| Advancements in mobile and battery technology | | | | |
| have made it possible for many physically | | | | Although mobility scooters can be quite |
| impaired individuals to replace wheelchairs | | | | expensive, many insurance companies will pay |
| with mobility scooters. | | | | for the vehicle, since it is considered a |
| | | | medical device. Mobility scooters allow for |
| Mobility scooters provide greater range of | | | | individuals with hidden health problems such |
| movement than manual or motorized | | | | as heart and lung trouble, to participate in |
| wheelchairs, by allowing the operator to make | | | | events and care for themselves with less aid |
| tighter turns and move over a variety of | | | | from other individuals. |
| surfaces with less effort. The batteries hold | | | | |
| larger charges for longer periods of time, | | | | Retailers that specialize in mobility |
| allowing an individual to leave home with | | | | scooters provide a service to help with |
| little concern. | | | | submitting the insurance paperwork. Retailers |
| | | | also offer scooter accessories such as |
| The tight turns that mobility scooters can | | | | baskets to aid in the operator's ability to |
| perform, allow the operator to get closer to | | | | shop or carry other items. Retail shops carry |
| restaurant tables and through tight isles in | | | | replacement parts and are a local provider of |
| public places. The vehicles are often | | | | repair service. |
| lightweight, and break down into two pieces | | | | |
| for a companion to load the scooter into the | | | | Motorized scooters are considered low-power |
| trunk of a car. | | | | motor vehicles by many municipalities and are |
| | | | subject to state and local regulations. Some |
| Mobility scooters are sometimes referred to | | | | scooters meet Department of Transportation |
| as power chairs. The power chairs may operate | | | | regulations for operation on streets and |
| with a joystick-style controller, while most | | | | roadways while others are prohibited from |
| mobility scooters have operating buttons on | | | | being on the streets. Any time a motorized |
| the handle bar. Regardless of the name given | | | | vehicle is introduced into traffic areas, |
| to the vehicle they operate on electric | | | | appropriate cautionary measures must be taken |
| motors with rechargeable electric batteries. | | | | and proper safety gear must be worn. |