The Power Scooter and the Elderly: A Perfect Match

Basically, power scooters are motorized forms of transportation designed to assist the disabled and the elderly move around indoors and outdoors, thus, the term mobility scooter.

Only one person can comfortably use the mobility scooter since the padded seat is designed for a single passenger.

The driver holds on to the handlebars with its controls for steering and braking while the feet rest on flat areas without the attendant foot controls of motorized wheelchairs.

It looks like a cross between a motorized lawn mower and a motorcycle, only smaller in dimensions.

With the numerous types and styles of the power scooter, there is bound to be something for everyone.

You can choose from either 3-wheeled or 4-wheeled variety, the front-drive or the rear-drive type, and the Class 3 or Class 4 model.

You have to do your research in order to determine the best one for your elderly relative.

Better yet, you can let him/her try out the models for comfort, convenience and safety of the models before purchasing one.

Safety Tips

When it comes to safety, the elderly and the power scooter will only be a perfect match when certain safety issues must be addressed. After all, you want your elderly relative to enjoy their second leash at mobility while still being safe, be it indoors or outdoors.

First, you should instruct the user to always be careful about crossing any street, even if it seems deserted. Better yet, it is a good idea to avoid busy streets as the relatively slow speed of the mobility scooter does not allow for freeway-style driving.

Second, you may have to remind your loved one about certain tips on using the mobility scooter such as:

* Shifting body weight as necessary to account for turning around corners, going up hills and driving on rougher terrain.
* Wearing corrective lenses as well as necessary safety gear like a helmet even if it if just to walk the dog around the block.
* Driving the power scooter according to its speed limit and only when one is sober. Absolutely no alcohol and no medications that cause drowsiness consumed before driving.
* Reacting quickly in case of emergencies such as applying the brakes.
* Braking only at flat surfaces, never at inclines lest tipping results in avoidable accidents.

For your part, you must install the necessary reflector, lights and mirrors to ensure that it can be seen by other drivers and motorists, even at night. You can never be too careful.

When you ensure the comfort, convenience and safety of your elderly relative while he/she is using the power scooter, you are also ensuring that he/she will enjoy his newly-restored mobility more.

Renewed freedom to shop at leisure without troubling others to be with you all the time is a wonderful experience for those who are finding it hard to move around on their own.

The flexibility the power scooter gives your elderly relative makes it a very attractive acquisition allowing them to regain the pleasure to do their own thing... And some of them can look sporty as well!