Struggling to get out and about in your community?
If you’re having trouble walking for extended periods of time, find it difficult to manage a walker or walking stick, then a mobility scooter might be right for you. Reclaim your independence with a mobility scooter and get out to enjoy your community.
Before you buy a mobility scooter
Before you buy a mobility scooter the NZ Transport Agency recommends that you ask yourself the following questions, to make sure you have the skills to use one safely.
- How am I at judging distances?
- Is my eyesight good (with or without glasses)?
- Can I react quickly when something unexpected happens?
- Can I look to my left and right without any issues?
- Will I be able to handle a motorised vehicle safely?
If you answered no to any of these questions it's a good idea to talk with your doctor before buying a mobility scooter.
Where do you start?
There are many different types, sizes and brands of mobility scooters, from small portable travel scooters to larger rough terrain mobility scooters. To find out which one is right for you, it's best to understand how you're going to use it. Things to consider when buying a mobility scooter:- Does it need to be compact for travel or use within a retirement complex?
- Does the chair offer enough cushion?
- Can the chair rotate easily from side to side or is it stationary?
- Is the chair adjustable up or down?
- Is there enough room for your legs to rest comfortably?
- How often will you use it, weekly, daily?
- What is the terrain like where you will be driving, is it hilly, do you need higher ground clearance?
- How long does it take for the battery to charge fully?
- How far will the battery take you before needing to be recharged?
- How fast can the mobility scooter go?
- What is the maximum weight the mobility scooter can hold?
Try before you buy
It's always best to try out a mobility scooter before you buy one. Visit Independent Living at one of three Auckland stores (Browns Bay, Royal Oak and Botany) and talk to an Assistive Technology Specialist to find the right mobility scooter for you. If you live in the Auckland Metro region, our Mobile Service may be able to come to your home and provide a scooter demonstration.