You know that you need a mobility scooter. Maybe it was recommended by your doctor to aid in your recovery. Maybe you are traveling to a location where you know it will be much easier to get around on a scooter. Either way, how do you know which scooter to get? When you are renting a car, you usually specify the size and then pick from what’s available. With a scooter rental, you typically can specify what kind of scooter you need. This could be a great opportunity to try something new. But it can also be a difficult decision if you’ve never used a scooter before. Our Maryland mobility specialists are here to help you figure out which scooter to rent.
Have you ridden a scooter before?
If you are not familiar with scooters, it makes sense to start with the easiest scooter to operate. Four-wheel scooters generally provide more stability than three-wheel scooters. However, more stability typically means larger size and less maneuverability. If you plan on using your scooter indoors or in tight spaces, a three-wheel model may be a better choice.
How far do you plan to travel on your scooter?
Mobility scooters are typically powered by a battery that needs to be periodically charged. Batteries come in different capacities, but you can expect to travel on average up to 30 miles on one charge. If you need to do more driving than that between charges, choose a scooter with a longer-lasting battery or consider getting a secondary battery pack you could use in an emergency.
Do you have trouble getting in and out of a scooter?
Certain health conditions and mobility limitations may make it difficult to get on the scooter or get down from it. This procedure can be especially tricky if you are transitioning from a wheelchair, a walker or another personal mobility device. If that’s the case, look for a scooter that makes transitioning easier. Some features to consider include a swivel seat, adjustable seat height and armrests that can be used as grab bars.
How long do you plan to stay in the scooter?
Just because you don’t plan to travel far in your rental scooter, doesn’t mean you won’t be using it a lot. You may end up using your scooter as a seat for the majority of your trip. For example, if you are attending an outdoor festival, you may not be driving much, but you’ll be sitting and watching performers or talking to vendors. It helps if your scooter has a comfortable seat with a high back and plenty of room for your legs. The hard, plastic seat some simpler scooters have may not be enough for you.
How do you plan to transport your scooter?
If you plan on taking your scooter on adventures, think about how you’ll get there. You would need to put the scooter in your car to transport it wherever you want to go. The scooter can be loaded in a van or truck with the help of a foldable ramp. If you don’t have a ramp, you may need to rent it together with your scooter. But what if your car is not big enough to fit a scooter? In that case you could get a portable travel scooter that is lightweight and easy to disassemble for convenient transportation. Answering these questions should help you narrow down the type of mobility scooter you may need to rent. And feel free to give Freedom Mobility a call with any other questions or for scooter rental in Maryland.