Perhaps you’ve been considering purchasing a mobility scooter in the upcoming year. True, they do look like fun to ride around and you’ll probably have to kick your grand kids off more than once, but having access to the freedom and independence that a scooter provides is what make a mobility device such a wise investment.

The reasons to invest in your continued independence and mobility are endless but these are the top 10!

One of the most common reasons that people opt to purchase a scooter is the independence it provides. You no longer have to depend on others to do your grocery shopping or run neighborhood errands. Whether you just want to make your way more easily around your house and property, or if you’re looking to be able to head around the corner, or around the country, a battery operated scooter is your ticket!

You may not need a scooter to get around all the time but even a minor fall can mean a permanent injury. Using a scooter when you need to go long distances will eliminate fatigue and reduce the risk of injury. Riding a scooter when you will be navigating uneven or slippery terrain will eliminate fall risks.

A change of scenery does everyone some good now and again. As it gets more challenging to navigate busy airports or walk for a whole day of sightseeing, people start to travel less and less. That’s so unfortunate! There are so many beautiful things to see in this world, even if it’s the home and garden show a mile from your house! These agile scooters can easily maneuver through crowds. The batteries are FAA approved for air travel so you can take them with you wherever you go! Roll around a cruise ship or load it onto your RV and hit the road!

Studies have shown that people who have an extensive social network enjoy better medical outcomes. If you’re battling a serious illness or have problems getting around, it’s easy to isolate yourself to the detriment of your health. With an electric scooter you no longer have to avoid going to gatherings or events because you’re worried that you won’t be able to do the walking it requires. Even just a coffee with friends can do wonders to lift your spirits and get you feeling better in no time!

Patients with mobility issues or serious health conditions have named, no longer being able to do something they enjoyed, as one of the most demoralizing things about living with serious illness. You may have given up strolling around museums, enjoying the outdoors, or attending concerts due to the challenge of getting to the venue, even if it just means making your way from the parking lot. The American Disabilities Act means that you can take your scooter into any public building and there should be modifications so that you can take your scooter from floor to floor and have access to handicap bathroom facilities.

Some patients have lamented that the reason they avoid going out is that they are then exhausted for days afterward from the effort. With a portable scooter this is no longer the case. You can get places, run errands, or just enjoy a sunny day outside without taxing your energy.

If you have a caregiver or family member that generally accompanies you and pushes your wheelchair, they may be happy to do so but if you have a self-propelled device it’s much easier on everyone involved. You can enjoy more independence going at the speed you enjoy and stopping when you wish. For them it leaves their hands free to carry belongings and go at their own pace as well. It’s also much less physically taxing on them.

Some equate mobility devices with laziness or someone who has given up on physical fitness. Nothing could be further from the truth. People quit exercising oftentimes because they lose motivation or get bored with their fitness routines. If you are confined to your house there are only so many physical activities you can do but if you are free to roam you can take yourself down to the park where you can walk on the path or go to the rec center where you might find a low impact, water aerobics class. Your borders are now wide open to explore physical activities that will keep you engaged.

It’s true that electronic scooters do require an investment but it doesn’t take long for them to pay for themselves. If you are relying on public transportation or paying for taxi services to drop you door to door, those fares can add up quickly. You can now run your own errands and no longer have to make arrangements to rent equipment or make special arrangements when going somewhere that requires a  lot of walking. Batteries are rechargeable and there is little to no maintenance involved in owning a scooter.

10. Greater Peace of Mind

Knowing that you can roll out on your scooter can take a load off of your mind. If there is an emergency, you need something urgently, or you just want to be able to come and go on your own schedule, you'll be able to jump on your scooter and go without having to depend on anyone else. You won't have to be ruled by public transportation schedules or worry about wearing yourself out doing the things that you need to do. We feel that the self-confidence you gain by owning your own transportation will be one of the biggest benefits you'll find from owning a scooter.

No investment that you make in your health and independence can be too large. Owning a mobility scooter will help you maintain a quality lifestyle and preserve your independence. It will also prevent injury from falls as well as allowing you to continue participating in an active social life leading to better overall health.