mobility scooters (doctor, prescription, insurance, wheelchairs)

[Rogarven]

Does anybody have advice as to a mobility scooter ? Wife has MS and can not walk long distances. I would be interested in those that can fit in the trunk of a Lexus or Cadillac. I assume they come apart in pieces? She is about 130 lbs so not real heavy. Also, don't need headlight or using for street transportation. Thanks for any input.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Go to any home medical equipment company and ask. They are quite knowledgeable about the products they carry.

[wit-nit]

Contact a local mobility dealer and check out their different models. And when you find one that you think meets your needs see if you can rent it for a month or so to get the feel of it.
Here is an excellent web site explaining the different types.
5 Things to Consider when Choosing a Mobility Scooter | Medical Supplies | Home Medical Equipment | Discount Medical Supply Store

[jambo101]

My dad uses a car rack for his scooter, it fits on the back bumper of his Crown Vic and looks something like this =http://www.easymobilityco.com/mobili...ilt_a_rack.htm

As he's in his 80;s medicare paid for the scooter and the rack.

[Rogarven]

Thanks to all who have responded. I was hoping for some personal experiences with them. I was also hoping that we wouldn't have to go to a scooter on the back bumper. I have seen these and I would worry about dirt and rain. Also, not really wanting to have to buy an SUV or CUV to haul it. She does well around the house and limited walking but long distances are a problem. We went to Longwood Gardens a couple years ago and they had the scooters to tour the grounds. It worked really well. Thanks again.

[ocnjgirl]

Instead of a scooter, you may want to look into a power wheelchair. They have easily portable models now, easier to get in a standard car such as these, especially the bottom one: http://www.drivemedical.com/index.ph...eelchairs.html

If your wife still has relatively good postural strength and balance bit it's mainly an endurance issue, something like this may be perfect for her. I would definitely go through a local medical equipment dealer, because you want to know someone is nearby to come fix it when it breaks or needs a new battery. They will help you fill out the insurance paperwork. You do need a doctor's prescription, and there will be forms asking how far your wife can walk, etc. but I'd wait until you know exactly what you want so he can be specific in the prescription (if he writes "scooter" you won't be able to get a power w/c)

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by Rogarven

Thanks to all who have responded. I was hoping for some personal experiences with them. I was also hoping that we wouldn't have to go to a scooter on the back bumper. I have seen these and I would worry about dirt and rain. Also, not really wanting to have to buy an SUV or CUV to haul it. She does well around the house and limited walking but long distances are a problem. We went to Longwood Gardens a couple years ago and they had the scooters to tour the grounds. It worked really well. Thanks again.

Most of our MS friends use one of these 3 wheelers that fit into their car trunks. Lightweight and e-z to take apart and put back together. Most disassemble into 3 sections.
Mobility Scooter Reviews

[ChuteTheMall]

Travel mobility scooters sound like what you need, they easily fit in trunks, maybe in a few pieces, and are made for short trips as opposed to the heavy duty all day rides, or the outdoor models.