Tech Talk with Dr Al: Mobility Scooters – No Hoons Here!

Note from the Editor:

This article was kindly written for the SDC by member Alan G, ‘The Tech Guy’.


As we get older, it appears to be inevitable that our mobility becomes progressively more reduced. I’ve had ‘repaired’ meniscus cartilages in both knees – they simply cut off the split-away bit when they don’t consider you’re young enough for decent blood flow in the cartilage. Of course, this means that I’ll get increasing pain in both knees as I get older, which, so far, I’ve learnt to put up with. There are many of us in the same boat – we’ll probably have to use a stick at some stage, then a walker, then a mobility scooter in the fullness of time.



I’ve bought myself a little time by managing (with my lovely wife’s help) to lose over 25kg. This relieves the pressure on my knees, so they should last a bit longer. The other assistive method was to start using arch supports about 20 years ago when my feet developed plantar fasciitis. After a couple of months of use, the pain from that disappeared and has never returned – and the arch supports only cost about $10 a pair online. I’ve no doubt, though, that in the fullness of time, I’ll need a mobility scooter.


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Do you use a mobility scooter? Image Credit: Shutterstock



Types of Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters, sometimes called ‘gophers’, differ from electric wheelchairs in that the former generally have a much greater range and are designed to be used out of the home. Of course, they are less manoeuvrable than electric wheelchairs.

Mobility scooters are a really good idea, and they can certainly improve the quality of life for a senior, but what type should you buy? They range from relatively cheap fold-up electric scooters to almost fully-fledged electric vehicles for road use.



Folding Electric Mobility Scooters:

When you read the description, it does appear that a ‘folding’ mobility scooter does not necessarily mean it’s a one-person job to lift it. Also, bear in mind that a ‘light’ folding scooter may not be that comfortable to ride over long distances. If you buy one of these items, you will obviously need the strength to fold it up, assuming you bought it to slip into the boot of your car for shopping. The weight varies considerably depending on the quality of the scooter and the size of the rechargeable battery.

The Equipmed Electric Mobility Scoote, sold by Bunnings for $1079, has a range of about 15km and can travel at 8km/hour. The average walking speed at our age is roughly 3.5km/hour.


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Equipmed Mobility Scooter from Bunnings $1079 @ Bunnings. Image Credit: Bunnings



It’s really not a one-person job to lift it into and out of your car as it weighs around 50kg. Surprisingly, it uses a lead-acid battery.

The eFOLDi Lite Folding Portable Scooter from Bee Free Mobility is one of the lightest, at 15kg without its lithium rechargeable battery and 17kg with it – not too heavy for one person – and has about the same range, but costs a lot more, at $2500.

Both these portable scooters have solid tyres, so you won’t need to worry about punctures.



Weighing about the same (15kg with the lithium battery) is the Travelscoot Fold-Up Mobility Scooter, but the cost is around $4800.

Somewhere in this range, there is a fairly light portable mobility scooter at a price that would make it economically viable. You’d need a reasonable quality scooter – I couldn’t recommend a machine from AliExpress unfortunately, despite the excellent prices, not necessarily because of the quality, but the postage costs about as much as their scooters! You are far better off in general, to buy locally so that you’re covered for any problems you might have.

The Equipmed Ultra-Lightweight Folding Electric Mobility Scooter sold by Woolworths Online at $1574 seems to tick all the boxes though. It's fairly lightweight, at 19kg including its lithium battery. I was able to reduce the price by nearly $300 by checking other online stores.


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The Equipmed Ultra-Lightweight Folding Electric Mobility Scooter $1,349.00 @ Woolworths. Image Credit: Woolworths





Road-worthy Mobility Scooters:

Three or four-wheeler mobility scooters are available, and there are pros and cons for both. 3-wheeler machines give you more legroom and need less space to manoeuvre, and they are marginally cheaper as well. A 4-wheeler is generally more comfortable and has better stability over longer distances, especially if you opt for larger wheels than the non-inflation type.

When choosing a machine, you will need to consider legroom, comfort, weight and maximum range. It is a very good idea, if possible, to take one on a test run before committing yourself to buy.

My rule about making any purchase – not necessarily for mobility scooters alone – is to decide on the model/brand and then try to find the best price for it. It seems a simple mantra, but when you’re faced with a high-pressure salesman and a shiny new ‘thing’, it’s easy to let common sense go out of the window. You may decide to rent a mobility scooter from the Red Cross, for instance – they have an impressive range. One good manufacturer springs to mind: ‘Pride’. They make a good and reliable product, but there are many others, such as Invacare and Shoprider.



Where can you use a motorised mobility scooter?

When using a motorised mobility scooter outside of the home, for example, on a footpath, the person using the device is a pedestrian under the Queensland Road rules. To use a personal motorised mobility scooter on a footpath or road in Queensland (check the rules for your state/territory to be sure), you will need to register it. This is free, and you receive a number plate for the machine.

In Queensland, if you are travelling along the road, in the absence of a footpath, you must travel facing the on-coming traffic if possible, and your speed cannot exceed 10km/hr. There are restrictions on the weight of the machine, but you are allowed to have two people on the scooter. Although it is OK to use bicycle paths, it seems that it is not recommended.

Recommendations:

You need to be comfortable, so I’d make comfort a high priority. If you travel to the shops a few times a week, check the battery range. You’ll also need to insure the machine in case of accidents, theft or vandalism. Has it got any protection from rain? What about shopping storage? Does it have a reverse gear? Does the seat swivel or armrests raise for easy mount/dismount? Is the steering column adjustable? How long does it take to charge the battery? There are so many makes and types from small foldable to extra heavy duty, it is very dependent on your personal preference.

Good luck!

About the author: Having spent three years living in Australia in his youth, Alan returned to Australia in 1969 with his wife and young child. Holding a Bachelor of Engineering degree and a Doctor of Science Education degree, Alan has experience in flight simulations, Einsteinian physics, and inventing an ‘eye blink’ device that allows cerebral palsy patients to communicate. He even took a turn at acting, starring in a TV advert and landing supporting and lead roles in his local dramatic society plays. His short stories have been published in WA’s The Gingin Buzz for ten years, and his novel The Magic Hourglass is a work in progress. He and his wife have a lovely life in Brisbane and regularly visit their two children in Sydney’s West. You can read Alan’s full-length bio here.

From the Editor:

If you use a mobility scooter, we would love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Has I have mentioned before I have a scooter, I was looking for a comfortable one that had forward and reverse option, a swivel seat, being able to cut power off and move by pushing, safety belt, rear vision mirrors, headlight and turning lights and a large backpack, this had to be removed as I had complete cover for rainy days, the price for that came as a shock. a small basket on the front and a small basket on the steering column for sun glasses etc. My weekly visit to the supermarket requires a 1 hour recharge, it is fully insured and my only gripe is that the footpaths could give a smoother ride.
 
I have a mobility scooter. It’s a Top Gun Lion and it has all the comforts a mobility scooter could have as well as individual suspension in the wheels. Something I think is important is having the mobility scooter regularly maintained. In my particular brand its necessary to meet its warrant.
 
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Has I have mentioned before I have a scooter, I was looking for a comfortable one that had forward and reverse option, a swivel seat, being able to cut power off and move by pushing, safety belt, rear vision mirrors, headlight and turning lights and a large backpack, this had to be removed as I had complete cover for rainy days, the price for that came as a shock. a small basket on the front and a small basket on the steering column for sun glasses etc. My weekly visit to the supermarket requires a 1 hour recharge, it is fully insured and my only gripe is that the footpaths could give a smoother ride.

Dennis, this sounds like a PRIDE. My first one was 2nd hand Pride Shoprider. I've now got a new Pride but we have a couple of minor problems. The Government, in their wisdom, decided that we weren't capable of handling the speed of my old one so they dropped our speed from 12ks to 10. What happens now? People inc kids fly past on their scooters and bikes and it takes twice as long to get back from the shop because my machine, at this speed, doesn't like the mini hills around my place. Folks need to be VERY aware of car/truck drivers who think we are toys to play with. I've had loud kids in cars throwing rubbish at me, a truck almost get me when their blinker was on GOING THE WRONG WAY and a female driver yelling abuse at me 'TO GET OUT OF THE F.... WAY. YOU DON'T BELONG HERE". Where was I? IGA's car park heading to the trollies. I love my scooter but for heavens sake people, obey all road rules and be ultra careful. SAFE TRAVELLING.
 
My scooter was purchased 3 years ago due to osteoarthritis and having had a few falls when using a stick. It has been a lifesaver. This has become a necessity since March this year when my husband of 56 years died from Cancer,( a blessing after 3 years of Chemo and pain) I now can go to the shops and Hairdressers without having to use taxis or public Transport. It is a large Pegarus scooter and retails for about $2500.00, but second-hand ones are also sold. Buy only from a manufacturer or specialist shop. In NSW I can ride in the bike lane if safe on local streets only. I have rear-vision mirrors, a headlight, and a large carry bag attached at the back.
 
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Because I cannot walk far and disabled parking spots are at a premium I or my OP approached DVA for me and I now have a mobility scooter, a Pride. I can now park right outside the shop I wish to enter. I live about 2Ks from the shopping area and the scooter gets me there and back with no problem. The only time I use my car is if I have to do a weeks shopping as there is not enough space in the back panier for a weeks goods. I have to chat to the council about their footpaths, if the roads were that rough all the drivers would be screaming.
 
Has I have mentioned before I have a scooter, I was looking for a comfortable one that had forward and reverse option, a swivel seat, being able to cut power off and move by pushing, safety belt, rear vision mirrors, headlight and turning lights and a large backpack, this had to be removed as I had complete cover for rainy days, the price for that came as a shock. a small basket on the front and a small basket on the steering column for sun glasses etc. My weekly visit to the supermarket requires a 1 hour recharge, it is fully insured and my only gripe is that the footpaths could give a smoother ride.
as I said Dennis you have written a perfect description of both of my Prides. Hang a bag between the handles and you have even more room.WHAT FOOTPATHS? Where I live there aren't any and a councillor told me they aren't planning any for at least another 3 years. The sides of the road are hopeless and the road itself is a truck and bus thoroughfare and very narrow.
 
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Because I cannot walk far and disabled parking spots are at a premium I or my OP approached DVA for me and I now have a mobility scooter, a Pride. I can now park right outside the shop I wish to enter. I live about 2Ks from the shopping area and the scooter gets me there and back with no problem. The only time I use my car is if I have to do a weeks shopping as there is not enough space in the back panier for a weeks goods. I have to chat to the council about their footpaths, if the roads were that rough all the drivers would be screaming.
I don't have a car any more but I still do a weeks shop on my scooter. I have to as my legs don't work at all. Look to your shopping, you can fit 3 bags in the bag at the back, one or 2 in the front basket, hang a bag between the steering handles and put a box of soft drinks between your feet. I've done this for over 3 years .Good luck, stay safe and enjoy.
 
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my original scooter was in 1998 for golf. Then I progressed to a large one i used with a trailer, for golf. After all these years of golfing, I now own a fold-up scooter for myself to get around. It is a lifesaver. BUT! I do get angry with these old ones who career around the shopping centres without a by your leave.
I am going to check on the free number plate. I had one for my original and that was not free.
 
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.my original scooter was in 1998 for golf. Then I progressed to a large one i used with a trailer, for golf. After all these years of golfing, I now own a fold-up scooter for myself to get around. It is a lifesaver. BUT! I do get angry with these old ones who career around the shopping centres without a by your leave.
I am going to check on the free number plate. I had one for my original and that was not free.
Jest you were supposed to get it registered with Dept Motor Transport when you got it if you are meaning a mobility scooter. Take you receipt to MT fill in the rego papers and they will give you your plates. All free of charge for life. You should also find out road rules which differ from State to State. Please stay safe.
 
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I have a mobility scooter. It’s a Top Gun Lion and it has all the comforts a mobility scooter could have as well as individual suspension in the wheels. Something I think is important is having the mobility scooter regularly maintained. In my particular brand its necessary to meet its warrant.
My scooter has the same yearly maintenance to keep the warranty.
 
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Dennis, this sounds like a PRIDE. My first one was 2nd hand Pride Shoprider. I've now got a new Pride but we have a couple of minor problems. The Government, in their wisdom, decided that we weren't capable of handling the speed of my old one so they dropped our speed from 12ks to 10. What happens now? People inc kids fly past on their scooters and bikes and it takes twice as long to get back from the shop because my machine, at this speed, doesn't like the mini hills around my place. Folks need to be VERY aware of car/truck drivers who think we are toys to play with. I've had loud kids in cars throwing rubbish at me, a truck almost get me when their blinker was on GOING THE WRONG WAY and a female driver yelling abuse at me 'TO GET OUT OF THE F.... WAY. YOU DON'T BELONG HERE". Where was I? IGA's car park heading to the trollies. I love my scooter but for heavens sake people, obey all road rules and be ultra careful. SAFE TRAVELLING.
Carry a fully loaded water gun next to you and anyone that gets fresh with you pull your gun out and give them a blast or 2
 
Be aware that small portable style scooters and 3 wheel scooters are not suitable for hilly areas, the 3 wheelers can be unstable on unlevel ground. Best to go for a 4 wheeler in these conditions. A great addition is a MEGAPULSE unit on sealed AGM and lead acid batteries (not for Li-Ion) This extends the battery life by years. My agm batteries are now 10 years old and still going strong. Normally they last for a few years without the MEGAPULSE. They can also help to restore older batteries depending on condition. I use these units on my car and caravan batteries as well. If you have 2 batteries in your scooter use one for each battery. Worth every cent.
 
Be aware that small portable style scooters and 3 wheel scooters are not suitable for hilly areas, the 3 wheelers can be unstable on unlevel ground. Best to go for a 4 wheeler in these conditions. A great addition is a MEGAPULSE unit on sealed AGM and lead acid batteries (not for Li-Ion) This extends the battery life by years. My agm batteries are now 10 years old and still going strong. Normally they last for a few years without the MEGAPULSE. They can also help to restore older batteries depending on condition. I use these units on my car and caravan batteries as well. If you have 2 batteries in your scooter use one for each battery. Worth every cent.
 
Because I cannot walk far and disabled parking spots are at a premium I or my OP approached DVA for me and I now have a mobility scooter, a Pride. I can now park right outside the shop I wish to enter. I live about 2Ks from the shopping area and the scooter gets me there and back with no problem. The only time I use my car is if I have to do a weeks shopping as there is not enough space in the back panier for a weeks goods. I have to chat to the council about their footpaths, if the roads were that rough all the drivers would be screaming.
That is the problem I have with footpaths, having osteo in my lumber and sacral (no cartilage to cushion the joints) those dreadful footpaths can be hell on the lower spine and hips (osteo there, too). As you say; if the roads were half as bad drivers would be screaming. I have decided to do some screaming of my own
 
Because I live in a unit with lifts that never let you know which one is going to arrive, meaning you can't line up for it beforehand, also the turning room at the lifts is quite small so the larger scooter I had made it frustrating just trying to get out. We changed to the smaller Australian made Shoprider, QT-8 Little Beauty that comes apart, distance is 12-14K turning circle 110cm which works well for getting set up for either lift's arrival. However the footpaths here are dreadful and since surgery I haven't used it again - getting up the courage to get out on it soon.
I got the bag for the back through GEATTOGO AS ADVISED BY MY OT. I changed the rearview mirrors; it was hard to see what was behind with the ones supplied. Also had to get bicycle lights as there were only reflectors front and rear. My next buy will be seat and back covers and a seat cushion to go under them don't want to have to take the cushion with me each time I have to leave the scooter outside a shop. None of the things I bought cost near as much as buying them through suppliers would have.
The good thing is; being made in Oz makes it easier to get any repairs and/or parts.
Oops! That's longer than I intended but once I started things kept popping into my mind.
 
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