How to Choose a Mobility Scooter

Introduction

For many people with limited mobility a powered scooter is a good alternative to a wheelchair. Many people prefer a scooter to a wheel chair as they are more attractive visually, are lighter, more compact and have better maneuverability. We will look at mobility scooter features, their value as mobility aids and other information to consider when choosing a mobility scooter.

Construction

An electric mobility scooter is composed of a wheeled platform containing the drive unit and batteries, with controls and hand rests towards the front and a seat at the rear. For rugged terrains and hills a rear wheel drive unit would be preferred as they have better traction than a front wheel drive model. The platform or drive unit is usually made from steel, aluminium or fiberglass or sometimes a composite is used. There may be a cover over the drive head and dashboard instruments. When considering the scooter to purchase the size, ground clearance and turning radius should all be considered as these relate directly to the maneuverability.

Comfort and Safety

To ensure the needs of the rider are met the base unit dimensions and construction should be carefully considered. The feet must be comfortably accommodated and the controls easy to use and comfortably within reach. This is vitally important for a very tall or short riders. Many scooters have adjustable seats and arm rests and some have various base dimensions or extra footrests for longer legs or for those who wear leg braces.

Safety Features

Stability of the base unit on inclines and sharp turns is important. Many scooters have anti-tip mechanisms on the wheels for stability during maneuvers of these kinds so we advise you to check that the scooter your are considering has these mechanisms.

Drive Train

Front Wheel Drive Models

Manufactured primarily for indoor use, front-wheel drive units are less powerful than rear wheel drive models but usually smaller and more maneuverable. They are only recommended for smooth floors or pavements and may have difficulty coping with curbs. Because they are smaller than rear wheel drive units they are more easily transported and more likely to fit into a wheelchair lift.

Rear Wheel Drive Models

With more powerful motors and longer range, rear wheel scooters are much better in rougher terrain or uneven pavements. They are larger than front wheel drive models and less maneuverable. More suited to outdoor use they have higher speeds but are less easily transported and less likely to fit into wheelchair lifts.

Brakes

Rear wheel drive models have an electronic braking system that is engaged when pressure is released from the controls. The brakes therefore will always be engaged when the unit is not being driven forwards or in reverse. In order to be able to move the scooter manually a brake release lever is provided. Many scooters have disc brakes in combination with, or instead of, the electronic system.

In contrast front wheel drive models do not usually have an electronic system but have a parking brake that is manually applied to the rear wheel.

Batteries

The electric power system is either 12 or 24 volts supplied by one or two batteries. Rear wheel drive systems are generally 24 volts while the front wheel systems 12 volts. Add on units may be available to increase the range, but not the speed, of the scooter. The batteries are not interchangeable with auto batteries as their job is for sustained provision of power rather than a short starting burst as required by an auto battery. Their lifetime is between twelve and eighteen months and they are designed for regular charge and discharge. Batteries may be of the lead acid type or the gel cell type and are usually purchased as an extra. Battery chargers, whether integral or separate units are usually included in the purchase price. Ensure that the correct type of battery is purchased as chargers may be specific to the type of battery (lead acid or gel) although some chargers are dual purpose. Both independent and integral chargers have their advantages and disadvantages. An integral charger is convenient but if it goes wrong the whole scooter must be returned for repair. An independent charger is bulkier to move around but more easily replaced if needed.

Wheels and Tires

maneuverability of the scooter depends to a large extent on the wheel and tire size. Small tires on front-wheel drive models increase maneuverability but decrease traction so rear wheel drive scooters generally have bigger tires for better grip on uneven terrain. Pneumatic tires, foam filled tires and solid tires are available. Pneumatic tires, as on most autos, are better for comfort but need maintenance and replacing when worn. Foam filled tires cannot be deflated and are almost maintenance free. However they are less comfortable to ride and more expensive. Solid tires are only suitable for indoor use, are maintenance free but considerably less comfortable.

Seating

The seating should be considered carefully when choosing a mobility scooter. Arm and head rests may be included and seat padding will play a big factor in comfort especially when the scooter is ridden for a long time. Fabric covering is much more comfortable than vinyl but more expensive and harder to clean. Powered seats are a big help in mounting and dismounting but add to the cost. Powered seats may also allow elevation but again this feature will increase both the initial cost and the drain on the batteries. Seats that can be adjusted will be necessary if the rider is taller or shorter than average. Check to see if armrests can be flipped up for mounting.

Controls

Thumb levers are the most common types of controls but joysticks and loop handles are also used. A joystick attached to the armrest may be more suitable for someone with limited thumb mobility or strength.

Accessories

Other accessories that may be important to an individuals needs include oxygen transporters, crutch holders and front or rear baskets. Horns, lights and canopies are also optional in many cases.

Conclusion

Matching the needs of the rider with the features offered by the manufacturer is the most important consideration. Where will the scooter be used? Is the scooter the right dimensions and can it be adjusted for the size of the rider? Will thumb levers or a joystick be more suitable? Consideration to these questions will ensure that the mobility scooter chosen is the best one for the individual rider.

For more information and some good deals in new and used mobility scooters check out Choosing a Mobility Scooter or for other scooters and mopeds Cheap Mobility Scooters

How To Choose The Best Boat Seat For You

There are many different types of boat seats available and the most important consideration in making this determination is the type of boat you have and what you will be using it for. The most common types of boat seats are:

* Leaning Posts

* Captain's Chairs

* Seat Cushions

* Swivels

Leaning Posts:

Leaning post seats are most often used for center console boats. They can function as a leaning post, a seat or a bench. Most of these types of seats have optional removable backrests and thickly clustered cushions for superior comfort. Most leaning posts type seats have four fishing rod holders and an integrated hand and foot rail. This type of seat usually costs around $750.00.

Captain's Chairs:

Captain's Chairs are usually designed for center console or flybridge use. There are many types of captain's chairs that run the gamete on quality. Top of the line captain chairs have UV stabilized polyethylene construction, extra thick clustered cushions, padded armrests on anodized aluminum mounting brackets and foot pedestals. This seat also is a slider, meaning the seat itself slides up or down for the comfort of the captain. They have a 15 inch starting pedestal. These chairs usually cost around $500.00.

The next inline in captain chairs includes seat, cushion, 15 inch starting pedestal that can slide up and down, arm rests and polished aluminum hardware.

A less expensive type of captain chair has removable snap-on cushions, 360 degree nylon spider and a 15 inch fixed height pedestal. These seats usually cost around $240.00.

Swivel Seats:

Swivel seats are especially popular on fishing boats that have a seat hole pattern to attach them onto. The benefits of swivel seats are that they are removable, can turn 360 degrees, fit most standard seat holes patterns, are self lubricating, with non-corrosive poly swivel bearings and most are made with E-coated steel which resists corrosion. Additionally, most swivel seats have a quick release mechanism that allows the seat to slide out thru plastic tracks that are mounted to the boat.

Additional Types of Boat Seats:

* Some fishing boat seats are cushions on top of ice chests. These seats can be positioned anywhere the angler desires in the boat, or fastened to the deck in specific locations.

* Another type of boat seat is the folding or "quick flip" seat. These types of seats are easy to transport and eliminate tie down straps. They also stay dry as you can fold them up and transport them or put them inside boat storage should bad weather arise. There are numerous types of folding or "quick flip" seats in regard to quality and comfort.

* Bucket seats are considered very comfortable seats. Most are made of heavy-duty marine grade vinyl which means they are sun, salt and mildew resistant. These types of seats are mounted or can be mounted to the boat.

* Proform seats are ideal seats for small boats. They are usually made of molded plastic, have a cushioned seat and back for comfort and are ultra-low when folded flat.

* Lounge seats. This type of boat seats are back to back of one another. They are usually seen on sky boats and runabouts. Most have plastic frames, cushioned seats and have dry storage underneath. They come in many different sizes, are permanently mounted into the boat and most are UV treated to provide for mildew resistance.

* Stern Seats. Stern seats are located in the back of boats. They are found on either or both sides of the engine facing the front of the boat.

* Lounge Seats. Lounge seats are boat seats that are similar to a couch in a home. More than one person can sit on them, right next to each other or they make great sun bathing seats, as a person can lay down the length of one. Most of these types of boat seats are found on walk-through windshield boats and pontoon boats.

* Bench Seats. Bench seats are popular on fishing boats as well as many recreational boats. What is great about these seats is that they are cushioned both on the seat and the back and have either a live bait well or storage area underneath.

For more information on boats, try visiting http://www.boatassistance.com/ - a website that specializes in providing boat related tips, advice and resources to include information on the boat seat