Archive for the 'Mobility Scooters' Category


The Evolution of the Power Chair

Author: ElectricWheelchair
February 22, 2010
power chairs

Navigating narrow corridors or confined areas used to be a challenge for those people restricted to wheelchairs. Now there are a variety of  power chairs that provide improved mobility and allow people more independence. One of the main advantages is an increased turning radius.

 

Thanks to recent innovations, there are now multiple sets of wheels that allow for cornering in close quarters. There are also several speed options to allow you more versatility in your traveling. These new and improved units are sure to be just the first step in revolutionizing power chair and wheelchair technology for future generations.


Choosing the Right Scooter Battery

Author: ElectricWheelchair
January 20, 2010
electric scooter battery

Electric scooters are compact, easy to drive and park, and can help you improve your mobility. If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric scooter, you’ll want to know the various electric scooter battery options available to you. There are three types of electric scooter batteries, each with their own advantages. Read all about them and choose the one that is right for your needs.

 

The first type is a lead acid (SLA) battery. The advantage of this battery is that it’s relatively easy to find and the least expensive to replace. However, it’s the heaviest battery and has the shortest overall lifetime. It will last about 300 full charge cycles before it needs to be replaced. The second type is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This battery is much lighter than an SLA battery and lasts about 500 full charge cycles. The final type is a lithium ion battery, which is the newest in battery technology. It is even lighter than a NiMH battery and lasts about 800 full charge cycles. However, this is the most expensive type of all three batteries.


Maintaining Independence

Author: ElectricWheelchair
December 21, 2009
electric scooter

After my grandpa had two hip surgeries in a matter of a year, it was nearly impossible for him to walk more than a few feet at a time. As a strong-willed war veteran, he was adamant about taking care of himself and was horrified by the prospect of having to be pushed around in a wheelchair. Although he didn’t like it, he realized that walking simply wasn’t an option anymore.

 

In order to make the transition easier for him, everyone in our family pitched in to buy him an electric scooter. It has allowed him to move around more freely, and he doesn’t constantly need someone’s assistance. He is hesitant to show any emotion, but it was evident that he was touched by the gesture and concern for him.


The Friendly Wheelchair

Author: ElectricWheelchair
August 12, 2009
The Friendly Wheelchair

If you’re looking for the ultimate in mobility, you’re looking for an Amigo scooter. Amigo Mobility International, Inc. has been making “friendly wheelchairs” since 1968, when founder Al Thieme was personally motivated to create a power scooter to accommodate a family member who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. According to the company’s website, the Amigo initiated the entire power scooter industry. Today, Amigo power operated vehicles are known for their compact durability, unique customization options, user-friendly features, simple maintenance, and dependable operation.

 

Nearly anyone can find an Amigo scooter to fit his or her mobility needs. Amigo offers a compact TravelMate scooter that is optimal for hassle-free storage in cabs, cars, RVs, boat, and planes. Even though it’s compact and great for travel, it sill has a robust 250-pound weight capacity. For people of smaller stature who want to maneuver around tighter areas at home or in stores, the Amigo Express Junior is perfect to accommodate small frames. Amigo also offers convenient, reasonably priced replacement parts and accessories, like baskets and touch controllers, to make the Amigo experience seamless.


Touring with an Electric Scooter

Author: ElectricWheelchair
April 27, 2009
Touring with an Electric Scooter

While some elderly people give up on traveling with the onset of age, getting around in an electric scooter and traveling with an electric scooter is quite common.  Electric scooters have allowed many people, who were previously immobile, to experience the world like they would have with a younger pair of legs.  Most if not all notable travel destinations can accommodate people who use an electric scooter to get around.  Places like Disney World, Caribbean resorts, even cruise ships are common destinations for people with electric scooters.  No matter what your physical condition, getting around in an electric scooter can be simple and fun. 

Before traveling, it is important to double check that your destination is wheelchair and electric scooter accessible.  While almost all locations are accessible for handicapped people these days, some still haven’t updated their services.  But make sure to plan ahead of time, and you’re guaranteed to have a great trip! 


Three Wheel Scooter Talk

Author: Shasme
April 26, 2009

Amigo TravelMate ScooterThe advantages of three wheel mobility scooters include: Maneuverability, adequate leg room, usually more comfortable than compact models. Three wheel scooters are recommended for indoor and paved outdoor use. A lightweight and maneuverable solution to your mobility needs. This type of medical scooter features two wheels in the back and a separate, articulate wheel in the front. Amigo  mobility scooters are more solid and durable than most compact mobility scooters. With close radius the  TravelMate has the ability to make 360-degree full swivel rotation, thanks to the independent motion of the front wheel.

This is the perfect traveling companion . Independent mileage ranges from 20 to 25 miles per charge, and can be disassembled and transported in a large vehicle, van, sedan, or SUV. This model has a robust 250 lb. weight capacity. Some options include fully-cushioned Travel Seat with flip-up/adjustable/removable arms, headlights, tail-lights, mirrors to name a few. These Amigo scooters are customizable by request, and made in the USA in the “Auto Capitol” Michigan.


February 2, 2009

I have had a good friend for many years who happens to be a quadriplegic. Prior to 1995 he had no access (for insurance reasons) to an electric scooter.  Then in 1995 everything changed and independence was won. Though it sounds cliché this opened up a complete new world of independence. In this case the 4-wheel heavy duty motorized scooters have proven to be an economical and cheap solution to a variety of issues. These issues include convenience and a portable and quick way to accomplish daily tasks. Concerning the 4-Wheel Light & Portable motorized scooters the ground clearance, power, speed and climbing ability are also impressive and necessary in daily travel about town allowing a multitude of tasks to be accomplished.

Handicap Equipment

The 3-Wheel Heavy-Duty mobility scooters also are electric w/ batteries and most high-end brands come standard with switch buttons on the dash. The range and stability of most of these handicapped scooters are impressive @ 10 miles and up and many come with cargo options  such as baskets and lights. Another big advantage is the quiet ride. The 3-wheel light & portable scooters are the last category and provide fast storage and a transportable unit many of which fold or break down into parts for storage into a trunk or back seat/cargo area. Many of the lightweight portable 3-wheel scooters for the disabled are sturdy and built to last and provide a portability factor not provided by the heaver scooters.

An electric scooter is a very useful product for the disabled or elderly in today fast paced society.


December 28, 2008

Hoss Motorized WheelchairIf you are stuck with a power wheelchair that is a lemon you have two Choices. The first is to read your state lemon law and go kick some butt. The second is to sit around and feel sorry for yourself. The choice is yours to make.
Wheelchair Lemon Laws provide a legal remedy for consumers who are buyers or leasees of new
motorized wheelchairs that turn out to be lemons. If the wheelchair does not conform to the terms of the written warranty and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer is unable to repair the wheelchair after a reasonable number of attempts during the first year, the consumer may be able to get a refund or have the wheelchair replaced.

These laws may vary from state to state so be sure to check your state’s wheelchair lemon law above.
 


Choosing Mobility

Author: ElectricWheelchair
December 24, 2008
Choosing Mobility

Elderly people around the world are limited by their mobility, and it is the right of all people to be able to move about and experience all that life has to offer, no matter what their condition.  There are a variety of options for increasing the mobility of an elderly person, the most prominent being a scooter or power chair.  Though you might think electric scooters and power chairs are expensive, often times they are covered through Medicare or insurance.  Owning an electric scooter or power chair is quite easy; you simply need to plug it in and charge the batteries when it is not in use, and other than that there is little maintenance required.

 

Imagine being able to go to the grocery store, get around the kitchen with ease, or even take a stroll through the park anytime you want; being mobile provides a feeling of freedom and accomplishment that shouldn’t be denied to anyone.


Scooter Maintenance Tips

Author: Scooters
November 22, 2008

AmigoIs there any routine maintenance I should do on my Amigo?

While it is not necessary to do daily or monthly maintenance, we do recommend these tips for optimum performance:

Daily:Charge batteries daily when the Amigo is used. Charge the battery until fully charged to ensure proper battery operation. Extended charging is good for the batteries and will not overcharge them.  Monthly:

Check and clean battery terminals and the wire connections as needed with a light piece of emery cloth or brush and soda water. Clean upholstery, plastic and metal. Inspect batteries for any cracks or damage of any kind. Check and tighten any exposed fasteners. Check tire pressure of pneumatic tires.