Powered scooters

Most users of powered scooter are individuals with limited walking distance but who have the need and wish to get around. Many consider the powered scooter a good alternative for going on trips and handling their errands independently when it is no longer possible to drive a car or ride a bicycle. The typical powered scooter user is capable of getting in and out of the vehicle and walking short distances, possibly using a walking stick or a rollator.

There are various models and sizes of electric scooters, depending on whether they are primarily intended for indoor use in e.g. shopping centres, in outdoor terrain or a combination of both indoors and outdoors. Therefore, you should consider what you would primarily use it for and where you would use it, as well as whether you need to transport it in a car or a minibus Furthermore, you must decide whether you prefer a three-wheeled or a four-wheeled model.

Many factors must be taken into account to decide which powered scooter is the best choice for you. Therefore, it is a good idea to seek professional guidance from your municipality’s assistive product department, even if you are not granted the electric scooter through the municipality.

The size of the powered scooter

Powered scooters are categorized in three sizes, denoted as Class A, B, and C. These categories are specified in the European standard for powered wheelchairs (DS/EN 12184), and the classes represent the differences in characteristics of the powered scooter, such as physical size, stability, range on a single charge, and off-road capability. The size of the powered scooter should suit both your driving requirements and your physical attributes. For instance, if you choose a small powered scooter to be able to navigate tight spaces, but you have a large physique – tall or heavy – you may risk the scooter being unstable. If you on the contrary have a small physique, a large powered scooter may be challenging for you to manoeuvre.

Furthermore, you should consider the typical environments in which you will be using the scooter. For instance, if you live in an area with level terrain and easy access to shopping or other activities, and no need to travel outside your local area, you may find it an advantage to choose a Class A or Class B powered scooter. However, if you wish to take long trips or navigate uneven terrain, you should choose a Class C scooter.

Transport in a car or minibus

Several of the powered scooters can be disassembled, making it easier to carry them in the trunk of a car. This can increase your possibilities for going on trips further away from home. If you wish to transport your powered scooter in a minibus, the scooter must have fastening brackets or similar attached. Some powered scooters come with these fastening brackets preinstalled from the factory, while others may require them to be retrofitted.

If you are going to sit in the electric scooter during the transport in a minibus, you must also secure yourself in the vehicle, similar to using seat belts on car seats.

Three-wheeled or four-wheeled powered scooter

It can be difficult to make the choice between a three-wheeled and a four-wheeled powered scooter. Many people think that the four-wheeled scooter is safer than the three-wheeled, but that is not true in all cases. A four-wheeled powered scooter offers better directional stability on long and straight stretches. It is also more stable if you require significant support when getting on and off the scooter. On the other hand, the three-wheeled scooter is more manageable and manoeuvrable in tight areas, such as in a supermarket. It is also easier to turn it since it has only one front wheel, which reduces rolling friction. If you have limited arm strength, the three-wheeled option is often better choice.

If you need to sit with your legs slightly stretched forward, there is typically more room for them on a three-wheeled scooter, as you can sit with one foot on each side of the steering column.

Therefore, you should consider your combined needs in relation to range of mobility and your functionality before making the final choice of a powered scooter. Make use of any offers of trial provided by the scooter companies before buying, and test out some situations that are similar to your daily life.

Adjusting the powered scooter

A powered scooter can only be customized to a limited degree for individual users, but there are still some options to consider.

On many powered scooters, you can adjust the distance between the handlebar and the seat. Having a comfortable distance provides better control over the scooter. Even if you have found the optimal driving position, you may need to change the settings to allow more space for getting on and off. In that case, you must adjust the distance each time you want to ride. Be sure to securely lock the steering column before taking off.

On several powered scooters, it is possible to have a swivelling seat mounted. This is particularly useful if you have difficulty getting on and off, and it can also be used, e.g., to sit at the end of a picnic table or similar. Some seats also have foldable armrests.

If you have difficulty handling rough terrain, e.g. due to back pain, you should choose a powered scooter with good suspension. In some cases, the suspension can be adjusted.

Accessorises for the powered scooter

If you need to transport goods on your powered scooter, most models can have a basket or a bag installed behind the seat or in front of the steering column. You can also equip the scooter with a larger cargo basket. Finally, you have the option to acquire a trailer for your powered scooter if you need to transport many or large items.

For safety reasons, please note that the driving characteristics of the powered scooter change when additional weight is added, and the placement of the additional weight affects the scooter’s driving characteristics.

You can attach a cane holder to your powered scooter to bring one or two walking sticks on your trips. It is also possible to get a rack for transporting a rollator on the powered scooter.

If you need to overcome steps during your journey, you can acquire a portable and foldable ramp that you can bring along on the powered scooter.

Regarding wind and weather, it can be an advantage to acquire a coverall and/or specially designed rain suit or other outerwear, suitable for wheelchair use. Furthermore, there are mittens that cover both the handlebars and hands, and on some powered scooters, it is possible to mount a windshield.

Some individuals choose to buy a powered scooter with a cubicle to shield from wind and precipitation. However, a cubicle can reduce your ability to navigate in terms of both vision and hearing, so you should drive particularly cautiously with a cubicle.

Begin by thoroughly reading the user manual. The manual describes, among other things, what your specific model can handle in terms of obstacles, inclines, driving distance, etc. The powered scooter is designed for these conditions and should not be used beyond its capabilities.

If it’s your first time using a powered scooter, it’s important to take your time getting acquainted with it. Spend time taking rides in your local area, preferably accompanied by another person, and start off slowly. Most powered scooters have a throttle control where you can set the maximum speed from low to high. Furthermore, some powerd scooters can be programmed by the supplier to start off at a slower speed and can later be programmed for faster speed once you become familiar with it. While you may quickly become comfortable with driving straight out, it is important to learn the scooter’s reactions during braking and turns. In addition, it is crucial to understand the speed at which the scooter turns safely. Many former car drivers need to adjust to the appropriate speed to make safe sharp turns with the scooter.

Also, practice going up and down curb ramps, to the scale that the powered scooter is designed to manage them. Please be carefull reading the user manual, which specifies the height of obstacles that your scooter can manage. It is also a good idea to practice manoeuvring in narrow environments so that you, for instance, don’t find yourself stuck between shelves in a supermarket one day.

You should inform your insurance company that you have a powered scooter as part of your household belongings. This may affect both the cost of your insurance and its coverage. It is also a good idea to sign up for roadside service so that you can get help if the powered scooter malfunctions or runs out of power far from home.

Before purchasing a powered scooter, you should consider how you move between your entrance door and the scooter. If you have limited mobility and find it difficult to get on and off the scooter, it may be advisable to park it inside your home or close to the entrance door. If it needs to be parked inside your home, make sure that it can pass over the threshold, possibly with the help of a fixed ramp. Additionally, think about how you can open and close doors from the scooter. The same consideration apply if you use a walking stick or a rollator, considering how it might be practical to place the assistive products in relation to each other for easy access.

Your powered scooter needs to be charged regularly, typically every night if you use it daily. Therefore, you should ensure that there is an electrical outlet within reach of where you park your powered scooter. Since most people do not have space for it inside the house, you may need to establish a power outlet outside the house, possibly in a shed, garage, or carport. If you live in social housing, the housing association must approve the construction of a parking space and power outlet for the powered scooter.

Your powered scooter is best kept covered. If you don’t have the option of parking it in a garage, carport or shed, you can choose from different types of covers. This could be in the form of a tarpaulin or a canopy. 

Please refer to the user manual for instructions on how to clean and maintain your powered scooter. Regarding maintenance, you should pay attention to the following:

• Batteries should be maintained and charged according to the specifications to ensure reliability
• The powered scooter should be covered when not in use
• The tyre pressure should be as prescribed, as it affects power consumption (due to rolling resistance), manoeuvrability, and speed
• The treads on the tyres should be checked regularly. They should not be worn down too much, as it affects the scooter’s breaking ability
• Brakes and all lights should be checked regularly
• The powered scooter should be inspected regularly. Several suppliers and service companies offer this for a fee.

If the municipality has rejected your application for a powered scooter as an assistive product or consumer durable, citing concerns about your safety in traffic, e.g. due to a brain injury or strong medication, you should not acquire one on your own. It is important that either a doctor or a therapist helps you assess whether it is safe for you to acquire a powered scooter, as individuals often tend to perceive themselves as more capable than they might be.

Some people are granted a powered scooter as a consumer durable by the municipality, where they have to pay approximately half of the scooter’s price themselves, but many have to purchase one on their own. There is also a significant amount of private trading with used powered scooters. If it is your first powered scooter, you should seek professional advice before acquiring one. If you have not received professional advice when obtaining the scooter, it is very important you somehow familiarize yourself well with the product before purchasing. Do remember to obtain the user manual when buying from a private person.

When you start using your powered scooter, remember to start out with low speed. When facing obstacles such as kerbs, approach them straight on, perpendicular to the obstacle, and reduce your speed before forcing it. Consult the user manual to determine the utmost obstacle height your powered scooter is designed to handle, and never go beyond this limit.

If you are seated on your powered scooter during bus transport, both you and the scooter must be secured according to the regulations of the Danish Road Traffic Authority. To secure your powered scooter, you need to have a fastening bracket installed on it, which can be attached to the securing rails in the bus.

Labeling and testing

When assessing the quality of a powered scooter, you can, among other things, check if it is CE marked as medical equipment and if has been tested according to relevant standards for electrically powered wheelchairs. The CE mark looks the same for the different directive areas, so it should be indicated in the user manual that the powered scooter is specifically CE marked as medical equipment.

Traffic rules

In traffic, you must adhere to the cycle regulations if you are traveling at speeds beyond 6 km/h. Therefore, you should ride on the cycle path or on the right side of the road if there is no cycle path. When traveling at speeds less than 6 km/h, you are considered a pedestrian and are allowed to use the footpath and drive through shopping centres. Show consideration when driving among pedestrians, as you usually have a higher speed, take up more space, and are silent. The maximum permitted speed for a powered scooter is 15 km/h. Please note, that some powered scooters have a capacity of driving at 20 km/h or more, but you still have to abide by the Trafic Act.

If you are driving when lights are required, you must have lights on, just like on a bicycle. Additionally, it is common practice and a good idea to pull a yellow reflective vest over the backrest of the seat to make yourself more visible in traffic. There is no legal requirement to wear a bicycle helmet, but it can be a good idea.