Motorized scooter for the elderly

rfuerst911sc · 01-01-2023, 05:20 AM

Hello everyone and happy new year . My mother in law is reaching a point where she needs a motorized scooter to get around in the assisted living facility that she lives in . We are going to talk to the staff for recommendations.

Can these be rented/leased vs outright purchased ? I think it makes sense to lease but that may be more expensive . I am concerned about service if needed and then having to sell it when no longer needed .

Any of you have thoughts on this based on real world experience ? She is 90 and can purchase outright if that makes the most sense . How do you determine what brand/model is a " good one " ? Do they make different voltage models ? What battery type to look for ? I am really out of my element here but want to help my wife make the best decision for her mom .

stevej37 · 01-01-2023, 05:38 AM

some decent prices here...

https://www.amazon.com/Mobility-Scooters-Seniors/s?k=Mobility+Scooters+for+Seniors

TimT · 01-01-2023, 05:58 AM

My Mom is in an assisted living facility and also needs a scooter.. As morbid as this sounds, she was gifted a scooter by the family of someone who passed.. So lots of hand me downs are sometimes available.

She has also crashed the scooter, rolled it, she has fallen out of it...So my brothers and I are dealing with that.

Baz · Baz's Garage

Question not exactly pertinent to topic -

Why would someone need a motorized scooter vs. regular wheelchair inside an assisted living facility. Are they no longer strong enough to turn the big wheels by hand? Due to Arthritis, for example?

Thanks!

oldE · 01-01-2023, 08:52 AM

You may have already as considered a motorized wheel chair as well. With chair she wouldn't have to transfer from the mobility scooter to a dining room chair, for example.
We looked into both devices but my MIL's mobility deteriorated so rapidly she needs assistance just to get into any chair.

Best of luck getting things sorted out for her.
Les

rfuerst911sc · 01-01-2023, 10:15 AM

Yes we are considering a motorized wheelchair also . Smaller footprint in her room and may be easier to get in and out of .

Baz she needs motorized because she has the furthest room from the dining hall . Three meals a day is six trips . Add to that any additional visiting or going to various activities . That's physically very demanding for a 90 year old . Then do it seven days a week .

unclebilly · unclebilly's Garage

My dad has one… he drives it 3 miles each way to the mall and back. He charges it while he is having coffee there.

There are lots of them available used.

Dad put a want ad in the newspaper… I didn’t know this was even a ‘thing’ anymore. Someone called him up and gave him one, it was like new with a new battery.

Try to find a used one first before you shell out $3000 and end up selling it or giving it away when she’s done with it.

island911 · 01-01-2023, 10:51 AM

I see a lot of elderly folks on Harleys

ducking...

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

If it was me, I would be getting this.

At the rate that my knees are going, and other health issues, I will have to try and talk Tracy out of this.

island911 · 01-01-2023, 12:27 PM

LOL - it's turbocharged ^

Because it just wouldn't be scary enough without?

stevej37 · 01-01-2023, 12:30 PM

^^^ Looks like nitrous also.

herr_oberst · 01-01-2023, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baz

Why would someone need a motorized scooter vs. regular wheelchair inside an assisted living facility.
Thanks!

There's the fun quotient to consider! Wouldn't you rather have a motorized wheelchair atbe?

URY914 · URY914's Garage

https://youtu.be/__NoZ6p1roc

WPOZZZ · 01-01-2023, 04:47 PM

Check FaceBook Marketplace.

herr_oberst · 01-01-2023, 04:51 PM

Don't get the 4 volt.

WPOZZZ · 01-01-2023, 06:10 PM

Maybe Baz will come across one in his travels.

Baz · Baz's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Baz she needs motorized because she has the furthest room from the dining hall . Three meals a day is six trips . Add to that any additional visiting or going to various activities . That's physically very demanding for a 90 year old . Then do it seven days a week .

OK thanks, Rick. I wasn't criticizing or anything. Just curious what the rational was. I guess every situation is different.

My Mom is 99 - and turns 100 next month. She still lives at home and has been using a walker for the past 4 years, but no wheel chair. I'd like her to get more exercise, so glad she has not brought up the subject of getting a wheel chair. Then again, she doesn't have as far to go as your MIL does to get to her kitchen.

Best wishes going forward for your MIL's continued health and happiness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

There's the fun quotient to consider! Wouldn't you rather have a motorized wheelchair atbe?

Yeah, I guess it's the same reasoning why someone would want an electric bike vs. pedal bike, perhaps. Because you can go faster!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

Maybe Baz will come across one in his travels.

Way ahead of you, Bryan. Picked one up my neighbor was throwing out. Works perfectly but has some surface rust on the chrome and the rubber on the wheels have seen their better days. But it still works good. I'll keep it here at my place on standby...