Health & beauty

Mobility scooters

Updated 10 May 2008
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Introduction

Time to rev it up? We look at mobility scooters.

It's frustrating for many elderly or disabled people – relying on family and friends just to go to the local store or check the mail. Mobility scooters can greatly enhance the quality of people's lives by giving them back some independence.

We tell you what to look for when choosing a scooter, how often to get it serviced, legal requirements, and safety tips for driving.

Please note this is a guide only and doesn't contain test results or brand-specific recommendations.

Checklist

If you think a mobility scooter is for you, here's what to consider before you buy.

Size

Will the scooter be an appropriate size to go to all the places you want it to? Will it fit through your door easily? Where will it be stored and recharged? Remember, you need access to a power point to charge the battery.

Lights

A scooter should have front and rear lights, including indicators and hazard lights to make it easier for drivers and pedestrians to see you, and to help you see in poor light.

Brakes

Scooters should have an automatic braking system in the event of a power failure.

Front and rear bumpers

These guard your scooter from little knocks and bumps.

Hand controls

These should be easy to reach and use. Can you adjust the steering tiller if necessary? Will you be able to use thumb controls for extended periods or does the scooter have finger controls. If not, can it be adapted for finger controls?

Wheels

Three-wheel scooters are lighter and more manoeuvrable, but four-wheelers are more stable on uneven terrain. Four-wheelers are popular for safety reasons. Most scooters can be free-wheeled, which is useful if you break down or run out of power and want someone to push it for you.

Seat

The seat should be comfortable and you'll find it easier to get on and off if it swivels and locks in place. A fully-adjustable seat will rotate and move forwards, backwards, up and down.

Mirrors

You'll need left and right rear vision mirrors for better visibility.

Moveable armrests

These make it easier to get on and off your scooter.

Leg room

This is especially important if you're tall or have difficulty moving your legs.

Foot room

Make sure there is room for larger than normal shoes, like wool-lined boots, if these may be worn.

Batteries

There are two main kinds: a no-maintenance, sealed battery and a cheaper, wet cell battery that needs to be checked from time to time and may leak acid when it's transported. Sealed batteries are more convenient and more common and are required by airlines when flying with your scooter.

Batteries are rated in amp hours. The greater the number of amp hours, the further you can travel between charging the batteries. If you need your scooter on hilly terrain or mainly for outdoor use, look for a battery size of greater than 33 amp hours, preferably over 40. Anything less than 30 amp hours is only suitable for indoor use or cruising around shopping malls.

Look for a scooter with a battery indicator so you know how much charge you have left before you need to recharge.

Battery life

To get the longest life out of your battery, recharge it as often as possible. But be aware that it may not be safe to leave your scooter on the charger for long periods. Concern has been raised that batteries shouldn't be charged for longer than 48 hours because it may be a potential fire hazard. Whether there is a risk will depend on how the individual scooter monitors or controls the charging. Some will stop when the battery is fully charged.

We suggest you check with your scooter's manufacturer or read your instruction manual for the recommended method to charge your battery. If you're going on holiday or will be away from home for an extended period we suggest you disconnect the battery from the charger.

It's also recommended you don't let the batteries go more than half flat before you recharge them. Most scooters claim they will travel a distance of 25km or more without charging, but if you regularly let your batteries run down you'll need to buy new ones more often.

Maximum load capacity

How much weight can the scooter carry? If you are carrying a heavy load, place it between your feet. Don't carry it in the basket on the handle bars.

Climbing capacity

Make sure your scooter can cope with the terrain you intend to use it on - can it get up hills or is it only needed on flat terrain? You'll need to trial this before you buy.

Distance capacity

How far will your scooter travel before it needs to be recharged? Some scooters will travel around 25km, but others will keep going for as much as 50km.

Transportation

Does it disassemble to allow transportation in a car for taking on holiday or outings?

Safe storage

Is there somewhere secure you can store your scooter where it won't be stolen or exposed to the weather conditions?

Safety accessories

These include a horn, reversing beeper, flag and flag holder for visibility, and speed adjustment option.

Other accessories

These can include a walking stick or crutches holder, front and rear baskets, an oxygen cylinder holder, and a scooter cover.

Where to buy

You may find mobility scooters in motorcycle or bike shops but most are sold directly by distributors. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Mobility scooters".

Expect to pay between $2000 and $7000 for a new scooter depending on the model. Expensive models will have more features and be more powerful.

Most suppliers sell several models. Talk through with them what you want and ask them to visit your home to assess your needs. If they don't seem to have enough expertise, find another distributor that does or ask an occupational therapist from your local hospital for help.

Some distributors also sell second-hand scooters. These may be good buys especially if you are only travelling short distances. Get the scooter checked by a service agent before you buy it and make sure that spare parts are available if you need them. Treat buying a second-hand scooter as you would a second-hand car.

Trade & Exchange and the TradeMe website often have second-hand scooters for sale. But before you buy one, check the Personal Property Securities Register to see if any money is owing on it. Searches can be done online and cost $3.

You can also contact your local Age Concern or Disability Information Service for more information.

Financial help

The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board makes grants to cover the purchase price of a mobility scooter, subject to assessment. About 250 grants are given each year. They may cover the full cost, depending on the model. Grants aren't fully means-tested but your financial circumstances may be taken into account when priority for funding is assessed. You are only eligible for a grant if your disability is permanent and due to a degenerative condition (eg, a stroke or multiple sclerosis), not if your disability is due to an accident or injury.

ACC may be able to assist with funding if you have suffered a personal injury and a mobility scooter is the best way of meeting the injury-related needs. Work and Income (WINZ) do not provide assistance.

Other things to consider

Service

Your mobility scooter should be regularly serviced by a qualified service technician. That means you'll need to buy a brand of scooter that has a service centre or agent in your region. When you're buying, ask how the service agent will get to you if your scooter needs repairs or servicing. It's no good if you have to send your scooter to Auckland for repairs if you live in Timaru.

Some manufacturers recommend their scooters should have a safety check similar to a warrant of fitness every six months. This should include servicing of the brakes, electronics, tyre pressure, batteries and controls.

Also check the fine print in your warranty. What is covered and for how long? Some warranties specify certain parts that aren't covered for the full warranty period and others attach conditions. For example, the Invacare warranty is only valid if the six-monthly safety check is carried out by an authorised Invacare agent.

However, under the Consumer Guarantees Act manufacturers and retailers are obliged to guarantee that the products they sell be of an acceptable quality and be fit for their purpose. Most big ticket purchases, including mobility scooters, can be expected to perform well for many years, not just the period covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

All mobility scooter owners can join the Automobile Association for assistance in the event of a breakdown or flat battery. If you buy a Joy Ride scooter, you get a free two-year AA membership.

Scooters and the law

Mobility scooters aren't considered to be motor vehicles, provided they are no more than 90cm wide and have a maximum possible speed of six kilometres per hour. However, most of the scooters we found on the market can go faster than this, and they can be "souped up" to go even quicker.

Mobility scooters are covered by Standards New Zealand in a section on motorised wheelchairs. But, it isn't compulsory that these scooters comply - distributors can import what they like. We think the regulations should be tightened up.

Since 2005, under the Road User rule, mobility scooters are classified with pedestrians, skateboards and two wheeled scooters. This means you don't need a driver's licence, warrant of fitness, or registration.

The rule says you must drive your scooter on the footpath if one is available. You should only drive on the road if there is no alternative, and should keep as close as is practical to the edge of the road at all times. Use pedestrian crossings and traffic lights to cross the road where they are available.

You are not allowed to operate a scooter (or skateboard) at a speed which might be a hazard to other footpath users, and must operate it in a careful and considerate manner.

Borrowing a scooter

Some regional or local authorities provide mobility scooters that can be borrowed for free to help you get around the city centre. Ring your local council to see if this is available in your area.

Insurance

Most contents policies cover mobility scooters, but it pays to check with your insurance company just to make sure. There are no special requirements for insuring scooters, and you shouldn't have to individually specify them in the policy. However, as with any contents covered by an insurance policy, you must take reasonable care to avoid loss at all times.

Driving your scooter

Skills required

It's important to consider your skills to ensure you are able to use a scooter safely. The skills you'll need are:

  • Coordination and movement to get on and off the scooter, use the controls, turn your head to both sides and behind, and to steer and turn in tight corners.
  • Strength to turn key, adjust dials, use accelerator and brake.
  • Balance, so you can cope with uneven surfaces and adjust your position when you're travelling up or down slopes.
  • Endurance, so you can stay seated for long periods.
  • Vision, so you'll be able to see clearly to move around objects.
  • Perception, so you'll be able to judge distance and speed.
  • Concentration, so you can stay focused for long periods of time and remember safety procedures.
  • Confidence to drive independently and stay calm in difficult situations.

It's also important to consider your medical condition and any medication you are on. Check it doesn't impair your judgement, cause drowsiness, or affect vision. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.


Safety tips

  • Don't exceed the speed limit (6km/h) when driving your scooter.
  • Ride your scooter sensibly. It's illegal to ride carelessly or in a manner or position that may cause injury to yourself or others.
  • Plan your travel times and routes so you can avoid peak-hour pedestrian traffic.
  • If you're travelling in a busy area, slow down to avoid any dangers or possible crashes.
  • Use a lower speed when turning.
  • If your scooter has indicator lights, always use them when you're turning. If not, use hand signals.
  • Use a pedestrian crossing or traffic signals to cross a road. Never cross a road without checking the way is clear.
  • Always approach gutter crossings squarely, never at an angle. This prevents the scooter rocking from side to side.

Our advice

Take your time making a decision on which scooter to buy. It's vital you ask the salesperson if the model you're looking at is appropriate for the places where you will be driving it. Get them to bring it to your home and give it a trial. It's also a good idea to have a family member or friend present.

If you live in a rest home or retirement village, make sure that it allows scooters. Some don't.

Check the contract. Pushy salespeople may not always disclose all the conditions. Before signing up get the contract checked by a lawyer, a friend or family member you trust.

Once you have bought your mobility scooter ask the salesperson to set it up in your house.

More help



Report by Belinda Allan.