Mobility Scooter Accessories

Mobility scooters have been around for many years. They make it easier for those of us who are mobility challenged to live their everyday life. It is very easy to take for granted things like going to the grocery store or to the drug store. These things are not all that easy if you are mobility challenged, but a mobility scooter can restore your independence and freedom. Just like your car or phone there are many different accessories available. These accessories can be broken up into two categories: Generic accessories and mobility scooter specific accessories.

Generic accessories are accessories that make your mobility scooter more comfortable, more enjoyable, or safer, but are not necessarily product specific. There are many different types of aftermarket accessories that are designed to fit many different models of mobility scooter. Some examples are cup holders, extra attachable baskets, scooter covers to protect them from the elements, simple cane holders, rear view mirrors, visibility flags, and leg covers/warmers. Most of these items can be easily installed to a wide variety of mobility scooters. The rear view mirror for instance simply attaches to the handlebars in the same manner as those made for bicycles. Price wise the dealer can usually give you a better deal though. Since generic accessories are available for most different types of scooters, it is not a good idea, when buying a mobility scooter, to base your decision on what generic accessories are available.

Mobility scooter specific accessories are available for the most part to fulfill specific medical requirements of riders. These types of accessories are often product specific, however. Many mobility scooter specific accessories are essential components that directly affect the health of the mobility scooter owner as well as their ability to use the mobility scooter. Some examples are oxygen holders, quad cane holders, walker holders, seat belts, and extra headlight/taillight packages. Some mobility scooters even have available electric lifting seats. These seats make it much easier to adjust the seat height and also make it easier for those with extremely limited mobility to enter and exit the mobility scooter. Not all mobility scooter specific accessories are for medical or usability reasons though. The Shoprider Dasher3 comes with color change panels. The color change panels make it possible to change the color of the running boards on the Dasher3 and come in several different colors. Most mobility scooter specific accessories, however, provide essential medical or comfort features to the scooter owner. The oxygen holders and the adjustable seats are examples of mobility scooter specific accessories that are essential medical features. Since these types of accessories are not available for all models, it is important to make sure the mobility scooter will support these accessories before you purchase it.

There are many different types of accessories available for mobility scooters. Just like you wouldn’t buy a new car just because it has an available cup holder, you should not buy a mobility scooter solely based off of the fact that it has a generic feature. There are of course product specific features that may be needed for extra security or comfort. In these cases it is a good idea to make sure the potential mobility scooter will support this feature before purchasing it.

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The Golden Companion Scooter Series

A mobility scooter is a personal means of transportation that helps those with mobility related problems move around freely and independently. In the past these units were gasoline powered, but now almost all are powered by electricity. This is much more efficient and is also much safer. One company that is a well known and respected manufacturer of electric mobility scooters is Golden Technologies. Golden Technologies has been in the home medical equipment business since 1985 and began manufacturing mobility scooters in 1996. They strive to provide the highest quality and most reliable mobility scooters. All of their products are designed with safety and reliability in mind.

Golden Technologies has several different lines of mobility scooters that address individual needs and requirements. One of their most popular models is the Golden Companion Series. There are 3 different mobility scooters that make up the companion series and each is designed to provide around the clock service when you most need it. They are designed to easily disassemble for transportation, and are all backed by a great warranty that includes lifetime coverage of the frame. The mobility scooters that make up the companion series also offer an infinitely adjustable tiller, sealed transaxle that requires no maintenance, and an impressive on board diagnostics system. The units themselves are very easy to operate and include several easy to read gauges and controls that indicate, among other things, the life of the battery. They also utilize foam filled tires, so you do not have to worry about getting a flat or remembering to check the air pressure.

The different models that make up the Companion Series are all highly engineered and tested, but differ slightly in their options and features. The Golden Companion GC-222/223 is a 3-wheeled scooter and is the smallest of the 3. It has a turning radius of 37 inches, is about 42 inches long, and the weight including batteries is 148 pounds. It can support weights of up to 300 pounds, has a maximum speed of about 5 miles per hour, and an impressive range of 32 miles. Due to its size, it has the largest range of the 3 scooters that make up the Companion Series.

The Golden Companion II 3-wheeled mobility scooter is slightly larger with a weight of 164 pounds and overall length of 46 inches. Since it is slightly larger the turning radius is higher, 48 inches, but it also has a higher weight capacity of 350 pounds. Its top speed is about 6 miles per hour, and it has a range of 21 miles.

The Golden Companion II 4-wheeled mobility scooter is the largest of the 3 with a weight of 179 pounds and a length of 51 inches. It also has a higher turning radius of 54 inches. The higher turning radius is due to the fact that it is a 4-wheeled scooter. 4-wheeled mobility scooters have a wider wheel base, which translates to better balance and stability at the expense of the turning radius. The 4-wheeled model also has independent front suspension which adds even more stability and also creates a more comfortable ride. It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds and a maximum range of 19 miles. The maximum speed is similar to its relative, the 3-wheeled Companion II, and is about 6 miles per hour.

The Golden Companion Series is a very versatile and useful line of mobility scooters. No matter what your needs, there is a Companion that is made for you and will stand the test of time.

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Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters

A mobility scooter can make it possible for many mobility challenged individuals retain their independence, who otherwise may not have been able to go to the grocery store, the drug store, or to the mall. Mobility scooters come in many different shapes and sizes and depending on the type of scooter may be better suited to go four wheeling than your car. A mobility scooter is a device, generally electric, that allows a seated individual to move about freely and independently.

There are several heavy duty mobility scooters on the market. A heavy duty mobility scooter is generally not intended to be used inside of smaller structures like homes or in close corners like you might find in some stores. They are intended for the outdoors and have a much higher weight capacity, supporting up to 400 pounds. A heavy duty scooter can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go over most different types of terrain. One incredibly powerful and durable heavy duty mobility scooter is the Pride Hurricane. It is a 4 wheel drive scooter and with a high impact bumpers and fenders it is made to withstand scratches, chips, and dings. With wrap around handles the throttle can easily be operated with thumbs or fingers and has a maximum speed of 9 mph. To put that speed in perspective this is about 3 times the average walking speed of a young male.

There are many well made and reliable electric mobility scooters on the market today. If you enjoy the outdoors, or if you live on a large spread of land, then a heavy duty scooter, like the Pride Hurricane, is for you.

Getting the Most Mileage Out of Your Mobility Scooter

A mobility scooter is a personal vehicle designed to allow easy use and controls for those that suffer from mobility related challenges. While still available, gas powered mobility scooters have all but gone the way of the wandering water buffaloes, and have been replaced by the much more efficient and cost effective electric mobility scooter. Depending on the model these units can travel at speeds up to 10 miles per hour and cover distances of well over 20 miles. This is of course, under what is commonly referred to as “ideal driving conditions, which we all know are seldom available. There are however several things that you can do to ensure that you get the most mileage out of your mobility scooter.One of the most important parts of your mobility scooter is the battery, which is very important in determining how much of that maximum driving distance you actually see. A well maintained battery is the key to maintaining your mileage. Most electric mobility scooters use maintenance free batteries, so there is no need add water, but it is important to still check the connections, or terminals, and to ensure that the battery is not cracked or ruptured. It is important to completely charge your battery before you first use it. It takes up to 4 or 5 charging cycles before the battery is at its maximum charging capacity, so you will want to gently break your mobility scooter in. Until you have charged the batteries on your scooter at least 4 times, drive a little slower and do not take the scooter too far from your home.After the initial break in period it is extremely important to get into a regular charging cycle. How often you charge your scooter relies a lot on the way you use it, but by properly implementing a charging regiment you will ensure the longevity of your batteries. If you use your mobility on a daily basis then it is a good idea to charge it as soon as you are done with it for the day. If you only use your mobility scooter once or twice a week then you can probably get by with only charging it once a week. Depending on the model usually an 8 – 14 hour charge will fully restore the batteries. Most electric mobility scooters have built in battery gauges on the control panel that make it easy to see the state of the batteries charge. While the charger supplied with most mobility scooters is designed to not overcharge the battery, it is still not a good idea to charge the battery over 24 hours, unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer or the user manual. It is also important to ensure that the battery terminals do not get corroded. Many scooters use a dry cell battery, which generally do not get corroded, but corrosion can lead to poor charging and weak power.

While proper care of the battery is one of the biggest and most important influences on achieving the maximum range available for your scooter, there are also several other things you can do to ensure that you get the most from your scooter. Many of these also apply to getting the most mileage out of your car. For instance it is maintaining the proper tire pressure is essential to getting the best mileage and also promotes stability. You should also to try to avoid hills, broken terrain, and loose gravel or dirt as these can make your mobility scooter work harder, reducing its effective range. You should also try to keep your baggage and accessories to a minimum. In addition by driving at a steady pace and avoiding stop excessive stop and go driving you safely extend the life of your batteries.

The key to any vehicles maximum range is to use the fuel source in the most efficient manner possible. When it comes to electric mobility scooters this means taking good care of your batteries. One of the most important things to do is to properly charge and maintain the batteries. There are also several driving habits that can ensure that you get the most out of every charge.

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