scooters

[Guest guest]

To Melody and all,

Sorry my reply is a little tardy, I didn’t check my e-mail for a few

days.

Here is an article I found in Accent on Living magazine. You might want

to keep it for later reference.

I have a Rascal scooter, 3 wheel. The heaviest part is the transmission

which is 40 pounds. I don’t take it apart, I drive it into my van. I’ve

had it for 6 years and no repairs other than a bent wheel when it was

delivered. They replaced it without hassle. Blue Cross PPO paid 80%. No

sales tax in CA with a prescription.

Alice in CA

Scooters ---- Thinking It Through

For years, the only option in assistive technology for people with

mobility problems was the manual wheelchair. The next step was the

powered wheelchair but the type of chair used was determined strictly by

the severity of the individual's disability. The next major change in

the wheelchair market was the recognition of wheelchair users as

consumers with individual tastes. Manufacturers added choices in

upholstery fabrics and colors and, as technological advances permitted,

lighter, stronger, more attractive frames in a variety of finishes and

colors. Yet even with the addition of various options, wheelchairs were

still wheelchairs. Only with the devel-opment of the powered scooter did

an alternative become available. Early scooters were small, front wheel

drive models designed for indoor use, with limited power and range.

Newer models offer greater range and power and many are capable of

traversing a range of outdoor terrains. Most scooters are three-wheeled,

or four-wheeled; however, scooters that convert to either are also

available.

Considerations when choosing a scooter

The first consideration when choosing a scooter is whether it will meet

the user's needs. Scooter users typically have some ability to walk, but

are limited in distance or stamina. They often have difficulty

propelling manual wheelchairs, but do not require the sophisticated

electronic controls and seating of powered wheelchairs. Included are

people with milder forms of cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy,

arthritis, and cardiac conditions. The user generally needs to be able

to sit upright for extended periods and have sufficient balance to

maintain an erect posture. Enough upper body and arm strength to master

the controls, steer, and maneuver is required. When considering a

scooter for the first time, the advice of physicians, therapists, or

other rehabilitation professionals should be sought to ensure that a

scooter is an appropriate choice. Other considerations include how and

where the scooter will be used, how far it will need to travel between

battery charges, and whether it will need to be transported.

Any scooter should be tested and compared with other models, if possible

in the setting in which it will be used. Some manufacturers and

distributors allow scooters to be taken for on-site trials, allowing the

user to test actual performance and to determine whether the controls,

seating, and leg loom are comfortable for long-term use.

Scooter components

All scooters have some common components. The base includes a platform

supporting the feet and batteries, the drive system, and the wheels.

Other common elements include the seat and the tiller (steering and

control mechanism). The base is the body of the scooter. Some bases

include a shroud over the front wheel and drive head, creating a

dashboard and giving the scooter a bullet-shaped appearance. The base

determines whether the scooter is designed for indoor or outdoor use,

its maneuverability, wheel-base size, ground clearances turning radius,

and dimensions.

The drive train, an integral part of the base, provides either front or

rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is usually found on scooters

designed to be used indoors or on flat, paved surfaces. The motor is

located over the front wheel and drives only that wheel. This often

reduces the capacity to handle hills and curb cuts but makes the

scooters more maneuverable indoors.

Scooter batteries are " deep cycle " batteries intended specifically for

wheelchairs and scooters. Deep cycle batteries provide a steady supply

of power and may be discharged and recharged regularly. Automotive and

marine batteries are starter batteries, providing short bursts of power

only and should never be substituted for deep cycle batteries.

Three types of batteries are used with scooters: Lead acid (wet cell)

batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries, and gel cell batteries. Lead acid

batteries are the least expensive of the three, but require the most

maintenance. In addition to regular charging, electrolyte and water

levels must be checked regularly, with water added frequently. because

they are not sealed, there is a danger of acid spillage and explosion if

the batteries are not handled properly. However, these batteries provide

longer battery life and greater running time than the other types.

Sealed lead acid batteries are maintenance-free versions of these

batteries. The danger of acid spillage is reduced. The cases are vented

to prevent gas build-up that can lead to an explosion. Gel cell

batteries are sealed in their cases, eliminating the danger of spillage

and explosion, requiring only regular charging, but they are more

expensive than other types and may have a shorter life.

Batteries are usually not included with scooters. The type and size

should be selected in accordance with manufacturer recommendation and be

compatible with the battery charger (usually included with the scooter).

Lead acid and gel cell batteries require different chargers that cannot

be used interchangeably. However, dual chargers capable of charging both

types of batteries are available. The charge may be an onboard, internal

charger, or it may be a separate external charger.

Seating and controls

Another major consideration in evaluating scooters is the seat. The most

common is a chair-style seat molded of hard plastic or fiberglass, but

most manufacturers offer a padded seat option, usually with a choice of

upholstery. Some manufacturers offer ergonomically-designed seats,

lumbar supports, and cushions. A few offer custom design and positioning

options.

Finally, the tiller is the control and steering mechanism for the

scooter. Most scooters offer a standard controller with other options

available. Included are thumb levers, loop handles, and joysticks. Thumb

levers are most common, allowing the user to keep both hands on the

handle bars while using the left thumb to power the scooter in reverse

and the right to power the scooter forward. The amount of pressure

applied determines the speed of the scooter (unless it is equipped with

proportional speed control). A fair amount of hand control is necessary

for safe operation. Finger control levers or a joystick may be

alternatives and custom-adapted controls may be available at extra cost.

Manufacturers offer a range of other features and accessories. Many

scooters feature a key lock for turning the scooter on and off, a

battery-level indicator, and proportional speed control. Accessories

include crutch and cane holders, oxygen baskets, headlights and more.

Beyond the purchase

Making the selection is only the beginning. Be certain a warranty is

offered, and know the terms. If the purchase is from a local dealer,

determine whether trained service technicians can perform routine

maintenance and repairs. Parts such as batteries, tires, chains, belts

and electronics should be stocked. If the purchase is directly from a

manufacturer, learn whether the scooter is serviced locally.

This article was adapted from an ABLFDATA Fact Sheet on Scooters written

by Belknap, ABLEDATA Program Specialist.

ACCENT ON LIVING - FALL, 1996