I had to undergo a very complex ankle surgery a couple of days ago, and ever since I have been confined in my home being unable to walk around without mobility aids. And while mobility aids were enough to help me get around the house, I knew that they wouldn’t provide me with sufficient support if I had to leave the house and go to the grocery store, for example.
Luckily, my brother is staying at my place and helps me with chores and grocery shopping, but I can rely on his help for only a few more days, as he has final exams and will have to leave town next week. I considered hiring a care giver, but the truth is, I don’t like feeling too dependent on other people, so instead, I decided to buy myself a scooter mobility device.
For some, that decision might seem extreme, as mobility scooters can be quite costly. However, if you take a look at the big picture, you can probably see where I’m coming from. I’m a middle-aged man, with a lot of health issues, back and ankle problems in particular, who at one point or another will be forced to use a scooter mobility anyway, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get one.
I contacted my doctor for some advice on buying one, and he basically told me that there are a couple of important considerations to make when purchasing a mobility scooter, namely: your level of mobility, tolerance, balance, posture, bodyweight and your perception, sight, memory and cognitive abilities. Basically, there isn’t a universal mobility scooter that will fit each and every individual, but you have to look for specifics which will accommodate you personally.
Moreover, you should look for convenience features. For instance, the scooter shouldn’t be too heavy, it should be easy to disassemble and put back together. Furthermore, it should have comfortable arm rests for stability as well as a proper lumbar support. The seat should be adjustable in height and have enough cushioning which won’t cause you any pain when used for longer time periods.
And last but not least, take a good look at the battery. All mobility scooters have rechargeable batteries, which can be charged using a typical electric socket. There are three typical types of batteries – AGM, gel cell and lead acid. It’s important that you establish a consistent charging routine, which will mostly depend on the fact how often you use the scooter and how far you travel with it. Typically, the batteries should be replaced every 12 to 18 months, depending on their size and type.