Mobility scooters are vehicles, usually batter operated, that are designed to assist disabled people to become more mobile. They have either 3 or 4 wheels, usually a single seat, and are steered with handlebars similar to handlebars on a bicycle.
There are all kinds, shapes, and sizes of mobility scooters available on the market. They can be used either indoor or outdoor, and some can be easily disassembled for easy storage and transport. Some of the features on higher end mobility scooters include seats padded, swiveling and/or reclining.
Most mobility scooters are battery operated. The batteries are 12 volt, and can be recharged. You can get around 8 to 10 hours of operation, translating form around 20 miles from these powerpacks. The average speed of these scooters are from 4 to 8 mph.
Depending on the quality and features, mobility scooters can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000. If a scooter is prescribed by a physician, the cost can often be minimized by insurance or medicare, although rarely is the entire cost covered. In general, they are cheaper than power assisted wheelchairs, making them a popular alternative with both the elderly as well as the disabled.
