EP143: Mobility Scooters

Jul 21, 2023

“Motor scooters really can't make a major difference in the life of an older adult who might not otherwise be able to leave their home without one. This impacts their independence and as I found out, it actually impacts their care partners as well.”

—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN

Imagine not being able to leave your home and go out with your family and friends due to debilitating back pain. Walking just 15 feet becomes a challenge, and you rely on a cane or rolling walker for shorter distances. How do you cope with basic activities like shopping or going out for lunch?

Get ready for a super informative episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World! I've got six essential things to share with you about buying a motor scooter for yourself or a loved one. Trust me, it took four generations of my family just to take my grandmother, Nonnie, out for a day of lunch and shopping!

Tune in and get the inside scoop on age-friendly mobility options!

Key points covered in this episode:

 

✔️ Whizzing Along - A Look at Motor Scooters
Discover the world of motor scooters – the ultimate assistive technology. These sleek, battery-operated vehicles are perfect for individuals who are capable of walking but may need a little extra help getting around. With their convenient seat and handlebar steering, motor scooters offer both comfort and control. Whether you're cruising on the pavement or hitting the road, these versatile scooters can take you anywhere you need to go. Equipped with essential features like speed control, a horn, and even storage options, motor scooters are designed with your convenience in mind. Safety is a priority too, as users must be able to turn their head to look behind them when backing up.

However, it's important to note that, unlike wheelchairs, motor scooters are not guaranteed access to all buildings under the American Disabilities Act.

 

✔️ Before You Buy: 6 Factors To Consider Before Purchasing a Motor Scooter

#1. Where Do You Want To Go?

My mom brought Nonnie to town for a doctor's appointment on this particular morning. When it came to choosing a restaurant for lunch, our top priority was finding one that was fully accessible. We decided on the Oceanic, located by the beach, because they had a spacious ramp leading to the entrance. Although the ramp had a tight turn, Nonnie managed to navigate it and transfer to her chair. Thankfully, the restaurant wasn't crowded, so there was enough room for her scooter to be parked right by our table.

#2. How Agile Is The Scooter In Tight Spaces?

Nonnie effortlessly navigates a ramp and makes a sharp turn to enter a restaurant. Before we left, we made sure to stop by the bathroom to ensure the scooter could easily fit inside. Nonnie smoothly transferred onto the scooter, entered the stall, and then drove out. As we were leaving, Davis was incredibly helpful by opening the door for her. Nonnie skillfully maneuvered back down the ramp without any difficulties. Her scooter handled the transition from the boardwalk to the pavement flawlessly.

#3. How Much Does The Scooter And The Battery Weigh?

Discovering the weight range of scooters was quite surprising - they can weigh anywhere from 46 to 400 pounds, excluding the battery. My grandmother's scooter, ith its 25-pound battery, weighed well over 50 to 60 pounds. It was quite a challenge to lift it from my mom's car to the pavement and back. Thankfully, Davis was there to help us with this heavy task. However, my mom and aunt wouldn't be able to handle the weight on their own, making it impossible for them to take my grandmother anywhere with the scooter. We definitely need lighter scooters.

#4. How Will You Get It To Another Location – Does It Fit Into The Back Of Your Vehicle?

Transporting a scooter can be quite a challenge! Especially when it comes to fitting it in the back of your vehicle. Trust me, I've been there, done that. And let me tell you, it's not a pretty sight. However, picking up and disassembling the scooter can make the process a bit of a fiasco. My mom's car was no exception - it required some strategic planning and a bit of a game of Tetris to get the scooter securely in the back. But with a little patience and some creative thinking, we were able to make it work. So if you find yourself in a similar situation, don't stress - it may take a little extra effort, but it's definitely doable.

#5. How Easy It Is To Disassemble And Reassemble?

While Davis handled the heavy lifting, I was in charge of assembly. I must admit, our second stop at the shopping center was a bit challenging. We asked three people for assistance, but they were as clueless about the scooter as we were. However, after some trial and error, we were able to reassemble it successfully. It's worth noting that even the chair itself was bulky and difficult to align and fit onto the pedestal. Removing the seat to transport it from the restaurant to the shopping center added another complication.

#6. How Far Will It Go On One Battery Charge?

Scooters can travel varying distances on a single charge, ranging from 10 to 35 miles. Nonnie's scooter had a full battery so we went shopping for lunch using her scooter, successfully navigating sidewalks, curbs, and most aisles in the department store. Nonnie was able to complete her shopping independently, demonstrating impressive focus and determination to accomplish her goals.

 

✔️ Don't Keep Those Scooter Stories To Yourself!
Don't be shy, share your scooter stories with us! We want to hear all about your wild rides and smooth cruises. Drop a comment and make us laugh or gasp in amazement.

 

✔️ Do You Have A Brilliant Idea For Making Scooters Easier To Transport?
Got any secret tips or tricks up your sleeve when it comes to navigating those pesky scooter paths? We want to know! Help us avoid those nasty potholes and tricky corners by leaving a comment below.

✔️ Attention Scooter Companies
If you're a scooter manufacturer looking to improve your products, Nonnie and I are ready to put them to the test! Drop us a line and let's collaborate on creating the ultimate lightweight, easy-to-assemble scooter.

✔️ Calling All Mobility Scooter Gurus!
If you're in the industry and striving to make life easier for scooter enthusiasts all over the world, we want to hear from you. Reach out on our website and let's start a conversation about scooter design and innovation. Drop a comment or message me directly with your thoughts and ideas. Who knows - you could be the one to revolutionize the scooter industry!

If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio
or video clip and email it to me at [e-mail], and I will get back to you by
recording an answer to your question.

About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN:

 

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.