Mobility scooters are a lifeline for those who experience pain, breathlessness or general difficulty in walking long distances. Easier to use and less restrictive than a wheelchair, mobility scooters can provide a new lease of life for mobility impaired persons who require assistance in getting around. They allow a person to regain independence, rely less on other people, and what's more, they're fun to use too!
Buying and using a mobility scooter however, comes with its own responsibilities. The ongoing debate about whether mobility scooters should be allowed to use the pavement or stay on the road has yet to reach a conclusion, but provided that you use your scooter safely and are aware of other road users or pedestrians, there is no need to fear the safety of using your scooter while out and about.
First and foremost, if you are going to use your scooter on the road, be sure that it is suitable for this purpose. Road bound mobility scooters must be certified as class 3 or above and be fitted with certain safety features. Front and rear lights are essential so that other road users can see you night and day, as well as indicator lights so that they can be warned of your intention to turn a corner. Hazard lights must be fitted too to alert others to the fact that you are broken down or in difficulty. Just like a car or other powered vehicle, your mobility scooter should also have a rear-view mirror, horn and - most vitally - brakes in good working order. A head rest and arm rests will also help to reduce the risk of injury should you be unfortunate enough to have an accident.
More luxurious models of roadworthy scooter may be fitted with optional extras including a reverse warning siren, suspension and puncture-proof tires to help avoid getting a flat, reflectors to increase visibility, and a seat belt.
These features and more are worthless if you don't operate your mobility scooter safely. While there is no need for a formal driver's license in order to use a mobility scooter on the street, it helps to be very familiar with the official rules of the road as presented in the driver handbook available at your local DMV. Always be sure to look carefully around you when making any turns or maneuvers, and pay attention to road crossings, children, animals or other pedestrians on the sidewalk who might step out in front of you. Keep to the side of the road and be sympathetic to impatient vehicle drivers who may be frustrated with your slow speed!
If you're using your mobility scooter on the pavement, all of the same guidelines as those above should be considered. Take care to stay to one side of the path to allow faster moving pedestrians or parents with baby carriages room to walk around you, and maintain a careful speed in areas where there may be potholes, high sidewalks to mount or dismount or a broken pavement. By maintaining the roadworthiness of your mobility scooter and taking heed of these few simple precautions, you can enjoy the freedom and independence that your mobility scooter brings without fear of injury or accident to yourself or others.
Buying and using a mobility scooter however, comes with its own responsibilities. The ongoing debate about whether mobility scooters should be allowed to use the pavement or stay on the road has yet to reach a conclusion, but provided that you use your scooter safely and are aware of other road users or pedestrians, there is no need to fear the safety of using your scooter while out and about.
First and foremost, if you are going to use your scooter on the road, be sure that it is suitable for this purpose. Road bound mobility scooters must be certified as class 3 or above and be fitted with certain safety features. Front and rear lights are essential so that other road users can see you night and day, as well as indicator lights so that they can be warned of your intention to turn a corner. Hazard lights must be fitted too to alert others to the fact that you are broken down or in difficulty. Just like a car or other powered vehicle, your mobility scooter should also have a rear-view mirror, horn and - most vitally - brakes in good working order. A head rest and arm rests will also help to reduce the risk of injury should you be unfortunate enough to have an accident.
More luxurious models of roadworthy scooter may be fitted with optional extras including a reverse warning siren, suspension and puncture-proof tires to help avoid getting a flat, reflectors to increase visibility, and a seat belt.
These features and more are worthless if you don't operate your mobility scooter safely. While there is no need for a formal driver's license in order to use a mobility scooter on the street, it helps to be very familiar with the official rules of the road as presented in the driver handbook available at your local DMV. Always be sure to look carefully around you when making any turns or maneuvers, and pay attention to road crossings, children, animals or other pedestrians on the sidewalk who might step out in front of you. Keep to the side of the road and be sympathetic to impatient vehicle drivers who may be frustrated with your slow speed!
If you're using your mobility scooter on the pavement, all of the same guidelines as those above should be considered. Take care to stay to one side of the path to allow faster moving pedestrians or parents with baby carriages room to walk around you, and maintain a careful speed in areas where there may be potholes, high sidewalks to mount or dismount or a broken pavement. By maintaining the roadworthiness of your mobility scooter and taking heed of these few simple precautions, you can enjoy the freedom and independence that your mobility scooter brings without fear of injury or accident to yourself or others.
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