Amp U T chat is for amputees.
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Many of you still write asking about the CHAT ROOM. A chat room requires a good deal of time to moderate, and we wouldn't re-open a chat room without the ability (time and technology-wise) to moderate the room. For time and medical reasons, we have no immediate plans for a chat room.
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SELECTING AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER
© Copyright John and Joyce Meyer 1999. All
Rights Reserved.
The correct match between user, scooter and dealer will improve your lifestyle by conserving energy.
Walk into any medical supply display room and you most likely will see a vast array of both three and four-wheel scooters. They can be found in an assortment of styles, sizes, and usually very bright colors. It's easy to be confused. Here are a few of my suggestions for matching your needs to the type of scooter that you ultimately buy.
Assessing Your Needs
First, consider whether you will be using the scooter primarily indoors or outdoors. Many users will need a compromise between the two, however one locale for operation will be predominate. We tend to spend the majority of our time in our homes or indoor workplace environment--more than 8 hours a day--so most of us will find we lean toward a unit engineered for indoor use. Then consider these additional factors as pertain to the accessibility of your house, office, etc.
Three Wheel vs. Four Wheel
For indoor use, you will most likely find that a three-wheel scooter is more practical. Assuming that you have decided to look into a three-wheel unit, let's first consider your living area. Will the unit be able to maneuver easily around the house such as getting in and out of the bathroom? Many times just re-arranging your furniture will facilitate use of a scooter, but you can't easily rearrange your walls and doorways. Make sure you measure the narrowest opening which the scooter must pass through and then subtract a few inches. Measure the widest part of the scooter (not necessarily the wheel width!) The difference should be three inches or more. For example if you're door measures 30 inches wide, then the maximum width of the scooter should be 27 inches or less. The difference between the door width and the scooter width is to allow room for the "swing" going through the doorway.
Four wheel scooters equipped with the large tread, all terrain tires, and a higher ground clearance make them more suitable for outdoor activities such as parks. Outdoor use demands sufficient power to maneuver obstacles such as curbs, rocks, inclines, grass/sod, and the occasional weather created conditions of mud, snow and ice. Conversely, four-wheel scooters are not as well suited for use indoors because of their larger turning radius (swing.)
Portability
Transporting your scooter will require breaking the unit down into several components and units designed primarily for outdoor use will generally be heavier and more difficult to transport. Many scooters will breakdown into several sections, normally: battery(ies), seat, front section (wheel, base, steering tiller), and rear drive unit. The rear drive unit will be the heaviest composed of the motor, and possibly a built-in charger and computer. It may be wise to consider purchasing a lifting aid to make loading/unloading of the scooter easier.
Other Considerations
The seat should swivel 360º with a position lock and have flip-up arm arrests for easy mounting and dismounting. A seat lift option is convenient, but must be used with caution to avoid tipping and you should never drive with the seat in the elevated position. A horn is useful to warn children and pets of your approach.
The controls must be protected so they will not be accidentally activated during the positioning of the seat, for example.
Tires should be foam filled. Foam filled tires will ride harder, but will not leave you stranded with a "flat."
Seeing and being seen can save your life. At the very least the unit needs reflective material front, rear, and sides. Superior to reflective materials are powered light sources: headlights, taillights and side markers. Not only do they make you visible to others but provide illumination for your navigation.
(I recommend the use of LED's for markers and taillights, instead of "regular" bulbs. LED's can be purchased at any electronic retail store and should include a socket for mounting. The advantages of LED's are very low current drain, high visibility [when used properly] and an extremely long life span. I advise you not to attempt to install these yourself. Improper installation can damage the unit's electrical system and scooter's have onboard computers, which can be easily damaged by improper wiring. You may also void your warrantee by attempting this yourself.)
Another child safety and anti-theft feature is a locking device. Children are inherently curious and will be attracted to the "coolest ride" in town. There will be times when you must park your scooter and dismount and you'd like a little assurance that it will be there when you return.
Selection
Research all the literature you can. Speak to scooter users to learn from their experiences with models and dealer service.
Dealers should permit you to test drive a unit for comfort and ease of use. Is the seat comfortable? Are the controls readily accessible? Will this unit maneuver for your needs? . Is the battery factory or dealer supplied? Make sure you explain to the dealer that you want to have good quality batteries even if it requires extra money. (Request if Gel Cell batteries are available.) Is the "proper" charger included, and are the correct charging procedures explained?
Ask the sales person to demonstrate "breakdown" and allow you to try it yourself so you can determine your ability to do this independently, perhaps even allowing you to try it with your own car. Ask about availability of options such as a different seats and accessories.
Financing
Medicare and other insurance companies are not concerned with your ability to be mobile outdoors. They will generally require documentation (Certificate of Need) from a health-care professional such as your doctor, stating that you will require a scooter in order to be mobile around your own house. Your dealer should know and assist you in filing a claim. You may be requested to participate in providing additional information, this is to your benefit in expediting the claim.
In spite or the instructions that accompany your product, you CAN overcharge a battery, in many cases. When used daily there is no harm in leaving your battery connected to the charge and electric source for several extra hours. But if you are going to be leaving your battery powered product dormant (in storage) for a prolonged period of time, once the charge reads "full" disconnect the charger from the battery and then unplug it. This will prolong the life of your battery. Also, try not to run your battery down completely before recharging. (NOTE: this applies to GEL CELL batteries, NOT nicads.)
"You can't
legislate intelligence and common sense into people."
--Will Rogers
© Copyright April 1999-2001 J. Meyer. All rights reserved.