- Joined
- Jan 8, 2012
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- San Diego
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My FIL has mobility problems. On carpeting he can push his wheelchair only about 50 feet and using his walker, he seems to have a range of about 100 feet. Right now he uses a walker to move around his apartment. So, we're wondering if he would get more enjoyment out of having a mobility scooter?
He is 92 y.o., overweight, and has somewhat of a poor balance. Also his hands shake. So we are ruling out powered wheelchairs with a joy-stick and opting for a scooter with a handlebar. Also, we are thinking that for best stability, that a 4 wheel scooter will be more stable. We don't need one that has a large range and don't need one that can go faster than, say, 3 or 4 mph. In fact, one that can go faster might represent a risk. We sold my FIL's car after he had two minor accidents with it and was no longer able to get in and out of the vehicle. So, we really don't need one that can be disassembled for travel.
When I look on-line, I see dozens and dozens of different models of mobility scooters. It is overwhelming. They seem to range in price from about $800 to $5000 or so. But they all seem to do the same basic things. The $800 ones seem to have plenty of speed, and have a range large enough for him, and would probably do what he needs to do. What could a $1600 scooter do that the $800 one would not? The ratings for the cheaper scooters seem very similar to ones costing double or triple. Someone recommended the Pride and Drive manufacturers (lower end scooters).
I'm wondering if there are Tuggers out there than can share their own experience in selecting a mobility scooter for themselves or a loved one. Words of advice? What to avoid? What to look for?
He is 92 y.o., overweight, and has somewhat of a poor balance. Also his hands shake. So we are ruling out powered wheelchairs with a joy-stick and opting for a scooter with a handlebar. Also, we are thinking that for best stability, that a 4 wheel scooter will be more stable. We don't need one that has a large range and don't need one that can go faster than, say, 3 or 4 mph. In fact, one that can go faster might represent a risk. We sold my FIL's car after he had two minor accidents with it and was no longer able to get in and out of the vehicle. So, we really don't need one that can be disassembled for travel.
When I look on-line, I see dozens and dozens of different models of mobility scooters. It is overwhelming. They seem to range in price from about $800 to $5000 or so. But they all seem to do the same basic things. The $800 ones seem to have plenty of speed, and have a range large enough for him, and would probably do what he needs to do. What could a $1600 scooter do that the $800 one would not? The ratings for the cheaper scooters seem very similar to ones costing double or triple. Someone recommended the Pride and Drive manufacturers (lower end scooters).
I'm wondering if there are Tuggers out there than can share their own experience in selecting a mobility scooter for themselves or a loved one. Words of advice? What to avoid? What to look for?