Mobility Scooters That Make It In The Fast Lane

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Mobility scooters have made a tremendously positive impact on the ability of those with physical challenges to perform their daily activities and participate in social events.  Although mobility scooters are intended to be of physical assistance and are not manufactured or designed essentially for speed, many experienced riders already know and enjoy the benefits they receive from their mobility scooter, but they may wish they could move just a little bit quicker. There are a few mobility scooters that are faster than others. Fast mobility scooters might be appreciated by those who use their scooter to run local errands or for those who visit parks, golf courses, playgrounds and other outdoor attractions where a good amount of territory is generally covered at a moderate pace throughout the course of the visit.  A fast mobility scooter will allow the user to keep up with friends and family and enjoy many of the same sites.

When we are considering fast as it relates to electric mobility scooters, it is important to note that electric mobility scooters range in power and speed from approximately 5 mph to about 13 mph. The faster models are generally intended for outdoor use as opposed to indoor use, where traveling speed is usually not a very high concern.

As a general guideline, rear wheel drive mobility scooters will tend to be faster than front wheel drive models. Front wheel drive models tend to have a less powerful motor providing power to the front wheel or wheels which pull the rider and the scooter. Whereas a rear wheel drive mobility scooter is driven by the rear wheels which push, as opposed to pull, the combined weight of the scooter and the rider. This motor and wheel configuration also permits the use of a larger motor and therefore distributes more power.

Pride Mobility Products Corporation knows a little bit about speed. This fast growing company was founded in 1986 and has taken the fast track to over $76 million in annual sales! Their brand name is almost synonymous with mobility scooters. Pride Mobility produces a wide variety of mobility scooters that can be used on just about any terrain. Amongst those who have purchased Pride’s brand of mobility scooters are the elderly and disabled including well known celebrities like scientist Stephen Hawking and actor Verne Troyer of ‘Austin Powers’ fame.

Pride Mobility offers a fast mobility scooter introduced as the Wrangler PMV. For approximately $3500 you can be traveling at 10 mph. The Wrangler is a rugged mobility scooter intended for outdoor use. Thirteen inch deep tread tires help to make the Wrangler reliable and fast even on the roughest terrain.  It uses two 100AH batteries and has two motors for ultimate traction. The seven inch ground clearance will help to ensure that you don’t get stuck in a tough spot. The rugged construction of the Pride Mobility Wrangler line of mobility scooters does not compromise the comfort and convenience that are incorporated into all of Pride’s designs. The Wrangler comes standard with a high back seat that is available in your choice of size and color and with flip back arm rests and a head rest for comfort. For those who still enjoy golfing but not the travel on the course, additional options available for the Wrangler include a golf bag holder that will turn your mobility scooter into the ultimate golf cart making the Wrangler a fast, convenient and personalized way to get to the 18th hole!

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Medical Mobility Scooters: An Introduction

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A mobility scooter is similar to an electric scooter or motor scooter in function and construction. However, additional power wheelchair type features and options make mobility scooters an excellent form of transportation for anyone who has good arm strength and upper body balance but needs occasional assistance.

Elderly people, and those who have progressive conditions that challenge their ability to walk, appreciate and benefit from the aid and convenience of a mobility scooter. Users of the mobility scooter can usually walk to some degree, but have greater difficulty with slopes and longer distances.

The first mobility scooter was built in 1968 by a Mr. Alan Thieme in Bridgeport, Michigan. Mr. Thieme created this front wheel drive scooter to assist a family member with multiple sclerosis regain some of their independent mobility.

The basic components of today’s mobility scooters are two rear wheels with a seat above them, a flat area upon which to put the feet that also holds the seat and power source, and a steering column with handlebars to steer either one or two front wheels. There are gasoline powered mobility scooters, though the majority of those manufactured are electric. The more popular electric mobility scooter runs with one or two batteries on-board the scooter. If you need more power to overcome steep hills and slopes, you will be better served with two batteries which will deliver more power than one. These batteries are charged with a standard charger that connects to a typical electrical outlet.

The steering column, located centrally at the front of the scooter, is referred to as the tiller. The tiller controls forward, reverse and speed controls with finger controls, a thumb paddle or a switch. Mobility scooters are available in front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. In general, front wheel drive mobility scooters will accommodate a rider up to 250 lbs. and are more convenient for indoor use due to their smaller size.  Rear wheel drive mobility scooters can be used indoors and outdoors and will accommodate a weight of up to 350 lbs. There are also heavy duty rear wheel drive mobility scooters, which differs from the regular rear wheel drive mobility scooters in that it can accommodate riders up to 500 lbs.

Because scooters usually have automatic braking, coasting is not an option. You must use the finger, thumb or switch style controls to be in command of all movement.  You will need to press and release the controls gently to gradually increase and decrease speed. There is usually a control that will allow you set the maximum speed for the scooter as well.

A mobility scooter will not be difficult to operate and control as long as you have adequate upper body strength and control and they can be broken down into parts quite easily making them convenient to pack into the trunk of a car for an outing with friends and family. Anyone with systemic or disabling body conditions that is still able to stand and walk a few steps, control the steering tiller and sit in an upright position without torso support will appreciate the assistance of a mobility scooter and the sense of independence it can provide.

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