Aging parents often need help getting around. This is where electric mobility scooters for seniors come in handy. There’s a solid batch of types of mobility electric scooters for seniors on the market, and it can be confusing to figure out which one is right for your parent.
Let’s discuss how to choose the best vehicle for your aging parents. Check the benefits of using a mobility electric scooter for seniors and how much it costs.
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How to Choose a Mobility Scooter for Your Aging Parent
There are several things you should keep in mind while choosing an electric scooter for your aging parent. Initially, consider the terrain for the scooter usage. Foldable electric mobility scooter would bb primarily good on smooth surfaces. However, if it’s a rougher terrain, then an all-terrain electric mobility scooter would be a better option. It’s not appropriate for grass or dirt paths.
Second, consider how often the scooter will need to be transported. A heavy-duty electric scooter like Afikim Afiscooter S4-Wheel Mobility Scooter is best primarily around the house and yard. These are heavy and it’s not easy to move them more often. It has its own costs and arrangements. It’s best for seniors who want to use it around the home.
Then, keep the budget in mind. The price range starting from a few hundred to thousand dollars. There are also used mobility scooters for elderly users that provide good quality for a reduced price. Find your parent’s an electric mobility scooter for their needs and your budget.
Lastly, take details about features your parent would like in the scooter. Does he or she need storage baskets? A cup holder? A headlight? Make sure to get a list of desired features from your parent before you start shopping for an electric mobility scooter.
The Common Types of Electric Mobility Scooters for Seniors
- Folding electric mobility scooters (automatic and manual). Foldable electric scooter is usually smaller in size. These electric scooters are foldable, making them great for seniors who need to transport their scooters. This a perfect feature for people who have an active lifestyle.
- Heavy-duty electric mobility scooters. Such electric scooters have a higher weight capacity and larger wheels. This feature makes the vehicle ideal for rough terrain or longer distances. These have a higher ground clearance and suspension. Which allows them to travel on rough terrain making them ideal for outdoor use. Heavy-duty devices usually come with bigger seats for added comfort.
- All-terrain electric mobility scooters. All kinds of terrain, including sand, snow, and grass can be handled by these scooters.
- Travel electric mobility scooters. These electric scooters for adults are lightweight and compact. It makes them easy to transport. They are light weight and can usually be disassembled. They are easy to carry while traveling.
- Large Scooters. People who have wide hips or long legs, a larger mobility scooter is the right choice for them. Large scooters are often with four wheels. They are designed to tackle different terrains. They usually include larger batteries that can travel up to double distance. They also carry large weights.
- 3-Wheel Scooters vs. 4-Wheel Scooters. A four-wheeler is overall more stable than three-wheeler scooter. A three-wheel scooter usually used in home, making it easier to move around the house. While a four-wheeler is slightly bigger in size and best for outdoor use.
The Benefits and Drawbacks Your Parent Can Get
It is an appealing prospect to move around your local areas. But before committing the ownership, the benefits and drawbacks are worth considering.
Benefits of Electric Mobility Scooters for Seniors
There are a number of benefits of an electric mobility scooter. The most influential benefits include:
- Majorly, an electric mobility scooter for seniors may induce a sense of independence. As, with time your parent may feel like they are being dependent for even moving. A mobility scooter is best for them to feel more independent and in control.
- An electric mobility scooter will enhance the quality of life. As it will help your parent to move from place to place without trouble. It reduces the pain and fatigue of walking in the elderly.
- It may also improve the stability and balance in your parent. It holds the weight well and each model made for specific usage makes it more stable to move.
- It comes with comfort and safety features, which makes it more reliable.
- An electric mobility scooter can benefit those with injury or some kind of disability. It provides a safe and easy way to move on and off the scooter.
- Also, these scooters run on electricity so you will not have to think about refueling, which makes a good impact on budget.
- It will be a helping hand in elders’ travel adventures after retiring and can help them enjoy their retirement independently. It will also benefit them to enjoy the state they are retiring in.
- Finally, using a mobility electric scooter can help your parent socialize more. If your parent has trouble getting out and meeting people, a mobility electric scooter can help them get out more. This can help your parents combat loneliness and isolation.
Drawbacks of Electric Mobility Scooters for Seniors
While an electric mobility scooter offers great benefits, they also possess some disadvantages. Here are the most typical drawbacks that we have seen.
- Increased reliance on scooters might reduce physical exercises and activity. Elders might get a habit of using mobility scooters everywhere they go which will affect their health.
- They need to be charged regularly. To make it more reliable and sustained, a continuous maintenance will always be required.
- They need to be stored carefully and covered up specifically while charging. Most of the electric mobility scooters are resistant to rain. But unlike other vehicles, these are not meant for bearing prolonged external factors. Therefore, a specified space must be needed to store them undercover when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do My Parents Need an Electric Mobility Scooter?
The answer depends on your parent’s individual needs. They might need an electric mobility scooter if:
- Your parent has difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods of time.
- They want to prevent falling as it catastrophic to fall as we age.
- Your parent lives in large house or apartment and trouble getting from one room to another.
- Your parent lives alone or with very few family members or servants.
- They need to shop, going out to a restaurant or Neighbour’s.
- They experience trouble managing walker, cane or crutches.
- They avoid going out to avoid prolonged walking and pain afterwards.
An electric mobility scooter might help the seniors getting around, being a part of family, and socialize.
How Much Does an Electric Mobility Scooter Cost?
The cost of an electric mobility scooter varies. The type and model of the scooters vary and so as the price. However, it typically ranges in price roughly from $500 to $3,000.
Does My Insurance Cover the Cost of a Mobility Scooter?
Some insurance companies will cover electric mobility scooters for seniors if they are medically necessary. However, coverage varies from insurer to insurer. You will need to check with your parent’s insurance company to see if they offer coverage for electric mobility scooters. Plus, check for governmental organizations that help seniors cover the cost of an electric scooter.
Conclusion
An electric mobility scooter can bring your aging parent a sense of freedom. It may allow them to remain independent and mobile. Be sure to consider the type of terrain. Keep in mind the weight capacity, range and speed. The overall cost of the electric mobility scooter and insurance policies must get the attention.
Most importantly, consider your parents’ subjective preferences while buying it for them. Keep these factors in mind when selecting an electric mobility scooter for your aging parent so that they can enjoy their life.