Guide to Selecting a Scooter - Independent Living Centre WA

A Guide to Selecting a
Scooter and Scooter
Safety
People who are able to walk around their home environment,
but have difficulty coping with the longer walking distances
involved in accessing the community, may find a scooter
useful.
There are many brands and styles on the
market, so it is important to understand the
differences between scooters before
purchasing.
Types of Scooters
Scooters come in three or four wheel models.
Some scooters are small and lightweight and
can be disassembled for transportation.
Others are large and have features such as
suspension and large batteries to cope with
long distances and uneven terrain.
Selecting a Scooter
There are a number of factors that must be
carefully considered when selecting a scooter
including:
 The user’s physical skills.
 The user’s cognitive, perceptual skills,
vision and hearing.


The environments in which it will be used.
Transport needs.
Assessment of these areas will help to
determine the type of scooter required,
whether a three or four wheeled scooter is
appropriate and which options and
accessories are needed.
Standard Scooter Features
Wheels
Four wheeled scooters may be more stable on
uneven terrain whilst three wheeled are more
manoeuvrable in confined spaces.
Seat
Most seats are contoured and padded. Some
are height adjustable and may have forward
and backward adjustment. They swivel
through 180 or 360 degrees to aid in transfers
and/or to allow the user to remain in the
scooter whilst at a table. The armrests fold up
to assist in transfers.
Selecting a Scooter and Scooter Safety
The Independent Living Centre provides a free and impartial
information and advisory service to help you choose the right
product for you
Tiller
The steering column with adjustable angle for
comfit and fit.
Controls
Acceleration is usually controlled by a lever
operated by either fingertips or thumbs. The
lever on the right operates acceleration and
the lever on the left, reverse. On some models
a single lever combining acceleration and
reverse, allows the scooter to be operated by
one hand. A speed dial or touch button control
allows the scooter speed to be altered to suit
the environment and/or the skills of the user.
Ignition
Scooters have either a standard key or a jack
plug. The scooter cannot be driven once the
key or jack plug is removed. If the scooter
needs to be pushed, the free-wheeling lever
can disengage the brakes.
Safety Features
Some models have indicators, a headlight and
horn. Other safety features may include antitip wheels, low battery light, automatic speed
reduction in reverse, reverse beeper and self
checking electronics.
Options and Accessories
A range of options and accessories are usually
available. Options may include a choice of
finger or thumb operated controls, seat lever
located on a preferred side, long range
batteries, high backed seat, and electric seat
rise.
Accessories such as sheepskin seat covers,
oxygen carriers, light kits, walking frame and
stick holders, and a safety flag may also be
selected.
Additional factors when choosing a
Scooter
There are many factors to consider when
purchasing a scooter. These include:
Cost
Is the scooter within my price range?
Environment
Will the scooter cope with the environments I
want to use it in? Do I need to use it on uneven
surfaces, small spaces or in hilly areas?
Control Use
Does the scooter come with the type of control
I need?
 finger operated,
 thumb operated,
 Able to be operated with one hand?
Battery Charging
Can I manage charging the scooter?
Adjustability
Can I adjust the seat and tiller to suit me?
Leg Room
Does the scooter offer me suitable leg room?
Seat Swivel
Can the lever be put on my preferred side and
is it easy for me to operate?
Selecting a Scooter and Scooter Safety
Scooter Safety
When using a scooter there are important
factors to consider, to ensure the safety of the
user and others.
Scooter users are considered to be
pedestrians and therefore must not travel over
10km per hour. This means you also need to
travel on the footpath when possible, give way
to traffic as required and cross roads at traffic
lights and pedestrian crossings.
Good eyesight, hearing, strength and balance
are all required to manoeuvre a scooter safely.
The ability to problem solve and make quick
decisions is also important. If unsure, see a
GP or Occupational Therapist for advice.
General tips for safe use of a scooter:
Plan ahead
Avoid busy areas and traffic times. Be
courteous and share space.
Choose the right speed
Even though a scooter is allowed to travel up
to 10 km/h does not mean that this is the most
appropriate speed for the environment.
Travel up/down ramps or inclines as
straight as possible (not at an angle) and slow
down when turning corners to stop the scooter
from tipping. Keep your feet on the footpads.
Always use a safety flag
This alerts other vehicles to the scooter’s
presence.
Ensure the key is turned off and taken out
before getting on or off a scooter. This ensures
that if the controls are accidentally knocked the
scooter will not move.
Always check tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres compromise the scooter’s
stability and efficiency. The recommended
pressure should be marked on the scooter
tyres.
Before moving, ensure the seat is in the
locked position. Lower seats provide better
stability.
Avoid carrying excessive loads in the
basket as this can interfere with steering or
cause the scooter to overbalance. Make sure
weight is distributed evenly.
Look and Listen - stay alert
Use a horn as necessary. Have rear vision
mirrors fitted. Always observe the path in front
and watch for uneven surfaces and
obstructions. Use caution over rough or
congested areas.
Get to know the scooter’s capabilities
Be aware of stopping distances, particularly on
wet surfaces. Consider endurance and battery
life - plan ahead.
Make sure the scooter is stored
undercover in a secure place and the battery
is recharged in a well ventilated area when not
in use. Scooter batteries prefer to be
overcharged rather than undercharged.
Avoid using a scooter in the rain as this
may interfere with its electronics.
Keep food and drinks away from the control
box and electrical fittings. If the scooter does
become wet, wipe it dry as soon as possible.
Can scooters be used on public transport?
Some scooters can be used on buses, trains
and taxis that have disability access. However,
there are guidelines which should be
considered:
The maximum allocated space for
transportation of a scooter on accessible taxis
and various modes of public transport is
800mm x 1300mm. This size should be
considered before purchasing a scooter.
For safety reasons, to access public transport
via a boarding ramp the combined weight of
the scooter and user must not exceed 300kg.
Selecting a Scooter and Scooter Safety
When travelling in a car or accessible taxi the
user must sit in an appropriate car seat with
seat belt. The scooter can be carried in the
boot or cargo area.
Transporting a Scooter
If a scooter needs to be transported, the
following should be considered:
 Can the scooter be disassembled?
Many scooters can be taken apart, but the
pieces are quite heavy.
It is advisable to determine if this can be
managed by the user and/or relevant
others.
 What type of vehicle will be used?
 Is the boot big enough?
 Do I need to consider using other
equipment such as a lifter, carrier, trailer or
ramps?
Can scooters be taken into shops or
accessible toilets?
It is expected that scooter users will be able to
walk short distances if required and can
independently transfer on and off the scooter.
This means that:
 Small shops may not have space for a
scooter, so it may need to be left outside.
 Accessible toilets are not designed for the
size of a scooter. They are only accessible
for wheelchairs.
 Lifts may not have adequate turning space,
requiring scooters to reverse in/out.
Can a scooter be driven at night time?
A number of lights need to be fitted to use a
scooter at night time, including:
 A white light at the front.
 A red light at the rear (red reflectors at the
rear are also recommended).
 Wearing bright or light coloured clothing
will also help improve your visibility.
Does the scooter need to be insured?
Scooter users who have a legitimate need for
the scooter may receive free Third Party Bodily
Insurance through the Motor Accident
Commission.
No prior registration is required. This covers
any injuries sustained by another person as a
result of an accident involving a scooter user. It
does not cover any injury that the scooter user
may sustain or the cost of any damage to the
scooter or the other person's vehicle or
property.
Do I need a licence to drive a scooter?
A licence is not required. Scooter users are
classified as pedestrians and follow the related
road rules. Scooters are limited to a maximum
speed of 10km/hour.