Mobility Info - UK
Electric Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are vehicles that enable those who find it difficult to walk long distances to get around more easily. They consist of a seat positioned over two rear wheels, a flat base area on which to rest the feet and a handlebar or tiller at the front in order to steer. Scooters are electrically powered using either one or two rechargeable batteries.
Mobility scooters fall into one of two categories according to highway regulations – class 2 or class 3 vehicles. Class 2 scooters can travel at up to 4mph and can only be used on pavements or to cross roads at pedestrian crossings. Class 3 scooters are able to go at 8mph on roads (4mph on the pavement) so they must have indicators, front and rear lights, a horn and a rear-view mirror. They are not permitted on motorways and on bus or cycle lanes. As they are not classed as motor vehicles, it is not a legal requirement to have a driving licence, tax or insurance to operate them, although it is advisable to be insured, especially if you are taking a class 3 scooter on the roads.
There are various sizes of mobility scooter available. The smallest, known as micro scooters, are small and compact with a limited range. Most will fit in a car boot and they are principally for indoor use. Larger scooters can be used outdoors as well as inside. With either 3 or 4 wheels, they have some kerb-climbing ability and a longer range than the solely indoor variety. They usually have elements that can be dismantled for ease of transport and storage. Scooters designed principally for outdoor use will tend to have bigger wheels for improved kerb-climbing and to cope with uneven ground. These scooters have of necessity more power and a longer range.
Class 3 mobility scooters can cover longer distances and are bigger than other scooters. In addition to having lights, mirror and indicators, they sometimes incorporate a flashing beacon for use on the road and a speed selector that limits the speed if used on the pavement.
The scooters’ 12 volt batteries are typically recharged overnight using a special charger. Sometimes the battery can be removed to be recharged; alternatively, it remains on the scooter as charging takes place. Certain scooters have a battery level indicator to show when recharging is required. It is worth noting that daily use of the scooter will prolong the battery’s lifespan.
Considerations Before Purchase
Unlike most wheelchairs, scooters are ideal for people who are still capable of doing some walking. For instance, they might be able to walk around the shops but need the scooter’s assistance to get them there. The users should be able to sit upright and possess the strength and coordination to control the handlebars. They should be capable of getting on and off by themselves. Generally, scooters are unsuitable for those with visual, perceptual or intellectual impairments. Anyone with doubts about their own or a relative’s suitability to use a scooter should seek medical advice first.
Consideration should be given to a user’s size, shape, weight and specific mobility problems when choosing a scooter. The seat, foot supports and backrest should be comfortable, with the seat neither too wide nor too narrow to facilitate a stable posture. A height-adjustable seat and backrest are preferable, and armrests can provide extra support. Some seats can swivel to make getting on and off the scooter simpler, and some armrests fold away for similar reasons. On certain models of scooter it is possible to adjust the angle of the tiller for greater comfort.
Strength in both arms is usually required to control the tiller. As prolonged steering puts a strain on the arms and shoulders, it is imperative that the arrangement of seat and handlebar be as ergonomic as possible.
If the scooter is to be used indoors, it needs to be narrow enough to pass through doorways and also manoeuvrable with a tight turning circle. However, the more manoeuvrable the scooter, the less effective it tends to be over long distances, slopes and uneven ground. Four-wheeled scooters offer greater stability than the three-wheeled kind but have a wider turning circle. Moreover, the stability is to some extent governed by the occupant’s body weight and position.
Scooters can travel up to 25 miles per charge and can negotiate a 1:6 gradient, depending on the model. However, slopes and uneven ground soon reduce the optimum range. Give thought to where and when the scooter is most likely to be used when estimating the likely range.
Some scooters are easier to transport than others. While smaller models can often be dismantled to some degree, the constituent parts can still be quite heavy. Therefore, make sure the user or carer is capable of lifting and assembling the scooter’s parts if transportation is a requirement. Class 3 scooters are less likely to have removable parts and so need a van to transport them.
Secure, waterproof storage such as a garage is needed to keep a scooter at home. There should be an easily accessible power source to charge the batteries, especially if they are the type that cannot be removed from the scooter. If the vehicle is to be used indoors and out, access ramps might be needed depending on the layout of the house.
Decide on the most important features for your circumstances. Do you need to disassemble and transport the scooter? Are there steep gradients near your home? What distance do I typically need to cover? Remember that the range of a fully-charged battery is affected by the battery’s condition, the terrain, cold weather, the user’s weight and the accessories on the scooter, among other factors. Standard scooters have a weight limit of 100kg, but larger models are available for heavier occupants.
Scooter Components And Accessories
The flat base of the scooter is usually made of steel, aluminium or a composite material. The size and ground clearance of the base will determine the scooter’s manoeuvrability and whether it is suitable for indoor and/or outdoor use. A longer base can accommodate those with longer legs but will increase the scooter’s turning circle. Some scooters have modular bases for ease of storage/transportation and some can even convert from 4 to 3 wheels for greater manoeuvrability.
Wheels typically measure 6, 8 or 10 inches; the larger the wheels, the more stable the scooter. Thicker tyres are more suitable for climbing kerbs and travelling over uneven ground, while a deep tread will aid grip on slopes and rough terrain. The tyres themselves can be pneumatic, like bicycle tyres, or solid. The latter do not need inflating and there is no risk of puncture. Rear-wheel drive provides improved grip and power. Some scooters have a free-wheel facility that allows them to be pushed manually when required, for example when they are being loaded into a car or van.
Seats are fashioned from moulded plastic or can be padded and contoured for increased comfort. To facilitate access, certain seats are able to swivel 90, 180 or 360 degrees by utilising a lever and/or can be adjusted for height.
Brakes are activated automatically whenever the scooter’s accelerator is released. Additionally, an optional handbrake acts on the tyres for greater security.
The tiller governs the steering and is the home to other controls, usually located on a console with lights, horn, on/off switch etc. Acceleration is effected by a thumb control or by squeezing a lever that can be situated on either side. Reversing is achieved by a different lever or by a different setting on the same lever. A speed limiter facility is a feature of some scooters. If the scooter is to be left unattended, the key ignition can be removed to immobilise it.
Class 3 scooters will have all the necessary lights and indicators as integral fitments; class 2 vehicles do not have to have them by law, but they are nevertheless advisable for use at night or in dark conditions. Many users will find that the addition of normal bicycle lights is sufficient for such purposes.
A range of accessories is available for scooters, such as front and rear baskets for carrying shopping, crutch and stick holders, horns, seat covers and protective canopies for bad weather. Temporary or permanent storage facilities can be acquired for home use.
