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Motorized Wheelchairs (Scooters)
Difficulties in walking no longer preclude
living independently at home. You can continue
to move about your home, your neighborhood,
and make trips to the store by relying on
a motorized wheelchair, also known as an
electric wheelchair or mobility scooter.
When choosing one for yourself
or your parents,
consider these aspects:
- Style - Motorized wheelchairs may resemble
chairs or lightweight golf carts with either
three or four wheels. While most have single
seating, some models have double.
- Capacity - Check that the maximum rated weight
covers your need. Be sure that seat size
and height accommodates your frame and that
the armrests are at a comfortable size and
height.
- Speed and distance - Models vary in how much
battery capacity they carry and how much
power they transmit to the wheels. If you
anticipate a great deal of outdoor use, check
how much of a slope (climb angle) it can
handle.
- Comfort and handling - Occupants may spend
a lot of time in their chair; make sure it
is comfortable even on long trips. For shopping
or even just getting around the house, the
turning radius is important.
- Disassembly or folding - For transportation
by car or van, it may be easier to put the
chair into the trunk or back seat rather
than putting it on an outside mount. If you
travel a great deal, consider a folding one
that you may check with your luggage at the
airport.
- Accessories - Models differ in a wide variety
of details. Look for the items, whether standard
or extra, that fit your needs like baskets,
cane holder, headlights, key lock, and a
top speed governor.
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