BEST Scooter for a Tall Rider
raymobility.com
If you are over 6’ tall you know
that a lot of things just don’t fit.
Most products are designed for the ‘average’ size person. If you are looking for a mobility scooter
you’ll find that some of them are really too small for you. The seat may not rise up high enough so your
knees stick out, or your center of gravity is so much higher that the small
scooter doesn’t really feel stable. A
four wheel scooter may work better for you.
As less expensive scooters are being made overseas, they are getting
smaller and smaller in an attempt to produce a less expensive product. A person may not realize by looking at a
picture or even in a quick test drive that the scooter doesn't really fit them. I
remember my father, Ray, driving around in his new little travel scooter a bit before
realizing that he had to stick his knees out to the side so that his feet would
fit on the platform. His little scooter,
which had seemed like such a bargain, didn't last long.
This is what you should look for if
you’re a tall person (look at the ‘specifications’)
Height:
·
Seat-to-deck -
at least 20” which is about
right for a 6’ individual so your feet are comfortably flat on the deck. Many scooters seat-to-deck measurements only
go up as high as 18”-19”. If it’s
too small your knees are in the air or out the sides… For reference the average dining room chair
is 18” from seat to floor.
·
Consider a
power seat, which brings the seat up even higher, but can easily go lower
too. These add 5-7” variable height. The power seat lets you lower your seat to
fit under the table, raise it to reach something or even as an aid for
standing.
Lenght: Overall
scooter length at least 46” or as long as
possible for more leg room. The one we
recommend is 48”. Most scooters are 44”
to 46” in length. You don’t want your knees to hit the handles either. (Some scooters have
a tilt-able handle which helps with
this as well.)
High
Quality: A high quality product will last much longer and some
are nearly indestructible! Look for an American-Designed, good quality,
durable, easy to maintain product. (eg. Amigo,
Ranger, PaceSaver and some Pride products are US made)
Stability: A four wheel
scooter provides more stability for taller riders but often sacrifices
maneuverability.
Maneuverability:
·
Check out the Turning Radius specifications.
The smaller the better. There are
some 4 wheel scooters that rival the 3 wheel variety.
·
You’ll definitely
want better than average Ground Clearance. Look for at least 3”.
Important for taller/heavier than average people. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting
high centered.
Adequate Power:
·
Look at the Battery Range (miles per charge)
·
The Speed (say 5 mph) specifications will
also give you an idea of the scooters power.
·
It’s important to get a scooter with adequate Weight Capacity. We recommend you get a scooter with a
weight capacity of at least 50 pounds more than you weigh. This will affect the scooter’s power
performance and you don’t want to be near it’s designed limits.
Transportability: How will you
move it around? Do you need an
automobile lift? Can you take it apart
and put it in your trunk? If so you’ll
want to look at the spec for the weight of
the heaviest piece and consider how you will use your scooter.
Visit us at RayMobility.com to see the BEST Mobility for a Tall Person
The Solo IV by Ranger All-Season
