Facts About
Heavy Duty Mobility
Scooters
Introduction
For many individuals with mobility disabilities, a
powered scooter is an attractive alternative to a manual or powered
wheelchair.
Scooters are often lighter, more compact, and
more maneuverable than power chairs, and in many people’s
eyes their appearance is more appealing. This fact sheet is
intended to help people with mobility disabilities who are
interested in learning more about scooters. Topics discussed
include features and components of scooters; factors
determining whether a scooter is an appropriate mobility
aid; and considerations in scooter selection. The fact sheet
also provides a list of manufacturers and sources for
scooter reviews.
Scooter Features and Components
Electric scooters (sometimes called
“mobility scooters” to distinguish them from the
recreational scooters popular among teenagers) all share a
recognizable set of features. Each has a seat at the rear of
a wheeled platform, with controls and sometimes handrests on
a column in front of the seat, called the tiller. The
wheeled platform is the base unit. It supports the feet and
batteries and contains the drive system. Scooters can have
either front- or rear-wheel drive, and most have either four
wheels or three (two in back, one in front).
Figure 1: The RT Express from Amigo Mobility International
is a
3-wheeled scooter
designed primarily for indoor use.
Base Unit
The base unit is the body of the scooter. Generally it
consists of a steel, aluminum, or composite frame with a
fiberglass or composite floor to support the feet and
batteries. Some scooter bases include a shroud over the
front wheel and drive head, giving the scooter a
bullet-shaped appearance. Certain scooter models also use
the shroud to create a dashboard housing some of the
instrumentation (such as a key lock for turning the scooter
on and off and a battery-level indicator) for the scooter.
The base also includes the wheels and the drive train. In
some scooters, the seat post is part of the base. The
scooter’s maneuverability and its suitability for indoor or
outdoor use largely depend on the characteristics of the
base unit such as its turning radius, the size of its
wheelbase, its ground clearance, and its overall dimensions.
The base unit also affects the comfort and safety of the
rider. When evaluating a scooter, it is important to be
certain that the base can accommodate the user's needs. The
floor should provide enough space to comfortably support the
feet at a natural angle, and the overall dimensions should
permit the controls to be easily reached and manipulated.
Some manufacturers offer models with optional extended bases
for tall people or shorter bases for small adults. Some
models also offer optional extended footrests for those who
wear leg braces or who have difficulty bending their knees.
It is important to evaluate the base for safety features,
including its overall stability. A scooter should not tip
easily during sharp turns or on inclines such as curb cuts
(if the scooter is designed for outdoor use). Anti-tip
wheels should be included as part of the frame to help
support and stabilize the scooter. On front-wheel drive
units, anti-tips are often located laterally just behind the
front wheel because they generally lack the power for steep
inclines. Because most rear-wheel drive scooters are
intended to negotiate more rugged terrain, they are usually
equipped with rear anti-tips to support the scooter on
hills. Side anti-tip wheels are sometimes offered as
options. It should be noted that lateral anti-tippers may
cause difficulties on curb cuts and ramps.
Some scooters can be disassembled into modular units for
transport and storage. Modular design may also allow the
scooter to be converted from a
3-wheeled to a
4-wheeled
model or from indoor to outdoor use.
Figure 2: The Legend XL from Pride Mobility is a 4-wheeled
scooter intended primarily for outdoor use.
Drive Train and Power System
The drive train is an integral part of the base unit and
provides either front- or rear-wheel drive for the scooter.
Front-wheel drive is usually found on smaller scooters
designed primarily to be used indoors or outdoors on flat,
paved surfaces. The motor of the front-wheel drive scooter
is located over the front wheel and drives only that wheel.
Because of the motor and wheel configuration, front-wheel
drive scooters are usually direct-drive units, eliminating
chains and belts. This means that front-wheel drive models
generally have smaller motors and that the front wheel pulls
the weight of the unit and the rider. Consequently, these
types of scooters have a lesser capacity to move their load
than do rear-wheel drive models, and are therefore less
capable of handling hills, curb cuts, and other outdoor
terrain. Front-wheel drive scooters often have a shorter
range, less speed and power, and a smaller rider weight
capacity. These same factors, however, usually result in a
scooter that is smaller than rear-wheel drive models, more
maneuverable, more capable of fitting in tighter spaces, and
more likely to be compatible with van and bus wheelchair
lifts.
Conversely, rear-wheel drive scooters are powered by motors
connected to the rear axle, either via a chain, a belt, a
transaxle unit, or some combination. Because the scooter is
driven by the rear wheels, they push the combined weight of
the unit and the rider, rather than pull it. The combined
weight of the rider, the motor, and the batteries over the
rear wheels, generally create better traction than that
usually provided by front-wheel drive models. The increased
traction combined with the more powerful motors used on
rear-wheel drive scooters results in better climbing
ability. Rear-wheel-drive scooters also have a greater
maximum speed, a longer traveling range between battery
charges, and a larger rider weight capacity. These scooters
have a wider wheel base and a greater overall length, making
them less maneuverable and rendering some models unsuitable
for indoor use. They may also be too large for van or bus
lifts.
Front- or rear-wheel drive does not necessarily determine
whether a scooter is powerful enough to meet the user's
needs, nor does the horsepower of the motor. The torque of a
motor is more often a determining factor. Most scooters use
permanent magnet motors, some with lower torque than others.
Lower torque motors frequently provide greater speed on
flat, smooth surfaces, while higher torque motors may seem
slow in that environment. However, the higher torque motor
will generally offer more power for climbing hills and
negotiating other outdoor terrain. Again it is essential,
when evaluating scooters, to keep the scooter’s primary
intended use in mind.
Brakes
Most rear-wheel drive scooters utilize an electronic or
electro-mechanical dynamic, regenerative braking system.
This type of braking system works in tandem with the motor,
first to slow and then to stop the vehicle when the pressure
is released on the thumb levers or the controls are
otherwise disengaged. When the scooter is not being powered
forward or in reverse, the brakes are engaged, thus
preventing the scooter from moving. During the application
of the brakes, excess power from the motor is channeled to
the batteries, providing recharging. Because the brakes are
engaged when the scooter is not being actively powered, most
scooters with this braking system are equipped with a clutch
on the motor or another release lever to manually disengage
the brakes to allow the scooter to be pushed in case of
emergency.
Some scooters also use disc brakes alone or disc brakes in
combination with the braking system discussed above. Some
scooters—usually front-wheel drive models—are not equipped
with electronic or electro-mechanical brakes. In the absence
of a brake system, a manual parking brake applied by lever
to a rear wheel is provided. Manual parking brakes may also
be offered either as optional or standard features on other
scooters to provide extra braking on hills and inclines.
Portable Travel Scooter The
Lexis Light is the
worlds lightest portable mobility scooter and it folds. Most
all major airlines throughout the world.
Figure 3: The Buzzaround 4-Wheel Scooter, model GB-104, from
Golden Technologies, Inc. is a lightweight, portable scooter
designed for indoor or outdoor use. It can be folded and
broken down into components for easy storage or transport.
Batteries and Chargers
Most scooters utilize 12- or 24-volt motors and electrical
systems, generally with one or two 12-volt batteries to
power the drive train and controls. Twelve-volt systems are
most frequently found on front-wheel drive scooters, and
usually require one 12-volt battery, although two six-volt
batteries are sometimes used. Some manufacturers offer
add-on units for 12-volt systems which allow them to utilize
two batteries to extend the scooter's range between charges,
although speed and power are not affected. Rear-wheel drive
systems generally require two 12-volt batteries to power
24-volt systems.
These batteries are “deep cycle” batteries intended for
wheelchairs and scooters and generally last between 12 and
18 months, although with conservation and regular charging,
longer life may be achieved. Deep cycle batteries are
designed to provide a steady supply of power and to be
discharged and recharged on a regular basis. In contrast,
automotive and marine batteries are designed to be starter
batteries, providing short bursts of power only.
Consequently, marine and automotive batteries should never
be substituted for deep cycle batteries.
There are three basic types of batteries available for use
with scooters:
lead acid (or wet cell) batteries
sealed lead-acid batteries
gel cell batteries.
Lead acid batteries are the least expensive of the three
types, but they also require the most maintenance. In
addition to regular charging, electrolyte and water levels
must be checked regularly, with water added frequently to
maintain appropriate levels. Because these batteries are not
sealed, there is danger of acid spillage and explosion if
the batteries are not handled properly. Despite these
potential problems, lead-acid batteries provide the benefits
of a two- to six-month longer battery life and up to a ten
percent greater running time than other battery types.
Sealed lead acid batteries are maintenance-free versions of
lead acid batteries. Because they are sealed in cases, it is
unnecessary to add water and the danger of acid spillage is
reduced or eliminated. The cases are vented to prevent gas
build-up that can lead to an explosion.
Finally, gel cell batteries are the most commonly used
battery type on scooters. They are sealed in their cases and
require no maintenance other than regular charging. Gel
cells are the safest of the battery types, with no danger of
spillage and limited risk of explosion. However, gel cells
are more expensive, usually ranging in price from $90 to
$125, and they may have a somewhat shorter life than other
battery types.
Many manufacturers do not include the battery or batteries
as part of the scooter; rather, they are considered
extra-cost options. The type and size of battery used on a
given scooter should be selected in accordance with the
recommendation of the manufacturer. It is particularly
important that the battery be compatible with the battery
charger to be used. Lead acid and gel cell batteries require
different types of chargers operating at differing amperage
levels, so their chargers should never be used
interchangeably; however, dual chargers capable of charging
both types of batteries are also available.
While the batteries are frequently optional, the charger is
usually included with the scooter as part of the purchase
price. It may be an on-board internal charger built into the
scooter's base unit or it may be an external charger that is
totally separate from the unit. On-board chargers have the
benefit of allowing the user to recharge the batteries
during extended use, although it may be necessary to carry a
separate cord or an extension cord to connect the unit to an
electrical outlet. However, should an on-board charger
require repair, it is necessary to take the entire scooter
in for repair.
External chargers, on the other hand, require the user to
carry extra equipment, but they offer the benefit of easier
repair or replacement. External chargers also have the
capability of charging the batteries away from the scooter,
an option that can be particularly useful during travel
because the batteries can be maintained without removing the
scooter from the van or automobile.
Wheels and Tires
The dimensions of a scooter’s wheels and tires have a direct
effect on the scooter’s stability and its ability to
surmount obstacles. Scooters are generally equipped with
six-, eight-, or ten-inch wheels, although other sizes may
also be used. Some models use the same size wheels on both
front and rear, while others may have smaller wheels in
front and larger rear wheels. As a rule, the intended use of
the scooter should dictate the size of the wheels and tires.
Smaller wheels are generally found on front-wheel drive
scooters intended for indoor use. The larger the wheels, the
more stable the unit. Similarly larger and wider the tires
provide better traction and greater capacity to manage
obstacles such as curb cuts and uneven outdoor terrain.
Those same tires, however, may make it more difficult to
maneuver the scooter in tighter indoor spaces.
Several types of tires are available for scooters.
Manufacturers generally offer a specific tire as standard
equipment, with others available as extra-cost options.
Pneumatic tires have air-filled tubes and are similar to
those found on automobiles. Air pressure should be checked
regularly to maintain proper levels, and tires may need to
be replaced if punctured. The addition of an anti-flat
compound before inflation reduces the risk of tires going
flat. Pneumatic tires provide good shock absorption when
properly inflated.
Foam filled tires are similar to pneumatic tires, but
include foam inserts rather than air-filled tubes. These
tires cannot be deflated and, therefore, require less
maintenance. They may be more expensive than pneumatic tires
and may not offer a consistently comfortable ride.
The least expensive tire option is solid tires. These tires
require the least maintenance, but provide minimal shock
absorption and are intended primarily for indoor use.
Other issues in tire selection include color and tread
depth. Most tires are available in black or gray rubber.
Black tires are generally less expensive and have a longer
life than do gray tires. However, gray tires are specially
treated to prevent the marking and scuffing of floors and
walls that is common with black tires.
Tires are available with differing levels of tread. A deeper
tread provides greater traction and improved ability to
handle such outdoor surfaces as mud, gravel, and grass.
However, the treads do tend to track dirt and debris
indoors. Low-tread or treadless tires eliminate this
problem, but should be confined to indoor use or limited
outdoor use on paved surfaces.
Seating
Most scooters have a chair-style seat or captain’s chair
with a back and armrests, and sometimes a headrest as well.
Some lightweight scooters, however, have seats without a
back or armrest. Seats are usually made of molded hard
plastic or fiberglass, and differ in the amount of padding.
Padded seats usually have vinyl or fabric upholstery. Vinyl
upholstery is often less expensive, but because it is a more
slippery surface, it may not be the best choice for those
whose disability makes it difficult to maintain position or
balance.
Other options may include ergonomically designed seats,
lumbar supports, and separate cushions. In rare cases,
manufacturers may offer custom-design and fitting with
positioning options similar to those found on wheelchairs.
Seats are usually post-mounted to the center or rear of the
base, and most swivel up to 360 degrees with stops at every
90 degrees using a manual lever beneath the seat. A powered
seat is a common option. The mechanism is usually controlled
from the dashboard or control box and uses power from the
battery to rotate the seat. Some powered seats also elevate,
allowing the user greater access to counters, cupboards,
etc. As with most options, powered seats add to the
scooter's final cost. Another consideration is the draw of
power from the battery; frequent use of the power seat
during the course of the day may reduce the scooter's range.
Some seats also allow for forward and rearward adjustment to
better accommodate the user's needs. In addition, some
scooters have folding seats, fold-down seat backs, or
removable seat posts for transport or storage.
Armrests are another consideration in seating. Some scooters
offer armrests only as an option; others offer fixed
armrests as standard with flip-up armrests available.
Whatever the type, armrests are generally constructed of
rigid plastic with padded upholstery optional, although some
armrests feature a rigid plastic base with padded,
upholstered inserts. Whether or not armrests are padded and
whether they are fixed or not should be determined by the
needs of the person using scooter in transferring to and
from the scooter and whether the armrests will help with
balance while seated. Padding may make it more difficult to
grasp the armrests and fixed armrests may make it more
difficult to transfer.
Tiller
The tiller is the control and steering mechanism for the
scooter, usually containing the controls to drive the
scooter forward or in reverse, as well as steering the front
wheel or wheels. Most scooters offer one type of standard
tiller with other controllers available as options.
Possibilities include thumb levers, loop handles, joysticks,
and others. Thumb levers are the most common controls,
allowing the user to keep both hands on the handle bars
while using the left thumb to power the scooter in reverse
and the right to power the scooter forward. The amount of
pressure applied to the lever will determine the speed of
the vehicle (unless it is equipped with a proportional speed
control). Consequently, a fair amount of hand control is
necessary for safe operation. Finger control levers or a
joystick may be alternatives. Some manufacturers may also be
able to adapt controls to user requirements at extra cost.
The tiller, itself, is often an upright post attached to the
front wheel, but there are also flexible, accordion-style
tillers that can be adjusted for height or body position.
This not only enables a person to place the tiller in the
most comfortable position while driving, but also allows it
to be moved up and out of the way during transfers. In the
absence of a dashboard or shroud over the front wheel, a
control box with the key lock, battery level indicator,
speed controller, and other features may be affixed to the
tiller handlebars.
Since a joystick controls both speed and direction, scooters
equipped with joysticks generally do not have the
post-and-handlebar tiller; the joystick is usually attached
to an armrest or to an armrest extension, with a choice of
right or left mounting. While this frees the space in front
of the user and may accommodate easier transitions for some,
the lack of handlebars may make transfers more difficult for
others.
Other Features and Accessories
In addition to the features listed above, which are found in
all scooters, manufacturers offer a variety of other
features and accessories. Most scooters are equipped with a
key lock for turning the scooter on and off, a battery-level
indicator, and a proportional speed controller to limit
maximum speed. Available accessories include crutch and cane
holders, oxygen carriers, front and rear baskets, trailers,
headlights, tail lights, horns, and canopies. Some
manufacturers even offer sidecars to allow an additional
passenger. As when purchasing a car, options add to the cost
of the scooters. Accessories should be evaluated in light of
how they contribute to maximum user independence. At the
same time, it should be kept in mind that some options may
decrease battery life, maneuverability, and travel range.
Transportation
Most scooter owners find it necessary at some point to
transport the scooter. If a van with a lift or public
transportation is to be used, it may be advisable to
consider a scooter with a narrow wheelbase and smaller
overall profile to be certain that the scooter can be
accommodated by the lift and be sufficiently maneuverable to
be used on buses and other public transit vehicles.
There are several options available for people wanting to
transport a scooter with their personal vehicles, including
scooter carriers that attach onto a vehicle’s bumper or
trailer hitch, loading aids to help put a scooter into
vehicles with a large cargo space, and scooters that break
down into smaller components for storage in the vehicle.
Scooter carriers are platforms mounted on a vehicle’s bumper
or a rear trailer hitch that are designed to carry scooters.
Powered and manual scooter carriers are available. The
platform on some powered carriers can be lowered to the
ground level so that the scooter can drive onto the
platform. On other powered carriers, a ramp will flip down
to allow the scooter to drive on or off of the platform.
Manual carriers remain at a fixed height above the road, and
the user puts a ramp down to allow the scooter to drive up
onto the platform. Once on the platform, the scooter is
secured, often using safety belts, so that the scooter
remains fixed on the platform while driving.
Figure 4: The Lift ’N’ Go Model 210 electric powered carrier
from WheelChair Carrier is mounted on the hitch of a car,
truck or van.
For vehicles such as vans and trucks that have sufficient
cargo space to fit a scooter, ramps or lifts can be used to
load the scooter into the vehicle. Ramps can be mounted on
side of a van or on the back (Figure 4) of any vehicle large
enough to fit a scooter. When the ramp is extended the
scooter drives in or out of the vehicle. Portable ramps can
also be attached to a vehicle when loading or unloading a
scooter, and stored in the vehicle when not in use.
Figure 5: The EZ-ACCESS Hitchmount Ramp extends to allow a
scooter to drive up into a van, truck or SUV. It folds flat
against the back of the vehicle when not in use (see
insets).
Two basic types of lifts are available: (1) crane-style
lifts and (2) platform lifts. A crane-style lift can be
mounted in the vehicle or have its own external base. The
lift has a horizontal arm to which the scooter is attached
using a strap or sling and lifted off of the ground. With
the scooter suspended in the air, the horizontal arm rotates
to move the scooter into or out of the vehicle, and then
lowers it to the ground or into the vehicle. Platform lifts
work similarly to scooter carriers. The lift is mounted on a
rear bumper or trailer hitch. To load a scooter, the
platform is lowered to the ground the scooter drives onto
the platform, and once the platform is raised to the level
of the trunk or cargo area, the scooter is transferred into
the vehicle. When not in use, the platform is folded
vertically so that is does not protrude from the vehicle.
If the scooter is to be transported by an automobile without
a carrier, it will need to be either folded, if possible, or
broken down into smaller components so that it can fit in
the auto’s trunk. Some scooters are designed with modular
components or take-apart frames. At the very least, a
scooter to be transported by automobile should have a
folding seatback and/or a folding tiller. Some scooters also
offer removable a seat post, seat, and batteries. Factors
affecting a scooter’s transportability include whether it
will be transported in the trunk or in the back seat, how
much space is available, how heavy the individual components
are, how much the user can lift, and whether a lift or
loader can be used.
Choosing a Scooter
The first consideration in selecting a scooter is to
determine whether it will meet the needs of the potential
user. The primary market for scooters is individuals with
physical disabilities or health conditions which affect
their ability to walk or limit their physical endurance.
Typically, scooter users have some ability to walk, but are
limited in distance or stamina—people with milder forms of
cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome,
arthritis, cardiac conditions, or stroke survivors, among
others. Scooters are used to increase and extend the range
of personal mobility and help conserve energy. Scooter users
often have difficulty propelling manual wheelchairs, but do
not require the sophisticated electronic controls and
seating systems common in powered wheelchairs.
A number of other physical factors must also be evaluated
when determining whether a scooter is an appropriate
mobility aid. A scooter user generally must be able to sit
upright for extended periods and have sufficient seated
balance to maintain an erect posture. Further, sufficient
upper body and arm strength to master the controls and steer
and maneuver the unit is required. In addition, uncorrected
vision disabilities, or conditions which may cause confusion
or memory loss or which inhibit proper safety awareness may
render a scooter an unsatisfactory mobility aid.
Other considerations in selecting a mobility aid include how
and where the scooter will be used, whether or not it will
need to be transported, and if so, how it will be
transported. Additional factors include whether or not a
scooter will be the primary mode of transportation, how far
it will need to travel in between battery charges on a given
day, and whether it will be used primarily indoors or
outdoors, or in a combination of environments. The overall
evaluation of all these factors will help determine whether
a scooter is an appropriate assistive device for a
particular individual in a specific set of circumstances.
Persons considering a scooter for the first time should seek
the advice of a physician, therapist, or other
rehabilitation professional about whether a wheelchair or
scooter is most appropriate, and what type of scooter best
meets their needs.
It is also important that a scooter under consideration be
thoroughly tested and compared with other similar models, if
possible, in the setting in which it will be most typically
used. Some manufacturers and distributors allow the
prospective buyer to take the scooter for on-site trials for
a specified period. Such trials allow a person to more
accurately determine whether the vehicle will perform as
required in a given setting, and whether the controls,
seating, and leg room are sufficiently comfortable for
long-term use. Like shopping for an automobile, it is
advisable to test comparable models and their features.
Beyond the Purchase
Once a scooter has been selected, there are other factors to
be considered. First, be certain that a warranty is offered
and know what the terms of the warranty are. If the scooter
is purchased from a local dealer, determine whether the
store has trained service technicians capable of performing
routine maintenance and repairs. Be certain that parts such
as batteries, tires, chains and belts, and electronics are
stocked on the premises and do not have to be ordered from
the manufacturer, causing delays in getting the scooter back
on the road. If the scooter is purchased directly from a
manufacturer, learn whether repairs can be made locally and
by whom. Wherever maintenance is performed or repairs are
made, the work should be done by someone authorized to do it
under the terms of the warranty.
Funding Sources
The primary funding sources for scooters are private medical
insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Worker’s Compensation
insurance may be another funding source if the scooter is
needed as the result of a workplace injury. Insurance plans
will only pay for scooters and scooter accessories insofar
as they are deemed medically necessary and medical necessity
can be an issue in paying for scooters. Some insurance
plans, including Medicare, may deem scooters not medically
necessary for individuals who can walk a short distance
without assistance. Issues of medical necessity may also
exclude coverage of some optional features that would be
beneficial to the individual but which are not deemed
necessary. There may be other limitations on coverage as
well, such as frequency of replacement.
Many States offer an Assistive Technology Alternative
Financing Program that help people with disabilities to
qualify for and receive low cost loans to purchase assistive
products or services. A list of these State projects is
available from RESNA at http://www.resna.org/AFTAP/state/.
Each State also offers a State Assistive Technology Project
that supports consumer-driven, statewide, technology-related
assistance for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
There are 56 projects (one in each State and in D.C. and the
U.S. territories). A list of these projects can be found on
the ABLEDATA Web site at http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=113573&top=16050&ksectionid=19326&stateorganizations=1.
For more information on funding sources, see the ABLEDATA
Informed Consumer Guide to Funding Assistive Technology.
Conclusion
Scooters offer individuals with mobility disabilities an
alternative in personal mobility aids. For some a more
attractive, less “medical” appearance is an important
factor. For others, greater flexibility is a primary
consideration. For those not requiring the sophisticated
electronics or seating systems of a powered wheelchair, the
smaller price tag is attractive. Whatever the reason for
considering a scooter, models should be carefully evaluated
for their capability to accommodate a person’s disability
and meet the requirements of the intended use. First-time
purchasers are advised to consult with a physician,
therapist, or other rehabilitation professional to determine
whether a scooter is the best option, and what features are
required.
View A List Of All Heavy Mobility Scooters.!
The following list includes the scooter manufacturers
CTM Homecare Product, Inc.
1663 Iowa Avenue
Riverside, California 92507 USA
Telephone: 951-788-8168.
Fax: 951-786-9323.
Web site:
http://www.ctmhomecare.com.
Product type(s): mini, mid-, and full-size; 3- and
4-wheeled.
PO Box 1238
Issaquah, Washington 98027 USA
Telephone: 866-868-9694
Fax: 425-837-9886.
Email: zipr@globalfabtech.com.
Product type(s): 3- and 4-wheeled.
Sells products from
Drive Medical,
Golden Technologies,
Discover and
More
Sells products from Wheelcare.
Access Mobility, Inc.
4855 S Emerson
Indianapolis, Indiana 46203 USA
Telephone: 800-336-1147 toll free or 317-784-2255.
Fax: 317-784-6391.
Email: alan@accesstoday.com.
Web site: http://www.lexuslight.com.
Sells products from Golden Technologies, Invacare, and Pride
Mobility.
Action Scooters, Inc.
PO Box 327446
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33332 USA
Telephone: 877-289-8899 toll free or 954-252-1660.
Fax: 954-252-1629.
Email: sales@discoveryourmobility.com.
Web site: http://www.discoveryourmobility.com.
Sells products from DTP Wholesale, Golden Technologies,
Medline, Merits, Pride Mobility, Shoprider, and Zip’r
Mobility,.
All Electric Scooters, a division of Internet Alliance, Inc.
3901A Commerce Park Drive
Raleigh, North Carolina 27610 USA
Telephone: 800-787-1752 toll free or 919-231-0364.
Fax: 919-231-4217.
Email: inquiry@lexislightscooter.com.
Web site: http://www.lexislightscooter.com.
Sells products from Golden Technologies, Lifestyle Mobility
Aids, Pride Mobility, and Shoprider.
Allegro Medical Supplies Inc.
1733 E. McKellips Rd., #110
Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA
Telephone: 800-861-3211 toll free or 480-990-8881.
Web site: http://www.lexislight.com.
Sells products from Amigo Mobility, CTM Homecare, Drive
Medical, Invacare, Lifestyle Mobility Aids, Pride Mobility,
Shoprider, and Sunrise Medical.
American Wheelchairs, Inc.
12547 66th St. N.
Largo, Florida 33773 USA
Telephone: 800-449-8991 toll free or 727-538-0604.
Fax: 727-538-0614.
Email: sales@wheelchair4x4.com.
Web site: http://www.wheelchair4x4.com.
Sells products from Pride Mobility, Ranger All Season, and
Shoprider.
Assistive Living Mobility
1660 Rose Petal Lane
Castle Rock, Colorado 80109 USA
Telephone: 800-670-4306 toll free or 303-660-2605.
Fax: 775-521-3264.
Email: support@PLANETMOBILITYSCOOTER.com.
Web site: http://www.PLANETMOBILITYSCOOTER.com.
Sells products from Golden Technologies.
Best Buy Healthcare
25600 Rye Canyon Road, Suite 210
Santa Clarita, California 91355 USA
Telephone: 800-603-7366 toll free.
Fax: 661-702-1555.
Email: customerservice@bestbuymobility.com.
Web site: http://www.bestbuymobility.com.
Sells products from Pride Mobility and Sunrise Medical.
Planet Mobility
14986 Technology Dr.
Shelby Township, Michigan 48315 USA
Telephone: 866-868-9694 toll free
Web site: http://www.planetmobility.com.
Sells products from Bladez, Drive Medical, Golden
Technologies, Invacare, No Boundaries, Pacesaver, Pride
Mobility, Sunrise Medical, and Zip’r Mobility.
World Wide Mobility
Web site: http://www.worldwideseating.com.
Email: info@worldwideseating.com.
Sells products from Pride Mobility.
Web site: http://www.planetmobility.com.
Sells products from Merits and Shoprider.
The records in ABLEDATA are provided for information
purposes only. Neither the U.S. Department of Education nor
Macro International Inc. has examined, reviewed, or tested
any product, device, or information contained in ABLEDATA.
The Department and Macro International Inc. make no
endorsement, representation, or warranty express or implied
as to any product, device, or information set forth in
ABLEDATA.
For an updated list of Web links to manufacturers and
distributors, go to the ABLEDATA Web site, http://www.abledata.com.
Publications
Three and Four Wheel Scooter Buyer’s Guide, Minneapolis, MN:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Minnesota Chapter.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/MNM/more_content/buyers_guide_2002.pdf.
This 5-page guide includes checklists for selection of a
scooter and a dealer.
Product Reviews
The ABLEDATA Web site provides space for consumers to post
reviews of assistive technology products, including
scooters. Reviews may be submitted and read on the Reviews
Page of the ABLEDATA Consumer Forum. While providing this
space for consumers to express their views, neither ABLEDATA
nor the U.S. Department of Education endorse or recommend
any product or company.
Another resource with reviews of scooters is the United
Spinal Association’s USA TechGuide, which has consumer
reviews of Three Wheel, Four Wheel, Lightweight,
Transportable, and “Muscle” (heavy-duty) models. Readers can
submit their own reviews.
USA TechGuide
United Spinal Association
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, New York 11370 USA
Telephone: 718-803-3782.
Fax: 718-803-0414.
Web site: http://www.usatechguide.org.
Email: info@unitedspinal.org.
For the most current listing of organizations and other
resources for people with disabilities, visit the Discover
Web site, http://www.discovermymobility.com.
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