Used Mobility Scooters For Sale - How To Find The Best Used Mobility Scooters For Sale

How To Find The Best Used Mobility Scooters For Sale

Information And Tips On Buying Mobility Scooters

Buying a mobility scooter without knowing anything about it is surely a foolhardy thing to do, as there are several things to take into account, and you could seriously shortchange yourself if you’re not properly informed. Assuming that the scooter is required as a result of medical reasons such as an injury or physical disability, the recommendation for a scooter should surely have come from a doctor or physical therapist. Mobility scooters are becoming a popular mode of transportation for people who can’t walk, or walk far, and there are many different brands of scooters to choose from – so many in fact, that it is hard to choose. A mobility scooter is basically a motorized device with a body/frame, a seat, two rear wheels, front wheel or wheels, and handlebars. Most scooters are powered by an electrical system with a rechargeable battery.

Is A Mobility Scooter The Best Option?

Buying a scooter takes careful consideration, and it’s important that you understand the difference between a motorized mobility scooter, a power wheelchair, and power-base wheelchairs. A scooter has a longer platform with a chair above a motor with two wheels in the back and one wheel in front. Some models can be operated using one hand. Power wheelchairs are based on the manual wheelchair design with a compact motor. A power-base wheelchair is a chair attached to a motorized wheel base.

Scooters are the most economic of motorized mobility devices and are best suited for those who can still walk short distances and get in and out of the scooter, but can’t walk long distances or for too long. Because of their size, scooters are more difficult than wheelchairs to use in confined areas or small kitchens. Having said that, the three-wheel scooters are best for indoors as having only one wheel in front makes it easy to navigate around tight corners. When considering buying, first determine where you’ll ride it the most. If you can get around the house without needing one, you may be interested in a travel scooter for shopping trips and doing errands.

There are several factors to take into account when considering buying a quality mobility scooter; choosing the one that will best meet your mobility needs, what you can afford, and what your physical therapist or doctor recommends.

Benefits and features of a quality mobility scooter

Most scooters are powered by an electrical system with a rechargeable battery.
Travel scooters can be taken apart so that it fits easily into the trunk of a car.
They are also made with lightweight materials for easy handling.
A travel scooter can usually go approximately ten to twenty miles on a single charge.

Factors To Consider Before You Buy A Mobility Scooter

What you have to know about buying a mobility scooter:

The first thing to take into account is your weight. Will you require a lightweight scooter or one that can accommodate a heavier weight? You have to feel comfortable, so try it out.
Mobility scooters come either with three or four wheels. Three-wheeled scooters are easier to handle and steer, but can be dangerous outside on a different terrain, and in some cases might even topple over. Whichever type you choose, be careful about sloping kerbs. Three-wheelers are great in malls where the surfaces are smooth.
Where will you store the scooter? The device takes up place – unless you have a wheelchair for inside the house, and the mobility scooter can be stored in the living room or the garage. If you are considering one for both indoors and outdoors, you will need a ramp at the house.
Assuming that you settle on a scooter that you want, try it out before you buy. Make sure you can take the removable parts off without struggling. Check the controls for ease of use and make sure you will actually be able to drive it. If the cost of the scooter is too rich for your blood, you can enquire from nursing homes or check online classified ads for used mobility scooters for sale.
If you have settled on a motorized mobility scooter, make sure you are comfortable driving it outside and that you know the rules of the road, for example, can you drive along a footpath or on a sidewalk or on the road? Do you need a license? What about insurance? At what speed, or how fast you are allowed to go.
Consider a travel scooter which is light-weight and useful if you can use a wheelchair in the home, but a travel scooter to do shopping or to do errands. Travel scooters can be broken down so they fit easily into a car.
Don’t make your decision based only on cost. If you find the right one, check testimonials and success stories on medical equipment sites to ensure good service, support, and a great warranty.

Mobility Scooters And Air Travel

Are you physically disabled, wheelchair-bound, and wish to travel across the Atlantic to attend your daughter’s wedding, or the birth of your first grandchild? Do you fear traveling by air because you don’t want to be a nuisance to others with your wheelchair? You need not fear any of these things. Today there are laws that protect disabled persons and ensure they get appropriate service for their mobility needs. Airports are also equipped with ramps, special toilets for the disabled, and airline staff to carry your bags free of charge; you can travel safely with your motorized scooter by plane, providing you give adequate notice to the airline, and carry out the following.

As soon as you book your airline ticket, advise the airline of your mobility needs, and request that they arrange for any special equipment you might need. Also request a wheelchair ahead of time for in between stops so that there is no confusion on the day of your departure.
Plan in advance which equipment you want during different parts of your journey.
There are long distances between airline gates if you’re transferring to another gate. The airport has wheelchairs and staff to assist you. Don’t be afraid to make use of this service.
If you plan to travel with your own mobility scooter, make sure it is the light-weight kind which can be taken apart for storage on the plane.
Give the airline details of your mobility equipment so they have enough time to arrange for the appropriate services. Remember, all this has to be arranged at the time of booking your flight.
Your scooter will be stored in the storage hold of the airplane, There are special procedures for preparing the mobility scooter or power wheelchair for flight so be at the airport well before the time.
At time of boarding, you will be transferred to a boarding wheelchair provided by the airline to get on the plane.
If your end destination is at a hotel, make sure you have advised them of your mobility needs.
Get a travel agent who can do your booking, and plan the whole trip for you, taking into account the fact that you will need your scooter at different destinations.
Airlines do not provide full compensation for loss or damage to mobility equipment, so check your existing home or travel insurance to make sure that your mobility scooter or power wheelchair are covered by insurance.

When traveling with a motorized scooter, one of the most important things to weigh up, is the weight of the device and the weight of the bags you are traveling with. It is a plane after all, and you are subjected to the same rules regarding weight on an airliner. If possible, travel with a travel scooter which is light-weight and can be broken down in one or two parts to fold up and store in the hold. Keep other luggage to a minimum as you don’t want to overload the light-weight scooter.

Other Mobility Devices You Can Use

There are now also folding power wheelchairs for the disabled traveler. These wheelchairs are light-weight and can be easily folded and packed away. Folding power wheelchairs are for those who have refused to let the condition of their health stand in the way of living a normal life. Comparing these wheelchairs to other power wheelchairs, they weigh less, the frames are designed to fold easily to fit into the back of a car or an airplane. Seasoned travelers are accustomed to storing them in smaller spaces. The cost is also less. Cost of a custom chair often starts at about $3500 whereas the cost of a portable chair is about $1200.

If you are considering purchasing a power wheelchair, you may find that private insurance companies as well as government-sponsored healthcare, such as Medicare, often cover these costs. Be aware, however, that these companies often will not pay for more than one wheelchair for a disabled person. It is therefore imperative that you consider all your options before deciding on which type of wheelchair to buy and which is best for the person’s use. If you travel frequently, a portable folding chair may be much more suited to your needs than a wheelchair.

While a mobility scooter can greatly enhance your quality of life, the costs can often be prohibitive. However, there are used mobility scooters for sale that can be purchased without breaking the bank. Looking into reconditioned or pre-owned mobility scooters can be a great way to save a considerable amount of money. On the plus side, this equipment has an excellent reputation for reliability and durability, making used mobility scooters for sale considerably less risky than most other second hand equipment. That being said do your research before buying just any old mobility scooter.

Different Types of Mobility Scooters

There are many different types of mobility scooters available that come in all different shapes and sizes as well as varying levels of functionality, but basically all these different types could be broken down to four different categories:

Compact scooters

3 wheeled mobility scooters

4 wheeled mobility scooters

Heavy duty mobility scooters

All these different scooters have their own specific advantages that will depend not only on your general mobility that you have but also on the specific reason that you are interested in getting a mobility scooter.

For example the three wheeled scooter which is very compact and breaks easily into three pieces that will fit in any average cars trunk which makes transportation very easy. But because of the single front wheel they have an ability to maneuver in a very tight space and would be perfect for grocery shopping or going through a mall and doing shopping generally.
If you have a mobility issue because of stamina or arthritis it will certainly be able to give you back your convenience, accessibility as well as your freedom and independence. The issue of independence and being able to go anywhere in your neighborhood whenever you wish can make the purchase of a mobility scooter a worthwhile investment if you have a problem with mobility generally. The simple freedom that it will allow you to decide where you want to go on your own is something that can have an enormous difference to a senior citizen who feels trapped by their lack of mobility generally.

The Three Wheeled Compact Mobility Scooter

The three wheeled compact mobility scooter is designed for indoor use and will not be able to handle any rough terrain outside.
But there are three wheeled scooters that are designed for both indoor and outdoor use and they can not only make tight turns but it has a much higher top speed and has a long battery life. The larger tires typically found on three wheel scooters give improved handling and generally a very smooth ride but are nevertheless still only for very level or even surfaces.

The Four Wheeled Mobility Scooters

The four wheeled mobility scooters are specifically for outdoor use but that does not mean that it can only be used outdoor and would be welcome in a mall or a grocery store, but you would have a lot less maneuverability because of the four wheels.
You will get a lot more stability with a four wheeled scooter which will come with an even weight distribution which is also combined with a higher power than the three wheeled indoor version. But the four wheels give you the advantage of being able to ride on a rougher terrain as they are built for durability and heavy use handling which makes them tougher. They are too heavy for folding up and easy car transportation however and will most likely need to be transported on a trailer.

The Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters

The heavy duty mobility scooters are designed for heavy people and it can carry well over 200kg without a problem as the motor is a lot stronger and the frame is a lot more solid that the average mobility scooter. Usually these will be transported on a trailer but they will come with well built suspensions and reinforced frames as well as anti-tip equipment and addition seat options with a lot more power than the lighter versions.

Where Can I Find Used Mobility Scooters For Sale?

There are a number of places to find used mobility scooters for sale:

Internet sites like Craigslist, Oodle, and EBay often have scores of ads for many different types of power scooters listed for sale. There are listings from private sellers as well as retailers of this type of equipment available.

Straight from the manufacturer. Some brands of mobility scooters, like Pride Mobility Products, are readily available as manufacturer’s refurbished equipment for a good cost saving.

Local retailers and newspapers. For those who are very budget minded or strapped for cash, finding a used scooter might save even more money. If you keep an eye out locally you will be amazed how many newspapers and mobility equipment dealers list pre-owned scooters. There are a number of outlets in and around Dayton, Ohio where you can find used mobility scooters for sale. One of them even has an online auction site where you can bid on used mobility scooters for sale in Dayton, Ohio.

Most electric scooters require very little maintenance, so purchasing a pre-owned mobility scooter that has been taken care of well can be very cost effective and if all else fails you also have the option of electric mobility scooter hire.

Mobility Scooter Brands

At the moment there are quite a few manufacturers who are on the fore front of mobility scooter development. What this means is that you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for when it comes to these scooters. Here are a few of the top mobility scooter brands:

Must Know Information Before Purchasing A Mobility Scooter

The Battery – Replacement batteries are the most common part that needs replacement on used mobility scooters. Normally, this is relatively affordable. Replacement batteries for mobility scooters are usually in the $50 to $150 range, and they are available from places like Amazon or directly from the manufacturer.

Factory Warranty – Sometimes it’s possible to find a pre-owned mobility scooter which is still under factory warranty, and in that case a replacement battery can be replaced for little to no cost. Always ask if the warranty is still in effect, and if it is transferable. Also keep in mind that there might be a fee to transfer the factory warranty.

Repair Costs – Be sure that you can afford to pay for worn out or defective parts before you purchase a used mobility scooter. If the costs of repairing the scooter seem like they may be too much for you, you might be better off considering other options such as an electric wheelchair.

Ask for a Guarantee – Some of the retail outlets which sell used mobility scooters will offer a short term guarantee on the equipment even if they are used or refurbished.

Consider a Rental Plan – Check with places that rent mobility equipment, as you can sometimes purchase the used equipment from them, and at times even work out a rental plan that will apply towards the purchase.

Used scooters are not the only option. Financing options are often available for the purchase of new or factory reconditioned scooters. These financing programs are typically easy to qualify for people who are deemed medically in need of a new mobility scooter, and often Medicare or medical insurance will pick up all or a large portion of the costs. Consult with your medical insurance before you make any purchase to see whether they are able to help you out. Just remember to do your research before settling on a specific model. You do not want to end up getting a scooter that doesn’t suit your needs.

The Rental Option

Perfect for a vaction – The physically challenged can assure themselves of better mobility and more independence through electric mobility scooter hire when on vacation or holiday far from home. Much more convenient and sturdy than manual wheelchairs, arranging an electric mobility scooter hire can greatly enhance mobility while far away from home, without the hassle and large costs associated with shipping your home equipment long distances.

Rental companies are wide spread – There are a number of electric mobility scooter hire companies in most tourist areas, in places from Tampa, Florida to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands that cater to people with disabilities. These rental companies typically know which scooters are best for the terrain in the area, and will have a range of scooters for different sized people.

Big selection to choose from – Some of the rental places also have a range of scooters, from small and transportable models to powerful and quicker luxury models to offer. Many of the electric mobility scooters offered are manufactured by Pride Mobility and similar manufacturers.

Don’t rent for too long – If you intend to extend your stay for a longer period of time then it might be worthwhile looking into used mobility scooters for sale as you might find buying one cheaper than renting one in the long run.

Rental Companies

Some electric scooter rental companies will rent scooters, and also offer other mobility equipment and durable medical goods. Electric beds, hoists, air mattresses, shower and commode chairs, bath hoists, and wheelchair ramps can be rented inexpensively through some of the companies, and they will deliver and install the equipment as well as pick it up at the end of your stay. There is no reason for a physically disabled person to be left out of family vacations any longer.

All electric mobility scooters will need to be charged, and charging overnight is the best way to make sure that you have fresh batteries for exploring every morning. Most mobility scooters can go right into the hotel room and get plugged in there, and they should fit easily into most hotel elevators. If there is any problem with getting it into the room, most hotel desk personnel will happily help clients with mobility problems to find a safe place at ground level to gain an overnight charge. Be sure to ask ahead of time to make sure there won’t be issues at the lodging you’re considering.

In the United States there are many companies which rent power mobility equipment, including at least one large company which rents in all of the large cities and tourist areas, and has over 1,500 locations around the country. They have a full service website where you can request a price quote and book completely online. This company also delivers scooters to convention hotels and cruise ports for use on the ships, and often times there are no additional charges for delivery above the rental costs.

Generally, you can arrange an electric mobility scooter hire for any place and any period of time when you require it. Time periods can be as short as twelve hours, and as long as you’d like, depending on the rental company and your plans. The daily rate is often reduced the longer the product is hired. Many rental companies also allow you to apply a portion of the rental charges to a purchase of the equipment or mobility scooter if you decide that you’d like to keep the scooter indefinitely.