London 2012 Paralympics: over one million tickets applied for

The London 2012 organising committee (Locog) has confirmed that 116,000 people applied for 1.14 million tickets to the London 2012 Paralympics during the six-week sales period.

Champion: David Weir will be a star attraction at the Games Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Nick Pearce

12:13PM BST 28 Sep 2011

Comment

Just under half (126) of the 300 ticketed sessions are oversubsribed in at least one price category in sports that included, athletics, track cycling, and wheelchair rugby, while the opening and closing ceremonies are also said to be oversubscribed in some price categories.

Locog chief executive Paul Deighton said he was expecting "packed out" venues when the Games take place in August and September next year.

"We are absolutely delighted by the response to Paralympic Games tickets and we would like to thank the British public," he said.

"The UK’s love of sport and support for the Paralympic movement shows that they have taken the Games to their heart. When the Paralympic Games come home next summer we can look forward with confidence to packed venues cheering on our athletes.”

International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven added: “The response from the public for Paralympic Games tickets has been phenomenal.

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• Paralympic tickets: swimming and cycling oversubscribed
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"To have over a million tickets applied for 11 months out from the Games is unprecedented and underlines the growing excitement for what will be a tremendous sporting event. This will be the first time ballots have been held for a number of sports, and I could not be more thrilled.”
Payment for successful applications will be taken by October 21 and applicants will find out precisely what tickets they have by November 18.
If applicants are allocated no tickets Locog is planning to put another batch on sale this winter along with 1.5 million Olympic football tickets.

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Hendersonville woman dies when wheelchair is hit

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A Hendersonville woman has died after her motorized wheelchair was hit by a pickup truck.
Police say 42-year-old Jessica Brooks was trying to cross the five lanes of U.S. Highway 25 when she was hit by a truck about 9:15 p.m. Monday.
Hendersonville police say no charges have been filed. The investigation is continuing.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. www.frontlinemobility.com www.americanscooterstore.com

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Lift Chairs and Seating Products for Seniors and Disabled

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Information and reviews on a variety of lift chairs and power recliners for seniors and people with a disability.
A lift chair is a device that gradually lifts the person to a standing position or gradually descends the person into a sitting position without causing any injuries. It has the look and feel of a normal recliner which makes it very comfortable for the individual.
Most lift chairs plug directly into the wall, but feature a backup power supply that is activated when the power goes out. Many people who are mobility challenged depend on their lift chair to stand and could not do so otherwise without assistance. The battery backup ensures that they will never be left without this precious resource.
The look and design of the chair also allows it to fit in with the rest of the furniture easily without looking out of place. The chairs are available in many different sizes and you can have custom designs by picking out fabrics and colors. Many elderly and those who suffer from arthritis or limited mobility find lift chairs to be the answer.
Power lift chairs have a built in motor that changes the position of a seat from sitting down to a complete upright position. These electric lift chairs are specially designed to prevent them from folding down on the individual or tipping over. Most lift chairs have two positions, upright and sitting down. Electric lift chairs can generally hold weight up to 375 pounds. Special chair lifts can be made for heavier individuals. A newer design on the market is the multi position lift chair. They are deeper and wider than the two position lift chairs. The additional position is called the napping position, which is a fully reclined position. The weight limit is the same as that of the two position lift chair.
Another popular option is chairs that are wall huggers. Wall huggers are designed so that they can be placed very close to the wall, while still completely reclining. These are great for areas with limited space and some can be placed as close as six inches to the wall, without affecting how far back the chair can recline. This is about a third of the distance a traditional lift chair requires.
Many lift chairs are designed to look just like regular chairs and recliners. They blend in well with other furniture and come in a wide array of colors. They are made of many types of fabrics as well including vinyl and leather. Some chairs offer heat and massaging options as well. Prices of lift chairs vary based on the brand, the size, the fabric, options, and how many positions they have. They start as low as $400 and are as much as several thousand dollars.

Recliner Lift Chairs

Recliner lift chairs are very useful for individuals who have a difficult time getting from a sitting to standing position, as well as for those who have a hard time going from a standing position to a comfortable sitting position. Lift chairs are available with a variety of features, designed to provide the best types of services to those who need it.
The chairs also feature a fully reclined position that allows for comfortable sitting and sleeping in the chair. This type of reclining chair is used by individuals who have arthritis, aches and pains, and who find moving from one position to another painful. They also have a backrest that offers the user added support. Many models come with a footrest that raises slightly higher to provide comfort and improve leg circulation. Some recliner chair lifts have a memory button. Once you find a position you like, easily program it into the remote control. Whenever you want to return to that position, push that button on the controller.
Most reclining lift chairs have a motor. With the touch of a button, you can move the chair from a sitting position to a full upright position. This process takes place at a speed that is comfortable for any individual. Once you are in a full upright position, you can walk away from the chair, or even use your walker. When you are ready to sit down, simply stand against the chair. Using the control buttons, it will slowly take you from a standing to sitting position. Most reclining lift chairs have a wider seat than most recliners, to allow for easier use.

Zero Gravity Chairs

The zero-gravity sitting position, developed and heavily researched by NASA, is one of the best ways to relieve back and neck pain. In the zero-gravity reclining position, the legs are raised above the heart. This in turn puts your back and spine into the correct resting position.
One of the most important parts of the zero-gravity reclining position is that your spine is put into the correct neutral position, but there are many other advantages as well. The zero-gravity position relieves stress on the lower back and reduces or eliminates disc compression. It also helps improve lung capacity and circulation due to the way the torso is positioned relative to the legs. The neutral back position maintains the natural curves of the spine and reduces strain on the ligaments and muscles. These features are incredibly important if you suffer from back problems, but also if you want to keep your body healthy.

Lift chairs come in many styles and sizes. Being properly fitted is very important for safety.

1) One size does not fit all. Each chair is made for certain height and weight capacities. A Medicare Approved Provider is trained in fitting each client accurately.
2) Find a local lift chair showroom and try the chairs out. No one would purchase a regular recliner without trying it out first.
3) Chairs that are well made usually have a good warranty. Ask about the warranty on each chair and how the chairs are serviced. A big furniture or discount store may not even know the answer to this very important question.
There are various quality manufacturers that offer power lift chairs. One of them is Pride Mobility, which offers four product lines of lift chairs. They include Heritage, Classic, Elegance and Specialty. Another popular name in the lift chair business is Golden Technologies. The firm's line up of chairs include the Value Series, Comforter, Traditional, Signature, MaxiComfort and Golden Designer. Other brands are La-Z Boy, Med-Lift and Maxi-Comfort among others.
4) Determine the best chair for the particular need. Many chairs lay down in a full sleeper position. Zero gravity positions offer many benefits such as back relief, improved circulation, and expanded lung capacity. Also, many chairs are the standard 2 and 3 way positions.
5) Feet should be on the floor when the chair is in a seated position. When the chair is rising, feet should not be dangling!
6) Consider the space that the chair will fill. Is it small? How far from the wall does it need to be? Is there room to walk past the chair if it is reclined?
7) Make sure there are many fabric options available. Look for regular upholstery, vinyl, leather, microfiber,or new scrubbable fabrics. Many lift chairs are more stylish than ever before. Look for plush Big Man chairs or sleek wing backs.
There is virtually no limit in style and comfort in today's lift chairs. Whether you are 4'9" and weigh 85 pounds or 6'5" and weigh 500 pounds, there is a lift chair to fit you.
* Visit our disability products store for further information and to purchase  quality lift chairs online.

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Local Hero Recalls Saving Wheelchair-Bound Woman on Sept. 11

On Sept. 11, 2001, Mike and Evelyn Benfante of Verona got a call from their son, Michael, who was working in the World Trade Center. He said he was walking down a smokey stairwell, after “some kind of an explosion,” and was leading others down. Assisted by a colleague, he was also carrying a woman in a wheelchair, with 68 floors to go. After he hung up from his father, he pushed on as the firefighters were walking up toward the flames. While his family watched on television, both towers collapsed. They finally and miraculously heard from their son, almost two hours later.
“I saw horrible things that can’t be unseen or unremembered, but I also saw remarkable acts of helpfulness, selflessness, and generosity. That’s what I focus on to get through the memories,” explained Michael Benfante, Jr., almost 10 years after the attack.
The tragedy, escape and years of wrenching personal challenges are the subjects of Benfante’s new book, Reluctant Hero, A 9/11 Hero Speaks Out About That Unthinkable Day, What He’s Learned, How He’s Struggled and What No One Should Ever Forget, published by Skyhorse Publishing.
Raised in Montclair, now living in Bloomfield with his wife, Joy, and their four-year old son, Benfante explained how impressed he was with the composure of those trying to escape through the stairwell. “People were watching out for each other, helping each other, being kind to one another, in spite of the worst attack on American soil taking place all around them,” Benfante added.
When he got to the 68th floor, Benfante left the stairwell to determine the situation when he noticed some women huddled in a group. As he called for them to get out of the building, they parted and there he saw a woman in a wheelchair. After offering to help her, she accepted but Benfante soon discovered her motorized wheelchair was too heavy to carry.
Call it karma, fate or a guardian angel, but nearby, Benfante noticed a lighter-weight evacuation wheelchair. After strapping her in, Benfante and his colleague John Cerqueira returned to the stairwell and started the descent through what was now a more crowded and hotter experience. A little more than 90 minutes later, after more doors and windows were blown in from the collapse of the south tower next door, Benfante, Cerqueira and Tina Hansen, the wheelchair-bound woman, exited the stairwell to a waiting ambulance outside.
Hansen started crying and motioned to Benfante to give her a hug. “I hugged her, gave her my business card and asked her to call me to see if I retrieved her motorized wheelchair,” Benfante continued. “That’s when I realized I was so focused on escaping that I never asked her name. When I turned around, the second tower began to collapse. We got out five minutes before the building came down.”
The national media heard of Benfante’s heroic effort and soon he was on Oprah and many other media outlets across the country. Benfante noted, “For months after the attack, the country and perhaps the world, became united from the lessons learned about the fragility of life and appreciation of a common humanity. It stopped being a mass of competing and conflicting agendas.”
But that was soon to change. Wars, politics, corporate greed, fraud, deceptive business practices and much that is evil started to overshadow the goodness that surfaced after 9/11. All the selflessness, generosity, courage and dignity were fading, and it was taking its toll on Michael Benfante. Months became years as Benfante became more emotionally and physically lost. Struggling to overcome his challenges and writing Reluctant Hero helped to turn the tide.
Approaching the 10th anniversary of the horrendous attack and his escape, Benfante explained, “Despite the terrorism, the wars, and the deception in corporate and political America, I've learned that 9/11 showed us that there are enormous, untapped reservoirs of extraordinary human kindness and generosity just waiting for a trigger, that this trigger should be pulled daily as most of us are basically good people.” He proposes making 9/11 a national day of service to remember those who were kind to strangers when no one was looking.

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www.frontlinemobility.com     The Best Online Wheelchair StoreThe Best Stair Wheelchair

Model 48 Stair Chair Designed to be stored in small places, the Model 42 Stair Chair functions well in confined areas such as narrow hallways and multiple-landing stairways. Two 4" rear stationary wheels and two 2" low-profile front guide wheels allow the Model 42 to roll over most carpeted or hard surfaces. Four lifting handles with nonslip handgrips enable EMTs to move the patient safely and easily. Soft vinyl-coated cover is simple and easy to clean, resists blood, stains and bodily fluids. Locking safety latch maintains Model 42 in the chair position during use. Safety latch is manually released when the chair is folded for storage. Two 7' quickrelease patient restraints securely hold the patient. Model 48 is identical to Model 42, only 4" narrower. Ideal for use in airplanes, boats, restaurants and all areas where access is severely limited. Available in burgundy and orange. Features: Specially designed for confined areas such as hallways or multiple-landing stairways; anywhere access is severley limited Model 42 is 4" wider than Model 48 Two 4" rear stationary wheels and 2" low-profile front guide wheels facilitate transport on most floor types Locking safety latch maintains chair position during use

Selecting the Right Wheelchair

Selecting the Right Wheelchair

Manual Wheelchairs

The first decision to be made is choosing a folding frame or rigid frame. Folding frames are the traditional type with an X brace in the middle that allows the frame to fold sideways. The folding process is simple, but the folded wheelchair is often bulky and heavy, and most users cannot load this type into a car without assistance. Newer versions of the folding frame are somewhat lighter than the old chrome steel models, but the folding frame is usually heavier than a rigid frame. This is because the folding frame requires more parts and usually have heavier footrests. Most folding frames have swing away footrests, which makes transfers easier for users who have difficulty transferring. One disadvantage of the folding frame is that the frame is not as strong as a rigid frame. Since many of the joints in a folding frame must move in order to fold, they are subject to wear and stress. These joints move when the chair is pushed and waste some energy. These joints are also difficult to keep in proper alignment. Therefore a folding frame is less efficient than a rigid frame.
Most rigid frames use welded joints for the body of the wheelchair. Usually only the seat back folds down for transport. The wheels have quick-release axles that allow the wheels to be removed easily for transport. Many paras are able to load a rigid-frame wheelchair into a car without assistance. The user first transfers to the car seat, folds the seat back down, removes the wheels, and finally lifts the chair across into the passenger seat. The wheelchair should be secured with the seatbelt. Most rigid frames are made of lightweight aluminum (10 - 20 pounds), so lifting the frame without wheels is fairly easy. The footrests of a rigid frame are usually a simple bar that goes across the front with a platform for the feet. The footrest bar acts as part of the frame structure. A few rigid frames have flip-up footrests, either individual or a latching bar with two footrests attached. In summary, a rigid frame is designed for efficiency and lightness. It is a good choice for users who want to be active and can transfer easily.
Footrest choices include angle and taper. The angle is measured from the horizontal, viewed from the side. A 70- degree angle is usual, but some users are more comfortable with feet elevated slightly using a 60-degree angle. Sport users will often use 90 or greater angle to get the legs out of the way. Elevating legrests provide variable angle, but are very heavy and are used when the legs need to be raised to aid circulation or when the user has difficulty keeping knees bent. Tapered footrests are tapered vertically viewed from the front, and they bring the feet together at the bottom to provide more turning clearance. Some users with limited flexibility in hip and knee joints may be uncomfortable using tapered footrests
To select the wheels, one needs to pick the type of tire first. See the section on tires. The next choice is spoked wheels or composite. Spoked wheels are usually lighter, but somewhat more fragile and require more maintenance with heavy use. Composite wheels tend to wear out at the bearing mountings. The next choice is the camber of the wheel, which is the angle of the wheel from the vertical as viewed from the front. Zero camber provides the narrowest wheelchair width. Increasing the camber increases the width at the bottom of the wheel and decreases the width at the top. This provides more stability and easier turning. It also can make it easier to push the wheelchair since the handrims are more easily reached. The decrease in top width may require moving the wheels outward to clear the body. The increased width produced by camber is the main disadvantage. The increase in wheelchair width with camber (24" wheels) is as follows: 3 degrees --- 1.3", 6 degrees --- 2.5", 9 degrees --- 3.8", 12 degrees --- 5.1". So most ordinary users select zero or 3 degree camber. Greater camber is reserved for sports.
Handrim choices are size, material, and coating. The overall diameter affects propulsion. Large diameter is good for ease in uphill climbs, while smaller diameter is good for racers who want high speed on the flat. Some users grab the tire and the handrim to get additional leverage to get up ramps. One needs to use gloves to grab the tire because it is dirty and there may be sharp objects caught in the tire. Large diameter tubing can make it easier to grab the handrim. Coated handrims are easier to grab, but can be hard to brake on downhills because the hands get hot, even with gloves. Plastic coatings are easily damaged and then become uncomfortable to use. One solution is a coating called Duracush, which uses a foam rubber layer covered by a tough plastic skin. It provides good grip, durability, and more tolerable performance on downhills.
Wheel locks come in two types, side-mounted and under- seat. The side- mounted type is easy to operate, but one has to be very careful not to get thumbs caught in the wheel lock when pushing. The under-seat type avoids this problem, but is more difficult to use because it requires reaching under the seat. The easy way to set this type is to move the outer part of the lock first and then set the lock with the inner lever.
Caster wheel size is selected by balancing the ability to turn versus the ability to get over bumps. Three-inch wheels are fine for basketball players who need to turn quickly on smooth floors, but they are terrible for outdoor use. The larger the wheel, the easier it is to get over a bump. But large wheels take more room to turn, are heavier, and can interfere with feet and footrests. One solution is a new lightweight front suspension fork that absorbs the shock of a bump and allows the wheel to ride over the bump. This produces a smooth ride without having to use pneumatic tires.
The front-back balance of the wheelchair is very important. If the rear wheels are too far forward on the frame, the chair and user will tend to tip over backwards. If the wheels are too far backward, much of the weight will be on the front casters, making the chair hard to push and producing a bumpy ride. Excess weight forward can also cause the chair to tip over when it hits a bad bump and can make it difficult to steer across side slopes. Many users are able to get over obstacles such as doorsills by pushing hard just at the bump. This raises the front casters slightly to get over the bump easily. More experienced users can raise the casters off the ground in a "wheelie". These techniques should be tried only with trained supervision because of the danger of tipping backwards. These techniques are useful, and can only be done if the wheelchair is balanced properly. Most lightweight wheelchairs have adjustments for wheel position. The adjustments needs to be done carefully to maintain safety as well as efficiency. Special adapters are available for amputees who require the wheels further back than usual. Anti-tip wheels are available, but are avoided by most active users because they get in the way.

Power Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs come in various drive types: rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and mid-wheel drive. Rear- wheel drive is the traditional type that is readily available. Front-wheel drives are becoming more common and provide tighter turning than rear-wheel drives. Mid-wheel drives are the latest entry and provide the tightest turning of all. Most front- wheel drives have a slightly lower top speed than rear-wheel drives because of the tendency of front-wheel drives to turn too readily at high speeds. Mid-wheel drives have a tendency to rock when stopping and starting. Mid- wheel drives have caster wheels in the rear and an extra set of anti-tip wheels in front. The extra front wheels may limit the use of mid-wheel drives on uneven ground.
Motor drive systems use either gears or belts to couple the motor to the wheel. Some use both gears and belts. Belt drives can be very quiet, but generally require more maintenance. Modern gear drives are fairly quiet and low-maintenance, but do wear out and get noisier in the process.
Power wheelchair frames vary in ruggedness. The low- priced models have light frames that are suitable for primarily indoor use. They quickly break down if used much on streets. Frames crack, front forks bend, and motors wear out rapidly when these are pushed beyond their design limits. The latest high-priced models are a great improvement over the old models in ruggedness and reliability. Frames are designed for the weight load instead of being manual wheelchair frames with motors and batteries tacked on. Some have spring suspension, which improves the ride tremendously and allows travel over uneven ground.
See the section on tire selection for information on selecting tires for power wheelchairs.
Power wheelchairs are available with power tilt or recline or both. The tilt feature tilts the entire seat assembly and footrests together, usually up to 45 degrees. The recline feature tilts the seat back backward usually to nearly flat and raises the legrests up to horizontal separately. Both of these features are used to provide independent pressure relief for a user. This is important for the prevention of pressure sores.

Getting the Most from Batteries

Wheelchair batteries are different from car batteries because they are used in a different way. A car battery's main function is to start the engine. At other times, it is loafing along, constantly being charged by the alternator. A wheelchair battery is usually charged once a day and must supply large amounts of electricity while it is running. So wheelchair batteries must be a special type called deep-cycle. This means that the battery can be almost completely discharged without damage to the battery. If a car battery is used for a wheelchair, it will soon fail.
Wheelchair batteries will last longer if they are kept as close to full charge as practical. They are unlike the small nickel- cadmium batteries that need to be run down occasionally to preserve their full capacity. Most users need to charge the batteries every night to keep a full charge. Modern battery chargers are automatic so there is no problem of overcharging. If a wheelchair is used only occasionally, the battery needs to be charged at least once a month, and should be charged whenever it is used during a day.
The life of wheelchair batteries depends on how heavily they are used. Most last about a year. Compare this with the life of most car batteries, which last about 4-5 years. The difference is due to the deep cycling of the wheelchair batteries. Some users who travel mostly indoors can use a battery for 2 years. Anything beyond 2 years of life is rare. The best way to tell whether a battery is getting old is to notice if the wheelchair is getting weak at end of trips that were no problem when the battery was new.
New batteries require about 5 cycles of use and recharging before they reach their full capacity. So don't push a new battery for a few days. Freiler Wheelchair has a special computer battery tester that cycles new batteries for several hours to check them and ensure close to full capacity of the battery when installed. The same tester is used to test the old batteries to make sure that they were really bad.
There are two types of batteries for wheelchairs: wet and gel. Wet batteries require adding distilled water about every two months. Wet batteries can be damaged permanently if the water level falls below the level of the battery plates. Adding water is often quite difficult, even for someone with training and no disability. The batteries are heavy and difficult to reach. So adding water is usually impossible for wheelchair users. We will be glad to do it for our clients, even though MediCare will not pay for this service. If you do it yourself, follow these precautions:
1. Use only distilled water. Tap water has minerals that will damage the battery.
2. Don't overfill the battery. If the outside of the battery is wet, the battery has been overfilled. Fill only to about 1/8" below the ring in the hole. Use a flashlight to see the level clearly. Overfilling the battery will result in leakage of battery acid, which will quickly ruin battery connections. The water level will rise as the battery is charged, so a weak battery with low water level should be filled less than normal.
3. Be careful not to short-circuit the battery terminal with any metal. The sparks can ignite the gas in the battery and cause an explosion. Don't smoke. Be careful not to get battery acid on skin and in your eyes -- use gloves and eye protection.
4. Wipe up any spills and replace the caps tightly.
Gel batteries avoid many of the problems of wet batteries. They never need water. They eliminate corrosion problems. They are much easier to take on an airplane trip because airlines require wet batteries to be removed from the wheelchair and placed in a sealed container. The main disadvantage of gel batteries is that they have about 10 to 20% less capacity than comparable wet batteries. This is usually important only for users who travel long distances. They cost more and MediCare will not reimburse us for the full price, but this is not the user's problem. If you want to switch battery types, make sure that the battery charger is suitable for the type of battery. Many old chargers will not charge a gel battery properly. Most new chargers have a switch to select either type of battery.
Many chargers will not charge a completely dead battery. Some have a button that will allow manually starting the charge cycle. In other cases, a different charger must be used. Charging a battery that has been dead for several months is very difficult and requires several days of charging. The battery may be permanently damaged. So it is best to keep batteries charged, even if they are not being used.
Whenever you plug in the charger, always check that the battery is charging, as indicated by a meter or light. The charger plug is subject to a lot of stress, so be sure that the cord and plug are in good condition.

Selecting the Best Tires

There is no perfect tire for every purpose and every person. A user must decide what is important and select the tire that has the least undesirable qualities. The factors to consider are:
1. Weight
2. Puncture-resistance
3. Durability
4. Comfort of ride
5. Traction

The first decision is air or no air. Air tires are light, have excellent ride and traction, and good durability. But many users will sacrifice all these to avoid the bugaboo of flat tires. So they resort to using airless tires. Airless tires come in several forms: solid, inserts, and foam-filled. Inserts are foam rubber tubes that are inserted into pneumatic tires to make them airless. Some tires are too bulky for inserts, and these are filled with foam. Using airless tires on a power wheelchair makes sense for most users, because the extra weight is not a problem. Airless tires are stiffer that pneumatics so the ride is more uncomfortable with airless tires, especially for smaller sizes. Many new power wheelchairs have springs on the rear wheels, so ride is acceptable with airless tires. A reasonable compromise is to use airless tires on the rear of a power chair and pneumatic tires on the front. The pneumatic front tires make it much more comfortable when traveling over rough streets and sidewalks. If needed, one can usually limp along on a flat front wheel by leaning. Another way to get smoother ride is to use suspension forks in front. These are available for some power wheelchairs and a new lightweight version is available for manual wheelchairs.
There have been attempts to solve the problem of flat tires, but none have been very successful. One is to use a thorn- resistant tube. These have thicker rubber on the outside, and will resist small punctures. These should be used for power wheelchairs when available. They are much heavier than regular tubes so they may not be suitable for manual wheelchair users. Another attempted solution is to insert a tough plastic strip between the tube and tire to block punctures. The problem with this is that the strip tends to shift and the hard edge can cut into the tire and cause flats. Another solution is to put a sealer inside the tube to seal punctures. The main problem with this is that the sealer tends to clog the valve and cause leakage. If sealer is used, one must be very careful to check for valve leakage whenever air is added. Sealers only work for small punctures. Another way to use sealer is to carry a can of pressurized tire sealer to use in case of flats. This usually works for small leaks. Make sure that the damaged tube is replaced as soon as possible because this is only a temporary fix.
The gray rubber used for most wheelchair tires wears rapidly. Users who travel a lot on streets might be able to use black rubber tires, which last much longer because the carbon added to the tire makes it much tougher. Unfortunately, black tires are available only in a few sizes, probably because the tire manufacturers sell more tires if they wear out quickly. Black tires may produce slight marks on white floors.

Care of Tires

1. Keep tires inflated at the proper pressure. The pressure is always stamped on the tire. Use a hand pump or a small electric pump with a gauge. Do not use a gas station air hose. Wheelchair tires have very small volume and it is very easy to explode a tire. Keeping the tires inflated will increase tire life, decrease rolling resistance, and keep the wheel locks effective.
2. Replace worn tires promptly. Don't wait until the black cords of the tire show. Tires are much less prone to flats if they have adequate tread. Wheel locks will work better with good tires.
3. Check your tires regularly. Sometimes a puncture will cause a slow leak that is not obvious. If you do find a small nail in the tire, leave it in place to seal the leak and get the flat fixed.

The Importance of Proper Seating

Proper wheelchair seating is more than just comfort. Lack of proper seating can lead to poor posture and pressure sores (decubitus ulcers). Selecting the best seat depends on the needs of the user. The best for an active para will probably not suit a quad. The factors to consider are support, pressure relief, weight, and maintenance.
Support in a cushion provides a stable base, which is essential for proper posture. This has to be balanced with pressure relief, which ensures that no part of the body receives excessive pressure. If pressure at a point is high enough to cut off blood flow, the tissue will deteriorate and an ulcer will form. Decubitus ulcers are extremely serious and very difficult to heal, often requiring months of hospitalization. So ulcers need to be prevented, and proper seating is the first defense. Another way to prevent ulcers is periodic relief of pressure by shifting the body. If the user can shift in the seat independently, this should be done frequently. If this is not possible the user needs to be provided with the best seat possible and may need other means of pressure relief such as transfers out of the chair or a power tilt or recline seat. Users need to have their skin checked regularly to spot ulcers. Any signs of problems, such as red skin or abraded skin should lead to corrections, such as more frequent pressure relief or better seating.
The traditional sling seat and back has numerous problems. The sag of the seat tends to rotate the hips inward, and the top of the pelvis tends to slump backwards. There is nothing to prevent sliding forward in the seat, so the user is slumped in the seat with back curved, head leaning forward, and neck bent upward. This seating is not suitable for long-term use. Its only advantages are low cost and the ability to fold easily.
Foam seat cushions have improved lately so that they can provide adequate seating for users with moderate needs. The foam can be contoured to provide a stable posture base. The density of the foam can designed to provide moderate pressure relief. The use of multiple densities of foam can provide both pressure relief and stability. Light weight, moderate cost, and easy maintenance are advantages of foam.
Air cushions can provide excellent pressure relief and are usually prescribed for users who are prone to ulcers. The disadvantages of air cushions are poor support and maintenance problems. The cushions tend to be squishy, especially the thick ones. They can get punctures, and the inflation must be maintained to ensure that they don't bottom out.
Gel cushions can provide more stable support than air cushions and still provide good pressure relief. Disadvantage are that they are heavy and can leak. The gel needs to be mixed periodically to keep hard spots from forming. Gel cushions need to be fitted carefully to ensure that all areas have an adequate thickness of gel.
A new type of cushion uses honeycomb cells of plastic to form a seat that provides good support and pressure relief. It is also light, provides good ventilation of the skin, and is machine washable.
A proper seat cushion requires a proper seat platform. Using a good cushion on a sagging sling seat defeats its purpose. If a flat seat surface is not available, a rigid cushion insert can be used to avoid a sag.
A proper back is part of a good seating system. A rigid back with contoured cushion is best. If this is not possible, at least some support can be added to the lumbar or sacral areas to allow a more upright posture.

Wheelchair Safety

1. Keep wheelchair in good condition; don't wait until it falls apart. See section on maintenance .
2. On power wheelchairs, always turn power off before transferring, when using a wheelchair lift, or when on a cliff. One user bumped into the joystick while on a van lift and fell backwards off the lift. Fortunately, he survived to learn the lesson. It's a good practice to turn off power whenever you are not driving the wheelchair. This saves a bit on battery juice and decreases the danger of you or someone else accidentally bumping the joystick. On manual wheelchairs, always set wheel locks before transferring.
3. Don't pull backward on doors or other objects when sitting in a manual wheelchair. A door may suddenly release and you may tip over backwards.
4. Don't put heavy loads on the back of a manual wheelchair. It may make the wheelchair tip over backwards.
5. Don't remove the anti-tip wheels on a power wheelchair. If you encounter an obstacle, the torque of the motor may tip you backwards.
6. Don't let children play with your wheelchair. They should be instructed to never touch your wheelchair controls. Don't let them ride on battery cases or on the footrests; these will break if they do.
7. Use a flag if you ride the streets. Use headlights and flashing taillights if you ride the streets at night. Pick bright colors for wheelchairs.
8. Don't go up or down steep slopes. You may lose control and tip over.
9. Have the programming of your power wheelchair set so that it does not go faster than you can handle, especially in reverse.
10. Beware of caster flutter, which is the rapid side to side motion of the caster. This usually happens at high speed, such as when going downhill. It can throw you forward out of the chair. If your casters flutter, get them fixed.
11. Avoid riding in the rain. Wheelchairs are generally not waterproof, especially the electronics. If the electronics gets wet, the wheelchair may behave erratically. Wheels lose traction when wet, especially with urethane tires.
12. Beware of the effects of radio/TV stations and cell phones on power wheelchairs, especially older models. Turn wheelchair power off before using a cell phone. If anything weird happens while driving, turn off the power immediately.
13. Read the operating manual for your wheelchair and observe all the precautions.
A useful general policy for safety is to prevent accidents before they can happen. Instead of just being more careful, think of ways to prevent problems even if you happen to make a mistake. Instead of being careful not to bump the joystick, turn the power off. Don't use high-speed mode indoors, where a mistake might send you into a wall at full speed. Plan ahead of time for emergencies, such as brake failure on a power chair, a power chair moving by itself, or a manual chair tipping backwards.

Wheelchair Maintenance

These are items that wheelchair users need to check periodically. Any problems should be repaired by a qualified service technician.
Tires
See section on care of tires.
Batteries
See section on batteries.
Front casters wheels and forks
Check that the caster wheels spin freely. If not, the problem may be due to hair and other debris caught in the bearing. The wheel usually must be removed to clean the bearing. Check for noises coming from the bearing; a good bearing should be silent. Caster bearings take a beating because they are so close to the ground and pick up dirt and water. The caster stem bearing that supports the fork pivot should turn easily, but should not be so loose that the caster wheel flutters from side to side at high speed. Check that the stem bearing barrel is perpendicular to the floor. If not, the caster will have difficulty turning. Check that the stem caps are in place; they keep water and dirt out. Check that the forks are not bent.
Glide test for manual wheelchairs
Find a smooth level floor such as in a supermarket. Push the chair and let it glide. It should go a long way in a straight line. If not, bearings may be bad or the wheels and casters may be out of alignment. Listen for noisy bearings. If the rear wheels are cambered with a connecting axle, the axle needs to be adjusted so that the wheels are parallel. Otherwise the wheels will have excessive friction.
Wheel locks and electric brakes
Check manual wheel locks for slippage with tires inflated to the correct pressure. The locks should operate easily. If not, the pivots may need lubrication. The pivots need to be tight enough that the wheel lock stays in place when released. If not, the wheel lock will drag against the tire, resulting in wear and wasted effort. Electric brakes for power wheelchairs need to be checked to ensure that they stop the wheelchair without veering and that they hold on a slope.
Footrests
Check that the footrests are not bent and are at the proper height. Check that the latches hold securely.
Seating
Check that the seat cushion is not bottoming out. The air level in inflatable cushions needs to be checked frequently. Gel cushions need to be massaged periodically to keep the gel from settling into hard lumps. Check cushion covers, especially on air cushions since air cushions will not work without a proper cover. Check sling seats and backs for tears and sags.
Rear Wheels
Check that rear wheels on manual chairs spin freely without wobble. Check for loose and broken spokes. Check quick release axle pins. They should release easily. The axle pins should be adjusted so that they are slightly loose when in place to ensure that the locking mechanism is fully engaged. Always check that the wheel is locked firmly in place after mounting a wheel.
Electrical problems on power wheelchairs
If you have electrical problems, note which side it affects. If the lights on the joystick box are flashing, note carefully the pattern; they signify an error code, usually by the number of lights or the number of blinks.
Drive Motors
Listen for unusual noises coming from the motor or gearbox. Check drive belts for slippage and wear. Check for jerking motion of the chair; this indicates serious problems.
Joystick control
Check that the joystick returns freely to neutral without binding. Check that the seal on the joystick is intact; it keeps dirt and water out. Check that all switches and controls are tightly in place. Check that the joystick clamp holds the joystick firmly in place.
The Best online Wheelchair Store is www.frontlinemobility.com

Wheelchair-user becomes first disabled model to star in major High Street campaign

By Tamara Abraham

Last updated at 11:37 AM on 26th February 2010

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Debenhams today became the first High Street retailer to use a disabled model in its advertising campaigns.
Shannon Murray, who is confined to a wheelchair, took part in a photo shoot for the department store last week.
The actress and model, 32, revealed the news on her blog: 'I've been modelling for over 14 years but this was different,' she wrote.

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Challenging preconceptions: The new Principles campaign stars, from left, size 10 Tokumbo Daniel, wheelchair-user Shannon Murray, size 16 Kate Fullman, designer Ben de Lisi and 5ft 4in Tess Montgomery

'It is a first and as I was getting ready in hair and make-up, the potential of this shoot suddenly struck me – another small step towards inclusion and representation.
'I hope the images challenge a few misconceptions about disability; it's been a long time coming.'
The shoot, which will promote the recently launched Principles by Ben de Lisi fashion range, is set to appear in the windows of the Oxford Street flagship in London today.

 

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• Women warned of bacteria risk as the average cosmetics bag is found to be four years out of date
• Debenhams launches size 16 mannequins in shop windows to reflect shape of average woman

Fashion designer Mr de Lisi, said: 'Every woman deserves to look good and feel special - which is why there are styles to suit, fit and flatter every body shape in the new Principles range.
'I think that Shannon looks amazing,' he added.
Miss Murray will join three other models in the campaign: Kate Fullman, who is a size 16, Tess Montgomery, a petite 5ft 4in model and Tokumbo Daniel, who is a size 10.

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Varied role models: The images, which will promote the recently launched Principles by Ben de Lisi fashion range, are set to appear in the windows of Debenhams' London flagship today

A spokesman for the store told how the campaign had been in partnership with the Channel 4 television show How To Look Good Naked, in which stylist Gok Wan encourages women who are lacking in body confidence to pose nude.
The current series, titled How To Look Good Naked...With A Difference, has seen the presenter turn his attention to disabled women, and will follow the story of Miss Murray.
Mr Wan said: 'We in the UK have the best high street in the world.  It’s a multi million pound industry that needs to recognise all shapes, sizes and disabilities.  
'Debenhams is pushing the boundaries by producing the first ever disabled fashion campaign ... I hope that one day disabilities will be recognised by every chain in the high street'

Variety: Miss Murray outside Debenhams in Oxford Street, where the images went on display this morning

News of the photo shoot was welcomed by disability campaigners. Clair Lewis, from the Direct Action Network, said: 'As long as the campaign is more than just a brief moment of tokenism then I think it should be welcomed,' she said.
'Britain is a varied placed filled with women of different sizes and ethnic backgrounds. The models and high street windows should reflect that variety but all too often they don't.'
Miss Murray, who is regarded as a pioneer in the world of disabled modelling, has been confined to a wheelchair since the age of 14, after breaking her neck during a holiday in Lanzarote.

A long time coming: Miss Murray, who has been in a wheelchair since her teens, revealed news of the shoot on her blog

She became a model after winning the first modelling competition for disabled people in 1994.
She was, and continues to be signed to model agency VisABLE, which organises the contest, and specialises in finding work for disabled models and actors.
Miss Murray is one of a number of high-profile people who are transforming public preconceptions of those with disabilities.
Hollyoaks star Kelly Marie Stewart, who suffers from Guillain-Barré syndrome, is also wheelchair-bound, as is Cherylee Houston is set to appear on Coronation Street from April.
CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell, who was born with part of an arm missing, sparked a row after parents complained she might scare children when she joined the channel a year ago. 
Last week Debenhams launched a trial of size 16 mannequins in its store windows.
The store currently uses standard size 10 mannequins in all its window displays despite the majority of women in the UK measuring in at either a size 14 or 16.
Signs next to the mannequins, which will also be wearing the Principles by Ben de Lisi range, will ask customers: 'I'm a size 16. Do you want to see more of me?'
Debenhams stocks up to size 2-6 in its womenswear department, with 42 per cent of sales coming from size 14 and 16 garments.

www.frontlinemobility.com

Fact Sheet on Handicap Mobility Scooters

ABLEDATA Fact Sheet on Scooters

Introduction

For many individuals with mobility disabilities, a powered scooter is an attractive alternative to a manual or powered wheelchair.  Scooters are often lighter, more compact, and more maneuverable than power chairs, and in many people’s eyes their appearance is more appealing.  This fact sheet is intended to help people with mobility disabilities who are interested in learning more about scooters.  Topics discussed include features and components of scooters; factors determining whether a scooter is an appropriate mobility aid; and considerations in scooter selection.  The fact sheet also provides a list of manufacturers and sources for scooter reviews.

Scooter Features and Components

Electric scooters (sometimes called “mobility scooters” to distinguish them from the recreational scooters popular among teenagers) all share a recognizable set of features.  Each has a seat at the rear of a wheeled platform, with controls and sometimes handrests on a column in front of the seat, called the tiller.  The wheeled platform is the base unit.  It supports the feet and batteries and contains the drive system.  Scooters can have either front- or rear-wheel drive, and most have either four wheels or three (two in back, one in front).

Figure 1:  The RT Express from Amigo Mobility International is a 3-wheeled scooter
designed primarily for indoor use.

Base Unit

The base unit is the body of the scooter.  Generally it consists of a steel, aluminum, or composite frame with a fiberglass or composite floor to support the feet and batteries.  Some scooter bases include a shroud over the front wheel and drive head, giving the scooter a bullet-shaped appearance.  Certain scooter models also use the shroud to create a dashboard housing some of the instrumentation (such as a key lock for turning the scooter on and off and a battery-level indicator) for the scooter.  The base also includes the wheels and the drive train.  In some scooters, the seat post is part of the base.  The scooter’s maneuverability and its suitability for indoor or outdoor use largely depend on the characteristics of the base unit such as its turning radius, the size of its wheelbase, its ground clearance, and its overall dimensions.
The base unit also affects the comfort and safety of the rider.  When evaluating a scooter, it is important to be certain that the base can accommodate the user's needs.  The floor should provide enough space to comfortably support the feet at a natural angle, and the overall dimensions should permit the controls to be easily reached and manipulated.  Some manufacturers offer models with optional extended bases for tall people or shorter bases for small adults.  Some models also offer optional extended footrests for those who wear leg braces or who have difficulty bending their knees.
It is important to evaluate the base for safety features, including its overall stability.  A scooter should not tip easily during sharp turns or on inclines such as curb cuts (if the scooter is designed for outdoor use).  Anti-tip wheels should be included as part of the frame to help support and stabilize the scooter.  On front-wheel drive units, anti-tips are often located laterally just behind the front wheel because they generally lack the power for steep inclines.  Because most rear-wheel drive scooters are intended to negotiate more rugged terrain, they are usually equipped with rear anti-tips to support the scooter on hills.  Side anti-tip wheels are sometimes offered as options.  It should be noted that lateral anti-tippers may cause difficulties on curb cuts and ramps.
Some scooters can be disassembled into modular units for transport and storage.  Modular design may also allow the scooter to be converted from a 3-wheeled to a 4-wheeled model or from indoor to outdoor use.

Figure 2:  The Legend XL from Pride Mobility is a 4-wheeled scooter intended primarily for outdoor use.

Drive Train and Power System

The drive train is an integral part of the base unit and provides either front- or rear-wheel drive for the scooter.  Front-wheel drive is usually found on smaller scooters designed primarily to be used indoors or outdoors on flat, paved surfaces.  The motor of the front-wheel drive scooter is located over the front wheel and drives only that wheel.  Because of the motor and wheel configuration, front-wheel drive scooters are usually direct-drive units, eliminating chains and belts.  This means that front-wheel drive models generally have smaller motors and that the front wheel pulls the weight of the unit and the rider.  Consequently, these types of scooters have a lesser capacity to move their load than do rear-wheel drive models, and are therefore less capable of handling hills, curb cuts, and other outdoor terrain.  Front-wheel drive scooters often have a shorter range, less speed and power, and a smaller rider weight capacity.  These same factors, however, usually result in a scooter that is smaller than rear-wheel drive models, more maneuverable, more capable of fitting in tighter spaces, and more likely to be compatible with van and bus wheelchair lifts.
Conversely, rear-wheel drive scooters are powered by motors connected to the rear axle, either via a chain, a belt, a transaxle unit, or some combination.  Because the scooter is driven by the rear wheels, they push the combined weight of the unit and the rider, rather than pull it.  The combined weight of the rider, the motor, and the batteries over the rear wheels, generally create better traction than that usually provided by front-wheel drive models.  The increased traction combined with the more powerful motors used on rear-wheel drive scooters results in better climbing ability.  Rear-wheel-drive scooters also have a greater maximum speed, a longer traveling range between battery charges, and a larger rider weight capacity.  These scooters have a wider wheel base and a greater overall length, making them less maneuverable and rendering some models unsuitable for indoor use.  They may also be too large for van or bus lifts.
Front- or rear-wheel drive does not necessarily determine whether a scooter is powerful enough to meet the user's needs, nor does the horsepower of the motor.  The torque of a motor is more often a determining factor. Most scooters use permanent magnet motors, some with lower torque than others.  Lower torque motors frequently provide greater speed on flat, smooth surfaces, while higher torque motors may seem slow in that environment.  However, the higher torque motor will generally offer more power for climbing hills and negotiating other outdoor terrain.  Again it is essential, when evaluating scooters, to keep the scooter’s primary intended use in mind.

Brakes

Most rear-wheel drive scooters utilize an electronic or electro-mechanical dynamic, regenerative braking system.  This type of braking system works in tandem with the motor, first to slow and then to stop the vehicle when the pressure is released on the thumb levers or the controls are otherwise disengaged.  When the scooter is not being powered forward or in reverse, the brakes are engaged, thus preventing the scooter from moving.  During the application of the brakes, excess power from the motor is channeled to the batteries, providing recharging.  Because the brakes are engaged when the scooter is not being actively powered, most scooters with this braking system are equipped with a clutch on the motor or another release lever to manually disengage the brakes to allow the scooter to be pushed in case of emergency.
Some scooters also use disc brakes alone or disc brakes in combination with the braking system discussed above.  Some scooters—usually front-wheel drive models—are not equipped with electronic or electro-mechanical brakes.  In the absence of a brake system, a manual parking brake applied by lever to a rear wheel is provided.  Manual parking brakes may also be offered either as optional or standard features on other scooters to provide extra braking on hills and inclines.

Figure 3:  The Buzzaround 4-Wheel Scooter, model GB-104, from Golden Technologies, Inc. is a lightweight, portable scooter designed for indoor or outdoor use.  It can be folded and broken down into components for easy storage or transport.

Batteries and Chargers

Most scooters utilize 12- or 24-volt motors and electrical systems, generally with one or two 12-volt batteries to power the drive train and controls.  Twelve-volt systems are most frequently found on front-wheel drive scooters, and usually require one 12-volt battery, although two six-volt batteries are sometimes used.  Some manufacturers offer add-on units for 12-volt systems which allow them to utilize two batteries to extend the scooter's range between charges, although speed and power are not affected.  Rear-wheel drive systems generally require two 12-volt batteries to power 24-volt systems.
These batteries are “deep cycle” batteries intended for wheelchairs and scooters and generally last between 12 and 18 months, although with conservation and regular charging, longer life may be achieved.  Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide a steady supply of power and to be discharged and recharged on a regular basis.  In contrast, automotive and marine batteries are designed to be starter batteries, providing short bursts of power only.  Consequently, marine and automotive batteries should never be substituted for deep cycle batteries.
There are three basic types of batteries available for use with scooters: 

• lead acid (or wet cell) batteries
• sealed lead-acid batteries
• gel cell batteries. 

Lead acid batteries are the least expensive of the three types, but they also require the most maintenance.  In addition to regular charging, electrolyte and water levels must be checked regularly, with water added frequently to maintain appropriate levels.  Because these batteries are not sealed, there is danger of acid spillage and explosion if the batteries are not handled properly.  Despite these potential problems, lead-acid batteries provide the benefits of a two- to six-month longer battery life and up to a ten percent greater running time than other battery types. 
Sealed lead acid batteries are maintenance-free versions of lead acid batteries.   Because they are sealed in cases, it is unnecessary to add water and the danger of acid spillage is reduced or eliminated.  The cases are vented to prevent gas build-up that can lead to an explosion.
Finally, gel cell batteries are the most commonly used battery type on scooters. They are sealed in their cases and require no maintenance other than regular charging. Gel cells are the safest of the battery types, with no danger of spillage and limited risk of explosion. However, gel cells are more expensive, usually ranging in price from $90 to $125, and they may have a somewhat shorter life than other battery types.
Many manufacturers do not include the battery or batteries as part of the scooter; rather, they are considered extra-cost options.  The type and size of battery used on a given scooter should be selected in accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer.  It is particularly important that the battery be compatible with the battery charger to be used.  Lead acid and gel cell batteries require different types of chargers operating at differing amperage levels, so their chargers should never be used interchangeably; however, dual chargers capable of charging both types of batteries are also available.
While the batteries are frequently optional, the charger is usually included with the scooter as part of the purchase price.  It may be an on-board internal charger built into the scooter's base unit or it may be an external charger that is totally separate from the unit.  On-board chargers have the benefit of allowing the user to recharge the batteries during extended use, although it may be necessary to carry a separate cord or an extension cord to connect the unit to an electrical outlet.  However, should an on-board charger require repair, it is necessary to take the entire scooter in for repair.
External chargers, on the other hand, require the user to carry extra equipment, but they offer the benefit of easier repair or replacement.  External chargers also have the capability of charging the batteries away from the scooter, an option that can be particularly useful during travel because the batteries can be maintained without removing the scooter from the van or automobile.

Wheels and Tires

The dimensions of a scooter’s wheels and tires have a direct effect on the scooter’s stability and its ability to surmount obstacles.  Scooters are generally equipped with six-, eight-, or ten-inch wheels, although other sizes may also be used.  Some models use the same size wheels on both front and rear, while others may have smaller wheels in front and larger rear wheels.  As a rule, the intended use of the scooter should dictate the size of the wheels and tires.  Smaller wheels are generally found on front-wheel drive scooters intended for indoor use.  The larger the wheels, the more stable the unit.  Similarly larger and wider the tires provide better traction and greater capacity to manage obstacles such as curb cuts and uneven outdoor terrain. Those same tires, however, may make it more difficult to maneuver the scooter in tighter indoor spaces. 
Several types of tires are available for scooters.  Manufacturers generally offer a specific tire as standard equipment, with others available as extra-cost options.  Pneumatic tires have air-filled tubes and are similar to those found on automobiles.  Air pressure should be checked regularly to maintain proper levels, and tires may need to be replaced if punctured.  The addition of an anti-flat compound before inflation reduces the risk of tires going flat.  Pneumatic tires provide good shock absorption when properly inflated.
Foam filled tires are similar to pneumatic tires, but include foam inserts rather than air-filled tubes.  These tires cannot be deflated and, therefore, require less maintenance.  They may be more expensive than pneumatic tires and may not offer a consistently comfortable ride.
The least expensive tire option is solid tires.  These tires require the least maintenance, but provide minimal shock absorption and are intended primarily for indoor use. 
Other issues in tire selection include color and tread depth.  Most tires are available in black or gray rubber.  Black tires are generally less expensive and have a longer life than do gray tires.  However, gray tires are specially treated to prevent the marking and scuffing of floors and walls that is common with black tires.
Tires are available with differing levels of tread.  A deeper tread provides greater traction and improved ability to handle such outdoor surfaces as mud, gravel, and grass.  However, the treads do tend to track dirt and debris indoors.  Low-tread or treadless tires eliminate this problem, but should be confined to indoor use or limited outdoor use on paved surfaces.

Seating

Most scooters have a chair-style seat or captain’s chair with a back and armrests, and sometimes a headrest as well.  Some lightweight scooters, however, have seats without a back or armrest.  Seats are usually made of molded hard plastic or fiberglass, and differ in the amount of padding.  Padded seats usually have vinyl or fabric upholstery.  Vinyl upholstery is often less expensive, but because it is a more slippery surface, it may not be the best choice for those whose disability makes it difficult to maintain position or balance.
Other options may include ergonomically designed seats, lumbar supports, and separate cushions. In rare cases, manufacturers may offer custom-design and fitting with positioning options similar to those found on wheelchairs.  Seats are usually post-mounted to the center or rear of the base, and most swivel up to 360 degrees with stops at every 90 degrees using a manual lever beneath the seat.  A powered seat is a common option.  The mechanism is usually controlled from the dashboard or control box and uses power from the battery to rotate the seat.  Some powered seats also elevate, allowing the user greater access to counters, cupboards, etc.  As with most options, powered seats add to the scooter's final cost.  Another consideration is the draw of power from the battery; frequent use of the power seat during the course of the day may reduce the scooter's range.  Some seats also allow for forward and rearward adjustment to better accommodate the user's needs.  In addition, some scooters have folding seats, fold-down seat backs, or removable seat posts for transport or storage.
Armrests are another consideration in seating.  Some scooters offer armrests only as an option; others offer fixed armrests as standard with flip-up armrests available.  Whatever the type, armrests are generally constructed of rigid plastic with padded upholstery optional, although some armrests feature a rigid plastic base with padded, upholstered inserts.  Whether or not armrests are padded and whether they are fixed or not should be determined by the needs of the person using scooter in transferring to and from the scooter and whether the armrests will help with balance while seated.  Padding may make it more difficult to grasp the armrests and fixed armrests may make it more difficult to transfer.

Tiller

The tiller is the control and steering mechanism for the scooter, usually containing the controls to drive the scooter forward or in reverse, as well as steering the front wheel or wheels.  Most scooters offer one type of standard tiller with other controllers available as options.  Possibilities include thumb levers, loop handles, joysticks, and others.  Thumb levers are the most common controls, allowing the user to keep both hands on the handle bars while using the left thumb to power the scooter in reverse and the right to power the scooter forward.  The amount of pressure applied to the lever will determine the speed of the vehicle (unless it is equipped with a proportional speed control).  Consequently, a fair amount of hand control is necessary for safe operation.  Finger control levers or a joystick may be alternatives.  Some manufacturers may also be able to adapt controls to user requirements at extra cost.
The tiller, itself, is often an upright post attached to the front wheel, but there are also flexible, accordion-style tillers that can be adjusted for height or body position.  This not only enables a person to place the tiller in the most comfortable position while driving, but also allows it to be moved up and out of the way during transfers.  In the absence of a dashboard or shroud over the front wheel, a control box with the key lock, battery level indicator, speed controller, and other features may be affixed to the tiller handlebars.
Since a joystick controls both speed and direction, scooters equipped with joysticks generally do not have the post-and-handlebar tiller; the joystick is usually attached to an armrest or to an armrest extension, with a choice of right or left mounting.  While this frees the space in front of the user and may accommodate easier transitions for some, the lack of handlebars may make transfers more difficult for others.

Other Features and Accessories

In addition to the features listed above, which are found in all scooters, manufacturers offer a variety of other features and accessories.  Most scooters are equipped with a key lock for turning the scooter on and off, a battery-level indicator, and a proportional speed controller to limit maximum speed.  Available accessories include crutch and cane holders, oxygen carriers, front and rear baskets, trailers, headlights, tail lights, horns, and canopies.  Some manufacturers even offer sidecars to allow an additional passenger.  As when purchasing a car, options add to the cost of the scooters.  Accessories should be evaluated in light of how they contribute to maximum user independence.  At the same time, it should be kept in mind that some options may decrease battery life, maneuverability, and travel range.

Transportation

Most scooter owners find it necessary at some point to transport the scooter.  If a van with a lift or public transportation is to be used, it may be advisable to consider a scooter with a narrow wheelbase and smaller overall profile to be certain that the scooter can be accommodated by the lift and be sufficiently maneuverable to be used on buses and other public transit vehicles.
There are several options available for people wanting to transport a scooter with their personal vehicles, including scooter carriers that attach onto a vehicle’s bumper or trailer hitch, loading aids to help put a scooter into vehicles with a large cargo space, and scooters that break down into smaller components for storage in the vehicle.
Scooter carriers are platforms mounted on a vehicle’s bumper or a rear trailer hitch that are designed to carry scooters.  Powered and manual scooter carriers are available.  The platform on some powered carriers can be lowered to the ground level so that the scooter can drive onto the platform.   On other powered carriers, a ramp will flip down to allow the scooter to drive on or off of the platform.  Manual carriers remain at a fixed height above the road, and the user puts a ramp down to allow the scooter to drive up onto the platform.  Once on the platform, the scooter is secured, often using safety belts, so that the scooter remains fixed on the platform while driving.

Figure 4:  The Lift ’N’ Go Model 210 electric powered carrier from WheelChair Carrier is mounted on the hitch of a car, truck or van.

For vehicles such as vans and trucks that have sufficient cargo space to fit a scooter, ramps or lifts can be used to load the scooter into the vehicle.  Ramps can be mounted on side of a van or on the back (Figure 4) of any vehicle large enough to fit a scooter.   When the ramp is extended the scooter drives in or out of the vehicle.  Portable ramps can also be attached to a vehicle when loading or unloading a scooter, and stored in the vehicle when not in use.

Figure 5:  The EZ-ACCESS Hitchmount Ramp extends to allow a scooter to drive up into a van, truck or SUV.  It folds flat against the back of the vehicle when not in use (see insets).

Two basic types of lifts are available:  (1) crane-style lifts and (2) platform lifts.  A crane-style lift can be mounted in the vehicle or have its own external base.  The lift has a horizontal arm to which the scooter is attached using a strap or sling and lifted off of the ground.  With the scooter suspended in the air, the horizontal arm rotates to move the scooter into or out of the vehicle, and then lowers it to the ground or into the vehicle.  Platform lifts work similarly to scooter carriers.  The lift is mounted on a rear bumper or trailer hitch.  To load a scooter, the platform is lowered to the ground the scooter drives onto the platform, and once the platform is raised to the level of the trunk or cargo area, the scooter is transferred into the vehicle.  When not in use, the platform is folded vertically so that is does not protrude from the vehicle.
If the scooter is to be transported by an automobile without a carrier, it will need to be either folded, if possible, or broken down into smaller components so that it can fit in the auto’s trunk.  Some scooters are designed with modular components or take-apart frames.  At the very least, a scooter to be transported by automobile should have a folding seatback and/or a folding tiller.  Some scooters also offer removable a seat post, seat, and batteries.  Factors affecting a scooter’s transportability include whether it will be transported in the trunk or in the back seat, how much space is available, how heavy the individual components are, how much the user can lift, and whether a lift or loader can be used.

Choosing a Scooter

The first consideration in selecting a scooter is to determine whether it will meet the needs of the potential user.  The primary market for scooters is individuals with physical disabilities or health conditions which affect their ability to walk or limit their physical endurance.  Typically, scooter users have some ability to walk, but are limited in distance or stamina—people with milder forms of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, arthritis, cardiac conditions, or stroke survivors, among others.  Scooters are used to increase and extend the range of personal mobility and help conserve energy.  Scooter users often have difficulty propelling manual wheelchairs, but do not require the sophisticated electronic controls and seating systems common in powered wheelchairs.
A number of other physical factors must also be evaluated when determining whether a scooter is an appropriate mobility aid.  A scooter user generally must be able to sit upright for extended periods and have sufficient seated balance to maintain an erect posture.  Further, sufficient upper body and arm strength to master the controls and steer and maneuver the unit is required.  In addition, uncorrected vision disabilities, or conditions which may cause confusion or memory loss or which inhibit proper safety awareness may render a scooter an unsatisfactory mobility aid.
Other considerations in selecting a mobility aid include how and where the scooter will be used, whether or not it will need to be transported, and if so, how it will be transported.  Additional factors include whether or not a scooter will be the primary mode of transportation, how far it will need to travel in between battery charges on a given day, and whether it will be used primarily indoors or outdoors, or in a combination of environments.  The overall evaluation of all these factors will help determine whether a scooter is an appropriate assistive device for a particular individual in a specific set of circumstances.  Persons considering a scooter for the first time should seek the advice of a physician, therapist, or other rehabilitation professional about whether a wheelchair or scooter is most appropriate, and what type of scooter best meets their needs.
It is also important that a scooter under consideration be thoroughly tested and compared with other similar models, if possible, in the setting in which it will be most typically used.  Some manufacturers and distributors allow the prospective buyer to take the scooter for on-site trials for a specified period.  Such trials allow a person to more accurately determine whether the vehicle will perform as required in a given setting, and whether the controls, seating, and leg room are sufficiently comfortable for long-term use.  Like shopping for an automobile, it is advisable to test comparable models and their features.

Beyond the Purchase

Once a scooter has been selected, there are other factors to be considered.   First, be certain that a warranty is offered and know what the terms of the warranty are.  If the scooter is purchased from a local dealer, determine whether the store has trained service technicians capable of performing routine maintenance and repairs.  Be certain that parts such as batteries, tires, chains and belts, and electronics are stocked on the premises and do not have to be ordered from the manufacturer, causing delays in getting the scooter back on the road.  If the scooter is purchased directly from a manufacturer, learn whether repairs can be made locally and by whom.  Wherever maintenance is performed or repairs are made, the work should be done by someone authorized to do it under the terms of the warranty.

Funding Sources

The primary funding sources for scooters are private medical insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.  Worker’s Compensation insurance may be another funding source if the scooter is needed as the result of a workplace injury.  Insurance plans will only pay for scooters and scooter accessories insofar as they are deemed medically necessary and medical necessity can be an issue in paying for scooters.  Some insurance plans, including Medicare, may deem scooters not medically necessary for individuals who can walk a short distance without assistance.  Issues of medical necessity may also exclude coverage of some optional features that would be beneficial to the individual but which are not deemed necessary.  There may be other limitations on coverage as well, such as frequency of replacement.
Many States offer an Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program that help people with disabilities to qualify for and receive low cost loans to purchase assistive products or services.  A list of these State projects is available from RESNA at http://www.resna.org/AFTAP/state/. 
Each State also offers a State Assistive Technology Project that supports consumer-driven, statewide, technology-related assistance for individuals of all ages with disabilities. There are 56 projects (one in each State and in D.C. and the U.S. territories).  A list of these projects can be found on the ABLEDATA Web site at http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=113573&top=16050&ksectionid=19326&stateorganizations=1.
For more information on funding sources, see the ABLEDATA Informed Consumer Guide to Funding Assistive Technology.

Conclusion

Scooters offer individuals with mobility disabilities an alternative in personal mobility aids.  For some a more attractive, less “medical” appearance is an important factor.  For others, greater flexibility is a primary consideration.  For those not requiring the sophisticated electronics or seating systems of a powered wheelchair, the smaller price tag is attractive.  Whatever the reason for considering a scooter, models should be carefully evaluated for their capability to accommodate a person’s disability and meet the requirements of the intended use.  First-time purchasers are advised to consult with a physician, therapist, or other rehabilitation professional to determine whether a scooter is the best option, and what features are required.
For those seeking information on assistive technology, ABLEDATA provides information about more than 22,000 products for people with disabilities.  Included in the ABLEDATA product listings are descriptions of scooters currently available in the United States, as well as information about scooter manufacturers and distributors.  ABLEDATA can be reached by calling 800/227-0216 or 301/608-8998, or through e-mail at abledata@orcmacro.com.  Information specialists are on hand to assist callers in locating the information they need.
ABLEDATA offers additional Fact Sheets and Informed Consumer's Guides on assistive technology and disability issues, including Fact Sheets on Manual Wheelchairs, Powered Wheelchairs, Wheelchairs for Children, and Informed Consumer Guides on Wheelchair Selection, and Assistive Technology for People with Spinal Cord Injury.   All ABLEDATA publications may be downloaded free of charge from the ABLEDATA Web site, http://www.abledata.com; print copies can be sent by mail for a small fee.

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