Getting to Know Mobility Carts

If you have a mobility problem, getting from one placebatteries, depending on the model. The battery, stored
to another can be frustrating and time consuming. Theonboard, can be charged onboard or using a separate
arrival of mobility carts or mobility scooters as they arecharger unit.
popularly known, has been heralded as a great helpHere are care tips for mobility carts battery:
for people who have mobility problems.· If you plan not to use your scooter for a long
Mobility Scooters: Brief Historyperiod of time, such as the whole winter, be sure to
The first mobility cart was designed and built in 1968 bycharge it every two to three weeks.
Allan R. Thieme of Bridgeport, Michigan. He decided to· Do not interrupt the charging before the
design and build the scooter to help a member of hisbattery is fully charged so as not to disrupt the
family who had multiple sclerosis. The first scootercleaning process.
was a front-wheel drive type and was designed and· Once in a while, overcharge your batteries
built at Thieme's home.for up to 4 hours.
Mobility Scooters: Parts and Description· There is no need to charge your battery
A typical mobility cart or scooter has two rear wheelsafter every use if you rode your scooter on short
with a seat over them. A flat area is designed wheredistances.
the rider can place his feet. The scooter can beMobility Scooters: Advantages and Limitations
steered using handlebars situated in front. Meanwhile, itMobility carts have proven to be beneficial to people
has a swiveling seat that allows access in the eventwho have mobility problems, especially to those who
that handlebars blocked the front.have difficulty navigating through slopes or distances. If
Tiller:you lack the arm/shoulder flexibility or the stamina
The steering power of the mobility scooter is a tillerrequired for using a manual wheelchair, then a mobility
which is situated at the front. The tiller has speedscooter is for you. Also, the swiveling seat of scooters
controls and forward/reverse directions controlledis easier to use than the foot support of conventional
either by finger controls, thumb paddles or a switch.wheelchairs.
There are several design types of tillers for mobilitySome drawbacks of scooters are:
carts:· Tiller steering requires hand and shoulder
· Fully Adjustable - this type of tiller allowsstrength, upright posture and upper body strength and
flexible positioning and ease in dismounting andmobility.
mounting.· Longer length limits turning radius and the use
· Delta - this type of tiller features wrap-aroundof lifts or technologies designed for wheelchair
handles in each side. A scooter with this type of tilleraccessibility.
can be steered using various wrists and hand positions· Low ground clearance which makes
and provides maximum comfort.navigation difficult.
· One-handed throttle - the mechanism of this· Fewer body support options such as leg or
type of tiller is similar to a joy stick. The rider can steerhead rests.
the scooter with this type of tiller one-handed.Mobility carts are revolutionary products that have
Battery:changed the way disabled people travel. When buying
Because mobility carts or scooters are designeda scooter, it is important to choose one that meets the
primarily for people with disabilities or who havespecific needs and requirements of the user such as
problems with mobility, most of these vehicles aresize, weight and flexibility.
battery powered. A scooter can have one or two