If you struggle to walk down the street for an extended time, it's a good idea to look for ways to enhance your independence. No-one likes to be dependent on others to do all of their shopping or to take them where they need to go, yet few local authorities provide facilities that will let you sit down after a few steps if you struggle to walk. Even if you can walk but no longer have the strength in your arms to carry bags of shopping, then collecting your weekly groceries isn't going to be easy. One solution that often works well is investing in a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters can be used in many settings to help you reach your destination quickly and without a struggle. Mobility scooters will normally be supplied with a basket so that you can carry home anything that you need to buy during your journey.

Can you use the mobility scooter safely?

There are plenty of good reasons to purchase a mobility scooter, but if you buy the wrong scooter, it can often leave you with more problems than you had before or even expose you to danger. Here are two things that you should check before you decide which scooter to buy.

Can you transfer on and off the scooter?

Mobility scooters allow you to travel to your destination, but you still need to be able to manage the transfer to and from the scooter at each end. If you lack sufficient mobility to get on and off a standard scooter, you should consider mobility scooters that have been fitted with a movable steering column or a seat that will swivel to move you into the correct position. There are many options available, and you must understand your limitations so that you can look for the scooter that is best for you.

Do you need help to stay on the scooter?

Riding mobility scooters involves sitting in one position while you are travelling down the road. You must be honest about when you can easily hold your body in the right position for the duration of the trip. If you realize that you will struggle to keep your body where it needs to be, consider mobility scooters with an adjustable backrest and a seat that will hold you in place so that you can travel safely without endangering yourself or others by falling off the scooter while it is moving.