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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
_Buyer's Guide: Scooters
ILC Reference NO 43:43:001
Item sourced from ILC SA database
Short Description
Scooters are available in either three or four wheeled models and feature a battery powered motor, seat and tiller to steer. Scooters are used to increase and extend the range of personal mobility and help conserve energy. They range from compact indoor models to heavy duty outdoor models designed to handle rough terrain.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier information for pricing details.
More Details
The primary market for scooters is individuals with physical disabilities or health conditions which affect their ability to walk or limit their physical endurance. Scooter users often have some ability to walk, but are limited in distance or stamina.
Scooter users often have difficulty propelling manual wheelchairs, but do not require the sophisticated electronic controls and seating systems common in powered wheelchairs
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that the scooter be trialled in the prospective user's environment prior to purchasing. Try and establish what type of scooter will be required for the environment in which it to be operated.
Does the scooter fit the user comfortably?
Is the seat height correct?
Is there enough leg room?
Is the user able to swivel the seat?
Is the user able to reach and adjust the tiller?
Is the user able to reach and manage the controls safely?
Does the user feel safe when using it?
Financial implications
What are the purchase and ongoing maintenance costs?
Can the purchaser obtain financial assistance from eg. - DVA, Disability SA, charitable organisation, insurance company, service groups?
What are the terms of the warranty? ie. the length and conditions?
What is the availability of parts and service?
Design
Is it a three wheeled or four wheeled model?
Is it easily dismantled for transporting?
What type of suspension is fitted?
Does the seat swivel or is it fixed?
Does it have lift up or fixed armrests?
What type of upholstery is available? eg. vinyl, wool, fabric, sheepskin?
Size
What is the length of the wheelbase? (this affects the turning circle)
What is the overall width?
What is the clearance from the floor?
Is the height adjustable and if it is, how is this done?
Backrest
Does it fold down?
Is it fixed or adjustable?
Is it contoured?
Controls
Are they constant-pressure controls, or operated by a lever or bar using the thumb or finger?
Is it left or right hand operation?
Is a lever extension possible?
Is the forward / reverse control operated by a switch or control lever?
Is the speed control illuminated / printed?
Is the speed control a dial / push button?
Batteries
Are they dry or wet cell? (most are dry cell)
Is there easy access to the batteries?
Are they easily removed?
What weight are they?
What is their life expectancy and how easily are they maintained?
What is their range before recharging is required?
Is the charger separate or built-in?
Is there a battery gauge?
Motor
What is the capacity?
What weight is it?
How noisy is it during operation?
How responsive is it?
Brakes
Are they electro-magnetic brakes?
Is there an additional manual hand brake?
Wheels
The choice of wheels and castors affects the manoeuvrability and smoothness of the ride. Consider the environmental requirements of where the scooter will be used
The overall wheel size affects the clearance and ability to traverse rough terrain
Smaller wheels are more suitable for indoor use
Are there stabilizing buffers?
What colour are the tyres?
Grey non-marking tyres for indoor use
Black, suitable for outdoor use only
Accessories
Does it have a holder for mobility aids?
Is there a basket?
Does it have anti-tip wheels?
Does it require a trailer for transportation?
Does it require a hoist to lift it into a car boot?
Is it able to have a shopping basket connected at the front?
Does it have lights?
Additional Comment
It should be noted that persons considering purchasing a scooter for the first time or persons with new disabilities should seek the advice of their physicians, therapists, or other rehabilitation professionals in determining whether a wheelchair or a scooter is most appropriate for them, and / or what type of scooter best meets their needs.
Licence & Insurance Requirements
A licence is not required for a rider in an exempt motor chair (powered wheelchair or scooter) which is limited to a maximum speed of 10km/h. The rider is considered a pedestrian and road rules apply as for pedestrians.
For further information contact the Independent Living Centre or Transport SA.
Standards
For some types of equipment, specific Australian Standards are applicable to the materials used in, and the manufacturing processes applied to products. Compliance with relevant Standards is indicated by written certification that a product has been tested and assessed as compliant with specified Australian Standards. Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of an item as to its compliance with the relevant Australian Standard(s).
Transport Accessible
Can it be loaded into a vehicle if required?
Will the scooter be used on public transport?
NOTE: The Australian Transport Council Standard for Accessible Public Transport applies to taxis / trams / trains / buses / ferries / light rail. The maximum allocated space for transportation of a wheelchair or scooter is 800mm x 1300mm. This size should be considered if the scooter is to be used on public transport.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
Additional /images
No additional /images apply to this item
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