What to Consider Before you Buy a Scooter…

Scooters are a wonderful way to get around your local community if walking down to the shops, a café or even the park is not something you are able to manage. Just like a car though, it is always recommended to test drive a scooter before buying, to make sure you are buying one that is right for you and the environment you are wanting to use it in. It is important to understand that when you or a loved one identify a goal around wanting to get a scooter, there are many steps that need to be taken to achieve this goal. These steps are a recommended process to keep buyers safe when using the scooter but also support the safety of community members as well.

Scooters come in all different shapes and sizes, which means they can be used in all different areas. The first few considerations after identifying a goal around getting a scooter include:

If buying a scooter is a goal you have identified, it is also important for your prescribing therapist(s) to complete different assessments across multiple visits, and even liaise with your regular doctor, so we can ensure your safety while supporting you in achieving your goals.

One assessment that you will hear your therapist mention is an “off-road assessment”. This assessment considers all the questions mentioned above, and more, including questions around your health needs, to make sure you can operate a scooter safely. Throughout this process, you may even contemplate doing a self-assessment (provided by your therapist) to provide an insight into the safety considerations associated with scooters and how you might navigate any concerns. This will help you and your therapist work towards achieving your goal of purchasing a scooter.

Following the completion of the off-road assessment, your therapist will arrange for a trial of a scooter in the area (or areas) you wish to use this and complete an “On-Road assessment”. Each therapist and equipment supplier will have a different process for arranging a trial, but always aim to complete a trial in the area you will be using the scooter before committing to buying one. This will allow you to practice going up and down any gutters/kerbs that may be on your track to the shops, or over grass at the park. The last thing you want is to get your scooter and still not be able to go where you want to!

Some tips of what to consider when trialing the scooter:

Following the completion of these assessments and trials there may be required reports for your therapist to complete to apply for funding on your behalf for the purchase of the scooter you and your therapist have agreed upon. If, however, your therapist feels that a scooter is not going to be the safest option for you, there are further processes to follow so you can still be supported in achieving your goals and independence.

Once you have a scooter, your therapist may suggest insurance and even an RAA membership so you can get help if you break down. An On-Road assessment is recompleted every 12-months, but it is important to let your prescribing therapist know of any big changes that may affect your use of the scooter in the meantime. This may include an increase in falls or a significant change in your medication.

I would never recommend this. Even if you are self-funding the scooter, I would always recommend seeking advice from your therapist to make sure the money you will be spending will contribute towards achieving your goals while maintaining your safety and the safety of those in your local community.

I hope after reading through this you have a better understanding of the risks associated with scooters as well as all the recommended steps involved in purchasing one. I hope you can use this understanding to help you in working with your therapist to make a more informed choice when you are purchasing a scooter. If you have any further questions or you are considering a scooter for yourself or a family member, please contact us and book a visit with your Occupational Therapist. I hope after reading through this you have a better understanding of the risks associated with scooters as well as all the recommended steps involved in purchasing one. I hope you can use this understanding to help you in working with your therapist to make a more informed choice when you are purchasing a scooter. If you have any further questions or you are considering a scooter for yourself or a family member, please contact us and book a visit with your Occupational Therapist.

Capable Spaces Webinar 2021, ‘Mobility Scooters for Occupational Therapists’, Capable Spaces Webinar – 25.10.21