Mobility Vehicle Users
Buyer’s Questionnaire

(Print Questionnaire – link to pdf version)

Be smart in purchasing the most valuable electric scooter or wheelchair in your life. Have a family member answer these questions too - it may give you insight from a different perspective. Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.

1. Defining Your Needs

From the start, take time to understand what you expect from an electric scooter, and where and how you will use it. Write down your answers to the following questions and discuss them when you talk to your local professional dealer.

Some vital points are:How accessible is my home or living quarters?

What is the width of the narrowest door I will go through? _____ Inches

What are the dimensions of any tight or confined areas that I might need to operate in? ____ Wide x _____ Wide

I need at least a _____ minimum turning radius.

How tall are any thresholds or steps that I might have to navigate? ______ Inches

Where will I use my scooter?Primarily indoors?

Will I transport my scooter from one place to another?

How will I transport my scooter? By car, van, or truck (make & model)? By public transportation, airplane, or train? _____________________________

How much will I use my scooter? ____Hours per day. ____Days per week. ____Less often.

What is my height & weight? _____ feet/inches ____pounds.

Any special dexterity or transfer needs or considerations?

What types of accessories and options might I like?A canopy for rain or sun?

How do I anticipate paying for my scooter?

I expect to pay cash for it (cash, check, or credit card) ______

I will seek third-party payment (Medicare, private insurance, HMO, PPO, etc.)________

If you anticipate seeking third-party payment reimbursement, we understand. But we are making our products available at manufacturers wholesale prices so people without any type if insurance or Medicare can afford the best mobility equipment.

2. Selecting a Local Professional Dealer vs. Purchasing Online

(In parentheses are the answers that you will find from our online website and store)

If you are interested in full disclosure, read the full story.

3. Selecting Your Scooter

Since they are considered medical devices, scooters are manufactured to meet or exceed the standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Good Manufacturing Practices (FDA-GMP).

In addition, in 1982, the ANSI/RESNA Wheelchair (also addresses scooters) Standards Committee was formed to develop standard procedures for testing and comparing scooters and wheelchairs.

The combination of these assures that scooters must be built to meet rigorous quality requirements, and that their performance claims should be readily compared.

It is very important that you know all you can about scooters. Be sure to understand both the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of scooters, and the validity of the information source. Professional sales people should be able to answer the majority of your questions.

You should also talk with the Service Personnel, as they have intimate knowledge about the reliability and durability of scooters.

What are the two or three main features of each manufacturer's products?

These are the fundamental strengths of each manufacturer's scooters.

What are the safety, reliability, and comfort features of each model?

Gather this core information to ensure your ability to make a valuable informed comparison:

What is the manufacturer's warranty? ____________

Accept no fewer than three years, and be sure that it covers the important parts, like motors, transaxle, and electronics.

Are extended warranties available?

Does the scooter manufacturer inspect every scooter prior to shipment?

Do the scooter's electronics contain Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) shielding?

EMI shielding protects the scooter operation, and you, from external interference from 2-way radios, garage door openers, etc.

How stable is the scooter?

What is the Maximum Incline Stability Rating? ____ degrees

Under no circumstances should it be less than 5 degrees at the scooters weight capacity.

Does the scooter's top speed promote instability? ____

How reliable are the scooters? ______________________

In addition to the sales person's experience, speak to Service Department personnel. Ask them which units they feel have the lowest repair incidence.

How durable is the scooter's exterior? _________________

Most scooters are painted, and will develop scratches and dings through normal everyday use. They can be repainted, but at considerable expense.

Scooters with "molded-in" color retain their neat appearance for many years, are easy to maintain, and do not require repainting or retouching.

Is the scooter seat comfortable & resilient? _____

Does it fit me, feel good today, and is it built to last? ____

Does the scooter separate (disassemble and reassemble) easily? ____

A simple and clean separation system makes for easy transportation of the scooter.

Ask for a demonstration, or a graphic, of how it is disassembled.

Where is the scooter manufactured? ___________

Will parts always be readily available? ____

Is the manufacturer's sales literature complete? ____

Demand to look at the Owner's Manuals for all scooters and confirm that all important specifications in the Owner's Manual mirror claims made in the sales literature.

Is the seat and tiller adjustable to fit your needs? ____

Ask for a demonstration.

Are a broad range of options and accessories available? ____

Ask to see literature and samples.

Conclusion

Three and four wheel scooters are fun and reliable products that can assist you by increasing your mobility and independence. Be sure to have this completed Buyer's Guide with you when you shop for a scooter.

Most importantly, ask your local professional dealer questions, or read the FAQ on this site, and be comfortable with the answers to your questions.