Regaining independence and being able to go on adventures are what living a great life is all about. Challenges may have arisen via recent surgeries, chronic injuries, aging, or long-term disabilities. Explore the difference between a handicap and a recreational scooter to make the best choice for your lifestyle.
What are handicap scooters?
Starting in 1954, handicap scooters became available to the public. They were perfect for users who had some challenges walking and getting around but still retained limited mobility. Units were more affordable than a manual wheelchair. They also were easier to travel with and customize.
A handicap scooter has three or more wheels, footplates/floorboard and handlebars. The seat may be designed to swivel. Units are usually battery-powered with a tiller providing speed limits, lighting controls and turn signals.
Users can go forward and backward via thumb paddles, finger controls or a switch. There are two types of handicap scooters: front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
Front-wheel drive units are usually smaller and best for indoor use. Riders can weigh up to 300 pounds. Rear-wheel drive units can be used indoors and outdoors. Weight limits are set around 350 pounds.
In addition to front- and rear-wheel drive, there are various types of disability scooter, including three wheels, four wheels, travel and heavy-duty.
Three-wheel scooters are light enough to offer a great turning radius. Best for use on flat surfaces while at home or running errands, these units are the most affordable.
Four-wheel scooters have increased stability. They can be folding, travel or heavy-duty. In addition to greater stability than a three-wheeler, they offer longer battery life and increased weight capacity. Some Four-wheel Scooters can be taken on non paved surfaces.
Folding or travel scooters let you travel the world with their lightweight and compact design. Riders have to be within the unit's weight limit, generally lower than other types of disability scooters.
Heavy-duty units accommodate riders up to 400 pounds with a larger design and seat. Batteries can last all day and the rider has the option to go off-road.
Handicap scooters are best used by those challenged by arm and shoulder issues, which can make using a manual wheelchair not the ideal option. They are suitable for users with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions who have retained some mobility and can sit upright.
What are recreational scooters?
Travel in style with battery-powered mobility scooters offering a three- or four-wheel design. Riders who have reduced upper body strength, are challenged by stability and want to minimize exertion while possibly transporting oxygen machines or recovering from surgery will find recreational scooters perfect for maneuvering grocery stores, campuses, malls, parks, parking garages and most other places.
Discover recreational scooters including four-wheel travel, four-wheel full-size, folding and all-terrain models. Each is designed for easy operation with digital panel systems, control systems and simple assembly. Most have top speeds of 10 miles per hour and have signal systems and other upgrades available.
Four-wheel travel scooters
Lightweight for easy transportation, four-wheel travel scooters are also compact for easier folding. Most feature a deep seat cushion and have adjustable flip-up arms for optimal comfort.
Four-wheel full-size scooters
Mixing ergonomics and cutting-edge technology, four-wheel full-size recreational scooters can be heavy-duty. They balance mobility and convenient maneuvering indoors and outdoors.
Folding mobility scooters
Active travelers will delight in more accessible transportation. Disassembly is quick and easy. Folding scooters are designed to save space, have a generous weight capacity and reach top speeds of four miles per hour.
All-terrain scooters
Never face a traveling obstacle again. These rugged units offer an impressive driving range and ergonomic design to make a ride an excellent adventure.
Whether using a handicap scooter or a recreational one, users can safely regain their independence with units from Marc's Mobility. Scooters prevent accidents when used correctly to increase mobility, comfort and speed for the best experience on the market.
