Mobilty Scooter Versus Powerchair Australia

Do I buy a scooter or a power wheelchair?

Is a common question.

 There are many models of electric wheelchairs and scooters in Australia for sale.

 These devices can bring great freedom and independence to elderly or disabled users. Both types of machines are powered by batteries that are recharged daily using electricity at home. Some scooters will travel in excess of 40 kilometers in one charge depending on the model.

Electric wheelchairs are more expensive than scooters. the reason for this is in the way they are designed. Wheelchairs use more motors and electronics. Normally the users of wheelchairs cannot walk at all and use the chair at all times during their waking hours. Electric wheelchairs are operated with a joystick on the armrest controlled by the user with one hand. Wheelchairs can turn tightly "on the spot" and are much more suited to indoor use with light use outdoors.

Scooters are used by the elderly or disabled to extend their "walking' capacity. Normally the operator of a scooter can walk short distances and is able to get on and off the scooter using the swiveling seat or by lifting the armrest. The steering on the scooter is similar to a bike with a pair of "handlebars". The speed and forward/reverse movement is controlled by finger levers on either side of the handlebars. One side is forward and the other is reverse. Speed is also pressure sensitive on the triggers.

For both a power chair and a scooter the user releases the control and the machine brakes/slows automatically. When the machine is fully stopped the park brake is applied automatically until the user wants to move again and presses the controls to move in forward or reverse. The speed of both machines can be set by the user so that they travel slowly in a busy area such as a shopping center and then they can travel faster in an area like a car park.

Some models are portable and clip apart so that they are a manageable size to transport in a car.Other model are larger and are more suited to everyday commuting to the shops,school,park,work or appointments. 

For the right advise and a free in home demonstration please contact us for your nearest Australian location.

YOUR NEAREST SHOPRIDER RETAILER.

Care and Maintainence of the Shoprider Mobility Scooter Batteries or Battery.

Mk Batteries are stocked by Many Shoprider Dealers

 The care of your Mobility Scooter or Power chair Batteries is important.

Replacement batteries for your Shoprider are available in Perth , Sydney and Australia Wide from all Shoprider Dealers.

Shoprider Australia sells and recommends 

MK Gel Batteries.

Q : Why is it critical to charge gel  batteries regularly?

A: These MK gel batteries are recombinant. This means that the charging process refreshes the moisture in the battery. This makes the battery maintenance free and sealed . The battery is vented so that when it charges it can create the correct pressure to 'recombine' gases to water. Overcharging a battery will damage the valve and reduce the life of the battery. Scooter chargers are designed to 'slow down' charging once the battery is fully charged. However do not leave the battery on charge 24/7 as this will damage the battery over time. So not charging is as bad for the battery as overcharging!

Q : How is a Gel battery different from a SLA (sealed Lead Acid) battery?

 A: The gel is in the battery is in a sponge like material. If the battery is tipped or badly damage there is no dangerous liquid to escape form the battery.

Q: Are Gel batteries approved for Air Transport?

A : Yes. gel batteries are approved. The information is on their labels.
More Info on this is available here.

Q: Do Scooter Batteries have a 'memory"?

A : No. The batteries can be topped up on charge at any time after sustained use. Don't "top up" the batteries after very short runs too frequently. Never run your batteries flat. Only ni-cad batteries have memories.

Q: How often should I charge my power chair / scooter batteries?

A: Daily Users - Charge daily. Occasional Users - Always be sure to charge before an outing and always after active use. The ideal charge point is 50% on the mobility scotter or power chair. Try to use the equipment regularly to charge and discharge the batteries. Never run your batteries flat.

  
Q: My batteries will not charge?

A : When the batteries are fully drained (over discharged) the chargers will not charge the batteries.

This is a safety feature built into most chargers. A dealer may be able to charge the batteries again using a special process. It may take the batteries up to 15 cycles of charge to perform like they originally did.

 Q: How long will my batteries last?

A: Mk Gel batteries are manufactured in the USA and imported to Australia with a 12 month manufacturer guarantee against manufacturer faults. These batteries are always fully charged prior to being sent to your Shoprider Australia retailer. When you buy a replacement battery you will have a twelve month warranty. All new Shoprider scooters that are sold with batteries have the same warranty period of twelve months. Mobility batteries are different from car batteries and must always be of the sealed variety. The durability of your batteries will often depend on how often and well they are charged using the guidelines in the link at the end of this post.

Q: How should I store my mobility scooter for long durations?

Answer:

• Always store your batteries fully charged.
• Check the batteries at least once a month and recharge as needed.
• Sealed batteries can hold a charge for up to 6 months.
• Avoid storage in extremes of hot or cold.
• When the batteries are stored for more than 2 weeks with no use disconnect the them. 
• Do not leave the batteries on charge for extended periods of time.

Q:  Will a larger battery make my scooter or power chair go faster?

A:  No. Larger batteries will make your Shoprider run longer and go further on one charge. You are only limited by the size of your battery compartment as to how large a battery you can use. There is however no power increase as you must always use two matched 12 volt batteries.

Shoprider Battery Guidlines Leaflet - Click here

How Far Would You Go?

Where have they gone?

A common Mobility Scooter Question is:

 How far can I go in one trip?

It's a good question that we'll try to answer now.
The Shoprider Scooters and PowerChairs have two 12 volt batteries each.
The size of the batteries varies with the size of the scooter.
 If you think of your electric powerchair or mobility scooter like a car the battery is the fuel tank.
So ....the larger the battery the more fuel you have and the further you can go.
When you run out of electricity its time to recharge your scooter or powerchair for another use.
Most charging takes all night.
You can charge your batteries at any time
... the same as if you would top up your petrol tank occasionally in your car.  
It is better if you do not  run your batteries completly flat.

So how far can I go??

Scooters 

•  QT 4 .. up to 15km 

•  GK 9 .. up to 20km

•  GK 10.. up to 28km

•  888SE Explorer.. up to 40km

•  889ers.. up to 40km

•  889ersf.. up to 40km

•  889sl ..up to 40km

•  Allrounder 9LSP...up to 40km

•  Rocky 4 ..up to 60km

•  Rocky 6.. up to 60km

•  778ER.. up to 40km

•  778HD ..up to 60km 

 * The distance you travel is affected by many
    environmental conditions including but not limited to:

    driving style, battery condition and charge rate,
    tyre air pressure,air and ground temperature,     

    user weight,  driving  surface, operating speed,
    and incline of operating surface.

                                                                  

Choosing the correct Shoprider Electric Mobility Scooter.

How do you know what scooter is right for you?

Choosing a scooter is a lot like choosing a car.

You need to decide how often you are going to use the scooter and what you need to do when you use your Shoprider. 

                      

For example what car would you use to drive on the beach? 

Not This One!

The same applies with scooters. 

You may need to consider important points like:

• How far do I want to go in one trip and at what speed?
• How large large does the scooter need  to be for me to be comfortable?
• Will the scooter accommodate my weight and height.
• Is there a way to carry my shopping?
• Is there a way to carry my cane or walker?
• Do I need a scooter that offers shelter from the rain or sun?
• Do I need a wide seat and do I need a double padded seat?
• Do I need a scooter that comes apart and travels easily in a car?
• Do I need a scooter with lights?
• Do I need a scooter with solid wheels or pneumatic wheels?
• Do I need to swivel the seat so that I can stay on the scooter at restaurants?
• How much clearance do I need for curbs and ground obstacles?
• Do I need suspension?
• What size motor do I need for the hills in my suburb?
• How wide is the scooter and will it fit :
• Through my doorways?
• On the train or an aeroplane?
• In a taxi?
• In the lift at my place of residence?
• In the aisles at my shops?
• On the bus?
• In the doctors surgery or waiting room?

• How often do i service the scooter and what is the warranty period?
• What colors are available?
• Can i operate the scooter that i choose safely?

These are all very valid questions.
WE HAVE OVER 20 DIFFERENT MOBILITY SCOOTERS!!!

We have the answers.

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Lets start the tyre rolling by talking about Shoprider mobility Scooter tyres.

 Click Here to View A Range 

• They come in many different sizes but the most common are 3.00-4 ( 260x85 ) and 4.00-5 (330 x 100)
•  Its important to keep your tyres in good condition throughout the life of your scooter. Check the tyre pressures and make sure that the the front are at around 25 PSI at the front and 30psi at the rear 
• Never inflate the tyres over 40 PSI!
• There are two varieties of treads. 1 variety is interchangeable between the front and rear (innova). The other variety is specific to the rear or front (shoprider).
• There are no left or right sides, but the mobility Tyre does need to go on the rim in the correct direction so the tread grips properly and clears the water correctly.
• Tyres are available in grey or black.
• The size of your tyre is embossed on the side wall of the tyre.
• Always try and match the same tread if you are only changing one tyre.
• The tyres are 4 ply.
• You  can get a solid tyre that cannot get a puncture!
• When you buy your Shoprider most of the models are fitted with pnuematic tyres.
• Tyres do wear out at different rates depending on how you use your scooter. A good tip is to slow down around corners and  always allow room for safe braking.
• When it comes time to change your tyres always check that the inner tubes are reusable.... sometimes its more cost effective to replace the inner tubes at the same time.
• The rear pouch behind the seat is a great place to keep a spare tube! In the instance of a puncture if you have a spare tube and a mechanical service you can have the tube replaced in minutes and be back on your way.
• The tyres that we use on many of the Shoprider powerchairs are the same as we use on the mobility scooters.
• Always ensure that when a tyre is replaced that the bolts holding the wheel together are fastened correctly!
• Always ensure that before a tube is removed from a rim that all the air is released before any bolts are loosened!