Mobility aids, such as electric scooters, have become increasingly innovative over the years. Electric scooters give seniors as well as their caretakers and loved one’s peace of mind, knowing they have a way to get around independently. But some may question the safety of these aids and how well seniors can operate them.
Are electric scooters safe for seniors? Electric scooters are a safe way for seniors to feel more independent and get around for their daily tasks. Any senior utilizing an electric scooter will need to understand the scooter, how it operates when to use it, and all safety precautions to ensure their safety while operating.
You can’t underestimate the importance of being able to get around for a senior. Whether it is going to the other side of the room to fetch a book, getting around the grocery store and other errands, or simply taking a ride around the neighborhood for some fresh air, these are all critical to seniors. Electric scooters help them accomplish all of these.
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When Electric Scooters Can Be Unsafe
The critical thing to remember with any mobility aid is that they are there to make life safer and easier for seniors, but they still can come with their own set of risks if not used properly.
Electric scooters can cause concern for some because they are motorized pieces of equipment, rather than a walker or a rollator that doesn’t propel you forward on its own.
Most accidents on these scooters occur with motor vehicles. Electric scooters are an excellent way for seniors to live their lives normally. And crossing the street or traveling down sidewalks that are close to the road is a part of that.
According to a study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine National, the most significant portion of deaths on electric scooters happen with those over 80-years old and involve a motor vehicle.
We are not trying to scare anyone from using an electric scooter, but rather to make sure people understand that safety precautions are an essential measure to take to ensure your safety on a scooter.
Ensuring Physical and Mental Health First
To safely operate an electric scooter, the user will need to be able to use all controls properly on the scooter and have all the health attributes that will help keep them safe.
- Good vision
- Fully functioning motor skills for hand-eye coordination
- Good hearing
These are all needed to operate an electric scooter safely. If your field of vision has become blurred or you’re unable to hear traffic or grasp the brake handle hard enough – these can all be extremely dangerous.
Anyone operating an electric scooter should also be sound of mind. Not only for the sake of being able to navigate your journey correctly but also to make sound decisions. It is common for seniors in poor health to use pathways that may not be safe solely because they want to try and get where they are going faster, even if that means going over a bumpy, uneven surface with traffic nearby.
Electric scooters are perfectly safe when used correctly, and the operator is in good enough health to be able to adhere to rules and correctly use the scooter and all its functions.
How to Use an Electric Scooter Safely
The first step to safety with electric scooters for seniors is in understanding how to use them properly. It’s easy to think, “Well, I just hop on and put the pedal to the metal!”
But understanding how it operates, the safety features it includes, and learning best practices will be necessary measures to take before using any electric scooter.
Following guidelines from the manufacturer of the scooter will always be important, as well as knowing the rules and laws of electric scooters in your area. Check to ensure you are adhering to any safety guidelines and laws for your area.
If you are unsure about any safety aspects or specific health concerns, always chat with your doctor or physical therapist first.
Be Comfortable with Your Scooter
Electric scooters are not going to be a “one size fits all” solution for your mobility needs. The person using the scooter should be fully confident and comfortable in the scooter. Consider the space you need for yourself and anything else like oxygen tanks, shopping bags, or purses. Always ensure the weight capacity of the scooter will work for you as well.
Also, make sure you are comfortable with the features of the scooter. Any confusion can be distracting and cause accidents.
Ensure the Scooter is Ready Before Using It Each Time
Before each use, it’s important to make sure everything is ready, functioning correctly, and charged.
Checking the tire pressure and condition of the wheels before use is a great routine to have. Making sure the air pressure is enough will help ensure a safe and smooth ride. Give them a good looking over to be sure no small objects have punctured them anywhere.
The battery on most scooters will take a couple of hours to fully charge, so always make sure to plan for it to be fully charged when you need it. A good habit is to charge the scooter after each use. That way, it will always be ready for you, and you don’t have to worry about getting stranded due to a low battery.
Getting Situated on the Scooter
When getting onto an electric scooter, you want to make sure you get settled in and comfortable before hitting the road. You shouldn’t be trying to reposition while you are driving.
Making sure your feet are flat against the platform and solidly in place before taking off is equally as important. If you’re in a rush, it’s easy to want to jump in and immediately get going, but doing a thorough “check-in” with yourself to make sure you are safely in place before moving will help keep you safe.
Extra Tip: Always utilize a medical alert system or be sure to have a cell phone on you while you are out and about operating your electric scooter.
Both Hands on the Wheel
Okay, so technically, it’s a handlebar. These are also known as steering mechanisms or tillers on some scooters. Keeping both hands on the handlebar will not only help steer properly, but it also helps with balance. Using only one hand will limit your balance and ability to steer and control the scooter properly.
Know the Different Modes
Most scooters will have a freewheel mode and a push-too-fast mode. Freewheel is intended for being able to be pushed by someone else or to push yourself along. Braking will be disengaged during this. Never use this going up or downhill, and never use it if you or someone present is not capable of controlling the scooter.
Push-too-fast mode is a safety feature to ensure you never get out of control in your speed. This mode will help keep you safe in situations where you may become distracted or hit a decline without realizing it.
Stick to Flat, Smooth Surfaces Whenever Possible
Trying to stick to flat, smooth surfaces won’t always work. Sometimes you may need to go over a rough road or a patch of grass that is uneven. But when you can find a path that provides a smooth and stable ground, always opt for that.
Depending on the type of scooter you have, some can handle those difficult surfaces better than others. It’s still always a good rule of thumb to take the easier, smoother path whenever possible.
How to Take Curves
Always approach the curve head-on. You don’t want to go into it at an angle, as it can cause you to misjudge and must do some additional manipulations to make the full turn. Be careful to stay on a flat surface during any turn.
Knowing the turning radius of the scooter is essential. During a turn, make sure you keep your center of gravity perfectly centered as well. Do not lean into the curve or away from it. Leaning may also prompt an accidental throttle forward, which can be dangerous on a curve.
Try some practice turns in an open, smooth, even space where you can go slow and feel confident in your ability to take turns.
Know Your Surroundings and Any Restrictions
You always want to obey any pedestrian signs or rules in the area. Electric scooters are an extension of yourself, so you will want to approach sidewalks and streets the same way you would if you were on foot.
- Obey traffic and pedestrian laws.
- Be courteous to others on the sidewalk and let them know if you are coming up behind them so you have room.
- Avoid going on the streets whenever possible. If you must cross a street, be cautious and adhere to all laws.
- Make yourself as visible as possible with bright clothing and reflective additions to your scooter.
Know What Type of Curbs Your Scooter Can Take
The manual should tell you exactly how large of a curb the scooter can take. These guidelines are made to be specific. If you think a step or curb is taller than the listed height, do not attempt it. This can cause trips or falls.
Most scooters will not be able to handle jumps of more than 2 inches. Be safe and follow that guideline.
When approaching a little step, always go head-on, never at an angle. As soon as you reach the object, slow it down just a bit and then speed back up once your read wheels clear the step.
Maintaining and Cleaning the Scooter
Keeping up with the maintenance needs of the scooter will help keep you and the scooter safe. Make sure it is clean and functioning correctly may not be a way to stay safe as you ride, but it is a great habit to get into for preparations to ensure your safety.
There should be specific instructions from the manufacturer of the scooter that will stipulate any cleaning, repair, or maintenance needs. From time to time, you may need to have it taken into a professional if you run into any issues.
Solo Rides Only
While it is tempting to allow a grandchild to sit on your lap as you use your scooter, it may be unsafe if the scooter was not built for multiple people. Adding another person can throw the scooter off balance.
Going Uphill
The scooter’s instructions will have information on just how steep of an incline you can take on. When you go uphill, lean into the hill as you go to help maintain balance and your center of gravity towards the front of the scooter.
Keep the scooter straight and do not attempt turns or other maneuvers when going uphill. If your seat can recline, never have it in the reclined position while going uphill. Doing so will throw off the center of gravity and can cause your scooter to tip over.
Going Downhill
You need to maintain a straight path going downhills as well. Controlling your speed is key to going downhill safely. Take it as slow as possible so you don’t create additional inertia that may get out of control. If you ever feel it is getting too fast, you can take a full stop and start again when you feel comfortable.
Picking the Right Style of Electric Scooter
A big part of staying safe on an electric mobility scooter will be finding the best type for your needs. Some scooters are designed for rougher terrain, while others are meant to be highly functional with additional baskets and storage.
Here are a few different types of scooters:
Full-size Mobility Scooters
A full-size option will be best for anyone who has ample space in the areas they will be using the scooter, and who may be looking for a highly stable scooter. They offer great ways to be mobile for more extended periods. Many of these models are capable of 20-miles on their battery charge.
The full-size option also offers a higher weight capacity than many other scooters will.
Mid-size Mobility Scooters
The mid-size models are exactly as you would think – they are slightly smaller and easier to maneuver than the full-size, but still offer a larger and more stable feeling than the travel scooters.
Not many will have the capability of folding, but some options make it easier to do a mini-disassemble so they can fit easier for transportation.
Compact Travel Mobility Scooters
The compact travel scooters are excellent for anyone who likes to travel or who knows they will need to be using it in multiple locations. They are easy to fold and put into the back of cars or trunks, or models that can be disassembled quickly.
If you plan on needing your scooter for tight spaces, this will also be an easier option to maneuver. They make everything in mind for mobility, including the weight of the structure of the scooter and the battery.
The one downfall is that they may not be quite as comfortable as some of the larger models. It will all depend on the style and brand you go with, but their size may end up costing slight comfort at times.
All-Terrain Mobility Scooters
If you plan on needing the scooter outdoors in different types of terrain, you should only consider all-terrain models. A bumpy surface may not seem like a big deal, but driving with a lightweight model that is not designed to handle difficult terrain is dangerous.
If you enjoy being outdoors and moving around your garden or joining loved ones on a walk that may be on a less than ideal path, the all-terrain scooters will be your safest option.
A primary difference is in the ground clearance of these compared to others. They tend to have higher clearances, which allows them to better take on bumps or uneven surfaces. The scooters are also built to handle harsh conditions. The tires, frame, and batteries are all meant to withstand demanding conditions.
3- and 4-Wheel Options
The most significant decision you will have between a 3- or 4-wheel scooter will be regarding how well you need to maneuver. Three wheels will always make it easier and safer to get around tight spaces. But with the added ease of movement also comes a lack of stability.
3-wheel scooters are still safe, but they will not be as stable and sturdy as four wheels offering the whole scooter to be fully supported underneath you.
4-wheel options will also typically give you better footrest and platform options since there is more room underneath you, being supported by the 4-wheel setup.
Safety of Electric Scooters for Seniors
Electric mobility scooters are a very safe and reliable way for seniors to get around and assert their independence. Following guidelines from the manufacturer, learning about what type of scooter will be best for you, and following instructions to stay safe will all be crucial. It’s also smart to chat with your doctor or physical therapist regarding any specific needs and requirements you will need from your electric scooter and how to stay safe on it.