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Electric scooters are compact, easy to drive and park, and can help you improve your mobility. If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric scooter, you’ll want to know the various electric scooter battery options available to you. There are three types of electric scooter batteries, each with their own advantages. Read all about them and choose the one that is right for your needs.

The first type is a lead acid (SLA) battery. The advantage of this battery is that it’s relatively easy to find and the least expensive to replace. However, it’s the heaviest battery and has the shortest overall lifetime. It will last about 300 full charge cycles before it needs to be replaced. The second type is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This battery is much lighter than an SLA battery and lasts about 500 full charge cycles. The final type is a lithium ion battery, which is the newest in battery technology. It is even lighter than a NiMH battery and lasts about 800 full charge cycles. However, this is the most expensive type of all three batteries.

After my grandpa had two hip surgeries in a matter of a year, it was nearly impossible for him to walk more than a few feet at a time. As a strong-willed war veteran, he was adamant about taking care of himself and was horrified by the prospect of having to be pushed around in a wheelchair. Although he didn’t like it, he realized that walking simply wasn’t an option anymore.

In order to make the transition easier for him, everyone in our family pitched in to buy him an electric scooter. It has allowed him to move around more freely, and he doesn’t constantly need someone’s assistance. He is hesitant to show any emotion, but it was evident that he was touched by the gesture and concern for him.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in mobility, you’re looking for an Amigo scooter. Amigo Mobility International, Inc. has been making “friendly wheelchairs” since 1968, when founder Al Thieme was personally motivated to create a power scooter to accommodate a family member who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. According to the company’s website, the Amigo initiated the entire power scooter industry. Today, Amigo power operated vehicles are known for their compact durability, unique customization options, user-friendly features, simple maintenance, and dependable operation.

Nearly anyone can find an Amigo scooter to fit his or her mobility needs. Amigo offers a compact TravelMate scooter that is optimal for hassle-free storage in cabs, cars, RVs, boat, and planes. Even though it’s compact and great for travel, it sill has a robust 250-pound weight capacity. For people of smaller stature who want to maneuver around tighter areas at home or in stores, the Amigo Express Junior is perfect to accommodate small frames. Amigo also offers convenient, reasonably priced replacement parts and accessories, like baskets and touch controllers, to make the Amigo experience seamless.

While some elderly people give up on traveling with the onset of age, getting around in an electric scooter and traveling with an electric scooter is quite common.  Electric scooters have allowed many people, who were previously immobile, to experience the world like they would have with a younger pair of legs.  Most if not all notable travel destinations can accommodate people who use an electric scooter to get around.  Places like Disney World, Caribbean resorts, even cruise ships are common destinations for people with electric scooters.  No matter what your physical condition, getting around in an electric scooter can be simple and fun. 

Before traveling, it is important to double check that your destination is wheelchair and electric scooter accessible.  While almost all locations are accessible for handicapped people these days, some still haven’t updated their services.  But make sure to plan ahead of time, and you’re guaranteed to have a great trip! 

The advantages of three wheel mobility scooters include: Maneuverability, adequate leg room, usually more comfortable than compact models. Three wheel scooters are recommended for indoor and paved outdoor use. A lightweight and maneuverable solution to your mobility needs. This type of medical scooter features two wheels in the back and a separate, articulate wheel in the front. Amigo  mobility scooters are more solid and durable than most compact mobility scooters. With close radius the  TravelMate has the ability to make 360-degree full swivel rotation, thanks to the independent motion of the front wheel.

This is the perfect traveling companion . Independent mileage ranges from 20 to 25 miles per charge, and can be disassembled and transported in a large vehicle, van, sedan, or SUV. This model has a robust 250 lb. weight capacity. Some options include fully-cushioned Travel Seat with flip-up/adjustable/removable arms, headlights, tail-lights, mirrors to name a few. These Amigo scooters are customizable by request, and made in the USA in the “Auto Capitol” Michigan.

If you are stuck with a power wheelchair that is a lemon you have two Choices. The first is to read your state lemon law and go kick some butt. The second is to sit around and feel sorry for yourself. The choice is yours to make.
Wheelchair Lemon Laws provide a legal remedy for consumers who are buyers or leasees of new motorized wheelchairs that turn out to be lemons. If the wheelchair does not conform to the terms of the written warranty and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer is unable to repair the wheelchair after a reasonable number of attempts during the first year, the consumer may be able to get a refund or have the wheelchair replaced.

These laws may vary from state to state so be sure to check your state’s wheelchair lemon law above.
 

Elderly people around the world are limited by their mobility, and it is the right of all people to be able to move about and experience all that life has to offer, no matter what their condition.  There are a variety of options for increasing the mobility of an elderly person, the most prominent being a scooter or power chair.  Though you might think electric scooters and power chairs are expensive, often times they are covered through Medicare or insurance.  Owning an electric scooter or power chair is quite easy; you simply need to plug it in and charge the batteries when it is not in use, and other than that there is little maintenance required.

Imagine being able to go to the grocery store, get around the kitchen with ease, or even take a stroll through the park anytime you want; being mobile provides a feeling of freedom and accomplishment that shouldn’t be denied to anyone.

Is there any routine maintenance I should do on my Amigo?

While it is not necessary to do daily or monthly maintenance, we do recommend these tips for optimum performance:

Daily:Charge batteries daily when the Amigo is used. Charge the battery until fully charged to ensure proper battery operation. Extended charging is good for the batteries and will not overcharge them.  Monthly:

Check and clean battery terminals and the wire connections as needed with a light piece of emery cloth or brush and soda water. Clean upholstery, plastic and metal. Inspect batteries for any cracks or damage of any kind. Check and tighten any exposed fasteners. Check tire pressure of pneumatic tires.  

“Introducing the Little Deuce Coupe. . .  
Forty years after its inception, the Amigo is cooler than ever!  We’re talking about the Little Deuce Scoot (LDS); an Amigo-powered “hot rod” mobility power operated vehicle/scooter. Designed by two baby boomers, Tom Khur and Joe Gaydos both from Michigan, the idea behind the LDS was to move to assistive mobility when the time came, but to do so in outrageous style while having fun.
 
Both Tom and Joe, with backgrounds in mechanics and building hot rods, brainstormed this mobility aid as a “cool ride” for the aging population. With elements of a true hot rod, the base of the LDS is a new Amigo MC power operated vehicle. Tom is quick to point out that the LDS can be totally customized and personalized, making it more fun for its owner.  A customized LDS will be in the price range of $3,200 to $5,000.

Its specifications include:
· Custom hand-laid fiberglass 1932 roadster body
· Body colors: satin black, yellow, red, baby blue (custom paint requests can be worked out such as flame at right)
· Aluminum diamond-plate floor
· Color accented seat cushions
· Hot rod custom steering wheel
· Hand controls adapted to steering wheel
· Different shift knobs can be used (dice, eight-ball, rat fink) 

George has been driving the prototype POV/scooter and has experienced positive reactions from those around him. He even introduced it to Amigo associates with the familiar lyrics of the Beach Boys playing in the background.

“People don’t look at me like I’m an old guy who can’t walk,” George said. “They give me thumbs-up when I scoot around places.”

If you would like to find out more information on the Little Deuce Scoot or wish to place an advance order, you can contact: coolscooter@littlehotrodshop.com. Or, feel free to call Tom – (313) 563-3455 or Joe (734) 218-3140.

Visit www.littlehotrodshop.com for an introduction to the ride of your life!

Aging and mobility issues are inevitable. Now you are able to add an element of fun and stay “cool” with the Little Deuce Scoot. You won’t know what it’s like. . . until you try it.

Written by: Fran Hetzner

The Amigo Power Operated Vehicle (POV) has been recognized in the mobility industry for 40 years. This brand of scooter has passed the test of time, and has only improved over time. It has been one of the most durable, reliable and sturdy POV’s on the market. The credit for producing this high quality assistive device is Mr. Al Theime, President and Founder of Amigo Mobility International, based in Bridgeport, MI.

This all American company has outgrown it’s  current facility, where other companies are laying off and closing doors. Amigo is expanding their headquarters, which in turn provides more jobs to Americans. This speaks highly of the product line, as individuals with mobility challenges are realizing Amigo delivers the ultimate in comfort, safety and durability. End users find these scooters lasting upwards of 10 years. Needless to say, these individuals become avid Amigo customers, as the scooter has been proven to out-last other brands. When investing in a product to enhance our independence, it is always best to go with the brand we know, Amigo!