Common Mistakes People Make When Buying A Mobility Scooter Or A Power Wheelchair
For those with physical disabilities and injuries, mobility can prove to be a limitation. Mobility scooters and power wheelchairs are designed to help them experience a sense of independence and comfort. However, with so many mobility products available in the market, it can be difficult to choose one that’ll provide your loved one with a sense of self-reliance. At Triple M Mobility, we’ve come across many clients who have made mistakes when purchasing mobility products, thus compromising their loved one’s safety and putting their health at risk. To help you avoid such errors and select the right product, we have compiled a list of the most common mistakes people make when buying a mobility scooter or a power wheelchair.
1. Buying a scooter or wheelchair with no working batteries
When buying a used mobility scooter or power wheelchair, many don’t check for working batteries. This is a common mistake I see many clients make. I understand that you want to get a great deal or don’t have all the funds to buy a new Go Go Scooter. However, when you buy a used mobility scooter or electric wheelchair that you can not test ride, it is taking a major gamble. And, of course, the individual you are buying it from explains to you (all it needs is batteries, it was working a year ago and the batteries went dead), you end up buying a pair of batteries, install them, and when you turn on the unit, you find out that the lights turn on, but the unit is not moving or going nowhere. Now, what do you do? Well, there is something else wrong with the unit, and the individual you bought it from does not have a clue and most likely will not give you a refund. So you cluelessly spent money on this used mobility scooter, you bought batteries, and now you are left with a scooter that does not work. Good thing Triple M Mobility is a repair mobility scooter center and can assist you in resolving these types of issues.
2. Making a purchase without checking the features
Seeing a picture of the product and seeing it in person makes a major difference. You don’t know whether it rides smoothly or if it feels comfortable. Will you be able to fit in the Jazzy Power wheelchair or the Go Go Elite Traveller? This is very important. If you talk to a salesperson, make sure they ask you questions about your needs, your height, your weight, some are quick to sell you anything and getting a big box shipped to you. However, finding out it later that it does not work for you and having to ship it back in a box might not be too pleasant. Also, you may need to pay for a restocking fee! Fortunately, Triple M Mobility has a showroom to allow you to see the variety of mobility scooters and power wheelchairs from lightweight, portable mobility scooters to heavy-duty power wheelchairs.
3. Purchasing products from another country
Buying a mobility scooter or an electric wheelchair from another country can cause trouble in the future. Usually, parts for these machines are only available in the country they’re manufactured and assembled in. These mobility scooters are electric, and with time they will eventually need service or repair just like cars. So when you buy a mobility scooter, make sure the parts are easily available to you.
4. Not consulting a professional
When buying a mobility scooter or an electric wheelchair, it’s essential to learn about its features, durability, and limitations before signing the deal. Look for a salesperson who deals with mobility equipment near you and talk to someone who can educate you on the product that you are looking to buy.
5. Purchasing from a garage sale
Find a local place that sells mobility scooters near you instead of going to a garage sale and not knowing anything about it. If you enlist the services of a local salesperson, you can seek assistance and guidance on how to use this mobility scooter after your purchase. Moreover, they can also give you excellent after-sales services such as repair and maintenance.
6. Buying low-cost lawn-mower batteries
Most mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs work on two sealed lead-acid batteries that are all 12 volts unless it uses a lithium battery, which is used in most portable mobility scooters. But lawn-mower batteries are crank batteries that will not last in your scooter and can possibly affect your electrical system. Although they are low in price, they are not worth the risk.
If you’re looking to avoid these and other mistakes when purchasing mobility equipment, reach out to the experts at Triple M Mobility. As a leading mobility scooter and wheelchair dealer, we offer a range of products that help individuals become independent and mobile. We also provide exceptional after-sales services, including repair and maintenance.
Our selection of products is obtained from the most trusted manufacturers, and we also offer a one-year guarantee on all our products. We serve clients across Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, League City, The Woodlands, Conroe, Tomball, Pasadena, Sealy, Brookshire, Rosenberg, Conroe, Baytown, Alvin, and Texas City, TX.
To learn more about the services we offer, visit our website by clicking here. If you have any questions about our mobility products or need help solving mobility-related issues, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us by clicking here.