Mobility Scooters

[CadyEastman]

Does anyone know anything about them? DA and DU want to go shopping for one and I'd offered to take them but I know nothing about Mobility Scooters.

Are they best buying it is renting an option?

Has anyone hit any tips or can warn me if any pitfalls?

Go to a reputable company/ shop.
They are very good at advising.
Asking what speed you want.
Dual battery.
Where you will be using it.
Will you want one to fit in a car.
Your weight etc.
They will have plenty to try out.
Depends on your finances if you want to rent or buy outright.
People on PIP can use the mobility part for one.

Thank you Moier

They're both 90 so too old for PIP but you've made some good points to consider

What @Moier said, and there have also been some good threads about this recently.

Hang on a mo....

This thread covered a lot of useful material, even if you're not looking for a lightweight job.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/elderly_parents/4822980-super-lightweight-mobility-scooters?reply=126745225

Lots of good scooter chat on this thread, although you'll have to pick your way through lots of other material.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/4960548-calling-other-disabled-people-what-is-the-best-gadgets-etc-you-have-ever-bought?page=1

Thank you so much @PerkingFaintly. I'll have a read of those in the morning when my brain might actually absorb some facts

@CadyEastman whereabouts are you? I might have one going for free - just waiting on a relative to decide if they want it or not but if they don't I just want it taken away.

Just seen this. Many places have them to borrow. Shopmobility, some national trust places. This would let you see how they get on with a couple of different models.

Our local car park is the base for shop mobility.
You can hire them by the hour

Hi @CadyEastman ,nhope you dont mind, I might be interested in the scooter if you haven't heard from op. Please let me know if it is available.
Thanks

Just one thing to mention. Are they competent to use them? Sight and hearing checks before they buy might be a good idea.

You can do a lot of damage to pedestrians if the driver is not competent to use a mobility scooter. Were they both drivers? This might help if they were. I hope that doesn't offend.

At their age I'd rent 1 if you/they are going somewhere. They are notoriously difficult to sell second hand

One thing to consider is where is it going to be stored? If it’s inside the house how are they going to get it in and out? Ramps are expensive, my GF has one and he has had to invest in a purpose built shed for storage as it was thousands cheaper than a ramp.

I'd agree with this. My very lovely great aunt got one after having her leg amputated in her late 80s. TBH she was a bit of a menace, she got one with a cabin and was often spotted driving on the road (it wasnt registered)going to town as she lived in a village on outskirts. It was a bit of a ridiculous situation as the police didn't really want to do anything so they'd watch out for her on the cameras and then call her nephew, a fellow police officer, and dob her in. Then he'd call her son to go and pick her up, scooter and all.

She was a character and loved the drama whilst declaring the whole thing ridiculous. Luckily no one hurt but it could have so easily been different.

My 98 year old grandfather has one but apparently he needs a driving licence now. He doesn't live in uk.

Key things:
will it fit in a car
hoe heavy is it when folded up etc - this is a big thing to consider!!! If it’s heavy then likely the user won’t be able to do it themselves…
battery life and replacement cost
tyres - punctureproof??
folded up size - can it go on airplane etc if needed
how does it charge and how quickly - what is duration in miles of battery charge
and finally - comfortable seat!!!

Sure wise for insurance. Depending on model approx £40 per year to cover theft, breakdown etc,
Some policies you can get replacement tyres on