A mobility scooter is an electric personal transporter used as mobility aid for people with physical impairment, mostly auxiliary to a powered wheelchair but configured like a motorscooter. When motorized, they function as micromobility devices and are commonly referred to as a powered vehicle/scooter or electric scooter. A motorized mobility scooter may also be referred to as an electric convenience vehicle (ECV), and are often referred to as gophers in Australia, owing to the first mobility scooter branded under that name around 1980. Non-motorized mobility scooters are less common, but are intended for the estimated 60% of wheelchair-users who have at least some use of their legs. While leg issues are commonly assumed to be the reason for using scooters, the vehicles are used by those with a wide range of conditions, from spinal injuries to neurological disorders. Mobility scooters differ from power wheelchairs in that they are usually cheaper, somewhat easier to move across uneven ground, and are more customizable. They are built for people who have trouble walking or getting around, but do not always need a power wheelchair. They are also used by people who do need a powerchair for intermediate distances or extended standing, or those not permitted to drive cars for medical reasons.
History The first vehicle somewhat resembling a mobility scooter was introduced in 1954, and billed by Sears as an electric wheelchair. It bore a large seat, an extra large battery capacity and a three-wheeled design. However the seat was shaped like a motorcycle seat - which offered no back support - making it unsuitable for disabled people suffering from common conditions such as skeletomuscular disorders or fatigue. It was not a commercial success. Around or before 1980, Grant Telfer of Telfer Engineering, Monash, South Australia, created three- and four-wheeled electric scooters, using the brand name "Gopher". These had a type of bucket seat with a backrest and sides. He coined the name "gopher" for mobility scooters, and the name stuck, being adopted as a generic name for these mobility aids. As well as being used as a generic name in Australia, "Gopher" is also used as a model name for mobility scooters made by Pride Mobility in Australia.
Description A mobility scooter has a seat over three, four or more wheels, sometimes a flat area or foot plates for the feet, and handlebars or a delta-style steering arrangement in front to turn the steerable wheels. The seat may swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars. Mobility scooters are usually battery powered. A battery or two is stored on board the scooter and is charged via an onboard or separate battery charger unit from standard electric power. Gasoline-powered scooters may also be available in some countries, though they are rapidly being replaced by electric models. User-powered scooters are propelled by a lever used in a push-pull rowing motion to provide exercise and mobility at the same time. The tiller, with forward/reverse directions and speed controls, is the steering column central at the front of the scooter. The tiller may contain other features also, for example, a speed limiter, lighting controls (for nighttime use) and turn signals. A battery use indicator is also often included. Forward/reverse direction can be controlled by thumb paddles, finger controls, or a switch. There are two types of mobility scooters: front-wheel drive (FD) or rear-wheel drive (RD). The front-wheel drive is usually a smaller device and is best used indoors. Rider weight capacity is a minimum of 77 kg (170 pounds) generally upwards to 440 kg (980 pounds) maximum. The rear-wheel drive is used both indoors and outdoors with rider weight capacity of 160 kg (350 pounds). A heavy duty rear-drive can carry up to 230 kg (500 pounds), varying by manufacturer. The device is also sometimes referred to as an electric convenience vehicle (ECV). Mobility scooters come in various types:
user-powered, small, light manual scooters for travel, without battery or motor, propelled by a central lever drive (CLD) in a push-pull rowing motion to provide mobility and exercise at the same time. Some models look like large tricycles without pedals that the estimated 60% of wheelchair users who have at least some use of their legs can self-propel while stimulating muscles and exercising. small, light scooters for travel, which fold or are easily disassembled into smaller parts for transport; large, heavy scooters for rough outdoor terrain; mid-range scooters, which are intended for both indoor and outdoor use. slow and steady, used for shopping in stores and other places. Usually, mid-range mobility scooters have a speed of about 8 to 11 km/h (5 to 7 mph). Mobility scooters typically have a seat that is between 40 and 50 cm (16 and 20 inches), but many of them have various seat options available during purchase.
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