Planning to buy a 2 Seater Disability Scooter? Don’t go ahead without reading this comprehensive guide first!
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Sometimes, due to old age or injury, people lose mobility and have trouble walking, which can hinder their day-to-day life. At times, you may have trouble balancing your body or may have a heart condition that requires you to take a lot of breaks when walking. In such cases, mobility or disability scooters can be a lot of help.
Mobility scooters are essential for people who want to feel independent even when they have trouble walking on their own. With the help of these scooters, people can do their daily tasks like grocery shopping or doctor’s appointments without depending on anyone to take them.
But people also want their loved ones to accompany them especially to the doctors’, or they just don’t want to leave their pet home alone. A two-seater mobility scooter is a perfect solution for this scenario.
Over the years, disability scooters have seen a lot of design and performance enhancement, and now you can find many models that can accommodate two people at a time.
If you are looking for a two-seater disability scooter for yourself or your loved ones, you are at the right place. The article below is your guide to 2 seater disability scooters.
What Is A 2 Seater Disability Scooter?
A disability scooter is an electrically powered mobility aid that is different from a powered wheelchair in some crucial aspects:
- It comes with a handle to let you turn and balance the scooter, instead of a joystick.
- The scooter can have one or more seating spaces and
- It can have three to five wheels depending on the model.
Since the rider still needs to turn the handlebar, it requires the rider to be in an upright sitting position and mobility and strength in their upper body, so it is not suitable for people having no upper body strength.
A 2 seater disability scooter has the same features as a single-seater disability scooter. Two passengers can ride on a single scooter at once, apart from one difference. There is seating space for two people on the same disability scooter, making it a two-seater scooter.
Having a two-seater disability scooter helps you go on rides with loved ones or even give someone a ride to someplace, take a friend along when going to the doctor, etc. without depending on anyone.
What Is The Need For A 2 Seater Disability Scooter?
Often when it comes to going out to run some errands or just having fun, people want their close ones to accompany them. A two-seater disability scooter allows a disabled person to take their spouse or a friend with them without needing an extra mobility scooter the next time they are going on a ride. Having a two-seater disability scooter can help save money.
People often get attached to their pets and don’t like the idea of leaving them alone at home when going outside. Having an extra seat on their disability scooter allows them to take their pets with them. An additional seat also means extra cargo space if you ever need it.
Advantages Of a 2 Seater Disability Scooter
Some of the advantages of a two-seater disability scooter over a single-seater scooter are:
- There is seating space for a second passenger.
- You can carry your pet on a ride with you.
- You get extra cargo space on the second seat.
- The single wide seat of a two-seater disability scooter is ideal for a highly overweight person.
The two-seater disability scooter feels comfortable to ride even for a non-disabled person.
Disadvantages Of a 2 Seater Disability Scooter
There are several disadvantages of a two-seater disability scooter when compared to a single-seater:
- The price of a two-seater scooter would be higher.
- The two-seater scooter would be harder to control than a single scooter.
- The two-seater scooter would not be as stable as a single-seater scooter.
- The weight and size of the scooter would be more than a single-seater, and thus the scooter would not be compact.
With more parts, the maintenance would not be cheap.
Types Of 2 Seater Disability Scooter
There are usually two types of 2 seater disability scooters based on the seating arrangements for both riders.
The first one has side-by-side seating for both passengers. The scooter has a single seat wide enough to accommodate two people at once.
The second type of 2 seater disability scooter has a linear seating arrangement which means there are two seats, one behind the other—the second passenger seats right behind the first.
Both of the two-seater disability scooters have their pros and cons, and you need to consider them before determining which one is a better option for you.
Single Seat Two Seater
- The single-seat two-seater disability scooter offers better stability with a compact design with even balance. The linear seats are more prone to tipping, which can be a risk for both the passengers.
- The side-by-side seats are also more comfortable with paddings and have higher backs than the dual linear seats, which are more of a primary seat, with the rear seat being more basic than the front, which is not that comfortable.
- If you are riding with your pet, then a single wide seat is a good option as you can keep an eye on your pet and the scooter also has more stability so that your pet does not fall accidentally.
Dual Seat Two Seater
- The dual-seat two-seater disability scooters allow you privacy as the rider doesn’t have to sit pressed against another passenger while on rides.
- Also, the dual seat is more comfortable for people on the heavier side as they would need extra space for seating.
- The front control means that the rider would be comfortable handling the controls without tilting to the side, as that is the case with the single-seat design.
What To Look Out For In A 2 Seater Disability Scooter
There are some factors that you need to look out for in 2 seater disability scooters
Comfort
The first thing to look out for in a two-seater disability scooter would be the rider’s comfort. Both the seats should have nice and thick padding to ensure that both passengers are comfortable during their ride.
Look out for scooters with back support that you can adjust according to your height. Movable armrests make it easier for you to get in and out of the scooter. You can also find models which have a headrest as well.
Safety
Since you will be using the scooter to ride outdoors, you must check out the safety features of a two-seater disability scooter.
Look out for horns and lights to have better visibility and safety while riding in a park or pavement. Having a good quality brake is also essential to stop in time in an emergency. Indicator lights are also a must when traveling at night.
Portability
There may come a need for you to carry your mobility scooter to someplace, and for that, the disability scooter must be portable. Consider the scooter’s weight if you need to load or unload in your vehicle.
Often disability scooters come apart and are divided into two or more parts. In such a case, you would need to consider the weight of the heaviest part and whether or not you can lift it without any help.
Usability
The usability of your disability scooter will determine how far and where you will be able to travel on it. If you are going to use the scooter inside your home, then a speed of 3-5 miles per hour would be enough.
If you plan to use the scooter outdoors, then look for a scooter with 6-8 miles per hour speed. The battery capacity, life, and charging time would be the next thing you should consider.
Having a higher load capacity of the two-seater disability scooter, a smaller turning radius, and cargo space would make the scooter more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are two-seater mobility scooters legal?
Mobility scooters are not meant for riding on streets or roads that see a lot of traffic. They are legal to ride on pedestrian walks with a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour. This is to ensure that the rider and other pedestrians remain safe.
Also, for any disability scooter to legally operate on a road, it must have head and tail lights, indicators, and a maximum speed range of 6 to 8 miles per hour. Riders must not be under alcohol influence while riding the disability scooter, or they can be fined as per the motor law.
Will Medicare pay for a scooter?
Yes, Medicare covers the cost for powered vehicles like disability scooters, wheelchairs, or walkers. You need to have a written prescription from the doctor treating you for claiming the money, saying that you need the power-operated vehicle for your disease at your home.
How much do handicap scooters cost?
The price of a disability scooter depends on many factors like the build quality, battery, and motor. The price for scooters having better technical specifications will be significantly higher.
The price for a three-wheel electric disability scooter starts at around 500 to 600 dollars. You can get four-wheel disability scooters at a starting price of about 650 dollars.
Wrapping Up!
People with disability or mobility issues often have trouble performing their daily chores like going to stores or visiting some friends. With two-seater disability scooters, people can enjoy the ride with their loved ones or pets.
But, there are many factors that you would need to consider before choosing a two-seater disability scooter.
We have discussed every aspect of a two-seater disability scooter to help you determine whether or not you need one. We hope the information was relevant and useful and helped you make an informed buying decision.
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