Motorised scooters have either three or four wheels and steer using a tiller operated from the handlebars and are powered by a rechargeable battery (dry or wet cell).
Motorised scooters are used by people that have some mobility but may have difficulty walking long distances, fatigue easily or have limited endurance. Scooters come in a range of models including all terrain outdoor models through to smaller, indoor models. Ongoing maintenance is required for motorised scooters including recharging and replacement of batteries.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Motorised scooters come in a wide range of designs, with specialised features and accessories dependent on individual needs. Features to consider include;
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whether seat is adjustable, level of comfort, whether it has a headrest and seat swivel and slide features, availability of a wider seat base
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type of suspension, headlights and indicators
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type of battery charge panel
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method of operation such as push button, lever or dial controls
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type of wheels available depending on main area of use
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type of battery and maintenance needs
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type of brakes
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ability to be dismantled for transfer in the boot of a car or transport options
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range of accessories such as a safety flag, walking stick or walking frame holders, baskets, sunshades, armrests and mirrors.
Transport options
When considering purchase of a scooter it is crucial to consider where it will be used and how it will be transported. Four wheeled scooters can be used on public transport with disabled access as long as it is within the measurements of 800mm x 1300mm as per The Australian Transport Council Standard for Accessible Public Transport.
Some scooters can be dismantled to fit into a car boot with boot or mobile hoists available to assist with loading. Other options for transporting a scooter can be considered at:
(Australian Government Attorney Generals Department 2006; Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007).
Australian Road Rules
Under current Australian road rules a person driving a personal mobility vehicle that cannot travel at over 10 km/hr on level ground and weighs not more than 110kg (unladen) is considered a pedestrian and is exempt from registration. However if the mobility vehicle weighs over 110kg (unladen) or travels more than 10km/hr it is not exempt from registration and must be registered to use on a road or road related area. If a vehicle requires registration it is also liable to compulsory Third Party Insurance. Each states registration and insurance requirements and regulations regarding use of a mobility vehicle should be checked prior to purchase.
These road rules outline legally binding conditions a personal mobility vehicle user is required to comply with when travelling on a road or road-related area, to ensure both their safety and other road-users safety (National Road Transport Commission 1999).
Relevant Links
References
Australian Government Attorney Generals Department 2006, Disability standards for accessible public transport, Australian Government Human Rights Branch, Canberra, viewed 28 December 2007, http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Humanrightsandanti-discrimination_DisabilityStandardsforAccessiblePublicTransport.
National Road Transport Commission 1999, Australian Road Rules, National Road Transport Commission, Canberra, viewed 28 December 2007, http://www.woj.com.au/AustRoadRulespts1-21.pdf.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Buyer’s Guide - Scooters, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 28 December 2007, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=43&MinC=43&Item=4542&page=3.