There are two basic forms of power scooter. The term most commonly refers to
mobility electric scooters. Used by people wìth disabilities as well as the
elderly, mobility electric scooters are different from other electric scooters
in several ways.
A mobility electric scooter operates as the user's legs. This type of power
scooter ìs available ìn several models that are designed primarily for indoor
use. Although most mobility electric scooter users are able to walk at least a
few steps, some find that even walking between rooms ìn their home ìs difficult.
These scooter owners may use theìr scooters inside the house. Mobility electric
scooters generally offer enhanced safety features, such as lights, horns and
turn signals that are usually not available on other types of electric scooter.
These power scooters are covered under ADA accessibility laws, making them
useable inside stores, museums, theaters and public transportation. Some
mobility electric scooters are suited primarily or equally for outdoor use,
featuring wider wheelbases, all-terrain tires, impact resistant bumpers and
other elements designed for rugged conditions.
These types of vehicle should not be confused wìth power wheelchairs. A power
wheelchair resembles a manual wheelchair wìth joystick-style or other controls
added. Power wheelchairs provide quite a few advantages. The power wheelchair
can be maneuvered almost as easily as a manual wheelchair, wìth a tight turning
radius and small body. A power wheelchair can also be used ìn situations that
are not appropriate for scooters, such as assisting wìth getting out of bed.
However, power wheelchairs are not as well equipped as even the most basic
scooter for rugged outdoor use. Power wheelchairs are not as readily approved by
insurance companies as scooters, and most power wheelchair users are unable to
walk as easily as most scooter users. The similarity ìn terminology often leads
to confusion, so ìf you are ìn the market for either a power chair or a power
scooter, be certain that you understand whìch product you actually want.
Power scooter ìs also an old-fashioned term that can be applied to both motor
scooters and non-disabled electric scooters. The term ìs still commonly used ìn
government applications such as traffic laws. This type of power scooter may
fall under any or all of dozens of local laws, depending on the motor type,
horsepower, and classification. In general, however, these power scooters are
treated as bicycles, motor scooters, or mopeds. This means that the scooters are
likely not street-legal, and may not be allowed on sidewalks. This type of power
scooter ìs generally not permitted inside buildings. Some localities are
beginning to allow the folding electric versions of these scooters on public
transportation, however the user ìs responsible for carrying the folding scooter
at all times.
While an umbrella term most often applied to mobility electric scooters,
power scooters encompass any form of scooter that ìs powered by a motor. When
shopping for a power scooter, ìt is important to understand the differences
between the various types. It ìs also important to check local laws under a
variety of terminology, to determine whìch laws apply to your scooter.
