Electric mobility scooters are fast replacing gas-run mobility scooters as vehicles for the locomotion-impaired. A large chunk of mobility scooter users such as the elderly and disabled are opting for electric mobility scooters for their convenience, comfort and greater speeds.
Electric mobility scooters need batteries to run. A typical mobility scooter would require two 12-volt batteries. Sealed lead rechargeable batteries are used and the charger is often supplied on board. Chargers have one plug-in AC point, but newer models have two points, one at the side and one at the rear of the scooter. This enables the user to get the vehicle charged without having to dismount.
Initially, electric mobility scooters were rejected by buyers. The reason behind this was the low life of batteries. Early batteries needed repeated charging; hence, the scooters could not be used for longer times. However, with the invention of more sophisticated battery technology, batteries are operable for longer times, providing mileages of about 8 to 10 hours per charging, which translates into a distance of 20 to 30 miles. Modern batteries can give speeds of 4 to 8 mph to electric mobility scooters. Batteries are available in 18 AH to 75 AH versions. The version of the battery decides the wattage of the scooter's motor.
Electric mobility scooters come with several convenient features for the users. They have a highly flexible tiller, which can be used to steer the scooter in any direction. Their seats are fixed on stems, which can be either sliding or swivel. Some seats can rotate by as much as 360 degrees, which allow the user freedom to move in any which way. Seats are cushioned and may have head rests for added comfort. Electric mobility scooters are also provided with carriers affixed to the tiller or at the rear end of the seat.
There are two basic versions of the electric mobility scooter - the foldable type and the utility type. Foldable electric mobility scooters are highly popular. They can be dismantled into four parts and be stashed away when not in use. The utility type scooters are sleeker and can be used for larger distances, but they cannot be disassembled.
Electric mobility scooters are more expensive than gas-run or mechanized scooters. They cost around ,000. However, if the scooters are prescribed by doctors, then their costs are covered by medical insurance. Electric mobility scooters and their components are also exempt of VAT for the elderly and the disabled.
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