Monthly Archives: February 2014

Recreational Wheelchair Buying Guide

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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast you can find a wheelchair that is specially designed to allow you to comfortably enjoy a range of recreational activities.  At trusted online mobility retail sites such as Scooter Direct you can find a variety of wheelchairs you can use on the beach or poolside that lightweight, rust-resistant and built to easily traverse different terrains.

The Hippocampe All Terrain Wheelchair features a super light construction and will float in the water. It also contains no parts that will rust after exposure to the elements. And its double wide wheels will propel you across sandy beaches or gravel. The Hippocampe All Terrain Wheelchair has a weight capacity of 242 pounds. Easy to fold and convenient to transport, this outstanding wheelchair offers stability, comfort and durability.

Among the most innovatively designed mobility products on the market, the Rolleez Beach Wheelchair comes with a 6-foot umbrella so you relax in the sunshine without getting burned, and 4-foot high floating wheels with non-corrosive nylon bearings. This durable, lightweight wheelchair is a snap to disassemble into only two pieces, making it easy to take with you on your travels. Perfect for the beach, snow parks, campgrounds and sporting events, the Rolleez Beach Wheelchair moves smoothly over a variety of terrains and has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

If you’re an avid swimmer, you’ll love the Hippocampe Swimming Pool Wheelchair. This sturdy chair weighs only 29 pounds and has been specially designed for maximum water-resistance and will become your indispensable poolside aid. Equipped with a front directional wheel and a hydrophobe foam (closed cells) seat that minimizes water absorption, this outstanding recreational wheelchair offers optimum comfort. Other features include a comfortable fiberglass covered footrest, anodized aluminum tubing chassis that prevents the chair from overheating, and rust-proof technology.

For the most complete selection of brand name mobility products including beach wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters, lifts, ramps and walking aids please visit ScooterDirect.com.

Choosing the Best Mobility Lift

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Matching your vehicle with the options of mobility devices is easy with the Scooter Direct Compatibility Calculator. But selecting the right auto lift to fit your needs also depends on your physical capabilities.  Below is an explanation to help you understand the physical requirements of the different lifts.

If more than one lift category will work for you, compare the ease of various types of lifts.  In general, Outside Lifts are the easiest and require the least amount of physical labor to load and unload.  Hybrid Lifts are the middle of the road choice and Inside lifts typically require the most strength and dexterity.

Here are the Physical Requirements you should consider:

ALL Lift users must be able to:

  • Walk from front to rear of the vehicle and back
  • Stand for two to three minutes while the lift operates

Outside Vehicle Lift users must also be able to:

Hybrid Auto Lift users must also be able to:

  • Drive or push the mobility device on and off the platform
  • Hold down a button on the hand control while the vehicle lift operates
  • Fold the seat back of the mobility device or scooter till for its most compact position
  • For Retractor Straps, lean over and pull strap end to connect hook to mobility device.
  • Twist knob to increase tension and tighten straps
  • For Dock and Lock units.  Drive onto platform.  Verify green light is illuminated.  Drive off in reverse to unload.
  • Sample Lifts: Harmar AL600, Pride Backpacker lift

Inside Auto Lift users must also be able to:

  • Attach docking device to mobility device: May require bending or kneeling with adequate hand dexterity, balance and strength
  • Fold the seat back of the mobility chair or the scooter tiller to its most compact position
  • Apply pressure to hold button on hand-held control while lift operates
  • Guide the mobility device to avoid interference while raising, rotating, and entering the vehicle through a complete lift cycle.
  • Sample Lifts: Harmar AL225, Harmar AL425, Pride Silverboom 250

Choosing the right Scooter Lift or Power wheelchair lift is as important as choosing the right scooter or power wheelchair.  Choosing the wrong one can impact your willingness to take a trip due to the difficulty of using the lift.

Let Scooter Direct assist you with this selection and you will be sure to get the best vehicle lift for the best price available.  See our full selection at www.ScooterDirect.com

Mobility Products for People Who Have Had Bariatric Procedures

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If you’ve had a bariatric procedure to lose weight, it takes time to reach your ideal body size.  Meantime, if you have problems getting around you’ll need to shop for mobility products that are built to accommodate people who might weigh over 350 pounds. At ScooterDirect.com, an online store that specializes in mobility aids, you can find a complete selection of wheelchairs, power chairs, walkers, mobility scooters and home care products. In fact, ScooterDirect.com features a special bariatric category stocked with heavy-duty equipment designed to make life easier and more comfortable for patients and their caregivers.

Following is a list of products designed for people who weigh 350 pounds or more, along with hints on what to look for when making your purchases:

Wheelchairs – Look for steel constructed wheelchairs durably designed to accommodate you comfortably. These wheelchairs should have extra wide seating. Weight specifications will be listed in the product description and accompanying literature.

Power chairs – Heavy duty power chairs boast extra support, electric motors optimized to bear larger load weights and extra-wide seats.  The Pacesaver Scout Boss 4-5 Heavy Duty Model is especially comfortable with its luxurious contoured Com-For-Back seat.

Walking aids – Bariatric walking aids include steel crutches designed to support someone who weighs more than 500 pounds, and solidly built walkers such as the Go Lite Oversized Steel Rollator Model 10215BL-1 / 10215RD-1, designed for people who weigh as much as 400 pounds and the Bariatic Safety Roller Model CE 1000 XL built for people who weigh 500 pounds.

Bariatic Safety Roller
Bariatic Safety Roller Model CE 1000 XL

Mobility Scooters – High weight-bearing scooters include powerful machines that can carry 400 to 500 pounds. The Prowler Heavy Duty Power Scooter comes with all the bells and whistles including 500 lbs. weight capacity, front and rear wheel suspension, and reclining, foldable 360° swivel Captain′s Chair with headrest. It even comes with a safety package that features lights, horn, turn signals, mirrors and hand brake.  Homecare Products – ScooterDirect.com features an extra wide and tall portable toilet seat with legs.  Built to withstand as much as 600 pounds, the Extra Wide Tall Etta Elevated Toilet Seat with Legs and comes with Madda-Comfort Armrests for additional comfort.

Prowler Heavy Duty

Prowler Heavy Duty Power Scooter

To order the bariatric product you need for maximum comfort and mobility visit ScooterDirect.com where you will find the best deals from top manufacturers including Ableware, Drive Medical, ActiveCare Medical, Pride Mobility Products, and Shoprider Mobility.

Mobility Scooter Maintenance Tips

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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

Looking For The Best Discount Mobility Scooter?

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You need a mobility scooter but you’re on a budget which means you are shopping for the best mobility scooter at a discounted price.  Price is important but before you buy, take advantage of our years of experience servicing customers that bought a scooter without this information and ended up paying more than they wanted.

 

Used Mobility Scooters – We receive calls from people who just purchased a used scooter.  The scooter is not working and they want assistance getting it working.  The first question we ask is “what model scooter do you have?” and the answer, all too often, is “I don’t know but it’s red”.   Don’t buy a scooter if you do not know the model, even if it looks like-new, there are too many unknowns.  The scooter you bought could also be a discontinued model and parts may no longer be available which means you have lost your total investment.  Also, used scooters almost always need new batteries which can run between $100 and $600 depending on the scooter. Second most often issue is the charger is missing or broken which will cost between $99 and $350 to replace.

Discount Scooter Models – When shopping for a low-priced mobility scooter you should consider factors other than just the initial purchase price.  If you consider price only, you may buy a scooter from a disreputable vendor or a manufacturer that cuts so many corners the scooter is one bump away from being a big paperweight.  Also consider if parts are going to be available in the future; is anyone in your zip code qualified to work on the scooter; what is the warranty, and how do you get parts under warranty.

Best Name-Brand Discount Mobility Scooter Models – Below are a few products that have a good reputation, good warranty and are also low priced options for the budget conscious.

Manufacturer and Model

Weight Capacity

 Warranty

Price
Zipr Roo Scooter – 3 wheel

250

 1 Year Parts Only

$589
Pride Go Go ES 2, 3 Wheel

250

 1 Year Parts and Labor

$749
Lynx L-3 Three Wheel Microportable

300

 1 Year Parts Only

$779
Zipr Roo 4 wheel

250

 1 Year Parts Only

$669
EV Rider MiniRider

275

 1 Year Parts Only

$739
Pride Go Go Ultra X 4 Wheel

260

 1 Year Parts and Labor

$879

 

The scooters listed here will give you the assurance of a reliable product, long life, reputable manufacturer, easy availability of parts and will be easy to find a technician to service this model in the event of a malfunction.

Reputable Dealer – Last but not least, you want to consider who you purchase from.  You can almost always find some company on the internet to sell you something cheap but think about the potential consequences.  If there is a problem with the delivery such as damage or the wrong color, or if the scooter stops working the week after delivery, you want to make sure that when you call for support, someone on the other end will be there and be interested in making it right.  Check the dealer out before buying, for example check their Better Business Bureau rating.

ScooterDirect.com is an A+ rated company that helped thousands improve their independence using electric mobility scooters, power chairs, mobility lifts, wheelchairs and lift chairs.  We know you will be pleased with the exceptional service we offer.

GO GO ELITE TRAVELLER PLUS 3 Wheel

GO GO ELITE TRAVELLER

Choosing the Lift Chair that Fits Your Needs AND Your Home Décor

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While wheelchairs, walkers and power chairs are functional rather than fashionable, lift chairs can fit right in with your color scheme. Designed for people who have trouble rising from a seated position, a lift chair gradually lifts you to a standing position and eases you back into the chair. Lift chairs are designed for individuals who find it difficult to sit or rise from an ordinary chair. Unlike wheelchairs, which are moved frequently from place to place, lift chairs become part of your home décor. Because they typically plug into a wall outlet, they often are situated in the same location. In fact, lift chairs make such a dramatic difference in people’s lives, your lift chair will quickly become your favorite piece of furniture.

Fortunately, ScooterDirect.com carries a wide assortment of lift chairs in attractive colors and fabrics from top manufacturers including Golden Technologies and Pride Mobility. Choosing just right fit for you and your home is just a click away. Consequently, you or your caregiver will be able to choose a lift chair that will fit right in with your home’s color schemes and design. It’s important to note that you can’t just select a lift care without considering the height of the disabled person, along with his or her weight, and whether he or she would be more comfortable in a chair with arms or without. Making your selection in consultation with an experienced caregiver or your healthcare provider might be your easiest option, although most buyers conduct their own research.

What to Look for in a Lift Chair

You shouldn’t have to worry whether your lift chair will carry your weight because most can hold at least 325 pounds. However, the height of the disabled person is an important consideration when selecting the seat depth of a chair. If the disabled person is incontinent a vinyl surface is a good idea. Zero Gravity chairs are designed to relieve neck and back pain by allowing you to rise from a reclining position. These special lift chairs were designed by NASA scientists to relieve back and neck pain in. If style matters to you nearly as much as comfort, you will find the lift chair that fits your needs. For more information on lift chairs visit ScooterDirect.com.

Pride LC-525 Zero-Gravity Position

Pride LC-525 Zero-Gravity Position

The New Drive Medical Cobra GT4 Heavy Duty Scooter Is Now Available At ScooterDirect.com!

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Scooter Direct now offers the New Cobra GT 4 wheel mobility scooter with a  are 450 lb capacity, 35 miles driving range at a top speed of 10 mph over rough terrain! A 7 inch ground clearance and 14″ x 4″ tires are great for off road!

The Drive Cobra GT4 has a 24V x 950W x 5200 rpm motor and two 12V 75AH batteries giving maximum power, distance and speed.  Front and rear wheel suspension, pneumatic tires, infinitely adjustable tiller and a comfortable, fully adjustable seat with slide and recline, provide an extra smooth ride on long distance travel.

The ergonomic handle and control panel is full featured with half-speed control and a full lighting package provide a safe ride.  A 25″ base width passes through tight spaces with ease. This heavy-duty scooter is loaded with great quality and safety features to provide years of dependable service and safe travel over any terrain.

Cobra GT4 Heavy Duty Scooter

Cobra GT4 Heavy Duty Scooter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drive Medical Cobra GT 4 Heavy Duty Scooter Features:

  • New, innovative design for a distinctive, stylish appearance.
  • One-touch, infinite tiller angle adjustment allows the user to easily position the tiller into the ideal driving position.
  • Ergonomic delta control handles makes it easier for users with limited strength and dexterity to operate the scooter.
  • “Blade” style alloy wheel rims.
  • Efficient, extra bright LED lighting.
  • Choice of Full size, Sport Style, Captain’s Seats in 20″ or 22″ widths.
  • Seats are height adjustable, swivel and feature a fold-down, reclining backrest. Seats can be adjusted forward or backward on auto-style slides.
  • Padded armrests feature easy turn cylinders for angle adjustment.
  • “High/Low” switch for instant speed control.

Scooter Direct carries a wide variety of outdoor mobility scooters and other mobility products to help you get mobile.  For more information on this scooter: http://www.scooterdirect.com/drive-medical-cobra-gt4-heavy-duty-scooter.html

Scooter Direct has helped thousands improve their independence using electric mobility scooters, power chairs, mobility lifts, wheelchairs and lift chairs.  We know you will be pleased with our exceptional service.