

Night-time use?

• If you plan to be out and about on your scooter any time after the street lights go on, then the scooter must have front and rear lights and indicators.

How heavy?

• What kind of weight will your scooter need to carry? This is known as the scooter's 'load capacity'. If you are a larger person, you will need a more robust, heavy-duty model.

Features for comfort and convenience?

• What other features would you like on your scooter for comfort and convenience? The more time you spend using your scooter, the more important these extras usually become. Options that offer you greater comfort and ease of getting on and off your scooter include:

• Swivel seat• Lift-up arm rests • Digital controls • Adjustable head rest and seat depth • Back angle adjustment

Warranty, servicing and insurance

• Bluesky Healthcare offers a standard 12-month warranty which extends up to 5 years if your scooter receives annual servicing from Bluesky. The annual service keeps your scooter in top operating condition and helps to 'nip any problems in the bud'. Your scooter can be dropped at Bluesky for free servicing or a technician can come to your home to service your scooter for a $99 callout fee.

• Remember to insure your scooter against theft and accidental damage. Check with your household insurer or contact your local automobile insurance club for a quote.

What's the next step?

• After spending some time thinking about when, where and how you want to use your scooter, the next step is talking to a Bluesky Healthcare consultant.

• Our trained consultants take the time to talk with you to assess your needs and help you work out exactly which mobility scooter will be best suited to you. Bluesky's fully equipped mobile showrooms can bring any Bluesky mobility product to your home for a relaxed and obligation-free consultation, demonstration and trial — all at no charge.

“Helping you enjoy a better quality of life”

08 9242 733

www.blueskyhealthcare.com.au