If mobility problems prevent you from being an active participant in your business, an electric scooter may be the answer to your problem. These scooters have come a long way from the large, clunky models of the past. Many scooters can maneuver well in tight spaces.

Because electric scooters are such a large investment, ensuring you choose one that meets your needs becomes a priority. Consider the following electric scooters basics to help you choose the most appropriate scooter for your life:

1. Decide the type of electric scooter you need to live an active life.

2. Apply for funding for your medical scooter if you qualify.

3. Get the most use out of your scooter by learning to use all of the options and features.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get help before looking at electric mobility scooters

Choosing a medical scooter that fits all your needs requires some research. Many companies that sell electrical scooters will help you choose a scooter that enables you to do many of the things you want to do. Keep in mind that many electric scooter distributors will try to upsell the scooter sale by offering you a number of convenience items.

I recommend: SpinLife.com offers articles to help you choose the electric powered scooter that meets your needs. This company offers personal service online via a chat server. USA Mobility has a step by step questionnaire to help you choose the best electric scooter for your needs.

Find out if you qualify for Medicare coverage for your electric scooter

If you are on Medicare and have a valid medical reason for needing an electric powered scooter, you should try to determine if your scooter will be covered by Medicare. Many medical electric scooters are covered if you have a prescription from your doctor. You can talk to a representative of many of the electric scooter distributors to get help filing a Medicare claim for your scooter.

I recommend: EasyMedOnline.com has a step by step guide to finding out if you are eligible for Medicare coverage on your electric scooter. This company has customer service representatives that will help you over the phone if needed. Medicare.com offers informative articles to help you decide if you are eligible for Medicare reimbursement for a disabled electric scooter.

Learn to operate the electric scooter

Many companies that have electric scooters for sale offer demonstrations on how to use the scooter. Once the representative leaves your house, you may think of questions. Some companies have phone support for your scooter. If not, you can usually find ample information on the Internet to help you learn to use your scooter.

I recommend: Richard's Mobility Blog offers information about operating electric scooters. You can use this information as a refresher course if you need help after the representative who delivers your scooter leaves. Smart Mobility Scooters has an article that describes how electric scooters work and some suggestions to help you get more use out of yours.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider investing in indoor/outdoor and heavy duty electric scooters if you will use the scooter in harsh conditions. These are more expensive than basic scooters.

At some point, many peoples’ mobility lessens as they age. Perhaps you or a loved one has lost the ability to walk to the places you want to go. Maybe you are tired of missing out on life because of your impaired mobility.

A simple solution to this problem is the purchase of an electric scooter. Electric mobility scooters resemble motorized chairs or riding lawnmowers and pivot, turn, advance and reverse easily.

Since the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), all public areas and businesses in the United States must provide wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities, which makes getting around on electric scooters that much easier.

When considering potential electric scooters for sale, you should research

1. Traditional electrical scooters
2. Motorized chairs
3. Payment options

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about traditional electrical scooters

Traditional electric handicap scooters have 3 or 4 wheels and steer using handlebars, similar to a bicycle. They are perfect for outside activities, since they glide easily over multiple surfaces. Some electric motorized scooters fit in the trunk of most cars and offer convenient portability. Most scooters have a maximum weight limit of 350 pounds, although some premium and custom models hold 500 or even 750 pounds. The greater the weight limit, the more expensive the scooter.

I recommend: Check out the electric powered scooter selection at The Scooter Store or 1-800-WHEELCHAIR.

Evaluate motorized chairs to increase your mobility

Another type of medical scooter is the power chair. A power chair has 6 wheels; you steer it with a joystick. These compact chairs fit through most doorways and have incredible turning radii. Although intended mainly for indoor use, you can use power chairs outside on smooth, even surfaces. The iBot power chair can even climb steps. These chairs have a weight limit of 500 pounds, although a few expensive custom models may hold more weight. Power chairs represent an alternative to a motorized wheelchair; many power chair users can stand and walk on their own, but they find it easier and less painful to use a power chair.

I recommend: Visit iBot to find the power chair that is best for you.

Pay for your mobility scooter

One obvious way to pay for your mobility scooter is to use cash or a credit card. Prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars for such products; if you have the financial means to buy one outright, that's great. Many senior citizens who use such products cannot afford them without help. Luckily, Medicare (and some private insurance carriers) pays for mobility aids such as scooters and power chairs most of the time, as long as you have a doctor's prescription for such a device. Most electric scooter manufacturers handle all the paperwork for you, so all you have to do is wait for your scooter to arrive at your door.

I recommend: Consider purchasing a used scooter or power chair. Check out your newspaper’s classified ads or go online to a healthcare classifieds site such as The Summit Living Independent Center. Read these frequently asked questions regarding Medicare coverage of power chairs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you buy an electric scooter, ask friends and family if they know anyone selling or giving away a power chair or mobility scooter. Trawl local yard sales-you may find one cheaper than you think.

Electric scooters are a relatively new home health care implement that helps individuals retain their mobility. Health care providers working in nursing homes and hospitals need to learn how to use and prescribe medical electric scooters properly. A thorough education about these power scooters will benefit nurses, occupational therapists and home care aides.

Electric scooter distributors and nursing aides with clients or customers that utilize electric scooters should be educated about proper use, maintenance, and safety. Electric scooters education and training should include the following:

1. Training concerning the correct and safe way to use an electrical scooter.

2. Learning how to assemble and troubleshoot electric scooters.

3. An education in when and how to prescribe/recommend an electric scooter.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to use an electric scooter properly in a medical environment

Nurses and health care professionals should be trained in the safe use of the scooter. Nurses should be able to educate patients and make sure they use the equipment safely, and home care aides and occupational therapists should be educated to teach people buying electric scooters for sale to use them properly at home.

I recommend: Pride Mobility offers downloadable versions of electric scooter manuals made by the top names in the health care equipment industry. Health care providers should educate themselves about the basic use and operation of electric scooters. Drive Medical also provides online user's manuals that are great educational tools for learning how to operate power chairs. Go to TheMedSupplyGuide for a crash course in electric scooter identification and selection.

Get training in how to assemble and troubleshoot electric motorized scooters

Most electric motor scooters can be at least partially disassembled for travel and storage; nurses and home care aides should learn how to assemble and disassemble electric scooters. Health care professionals should also be educated in methods of troubleshooting problems with electric mobility scooters.

I recommend: Nurses can learn lifting techniques, assembly and disassembly processes, and troubleshooting techniques for electric handicap scooters with this group of instructional videos from Scootaround. Pride Mobility also provides downloadable instructional videos for learning, troubleshooting and maintenance for an electric scooter. Download instruction manuals for all Rascal scooter models from the company's website.

Identify the process for prescribing electric scooters

Doctors and certified nurses often prescribe medical electric scooters for mobility or disability conditions in patients. It's important that nurses and therapists learn when and how to prescribe an electric scooter for their patients.

I recommend: The Scooter Store provides an instructional video to teach doctors and therapists what diagnoses are appropriate to prescribe an electric scooter. The site also provides downloadable forms to teach you the prescribing process. The Physicians Resource Center from Pride Mobility will teach doctors the examination criteria, coverage requirements and documentation process for prescribing electrical scooters. Visit the Physician Resources section of Hoveround's website to learn all aspects of prescribing a Hoveround mobility product.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remind patients and clients about safety accessories like extra lights and reflective flags that can make their scooter safer to drive.