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Researching and buying a mobility scooter or deciding on the right wheelchair can be a tough process and requires some research. The following information has been put together to ensure that you can feel secure in your purchase.

Firstly, we should note that there are no differentiating factors between self-propelled and powered wheelchairs / mobility scooters in Irish Law.

In the UK, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are categorised into three classes. It is useful to look at these classes as they will help differentiate different products available in the Irish market.

Independence is something we all depend on to get us through each day. We like to be able to carry out tasks ourselves ever since we were young and we would like to continue doing this into our elder years.  This can include everyday tasks such walking to the shop, meeting our friends for a cuppa or going to visit our families. We need to be able to get around on our own accord and to do that, we need mobility. Some people’s mobility levels can differ from others and sometimes, age can be a factor in this. However, regardless of your age, you still want to keep your independence by doing these things on our own.
 
If you feel like you can’t walk to the shop because it’s too far, or you get tired too easily and the same for visiting friends or family, maybe a mobility scooter can be the answer for you. They can help you get to the shops or to a friend’s home and even carry the shopping home with their detachable baskets. They are stylish in design and come in a range of colours making them attractive to users and people who pass you by.  There are certain features you should be looking for when choosing a Mobility Scooter, like the speed, weight capacity, budget and the purpose for the use.
 
Finding the right scooter for you, is quick and easy once you know what you are looking for.
-          A Boot Scooter is easily foldable making it compact and transportable so you can bring it with you in the boot of a car. They have a slim design and are ideal for people who travel in cars or on public transport. They can be used on a flat terrain, indoor or outdoor. 
-          A Small Scooter are ideal as a general runabout scooter, perfect for inside shopping centres or on short journeys. They can be used on roads or paths once the ground is in good condition and some of them can travel up to 10mph. 
-          A Medium Scooter is mainly used for outdoor use and can travel from 4mph to 8mph. They are able to cater for kerbs and hills with their added suspensions. They are ideal for local journeys with their robust frame making them more durable. 
-          A Large Scooter are perfect for long journeys outdoor with their enhanced suspensions and larger tyres. They have a higher weight capacity and are better equipped to handle tougher terrain or inclines.

When your mobility is limited, this is when you realise how important it really is. Simple errands like popping to the shops or visiting a neighbour can prove impossible. However, we here at Beechfield Healthcare, don’t think that limited mobility should stop you from getting around and doing the things you love. If you are finding it harder to move about and are relying on the help of others, it may be time to start thinking about investing in a mobility scooter.

Mobility Scooters come in a wide range of models, and are a great option for those who want to remain active despite their limited agility. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right mobility scooter for your specific needs. Some of these include:

 Will you be using the scooter daily or just a couple of times a week?

If you are going to be relying heavily on your scooter then you must buy a good quality, durable scooter with a long life and extra comfort. If the scooter will only be used a couple of times a week then the bobcat scooter will be ideal for you.

Where will you be using the scooter?

If you are going to use the scooter indoors, in your home or in shopping centres, you will need a more compact scooter for smoother turns down halls and on shopping centre floors. However, if you plan on using the scooter outdoors, going to work or in the park, you will need a mobility scooter with a higher clearance for footpaths and a larger battery.

Will you need to bring it in the boot of the car?

If you need to regularly put the scooter into the boot, then you should choose a boot scooter. Boot scooters are lightweight, compact and are specially designed to be transported and folded, perfect for most car boots and days out.

What weight will be carried on the scooter?

Heavier users will need a more durable and hard-wearing mobility scooter. There are many contributing factors to the weight being carried on the scooter. These must be considered when choosing the right mobility scooter for your safety and needs. Many users forget to factor in the weight of breathing apparatus they may be using or shopping bags they may be carrying when choosing the right mobility scooter. Some people may have gained a little extra weight due to medication, a medical condition or lack of exercise due to limited mobility.

Is the user taller and will he or she need extra leg room?

If you are taller, you will need extra leg room for added comfort and safety. This will prevent you getting cramps and pains in your legs.

Will the scooter be used on long journeys, if so they will need a larger battery?

If you are going to use your scooter on longer journeys you will need a scooter with a larger battery to last the journey. When the battery is well maintained and charged daily it can last up to 3 years. It is important for the user to get into the habit of charging the battery daily and keeping an eye on its quality.

Where are you going to store your scooter?

It is recommended that your mobility scooter should be stored in dry conditions, not too warm or cold for maximum longevity and safety. Damp conditions are extremely damaging for the motor, battery and electrical elements of the scooter.

Here at Beechfield Healthcare, we are sure to have a mobility scooter to suit all your needs. We have an extensive range of scooters to choose from, and our experts are available to help at any time. Go to beechfieldhealthcare.ie to see our full range of mobility scooters, or phone us on 0818 989 353.

Mobility is important and when your mobility is limited, it can slow you down. However, you don’t need to stop experiencing life the way you want to live it. If you are finding it harder and harder to get around and need occasional or part-time mobility assistance to perform your daily activities, a Mobility Scooter might be just the right solution for you.

Scooters are a great option if you are looking to get out and about, they’re perfect for going shopping or running other errands and staying involved in your local community.

Small Mobility Scooters

Small scooters, also known as boot scooters, are ideal for short distances on even surfaces. They are compact enough that when dismantled they can fit in a car boot. The maximum range of a small scooter is typically 6-10 miles depending on the model. The top speed is approx. 4mph.

Medium Mobility Scooters

Medium scooters usually have better suspension, larger wheels and larger batteries which mean that they can handle rougher terrain and have a longer range. As they are bigger than the small scooters, they don’t normally disassemble and are generally not suitable for transporting in a car boot. The maximum range of a medium scooter is between 13-30 miles. Medium Mobility Scooters have a top speed of between 4-8mph depending on the model.

Large Mobility Scooters

Large mobility scooters are bigger and have even better suspension and wheels than the medium scooter. They can handle all types of terrain and they usually come with indicators lights, headlamps and a comfortable Admirals seat for a smoother journey. These scooters are ideal if you have a lot of outdoor storage space to keep a large scooter. The maximum range for a large scooter is 25-32mph. The top speed is approx. 8mph.

Scooter Accessories

We have a large range of scooter accessories that fully complement any scooter from backpacks to tiller bags and scooter covers. Check out the full range.