| If you have just bought a mobility scooter (or are | | | | Carry an extra battery or a solar powered charger |
| planning on buying one soon), there are a few things | | | | with you. Batteries will wear out and if you have an |
| you should consider before venturing out and spending | | | | extra one, you'll be okay! |
| your money on one. | | | | If you travel in a climate that gets really hot or wet or |
| The first thing you should know is that there are often | | | | snowy, consider getting a canopy to go over your |
| rules and laws regarding mobility scooters in each | | | | scooter. This will keep the wet and the heat off of |
| municipality. Check with your local authorities first about | | | | you. Don't forget to pack a bottle of ice water with |
| what the rules are. While most cities are very | | | | you when you go out. You may not be doing vigorous |
| accommodating to scooters, you don't want to break | | | | walking, but you'll still need to stay hydrated…and |
| the law! One law found in many jurisdictions that | | | | it's easy to forget that when you're not putting one leg |
| scooter owners may be surprised to discover is that if | | | | in front of the other. |
| you ride a scooter you are considered a | | | | Although it may be tempting to listen to music while |
| pedestrian… not a vehicle operator. As such, | | | | you travel, avoid putting headphones in both ears. |
| you'll need to stay off the roads as much as possible | | | | Between the music and your scooter's engine noise, |
| (unless, of course, the sidewalks are impassable). | | | | you may not hear traffic at a crosswalk or other |
| However, recent court cases have found that driving a | | | | machinery (like those small city sidewalk cleaners) that |
| scooter while impaired could lead to a fine under the | | | | may need to share the sidewalk with you. |
| motorized vehicles act in your state! | | | | Consider carrying a small, portable ramp to allow you |
| When you get a scooter, be sure to deck it out with | | | | to get into places that you might not normally be able |
| reflectors, reflector tape, and a tall, bright orange flag. | | | | to. Many cities and commercial buildings are becoming |
| That will help motorists see you if you have to travel in | | | | more and more scooter friendly but they are not all |
| the dark and are forced to travel on the road (if, for | | | | 100% compliant yet. A small ramp will make the |
| example, there are no sidewalks where you live). Put | | | | difference between being able to go where you want |
| reflector tape across the back of the seat and the | | | | and getting turned away. |
| bottom of the scooter and consider a small flashing | | | | Mobility scooters are a great way to gain back your |
| light like joggers wear. If possible, avoid being out late | | | | independence if you've found that you cannot walk |
| at night on your scooter if your scooter doesn't have | | | | around as much as you used to. Use these tips to |
| headlights. Get a headlight mounted on your scooter | | | | keep yourself safe and secure as you travel. Happy |
| easily if you want to travel after dark. | | | | mobility! |
| If you have a long way to travel, don't get stranded! | | | | |