Now that you’ve made the decision to purchase a
power-operated vehicle (POV), it’s very important that you are a well-informed
consumer. Seek to learn as much as you can. Become your own mobility expert and
determine which type of POV is a perfect match for you.
Consider this before purchasing a mobility vehicle:
Where will you use a POV?
A good mobility representative will ask if you are going
to primarily use a POV in your home or outdoors. A range of sizes allows you to
select the POV that best fits your needs.
Does the seat swivel & lock in any position?
Most seats automatically lock every 90 degrees. Amigo has
specially designed the seat to lock at the precise angle that makes
transferring easy and safe. You can also leave the seat unlocked which
encourages you to swivel the seat at any time and that promotes movement in the
lower extremities.
Do the controls on the handle provide comfortable &
safe driving?
Some drive controls require you to use your thumbs, which
can be uncomfortable over extended periods of driving. The Amigo has an oval
handle, which protects the throttle from being accidentally hit, encourages use
of either the thumb or the fingers and allows the user to rest their hands on
the handle while driving.
Do I need an automatic brake release?
This is a great feature to have when you want to roll
closer to a table. Just release the brake and you or your attendant can gently
roll you forward or backwards.
Should I get a power chair or a Power Operated Vehicle
(scooter)?
Depending on your mobility limitations, we recommend a POV
(scooter) if you have upper body strength and can sit with minimal support. A
scooter encourages you to lift your arms/hands to driving position, which can
help with breathing and posture. Our swivel seat encourages you to move your
legs and feet, which helps circulation. Consider transportation...do you have a
van or do you need a POV that fits in your trunk? Amigo recommends power chairs
when you have very limited upper body strength and movement.
Some products are advertised as “FREE” through
Medicare/insurance…is this too good to be true?
Medicare beneficiaries may have reimbursement for power
chairs or POVs (scooters). BEFORE making your decision, you should choose the
best equipment for your needs and get quotes on the cost of service replacement
of key components. Many people are trying to sell their FREE equipment because
they can’t use it or transport it. Use your Medicare dollars wisely to buy
equipment that fits you, your home and your lifestyle.
What difference is there in pricing of POVs (scooters)?
Lower price doesn’t always mean, “bargain.” You need to
estimate the life cycle costs of the product. Be sure you ask the service
replacement cost of key components. Sometimes you can’t just purchase a “wire”,
but have to purchase the entire handle.
How important is seating?
If you will be sitting in a POV for more than four hours
each day, seating is very important. A bigger seat isn’t always the
answer, nor is it always better. When in the seat, make sure you are not
“bottoming out”. Does the bottom cushion support your legs? Are your upper legs
at a 90-degree angle with your hips? Will you be able to get specialized
seating if needed?
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What should the floor-to-seat height be?
Floor to seat height and platform width (including rear
wheels) are measurements you should know. Amigo’s compact platform widths are
great features for functionality-plus both inside and outside the home. We
encourage you to contact your local Amigo dealer to review seat to ground
heights (which, by the way, are the lowest in the industry), as well as,
platform widths. Both sets of measurements will fluctuate due to the selection
of tires and seats on each Amigo.
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Why bigger isn’t always better.
Many power-operated vehicles feature larger handles,
wheels and longer platforms. For maximum use, Amigo recommends that the
power-operated vehicle you choose be not much larger than your body. Have the
dealer bring in a POV to your home so you can try it in your home and make sure
it fits in your vehicle. Sometimes a larger handle may make the difference in
closing your trunk.
Can I order different seats, colors or options?
Many companies offer one basic color and charge you to
make changes to it. Decide how important color is and ask the cost of having
choices.
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Should I select tires with or without tread on my POV?
Today, the majority of POV/Scooters, industry-wide, have
treaded rear tires. Current POV owners with non-tread tires are selecting
treaded tires on their new POV purchases. Not surprisingly, then, many are
requesting replacement wheels because of the dirt and stones picked up in the
treads and carried indoors.
Review this simple comparison before making your tire selections:
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| Easy to clean |
x |
|
| Does not hold dirt |
x |
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| Wider |
|
x |
| Rim does not mark
furniture |
x |
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| Good traction in snow &
wet grass |
|
x |
| Non-marking |
x |
x |
| Foam-filled |
|
x |
| Urethane rubber |
x |
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| Soft ride |
x |
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