When travelling short to medium distances by foot start to become troublesome, purchasing a mobility scooter is an ideal solution. These electric-powered mobility aids offer more stability than traditional electric motor scooters and are available in a wide range of options. The following commonly asked questions can help you select the best scooter for your needs.
What Is a Mobility Scooter?
Mobility scooters are much slower than regular electric motor scooters and usually only travel up to 15 kilometres per hour. Depending on the size and age of the scooter’s battery, a fully charged battery on a large scooter usually lasts up to 25 kilometres. It’s always best to ensure your battery’s fully charged before leaving your home.
Mobility scooters are sturdy and generally designed for people with limited mobility but enough strength and control to steer properly.
Do I Need a Licence Plate?
Mobility scooters do not require registration, licence plates, a driver’s licence, or vehicle insurance if it’s classified as a medical device. The same road rules that apply to pedestrians under the Highway Traffic Act apply to people operating mobility scooters.
For extra clarity, it’s always best to contact the Ontario Ministry of Transportation directly if you have specific concerns about operating a mobility scooter.
Where Can I Drive My Mobility Scooter?
Each municipality has its own rules about where mobility scooters can and cannot be used. In general, they should be driven on sidewalks unless there is no wheelchair-accessible curve. When this is the case, mobility scooters should travel along the left shoulder of the roadway facing oncoming traffic and return to the sidewalk safely at the first opportunity available.
How Much Do Mobility Scooters Cost?
The cost of a mobility scooter varies widely depending on the size, model, and manufacturer. In some circumstances, an individual may be eligible for funding through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). This program offers support and funding to Ontario residents with long-term physical disabilities. It covers over 8,000 separate pieces of medical equipment or supplies that help individuals with their basic needs.
Other programs that offer healthcare equipment funding include the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), March of Dimes (MOD), Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC), and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Additional funding for a mobility scooter may be available through an individual’s insurance or employer.
Are Mobility Scooters Safe for Seniors?
As long as a senior can confidently steer and control their mobility scooter with both hands, they’re generally safe to operate.
Consult With a Mobility Scooter Expert Today
When shopping around for a mobility scooter, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the available options. We can help you decide which scooter will suit your needs the best, from sizes to speeds to the number of wheels! Contact our knowledgeable team today for more information about our extensive product line of mobility scooters.