Informative
What is Seat Shearing?
WHAT IS SEAT SHEARING?
Seat shearing is that annoying thing that happens when your shirt rides up your back as you recline back in a power recliner.
Different Types of Mobility Scooters
When you’re having mobility issues, life can seem impossibly difficult. Things you once did with ease become a struggle, a burden, and it may seem easier to stay inside altogether. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter scooters.
Scooters give you the freedom to go where you want when you want.
Scooters give you back your mobility independence and allow you to do more on your own with less help from others. You’ll have more energy to enjoy activities again that were once stressful and draining, like shopping or walking your dog. With your new scooter, you can finally join your friends at the park, go to the grocery store without assistance, festivals, farmers markets, and more. You don’t have to wait for life to pass you by. A new scooter will help you get back to enjoying life.
How do I know which scooter is right for me?
There are so many kinds of scooters out there, it can be daunting to know where to start. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand the different types of scooters and which one might be right for you. Organized from smallest and most portable to largest and most heavy-duty, the different types of scooters are broken down for you.
But first...
A note about 3-wheel scooters vs. 4-wheel scooters: The general rule of thumb is that 3-wheel scooters have tighter turning radiuses and maneuver better in narrow spaces and sharp turns, whereas 4-wheel scooters provide more stability and evenly distributed weight. For folding and travel scooters, both can generally be used indoors and out, although 4-wheel scooters provide more stability than 3-wheel models when used outdoors. If you use a walking aid, such as a cane or a walker, 4-wheel scooters are recommended due to superior stability.
Read on to find out which type of scooter is right for you!
Folding Scooters
* lightweight * portable * compact *
Folding Scooters are ideal for people who can get around okay but have trouble walking long distances. These compact scooters simply fold when not in use, and some have a remote that do the folding for you. Some folding scooters disassemble into smaller, more lightweight pieces for easier transport. Folding scooters travel well and many are FAA approved for safe air travel.
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Fit easily in the trunks of most cars, SUV’s, and vans
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Fold for easy transport
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Allow you to travel when you might not otherwise
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Are simple to operate
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Cost less than mid-size and full-size scooters
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Can often be taken on airplanes (check before buying)
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Travel well on vacation and locally
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Typically weigh around 50 lbs. fully assembled
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Do not need a vehicle lift
TRAVEL SCOOTERS
* lightweight * portable * compact *
Travel Scooters are perfect for people who have trouble walking long distances and need something to help them get around either when traveling or on a regular basis for daily errands and shopping. Travel scooters disassemble into smaller, more lightweight pieces that fit easily into the trunks of most cars. The universal accessory hitch on the back of the seat allows for scooter accessories, like spacious baskets, cane holders, and oxygen tank holders.
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Disassemble into smaller pieces for easy transport
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Fit easily in the trunks of most cars, SUV’s, and vans
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Allow you to travel when you might not otherwise
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Cost less than mid-size and full-size scooters
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Travel well on vacation and locally
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Feature a universal accessory hitch for scooter accessories
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Are easy to operate
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Don’t need a vehicle lift
MID-SIZE SCOOTERS
* Durable * Comfortable * Dependable *
Ideal for full-time use, mid-size scooters offer extra comfort features, longer-lasting batteries, and more speed. Mid-size scooters are perfect for people who need help getting around on a regular basis and are looking for a full-time scooter.
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Are designed for full-time, regular use
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Offer more advanced features for comfort and performance
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Allow you to travel when you might not otherwise
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Feature longer driving ranges and higher weight capacities than travel scooters
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Travel well locally
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Feature a universal accessory hitch for scooter accessories
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May need a vehicle lift
FULL-SIZE SCOOTERS
* Heavy-Duty * High-Performance * Feature-Rich *
Full-size scooters offer more of everything - more speed, more bells and whistles, more comfort and performance features. Perfect for full-time outdoor use, full-size scooters can be used to get you from home to the grocery store and back.
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Are sometimes referred to as “heavy-duty” or “high weight capacity” scooters
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Can be used as your main transportation vehicle due to its long driving range
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Offer more advanced features for comfort, safety and performance
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Feature a universal accessory hitch for scooter accessories
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Offer more leg and foot room
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Are ideal for outdoor use
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Feature higher ground clearance
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Come standard with illuminating lighting packages
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Feature longer driving ranges and higher weight capacities than travel and mid-size scooters
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Often feature full suspension for a smoother ride
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Need a compatible vehicle lift for transport
We're Here To Help
If you have any questions about this blog, scooters, or your mobility independence in general, our Mobility Specialists are happy to answer any and all questions you have! Email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-888-364-3813.
Thanks for reading and we hope this information helps!
Buying Guide for Lift Chairs
ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE CHAIR AGAIN
For people who have a hard time getting up out of their favorite chair, it can dampen the fun of enjoying said chair. How can you truly enjoy your chair knowing that it will be painful when you want to stand up? Enter lift chairs!
Lift chairs help people get up by leaning forward to help the person stand. Lift chairs are designed to be comfortable while eliminating the painful part of getting up. With the simple touch of a button, the lift chair does all the hard work for you.
Now you can fully enjoy your favorite chair without worry, pain, or stress.
There are so many different kinds of lift chairs, it can be hard to know which one will be best for your needs. To help you decide which lift chair is right for you, we’ve put together this guide:
*Chair shown is the Cirrus Lift Chair by Golden Technologies.
2 Position Lift Chairs: The most basic lift chair is a 2 position chair, which means it moves forward and tilts back to a maximum 45 degrees. The 2 position lift chair is designed for users who don’t need a full incline and won’t be spending long periods of time in the chair. This chair is good for people who just want to raise their legs a little and lean back while watching TV or reading a good book.
Positions: Sit, tilt.
Shop Top Mobility's selection of 2 Position Lift Chairs here.
3 Position Lift Chairs: The 3 position lift chairs recline more than the 2-position chairs and can be positioned anywhere between the straight position to an almost full recline. These chairs are good for people who want to recline a bit more while relaxing in their chair.
Positions: Sit, tilt, recline.
Shop Top Mobility's selection of 3 Position Lift Chairs here.
Trendelenburg Position Lift Chairs: The Trendelenburg position means the feet are elevated above the heart, and the heart is elevated above the head. These lift chairs are ideal for users with edema, swelling, diabetes, congestive heart failure, neuropathy, and blood circulation disorders. The Trendelenburg position alleviates pressure from body fluids and can help prevent varicose veins. It can also help users with circulation in the legs and reduce swelling. These lift chairs have 2 motors, allowing you to control the backrest and ottoman separately. Trendelenburg lift chairs have multiple positions, including the Trendelenburg position. These chairs are good for people who will be spending a lot of time in the chair.
Positions: Multiple, including full recline and Trendelenburg position.
Shop Top Mobility's selection of Trendelenburg Position Lift Chairs here.
Zero Gravity Position Lift Chairs: The zero gravity position is the most neutral body position because weight distribution is equal throughout the body, alleviating pressure on the joints, neck, and back. These lifts chairs offer multiple positions and can relieve stress on the body. The zero gravity position was found by NASA to help astronauts endure the sudden and intense increases in gravity during takeoff. By placing them in this position, the weight is redistributed equally throughout their body, allowing the stress of takeoff to be distributed safely through their bodies. These lift chairs have 2 motors, allowing you to control the backrest and ottoman separately. These chairs are good for people who will be spending a lot of time and/or sleeping in the chair.
Positions: Multiple, including full recline and Zero Gravity position.
Shop Top Mobility's selection of Zero Gravity Position Lift Chairs here.
Infinite Position Lift Chairs: The infinite position lift chairs recline fully and often offer both the zero gravity position and the Trendelenburg position (check before buying). These chairs have 2 independent motors that allow the user to control the footrest separately from the backrest and can be used comfortably for sleeping. This chair is good for people who will be spending a lot of time in the chair.
Positions: Multiple, including full recline and sometimes Trendelenburg and/or Zero Gravity positions.
Shop Top Mobility's selection of Infinite Position Lift Chairs here.
Additional Features:
Some lift chairs offer heat and massage options to sooth aching muscles and reduce stress. Massage and heat features can be found on all types of lift chairs, even the most basic 2 position chairs. Check before buying to make sure your chosen lift chair has the extra features you want.
Before You Buy:
(1) Check the weight capacity. Be sure that the lift chair you are interested in can carry the weight you need it to. There are different sizes of chairs designed to hold certain weight capacities. Many chairs offer small, medium, and large, so if the chair you like doesn’t fit your size, check to see if it offers different size options.
(2) Check the user height. Lift chairs usually specify which user heights are suitable for that particular chair. Pay attention to the height range and be sure your chosen chair is appropriate for your height.
(3) Check the fabric. You can customize your lift chair to suit your decorating preference. Choose the right color and fabric for you and your space. Lift chairs offer many, many different fabric and color options to match your living room and lifestyle!
As Always...
If you have any questions, our Mobility Specialists are happy to answer any and all questions you have! Email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-888-364-3813.
Thanks for reading and we hope this information helps!
What is a Lift Chair?
A lift chair is a chair designed specifically for people who have trouble sitting down and/or getting up out of their favorite chair due to arthritis, surgery, aging, back pain, pregnancy, injury, and/or joint pain.
Lift chairs help people get up out of the chair by leaning forward to help the person stand. Basically, lift chairs are recliners that also tilt forward to help a person get in and out of the chair. Lift chairs have a mechanism that allows them to help guide the user in and out of the chair in a controlled manner either by a remote or the simple push of a button. When the user wants to sit down, they push the button and the chair leans forward to allow the person to gently lean against the chair while still standing. Push the button again and the chair automatically moves into the sitting position, allowing the user to move with the chair as it gently guides them to the seated position. The remote can be beneficial for users who want more control as they sit or stand.
*Chair shown is Golden Technologies Daydreamer Power Pillow Lift Chair PR-630
What Are Some Benefits of Lift Chairs?
Lift chairs provide mobility independence. With lift chairs, users don’t need the assistance of a caregiver when they want to sit down or stand up. This frees up the time of the caregiver to do other important things around the house without worry, and it gives the user a sense of freedom to be able to sit and stand as they please.
Lift chairs reduce the risk of injury. People with limited mobility can injure themselves by sitting or standing too fast, losing their balance, or moving a certain way that can aggravate an already-existing injury. Lift chairs reassure the user and their loved ones that they will be able to sit and stand with support, giving them more control and balance.
Lift chairs are made for comfort and ease of use. Because of this, they are often more comfortable than their regular recliner cousins! They are generally more spacious than regular recliners and many lift chairs offer premium fabrics that are designed to match any living room while retaining a soft-to-touch feel. Some lift chairs are designed for sleeping and provide extra support and comfort options.
Lift chairs offer multiple positions to accommodate all types of users. There are many kinds of lift chairs, ranging from the basic 2 position chair that only slightly reclines to the Infinite position chair that fully reclines and offers multiple positions, such as the Trendelenburg position (feet higher than the heart and heart higher than the head), which is beneficial to users with neuropathy and other circulation issues.
Ultimately, lift chairs are designed to make life easier. And for people with pain or limited mobility, they really do.
To shop Top Mobility’s full selection of lift chairs, click here.
Enjoy the Sun in the Shade
Looking for a little relief from the hot summer sun while you drive your scooter here, there, and everywhere?
We’ve got two great options for you this summer, and we’ve added two new YouTube videos on how to unbox and install both. The Scooter Umbrella Assembly offers shade at an angle and includes a FREE patriotic umbrella. The SunShade Canopy for Mobility Scooters and Power Wheelchairs offers shade with more coverage and includes a Candy Apple red cover. One of the main differences between the two is that one attaches to your scooter’s tiller (Umbrella Assembly) and the other one attaches to your scooter’s universal accessory hitch (SunShade Canopy).
If you’re looking for just a little shade to keep your eyes out of the sun and want to be able to control the angle of coverage, the Scooter Umbrella Assembly Holder is perfect for you. If you’re looking for more body coverage and don’t want to mess with the angle changes, then you might prefer the SunShade Canopy.
To read more about the Umbrella Assembly, click here. To read more about the SunShade Canopy, click here.
If you’re not sure yet, check out our YouTube videos for more information. To watch the Umbrella Assembly video, click here. To watch the SunShade video, click here.
Enjoy the shade!
Scooters and Power and Chairs, oh my!
Scooter or Power Chair, that is the question. And it’s a common one – you’re not alone. What’s the difference? How do you know which one is right for you?
Basically, it comes down to:
If you need a little help getting around, a scooter is right for you!
If you need a lot of help getting around, a power chair is right for you!
Quiz Time!
I need this mobility device for:
a) Long distances only. I need a little help getting around.
b) All distances, short and long. I need all the help I can get!
c) Inside my home. I need help to get from my living room to the kitchen to my bedroom and all around.
d) Outside my home. I need a little help when I’m out and about, but I get around okay otherwise.
If you answered (a) and/or (d), a scooter is ideal for you. If you get around your house with no problems but avoid going places where you will have to walk a lot, a scooter will improve your quality of life. Choose a scooter to help you with those long distances and enjoy the ride!
To browse Top Mobility’s AWESOME selection of scooters, click HERE.
If you answered (b) and/or (c), a power chair is most likely your best bet. If you have any upper body mobility issues, you may prefer the power chair joystick over the handlebars/tiller of a scooter. A power chair is also great for people with postures issues, as they tend to offer more features and support. Since power chairs are designed to be used for long periods of time, they tend to be more comfortable. If you need a lot of help getting around, a power chair will make life easier and more enjoyable for you. Choose a power chair to help you enjoy independence in your everyday life!
To browse Top Mobility’s AWESOME selection of power chairs, click HERE.
In General…
Power chairs are better in tight spaces, like inside your home and narrow hallways, whereas scooters are better in more open spaces, like shopping malls, grocery stores, and outdoors.
Power chairs are heavy and not easy to transport, whereas many scooters are easily transported in the trunk of your car.
Power chairs tend to cost more than scooters.
Power chairs tend to have higher weight capacities than scooters.
Power chairs are designed to be used from when you wake up in the morning ‘til you go to bed at night (i.e. designed for all-day comfort). Scooters are designed to be used throughout the day in intervals.
Power chairs are meant to be used indoors, while scooters can be used indoors and out.
Power chairs tend to have lower top speeds than scooters (i.e. scooters are faster than power chairs).
At the End of the Day…
Ultimately, any mobility device is meant to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
A scooter makes your life easier and more enjoyable if you have a hard time walking long distances at places like the mall, airport, grocery stores, and the like.
A power chair makes your life easier and more enjoyable if you have a hard time getting around your home from room to room, have range of motion problems, and/or have a hard time walking even short distances.
To browse Top Mobility’s AWESOME selection of scooters, click HERE.
To browse Top Mobility’s AWESOME selection of power chairs, click HERE.