What is a Mobility Scooter?

This transport is like a wheelchair but it is designed to appear as a motor scooter. Oftentimes, it is power-operated, therefore earning the name electric scooter.

It contains a seat with two wheels and an area that is laid out flat and designated for the feet. The handlebars turn the two wheels that can easily be steered. The seat swivels in order to gain access whenever the front has been obstructed by the handlebars.

Most mobility scooters are powered by electricity. There are others that run on batteries. It comes with a charger unit and electric outlets. There are also gasoline-powered scooters. However, they are fast being taken over by the top-selling electric models.

Important parts of the mobility scooter
The tiller allows the direction (forward and reverse) and controls the speed of the mobility scooter. This is the column for steering that is located upfront of the vehicle. The directions are controlled by the paddles that are operated by the riders fingers.

There are two kinds of mobility scooters; the front wheel drive and the rear wheel drive. The former is smaller compared to the latter. The weight capacity for the front wheel drive is a maximum of 250 lbs. The rear wheel drive can be used inside and outside with a maximum of 350 lbs. There are heavy duty rear wheel drives that are capable of lifting 500 pounds but it depends on the manufacturer.

These motor scooters (sit-down) have a long list of advantages for people who are having problems moving all over the globe. Scooters are useful for people without having to exert stamina on their arms, shoulders, feet and legs. They can actually use this as a wheelchair.

The swiveling of the seat makes it easier for them to support their feet as well. This is the main difference between the mobility scooter and the conventional wheelchair. Mobility scooters are helpful for those who have disabling conditions such as arthritis, lung and coronary issues.

The reason the electric scooter sells more than the contemporary wheelchair is primarily because it doesn’t appear to be the latter. Most people connote wheelchairs to old age. More elders prefer mobility scooters over wheelchairs. Therefore, these scooters are developing their own credible and dependable reputations.

It is also an advantage that mobility scooters are cheaper than wheelchairs. They are also easier to get from health care agencies and insurers.

Gas scooters have been around longer than electric scooters and it’s the stiffest competition but a lot of people still prefer them over the latter for various reasons. Nevertheless, there’s the usual set of ups and downs with riding gas scooters and some of them are provided below.

SPEED As far as the latest models from both gas and electric scooters are concerned, gas scooters are still faster. So if you want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, you’re truly better off with a gas scooter.

RAIN The jury’s still out there when it comes to determining which is better during rainstorms: electric or gas scooters? But as far as gas scooters are concerned, owners should fear getting their spindle frozen. But gas scooters with kick-starters and clutches can still be jumpstarted. Also, gas scooters are placed in more danger when they’re using smaller wheels and lower friction drive.

MODIFICATION Gas scooters are arguably easier to customize compared to electric scooters. There are also more accessories available and a greater supply means better leverage for customers to negotiate prices.

NOISE This is one category that gas scooters are at an obvious disadvantage. Gas scooters are extremely noisy. Even with the use of special mufflers, they are still noisier than electric models. And some states have laws against noisy scooters so you have to consider your states regulations, as well as neighborhood policies, before buying a gas scooter.

Going Green with Gas Scooters
Another point held against gas scooters is its source of power. Fuel burning contributes to the worsening condition of the ozone layer, but thankfully, the invention of green gases has given gas scooter owners a choice to turn their vehicles environment-friendly.

Ethanol One way of coloring your gas scooter green is by powering up with 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline of any kind. Of course, you have to make sure first that your gas scooter model accepts ethanol.

Bio-diesel When it comes to bio-diesel, you can either make one yourself or buy it from a bio-diesel provider. Mass-produced bio-diesels are energy-efficient and produced from soy beans. Using bio-diesels will also make driving gas scooters a lot cleaner; literally speaking.

Natural Gas Although prices for natural gas had a rollercoaster trend the past few years, they are still a shade better than using ordinary gas for your scooter.

Expect life with gas scooters to continue changing in the future for the better, of course!

If you want to save yourself from insane gas prices when riding around town, you can consider buying an electric scooter. Electric scooters have fair prices and will definitely work. It is good for a distance of 20 to 30 miles. Electric scooters aren’t only limited to travelers. These scooters are also useful for people suffering from mobility problems who can’t go far distances. There are those which are well-designed for ease of operation, convenience and comfort.

These are some of the well known brands of scooters such as the Pride Mobility Electric Scooter Series. The price of the Price Mobility Electric Scooter Series starts from $1,999.00 up. Another brand is Shop Rider Mobility Series with prices ranging from $1,349 up. The Shoprider Xtralite 4 Portable Mobility Electric Scooter at $835 and Phantom 3 Wheel Scooter at a price of $749 and higher are also other popular brands.

These brands differ in the weight, seat, design, speed and capacity. There are added features such as headlight packages to provide you with pathway illumination. There are also innovations with regards to leg room, body styling, rear and anti-tip wheel and front basket.

There are still more brands of scooters than the ones listed above. Scooters features may be important but there is still one vital fact that shouldn’t be neglected which is the life of the battery and charging time. Generally, sizes of the battery can vary from 12 amperes to 100 amperes.

The variations definitely have considerable difference in the maximum range. Large batteries can go for a distance of 40 kilometers in just one charging while the smallest electric scooters can travel for only 15 kilometers. Average sized electric scooters on the other hand can travel for more or less 25 kilometers. Take note however that there are other factors that can add to the distance a scooter can travel such as your weight, other things loaded on the scooter, the terrain and the weather. Normally, the power of the battery is good for just one day.

You may also ask the question of how long must the battery be charged. Usually, two 12 volt dry and deep cycle batteries are utilized by all scooters. The batteries can be gel cell based or lead acid. The performance of these batteries are best when regularly charged. It is recommended to charge them after use or every night. You must not wait for it to drain before re-charging, since it will last longer when charged at once.

Modern chargers have an automatic cut out feature which means that you can leave it charging without fear of over charging. Once your battery achieves the necessary charge, charging will be completely cut out. Another important thing to think about is how long will the battery last. This will generally depend on the usage of the electric scooter but there are several other factors that can contribute to shorten its life such as the type, how often it is charged, the inclines and terrain the scooter travels, the load it is carrying and others.

Normally, a heavy user or those using the scooter 5 times a week, can use a battery for a year. Occasional drivers which use their scooters once or twice a week can keep the battery life for 5 years. It is advisable to change your batteries every two to three years. A 1-year warranty comes with every purchase of batteries. These only cover manufacturers defects and don’t include the normal wearing out of your electric scooter.

Riding an electric scooter is a fun and exciting activity everyone will love. Although scooters are just prototypes of those big motorcycles, good designs can add maturity to your vehicle. Superior performances of numerous electric scooters are so impressive like the electric deceleration system and linear power delivery; these all add to the ease of use and fantastic maneuvering.

Electric scooters are very useful in our everyday activities since they can speed up our routine of going to places such as markets, parks, and so on. The best thing is that they are a lot cheaper than vehicles which need to be fueled again and again. Buying one is a good move! Just be sure that it comes from a reliable manufacturer and carries a warranty.

If you own a scooter and enjoy riding it, you have to keep in mind that there are laws that govern its use. And you must comply with them. Failure to do so could lead to infractions. If it’s your first time, you’ll get a warning. But if you do it consistently, you might have to do some community service or worse, spend a day or two in jail.

Generally speaking, driving a scooter follows the same rules as driving a car or vehicle. But to be more specific, here the laws regarding scooters and using them:

1. In California, you have to own a valid driver’s license or at least an instructional permit before you can drive a scooter.
It is also a must that you are 16 years old and above. That’s the legal driving age in most states. Those who are younger than 16 years old can’t drive their scooter on public roads. The licensed riders must have a class E at least. But then again, some states don’t require a driver’s license. Instead, a tag is required.

2. Scooters don’t require registrations, PIP insurance, or license plates.
As you can see, driving a scooter isn’t as strict as driving a car. Scooters don’t need any motorcycle endorsements either. This is because scooters aren’t expected to go very far other than around the block.

3. The use of helmet is required.
Regardless of how old the user of the scooter is, the law requires that they use a helmet at all times. A bicycle helmet is sufficient. Never go without it as you can be stopped by an officer. Furthermore, using helmets will protect you from possible accidents.

4. Scooter riders can’t have any passengers.
Scooters are for a single person’s use only. You can’t invite somebody to ride with you. This is because scooters are light vehicles. It may not be able to withstand the weight of two passengers at certain speeds.

5. Have at least one hand placed on the handle bars at all times.
If you are going to ride scooters on a public road, you have to comply with this law. This is not only for your own safety, but for others on the road as well. Unless you are in a scooter exhibition contest, don’t remove your hands from the handle bars.

6. Don’t drink and drive.
Don’t think for a second that because you’re not driving a car you are exempt from the drinking and driving law. The law that pertains to people who are driving under the influence of alcohol is applicable to those who are driving a scooter as well.

7. Don’t go faster than 15 mph.
Scooters can only go as fast as 15 mph and that’s the maximum. Even if your scooter has the ability to run faster than that, the law prohibits you from doing so.

8. You can’t drive scooters on streets that have speed limits of more than 25 mph.
When driving scooters on public roads, always know what the speed limits are. If it is above 25 mph, you can’t go there. That’s because faster cars could run past you and you could lose your balance. You can only use roads with speed limits higher than 25 mph if it provides for a bicycle lane.

9. You can’t ride scooters on sidewalks.
Bicycle lanes aren’t the same as sidewalks. Don’t attempt to drive the scooter on sidewalks in the absence of bicycle lanes. You are going to be apprehended if you try.

10. Scooter riders can’t make a left turn at intersections.
If you need to do so, you have to stop and dismount the scooter. You should also do that from the right side of the road. Then do a complete turn and cross the intersection on foot.

11. The use of headlights and reflectors are required. Should you want to use the scooter at night, it should be equipped with a visible headlight. The scooter should be visible within 300 feet or so. The reflector, on the other hand, should enhance its visibility for as much as 500 feet.

Yamaha is one of the top motorcycle manufactures in the world today. If you want to buy scooters from them, you can certainly do so. They have a wide range of models you can choose from, and some are affordably priced. Here they are:

1. Majesty
This one is tagged as the Yamaha scooter that has royal performance and utility. And much of that is because this model is the fusion of the looks of a scooter but the power of a motorcycle. With its rugged build against a four stroke engine, users can be assured of a fully-automatic transmission capability. You can take a passenger along with you aboard the Majesty. Plus, it can run in fast traffic. It has loads of storage space as well.

2. Morphous
The Morphous is an aerodynamic type of a scooter that will take you into the future. This is a fuel injected vehicle that is equipped with the 249cc four stroke engine. Its modern engineering allows for both style and performance. Being aerodynamic, it is designed for optimum wind protection. It can practically cut through the air swiftly and cleanly.

3. Vino 125
Are you looking for a very comfortable scooter? Then the Vino 125 is the best option for you. It can be used by both men and women alike. The style is on the vintage side, but its fuel efficient engine can provide strong but predictable power with unbelievable gas mileage.

4. Zuma
Good things do come is small packages. This particular model is actually back by popular demand. The scooter’s very sporty style complements its fun and practical features. You can do everything with Zuma. You can certainly use it as a trick scooter. But it can also double as a sports utility vehicle as well. Take your pick. Zuma gives you that freedom.

5. C3
Scooters can be attractive as well. And it can make you feel good too. The Yamaha C3 is all of those exactly. This scooter is highly functional and works with a 49cc fuel injected four-stroke engine. This model can run for up to 116 miles on a single gallon of fuel.

6. Vino Classic
The Vino Classic looks a lot like the Vino 125. It boasts of a euro style design and is built with optimum engineering. It is a very functional, economical, and reliable vehicle. And it can be rather fun to ride as well.

So you have decided to buy a scooter. But what are the points you need to consider when buying one? Surely, there are certain features you should check when buying scooters. Answer the following questions before buying one.

1. How fast do you want to go?
Scooters are equipped with different types of engines. If you know how motorcycles work, then you won’t be at a loss when buying a scooter. Scooters normally run a maximum speed of 60 mph. If you want to go faster than that, you might need to look harder to find the right model that fits your needs. Four stroke and four valve engines are always the best buy.

2. What style do you like?
Are you in for that modern day scooter look? Or do you prefer the vintage types? If you are going to buy scooters more to impress your friends rather than use it as a means of transportation to move around town, then just bank on the way a scooter looks. You need not really look deeper into the scooter’s specifications.

3. How does the scooter handle?
Some scooters are as tame as puppies. But others act like a raging bull. So decide which one you want. Do you want something that’s easy and comfortable to ride? Or do you want to harness your subtle wild side and wrestle with the scooter’s engine from time to time? For this, you can ask a knowledgeable salesperson. Otherwise, you need to test drive the scooter yourself.

4. Is storage important?
If you intend to use the scooter when going out to the mall or buying groceries, then you should check the scooter’s under seat compartment. Some are wide enough to hold two full mask helmets. But others can only hold registration papers and other small devices. This is an important question to ask.

5. Can it take passengers?
Some scooters are a one passenger type of a vehicle. Meaning, only the driver can board it. Asking somebody to ride with you could lead to you being apprehended by a police officer. So if you need to take somebody for a ride every time you use the vehicle, then get the scooter that is built with a back seat.

6. How much is it? Price is always a factor, unless of course you are filthy rich and can afford tens of thousands of dollars on a scooter without thinking. Buy only the scooter that you can afford.

Try to research on scooters and the first thing that comes to mind, looking at all those Google results, is that scooters generally refer to these bicycle-like toys for kids. But a deeper research shows that scooters aren’t just toys but they are also very useful mobility providers for senior citizens and for those who can’t walk.

Anyone planning to buy a scooter might be confused as to the availability of quite a number of products about scooters. Thus, the purchase of a scooter shouldn’t be done without doing some research first. You should adhere to a set of guidelines when buying scooters so here goes:

Who will use the scooter?

The age and personality of the would-be user of the scooter should be a priority consideration when buying a scooter. The fact that there are a lot of scooters to choose from (different models from different companies) should make you knowledgeable on the important factors to consider when buying one.

If the scooter will be given to a child then make sure it is appropriate for his age and height. Don’t buy scooters big enough for a ten-year old kid for fear that he will outgrow the scooter. Buying a big scooter not fit for the height of the child will just make him frustrated because he won’t be able to ride it properly if at all. Buying a scooter that is one or several sizes too big for the child will also be dangerous because his feet won’t be able to reach the ground in case he wants to stop the scooter without using the breaks. A colorful scooter, with neon side designs would be appropriate for a child not only because it will be more attractive for him but for safety reasons (since bright-colored scooters are easily seen even).

On the other hand, a scooter that will be used by an elderly person or someone with disability should conform to the needs of that person. If the purpose is for house mobility then buy one that is suited for home use. If the purpose is for outside mobility then make sure the scooter is safe and responds to that need. A scooter which is intended for the mobility of a senior citizen or a disabled person should be remote controlled, with the controls easily accessible to the user. For the elderly and the disabled, a functional scooter is the best choice.

Scooters are no longer just for kids or the elderly. Teenagers and even adults are into scooters now because of the easy mobility they provide. Some people use scooters to go to their offices daily. Some use them for strolling around the neighborhood. Teenagers are hooked on the newest craze in town so getting them scooters with new designs would be great.

Safety measures

Safety issues should be one of the top concerns of parents when buying scooters. Parents who have decided to buy scooters for their children should make sure they also buy the appropriate safety accessories like helmets and crash pads. To encourage children to use them, make sure they approve the design and the color of the helmets and the crash pads. Finding helmets that have the latest designs (cartoon characters for the really small kids and perhaps their favorite movies or designs would be best for teenagers). These safety measures should also be considered when buying scooters for adults and the disabled because they aren’t exempt from accidents.

Legal Issues

The legality of using scooters should also be considered. Check with the laws of the state or the locality where the scooter will be used. Most states prohibit the use of scooters on the highway. Also ask about registration requirements for the scooter.

Scooter power

Scooters come in all shapes and sizes. There are seven types of scooters (body types) to choose from:
Suzuki Burgman
Classic Vespa scooter
Chopper Honda Joker
Aprillia for off-road
Aprillia for maxi touring
Sports Gilera Runner
Piaggio Zip for commuting

Also make sure about the scooter engine size. A 50cc scooter is good enough for city or town driving. For those who want more power from their scooters then a 125 cc engine will be ideal. Also get scooters with wider tires for stability.

Are you looking to buy a scooter? If so, the first thing you should be concerned about is where to buy them. Should you go to a store or directly to a dealer? Here are the places where you can buy scooters.

1. From an authorized dealer. Do you already have a brand of scooter in mind to buy? If so, just go ahead and call the head office directly. You can then request assistance so you can be referred to an authorized dealer within your area. Vesper, Suzuki, Honda, and Piaggio strategically assign at least one dealer in each state. Call them and find out where you need to go.

2. From a Local Store. You never know what Nordstrom, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy might sell. For all you know, you can order scooters from them as well. Just drive around town and scout out the local stores that market scooters. You can even check out the mall. Surely, it is going to be available from there as well. If you look hard enough, you might even buy a scooter right on the spot.

3. Do-it-yourself bicycle and scooter centers. There are a lot of custom made scooters nowadays. If you don’t mind buying unbranded models, then you can very well check out these specialized stores. These stores can create a scooter for you according to your specifications. Plus, these stores sell their scooters at very low prices. You can get one for less than a thousand dollars.

4. Vehicle auction centers. If what you want are second hand units, vehicle auction centers are the places to check out. Most of the big brands are being sold there at half the price. Just make sure that you know how to inspect scooters. First time users are discouraged from buying from auction centers as you might not be able to properly assess the workability of the vehicle.

5. Online stores. Do you want to shop without leaving the comfort of your own home? Then online scooter stores are the best choices for you. Just make sure you select the stores you are going to strike a deal with. Stay away from fly-by-night stores that will just take your money. Buy from reputable ones that have superior customer service and fast delivery systems.

These are the places where you can buy scooters. You should be able to find the scooter of your dreams from one of these stores. Just make sure you fully inspect the vehicle you are buying. Returning merchandise as big as a scooter isn’t convenient.

Choosing a scooter isn’t a complicated process, but you still need to give it serious thought. The wrong choice won’t just result in a poor investment but it could endanger your life as well.

Power Scooters may be manual or foot-powered, electrical, or gas-powered. Each has its pros and cons. Manual scooters are the cheapest but also the least convenient since it requires you to expend physical effort. Electric scooters are environment friendly like manual ones but more comfortable to use because you don’t need to do anything except glide on your scooter. In some cases, electric scooters even come with seats.

Last but not least are the gas-powered scooters; they’re more powerful, faster, and perform better in off-road conditions. They do however contribute to air pollution and they’re also the most expensive of the three.

Weight The first type of weight you should be concerned about is the weight of the machine. Choose a scooter whose weight is something you can easily handle. Secondly, check the maximum load weight. This is especially important if you expect someone to ride with you on your scooter once in a while.

Comfort If you’re less than average height, choose a scooter that fits your frame perfectly for the sake of your safety. Make sure handle bars, brakes, and signals are all easily accessible. During accidents, every second counts and you wouldn’t want to waste precious time and effort trying to reach for your scooters handle bar. Check the seat. Is it comfortable and wide enough for you?

Cost How much does the scooter cost? The price of a scooter is affected by various factors, which include but aren’t limited to speed, design, and brand name. If you’re going to have your purchase shipped, the distance between your home and the nearest branch will definitely affect the total cost of your scooter.

Maintenance Electric scooters are virtually hassle-free when it comes to maintenance while gas scooters subject you to the usual mixture of dirt, oil, and grime during cleanups and repair.

Warranty and After Sales Service and Support Always consider life after buying your scooter. What kind of product and service warranty is offered by the company? It’s ideal if the scooter company has a branch in or at least near your area. Lastly, its better as well if you buy a scooter that has ample spare parts available on the market.

And when you’re done considering all these, the last factor to determine is none other than looks. Choose a scooter that you feel safe and cool driving!

Looking for Italian made scooters? Then you’ve come to the right place. One of the many Vespa scooter models will surely captivate your taste and meet your meticulous requirements. Here are the best selling Vespa scooters of all time:

1. Granturismo 200
The Granturismo 200 is a four stroke, four valve scooter that works on a 200cc engine. It is liquid cooled and works remarkably well. This model secretes very low levels of both noise and air pollution. And because of that, its engineering has grown to become industry standard ever since. But the Granturismo 200 isn’t purely function and performance only. It has great style and offers superior comfort as well.

2. GTS 250
Do you want to know how fast you can go on a scooter? Then the Vespa GTS 250 is the best option for you. It is the fastest Vespa ever created. This model is equipped with a 250cc 4 stroke 4 valve engine. It has wheels 12 inches in diameter that can take you way faster than the regular 60mph limit of scooters. The GTS 250 is a fusion of performance, engineering, and style all in one scooter.

3. The LXV and GTV Vintage Collection
Are you a fan of the 50’s or the 60’s? Then you’ll love how Vespa has reinvented their scooters. The LXV and GTB scooter series is patterned after the older Vespa models, but their engines aren’t as outdated as their styles may look like. The LXV has a 150cc four stroke engine while the GTV sports the 250cc four-valve liquid cooled engine.

4. GT60
In celebration of Vespa’s sixtieth anniversary, they have manufactured the limited edition Vespa GT60. Only 999 units are being sold world wide, and only 250 are available in the U.S. The lucky owners of this Vespa will receive a commemorative badge that bears the owner’s initials. The GT60 follows the Vespa 98 Model that first became available in 1946. It is also the same scooter that started Vespa’s scooter manufacturing history.

5. LX
If you want to witness the evolution of style, performance, and features of a Vespa in one scooter, the LX series is the best example. This model took 60 long years to make. But it was worth the wait. This model is manufactured in either 150cc or 50cc engine versions. It can take you as fast as 59mph anywhere, everywhere.

These are your Vespa options. If you want these scooters, just go ahead and try them. Then you’ll get to experience what Italian vehicle precision is all about.