Mobility scooters are a God-send to many people. They give people with mobility problems a huge level of freedom. In a scooter, people can move freely around their homes, down the sidewalk and even along roadways. Safety, however, is a very important issue. As more and more people get mobility scooters, accidents are on the rise. Not only are the drivers of these little vehicles getting hurt, but sometimes bystanders are injured as well. The following are some tips that will help keep everyone safe: scooter drivers and the people all around them as well.
1. Visibility is key
When driving a mobility scooter, especially on roadways, always remember that if drivers can't see you, you are not safe. Wear a bright-orange safety vest when traveling near moving traffic. These are available at many on-line shopping sites for only a few dollars and are well worth the price. Make it a habit of wearing your vest whenever you are on your scooter. Having a low profile, scooters can easily disappear from sight behind cars. Scooter flags are several feet tall and attach to the back of your scooter. The flag will allow motorists to be aware of your presence long before they can actually see you.
2. Know your machine's limits.
Many scooters are designed to be driven on flat, even surfaces. Driving a scooter over rough terrain, sand or lawn can make it prone to tipping over, so you should avoid them. Always use the wheelchair accessible curb when accessing sidewalks. Gravel walks and driveways that may be stable when they are dry can become hazardous when they are rain-soaked. If you need to carry groceries or packages, equip your scooter with a pack or pouch designed for it. If you need to keep a cane at hand, use a cane clip attachment mounted on your armrest. Never carry passengers your scooter was not designed to accommodate.
3. Remember common courtesy.
Always be alert to your surroundings. If you need to use a sidewalk, remember that your scooter is a heavy, relatively fast-moving vehicle and can pose a danger to pedestrians. Go slowly when you are in a crowd. Call out to people if you are coming up behind them so that they know you are near and can make way. Be especially cautious if small children or pets are involved. Children often react in unexpected ways and may move toward you rather than away. Pets can sometimes be startled by motorized vehicles.
4. Follow traffic laws.
While on your scooter, you have to remember that you are not really a vehicle nor are you a pedestrian. When there is sufficient room on the side of the road, you may, if traffic laws allow, drive on the roadside but do not move out into traffic and do not expect cars to give you the right of way. If you need to cross a road or make a turn, move onto the sidewalk and cross with the light in a pedestrian crossing. Watch for cars pulling out from side roads, as they may not see you or may not give you the right of way. Another hazard will be cars turning right onto your road of travel. Again, they may not be aware of your presence or may assume that they do not have to let you pass before they make their turn.
Enjoy your electric scooter and all the freedom that it allows you but do not forget that operating any motorized vehicle comes with the responsibility of doing so in a safe manner. For more information on using your scooter safely, or any other questions related to the mobility scooters we carry, please contact our experts now by dialing 1 (800) 791-6813!
