Patients, baby boomers especially, are turning to scooters at an increasing rate. When considering a scooter it is important to consider:

• Where will it be used? Is the patient going to ride on a sidewalk to the park or are they going to be seen zooming down a busy street at rush hour? If the patient is going to use the scooter as a quasi replacement for a car, be sure to exercise caution. Consider purchasing a signal flag, carefully evaluate what the scooter's range is.
• How Far Will It Go? Road side service is not something that is offered for scooters, so you should carefully consider the range quoted by the manufacturer. Most scooters haev a range of 10-12 miles before the battery must be charged. This range will vary though based upon the weight of the driver and the speed driven.
• What Will the Patient Carry? Scooters typically come with a small basket capable of carrygina purse or a hard bound book. Additional baskets can be ordered that fit on the back or front of the scooter for between $75-$125.
• Should the Patient Even Have a Scooter? A scooter-driver has the same responsibilities of an automobile-driver and the consequences of an accident are far greater with a scooter.
• How Will Maintenace and Repairs be Handled? Inexpensive scooters can be found all over the internet, but one needs to consider where they will obtain maintenance, repairs and replacement parts. Most distributors will support the scooters they sell, but will not maintain those sold by other companies.