4 Ways to Transport an Electric Scooter for Elderly People

 Electric scooters are a great way to help elderly people get around with ease. They not only restore one’s independence, but encourage you to be active. 

While they come with plenty of benefits, sometimes these bulky devices can be difficult to transport. Below you’ll discover a few ways you can easily do so. 

Types of Electric Scooters

There are a variety of electric scooters built to assist elderly people. 

Three-Wheel

A three-wheel electric scooter for elderly people has two wheels on the back and one on the front. Most of the time, this option is best for simple movements, such as down a sidewalk or to move from room to room in your home. Because they are a bit more compact than a four-wheel or rough terrain scooter, they are easier to maneuver. 

Four-Wheel

As its name suggests, this mobility scooter features four wheels. Two are located in the back and there are two in the front which provide you with better stability. This option can also hold heavy weight, including up to 600 pounds. 

A majority of four-wheel mobility scooters can reach speeds of 10-15 miles per hour. Four-wheel scooters also have headlights, a horn, and rearview mirrors to protect you. Some might be equipped with a cup holder, basket, and phone charger. 

Four-wheel scooters are big, so they aren’t ideal to use indoors. Despite this, they have a strong engine that can last for up to 10 miles before you need to charge it again. 

Rough Terrain

A rough terrain electric scooter is one that’s built to help you safely move across bumpy surfaces. These can move up to eight miles per hour and are built with thick rubber tires to prevent objects from puncturing them. 

Due to it being constructed for rough conditions, this scooter can quickly travel up inclines thanks to its powerful motor. 

Is it Safe to Transport My Electric Scooter?

Some mobility scooter users might be a little hesitant to take their device with them because they worry it could break along the way. 

The good news is it’s completely safe to transport your electric scooter if done correctly. Because of this, it’s important to carefully determine the type of transfer method you want to use for it. 

You’ll also want to consider the area you plan to drive your scooter in. If your scooter isn’t made for certain conditions, the activity could overwhelm it. 

How Do You Transport a Mobility Scooter? 4 Options for Transporting Mobility Scooters

Regardless of the size of your mobility scooter, they can be a little inconvenient to transport. Below are four options that can aid you in this tricky process. 

Use a Carrier 

One way to move these devices is to use mobility scooter carriers. The carriers attach to the back of a vehicle and help you safely move the scooter to its new destination. 

Keep in mind that most carriers are open. This means that they are susceptible to weather elements and debris. To protect the scooter, it might be good to put a cover over it. The cover won’t only protect it from damage,but from strong UV rays that burn out its engine and cause its color to fade. 

Attach a Ramp to the Vehicle

Mobility scooter ramps are yet another beneficial way to transport an electric scooter for elderly people. You can fasten the ramp to the trunk or side of a car so that you can drive the scooter up it. 

The right type of ramp will depend on a few things. If you plan to unload the mobility scooter in a heavily congested area, a side ramp might be best as you can direct it away from traffic. Side ramps also let you ride the scooter into the car and sit in the passenger area rather than in the back. 

On the other hand, a rear-entry ramp provides more space for the scooter to rest. Rear-entry ramps are also less expensive. However, they have a high elevation so you’ll need to be careful when you unload the scooter. 

Invest in a Vehicle with an Automatic Ramp

If you like the idea of a ramp, but fear that it might damage your car, you could invest in a vehicle that has a built-in one. An automatic ramp is situated within the vehicle’s floor. When you press a button, it will lower itself to the ground so you can load your scooter on it. Once you do, you can press the button again so the ramp lifts your electric scooter into the vehicle.  

Because an automatic ramp will be inside your car, you could consider investing in a battery charger to use with it. This way, themobility scooter can keep a full battery while you’re on the go. 

By adjusting the automatic ramp to get near the dashboard’s cigarette lighter, you can plug the charger into this outlet and then connect it to the scooter. 

Try a Scooter Lift

Scooter lifts combine the benefits of both a scooter ramp and carrier. To use it, all you need to do is drive the mobility scooter onto its platform. Then, secure it into place and use the small lever on the side to lift it off of the ground. 

Depending on the model, the scooter lift will either lock into place behind the vehicle or slide into it. Some might also require you to manually unfold the lift. If you’re unable to move heavy objects or prefer to not do much work when transporting the scooter, it’s best to make sure the lift is automatic. 

Should I Check My Mobility Scooter Before Using It?

It’s vital to do a quick inspection of your scooter before you ride it. This will make sure that the transport didn’t jolt something out of place. Some things to look at include:

• The tires
• If the mirrors and basket are in place
• If the lights are working correctly
• The motor and battery level

Conclusion