Mobility scooters, like any technology, have made advancements over the years. New features and innovations have introduced choice, versatility and user friendliness. However, knowing whether or not a feature is worth having can be tricky if you’re new to the market. To help you out, here are three innovations worth considering on a mobility scooter.
Feature 1: Delta Tiller
Traditionally, a mobility scooter came with a straight set of handlebars. There was nothing wrong with this particular feature but for those with grip difficulties or conditions like arthritis they weren’t the easiest to use. In response, mobility scooters began fitting what’s known as a delta tiller.
This style of handle bar is shaped differently. Instead of being a straight bar they’re curved into an oval shape, providing a greater number of angles to be held at comfortably no matter your dexterity. In addition to easier grip the throttle is also easier to use.
Rather than twisting a handlebar, which requires good grip and dexterity, you can just lightly pull or push a tilting paddle in line with the handles. This makes it easy for even those with poor hand control as it doesn’t require modulation, instead the top speed is restricted by a knob on the control panel.
Although delta tillers are now common place a great examples of them is on the CareCo Zoom.
Feature 2: Next-Generation Splitting Mechanism
If you’re looking for a travel scooter then you will be faced with the choice of two portability mechanisms: splitting and folding. While both have their advantages the splitting mechanism is the most modern innovation.
Typically listed as a ‘next-generation splitting mechanism’ it allows you to separate the scooter into several pieces to make the weight more manageable and aid storage. For example, packing a travel scooter into a car can be a difficult process when it comes to lifting it into the boot.
By separating the scooter into up to five pieces the maximum weight you have to lift all at once is reduced. Additionally, having separate pieces allows you to pack the scooter away more efficiently by tessellating the pieces, rather than trying to fit a whole scooter into a pokey boot all at once.
The next generation splitting mechanism can be found on all our travel mobility scooters.
Feature 3: Off Board Charging
Charging a scooter is one of the inevitable inconveniences of battery power, not only because of the time it takes but also the physical practicalities.
To help this, manufacturers have introduced the off board charging feature. This is when the battery can be removed from the mobility scooter and charged at a separate location from the main body. The benefit of being able to do this is twofold: The first is that it means you can charge it inside the house without having to find space for a fully built scooter while you do. You can simply plug it in alongside your smartphone or tablet.
The second is that by charging and storing the battery in your house the atmospheric conditions will make it last longer. Keeping it in a garage or outdoors will expose it too varying temperature and moisture, which is never good for an unused battery. One scooter that has this feature is the ever popular CareCo Zoom Travel Mobility Scooter.
Feature 4: Fast Electric Folding
Electric folding mobility scooters are the latest trend in pavement mobility scooters. Models such as the E-Volt are all great examples of this. Being able to quickly fold a scooter makes using them on trains and buses much easier. So, while you browse for a new scooter keep these feature innovations in mind so you spend wisely.