Mobility Scooters and the Gym

Tips for Enjoying a Good Workout
If you’re ready to purchase a new mobility scooter for the first time, it’s best to think of all your possibilities, rather than your limitations. If you already have a scooter, how about broadening your horizons by taking your machine to the gym to enjoy a good workout?

Most of today’s modern gyms are equipped to accommodate your mobility scooter.  And as long as there is sufficient room between machines and enough space to allow you to move about throughout the gym, you may be good to go.  Following are some steps you can take to ensure a great experience at the workout location of your choice.

Wheelchair Gym Training

Wheelchair Gym Training

  1. Get a complete physical exam if you haven’t done so recently. Make sure your healthcare provider gives you the green light to use the various machines at the gym. Let your provider help you decide which areas of your body would benefit from a regular exercise program that includes time in the gym.

  2. Take a tour of the gym. Make sure the gym has equipment that you access by rising from your scooter and using the machine. If you are unable to rise from your scooter without assistance, look for machines that you can use while remaining seated.

  3. Make sure the gym has clean handicapped bathrooms and a clean shower that is designed for people with disabilities. It’s a good idea to visit the gym at its busiest hours (you can ask the gym manager to let you know the busy times to use the gym as well as the hours when gym use is light). If the gym is poorly managed, you might find bathrooms that are not cleaned regularly, especially during the busy times,.

  4. Do not fall for the sales pitches of trainers unless you know that the trainer is experienced at working with people who use electric mobility scooters and other assistive devices. Get references from others who use mobility scooters. Some gyms such as Planet Fitness don’t allow trainers to make sales pitches. If you need a trainer, hire one who does not work at the gym.

Which type of Mobility Scooter is best for gym use
You can use either a 4-wheel mobility scooter or a 3-wheel device. However, 3-wheel mobility scooters feature a tighter turning radius than 4-wheelers. Four wheel mobility scooters are less maneuverable than their 3 wheel counterparts; however they give you greater stability, which won’t usually be a factor in a gym. You can also use a lightweight travel scooter; the advantages of a travel scooter is its portability.

If you’re looking for a new mobility scooter, you can easily order online at a trusted site from companies such as Scooter Direct, your source for all mobility products. You’ll find a great selection of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, lifts, ramps, lift chairs as well as walking aids, pool lifts, stair lifts and vertical platforms. Call: toll free (800) 987-6791

to speak with a specialist Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm (Eastern time). Scooter Direct also offers a live chat feature so you can communicate in real time with a customer service representative.

Mobility Scooter Maintenance Tips

It’s not difficult to keep your mobility scooter in tip-top running condition because the majority run on sealed gel batteries, you won’t have to worry about leakage, while high-quality charging systems prolong battery life. Built-in safety devices are designed to keep you injury free.  Mobility scooters utilize solid-state electronic controls for acceleration and braking purposes.  Safety devices incorporated into today’s mobility scooters help to protect the operator from injury. Other than adjustments to the seat, tiller handle and arm rests (for comfort purposes), adjustment is limited. Nonetheless, all of the scooter’s components require periodic inspection and maintenance to maintain the scooter in a safe and dependable state.

Following is a simple maintenance checklist:

1. Before you use your mobility scooter, read your manual thoroughly. The instruction manual will have great maintenance tips.

2. Before you get on your scooter, check your ignition to make sure it starts.

3. Once your scooter is started, try your horn and indicator lights to be certain they are sure your horn and indicator lights are working properly. If they are not, your battery may be weakening.

4. Check your seat and arm rest to make sure they are secure. Tighten if necessary.

5. Follow the manufacturer’s battery maintenance schedule so you will know how to properly charge your batteries and how often to charge them.

6. Clean your scooter daily. A damp cloth will remove most dust and smudges.

7. Check your tires frequently to make sure they have the proper air pressure or are not worn. Small, inflatable tires tend to lose pressure easily.

8. Keep your scooter dry. Do not drive it through puddles or wet lawns. Even routine household moisture can rust your scooter. Most importantly, keep it out of the rain; cover the scooter if it is necessary to leave it outside.

9. Take your scooter to a repair shop for regular maintenance and safety inspections. A qualified maintenance shop can check your belts, make sure your motor is operating property and keep your machine lubricated if you are unable to do so yourself.

Proper care and maintenance will keep your mobility scooter running safely. After all, it’s one of the most valuable and necessary products you own – it makes sense to make sure your scooter is working properly at all times.

Shopping for a mobility scooter?

Visit ScooterDirect.com, America’s Largest Mobility Store where you will find great deals on mobility scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs, scooter lifts and ramps, walking aids, and mobility accessories.

Zipr Roo 3 Wheel Scooter