Electric scooters are, in most cases, used by individuals who are not able to easily walk around. These might be people who are sufferers of arthritis or other joint related problems, but they are generally only able to walk, without difficulty, for short distances. These devices, while much smaller than a car, can harm the occupant or others if not handled properly.
People first began using mobility scooters over fifty years ago and today they are popular all over the world. These devices are intended to be driven indoors and outdoors. Since they utilize battery power, it is completely safe to use them in both environments. While there are some things to lookout for when using a scooter indoors, the outdoors generally presents many more obstacles that must be safely navigated to someone using this type of mobility aid.
Preventing Tips and Falls
Scooters are designed with rear anti-tip wheels, but you never want to put yourself in a situation where you need to use them. Never attempt to drive over obstacles or changes in elevation, unless this is absolutely necessary.
You should always adhere to the manufactures specification when deciding if it is safe to drive over a curb or other object. The scooter will have a specific rating that details how high of a curb it can safely climb, so make sure you read the manual. Driving over something, like a curb, should only be a last resort, even if it is low enough for the scooter to do so safely. When at all possible it is better to drive around things, rather than over them.
When you are turning, it is important to slow down and not make too sharp of a turn if you are moving at full speed. Just like you would not take a corner in your car while going 50 miles an hour, you should not make a sharp turn while driving at full speed.
Some scooters are able to travel more than ten miles an hour, so it is important to turn with care. If you feel the scooter begin to become unsteady or tip while you are turning, slow down and try to decrease the degree of your turn. It is also important to keep your body centered on the scooter and not to lean too far in either direction.
Driving Around Cars
It is generally not advisable and in some places illegal to drive a mobility scooter on a regular road. However, from time to time, such as when crossing the street, so it is important to be extremely careful. Never assume that someone in a car will stop or that they have seen you. Since a scooter sits low to the ground, they can be difficult to spot, so always make sure you watch out for cars instead of relying on the cars to watch out for you.
If you do a lot of driving around your neighborhood, it is a good idea to purchase a visibility flag, which sticks about six feet up in the air and makes it much easier for others to see you. These are also great for areas that are very crowded, like Disney Land. Most scooters also come with running lights and blinkers, so you should take advantage of these when in close proximity to cars.
Driving Around People
With a top speed over ten miles an hour, many scooters are able to move much faster than your average person can walk or even run. When driving around places that other people are using, such as on the sidewalk or around a mall, it is important that you take care not to run into them. You should be especially wary of young children, because their movements can be very hard to predict.
It is also important that you do not follow people too closely. You do not want to risk running into them if they stop quickly.
Mobility scooters are very safe, but like any vehicle, they must be operated responsibly. Doing so will keep you and those around you safe.
Brad Brubaker knows that driving safely is important. This is true whether you are talking about race car or mobility scooters. Find out more about these mobility aids and other types of home medical equipment at US Medical Supplies.
