Disability equipment comes in all shapes and sizes and ranges from mobility aids such as wheelchairs and electric scooters, to large home equipment like stair lifts and hoists, to small gadgets to assist with specific disabilities.
Mobility aids include wheelchairs, power chairs, electric scooters and then smaller daily equipment such as walkers and walking canes.
Large items for the home include things like stair lifts, ceiling hoists, powered or manual height-adjustable beds and powered leg lifters for those who can’t get their legs into bed on their own.
Then there are all sorts of small gadgets designed to make life with a disability a little easier. These range from clamps to hold jars still while opening with one hand, to voice activated computers, from vibrating alarm clocks for the deaf to memory aids. Whatever your specific disability, there is some gadget made just for you.
Sometimes disability equipment is not the answer and your needs may be better met by changing the way you do things or getting some form of physical therapy to improve your abilities.
Disability equipment that is often overlooked is the personal alarm. It is very important for those with disabilities to be able to call for help in an emergency. Personal alarms take many forms but are designed to assist you in getting the help required with little effort.
Disability equipment comes in so many forms and can truly make a huge difference to disabled people wanting to maintain their independence.
DPSA was formed in 1984 by disabled people as a body to represent themselves. DPSA is a democratic cross-disability body made up of member organisations of disabled people in South Africa. DPSA is recognised as the National Assembly of disabled people by Disabled People International [DPI], which has observer status in the UN.
An electric moped, or electric scooter is a mobility aid used by disabled and the elderly, or anyone who has difficulty getting around by walking.
The advantages of an electric moped are that people can get around while sitting down comfortably. They are useful for people who cannot operate a manual wheelchair and for people with whole body conditions such as lung issues, obesity or arthritis, who are able to walk a few steps and sit upright without support. One of the main things that people like about the electric mopeds is that they don’t look like wheelchairs and have less of the negative stigma associated with them. They come in funky designs and colours and are more affordable than electric wheelchairs.
The limitations of an electric moped are that they still require some upper-body mobility and strength in order to operate the steering mechanism. They also require you to be able to sit in an upright position. They are longer than wheelchairs, which can make turning in tight spaces more difficult. Electric mopeds, as they are designed more for people who can still stand and take a few steps, are usually not designed for easy transfer from seat to bed.
Different makes and models of electric moped have different advantages and disadvantages, and it is best to do some research before deciding on the best option. It is also worth comparing prices as these may differ radically from one model to the next.
There are so many electric scooters for sale these days that choosing the perfect scooter for your needs may seem like a daunting task. When looking at all the different makes and models of electric scooters for sale, here are some questions to ask yourself in order to make a good comparison:
- Where can I use the scooter? Is it mostly for indoors, outdoors or both?
- Will I be able to use the electric scooter on steep hills?
- What speed can this scooter travel at and is this sufficient for my needs?
- How long does the battery last?
- Is the scooter easy to transport in a car?
- Does the scooter have puncture proof tyres?
- Does the scooter have good suspension for rough terrain and road use?
- Does the scooter have the necessary requirements for road use such as lights and indicators?
- What options of colour do I have on this model?
These are some of the questions that will help you to compare some of the different electric scooters for sale at the moment. There is a lot of choice and we suggest that you do a fair amount of research before deciding, as your scooter will be with you for a long time.
Afrimobility has most models of electric scooter for sale and we will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect one for you.
Four wheel mobility scooters are by far the most common and recognizable electric scooters. They have the ability to go forwards, backwards, left and right, and although not as visually appealing as some of the other models, they have their own advantages.
The main advantage of the 4 wheel electric mobility scooter is its stability. With two wheels at the back and two wheels in the front, the chance of toppling over is slim to none, and it is therefore the best choice for someone with balance issues. The stability also allows for higher speeds, and most 4 wheel mobility scooters can go up to about 15 km per hour.
These 4 wheel scooters can handle almost any terrain including gravel, wet grass and loose dirt, and some models can handle steep hills and pavement curbs. For outdoor use, the 4-wheeler is the 4x4 of scooters, giving those with mobility problems no excuse to not be adventurous. They have bigger tyres and higher ground clearance. They also tend to be more powerful and more durable than other electric scooters.
The benefits of the 4 wheel scooter are its power and speed, its stability, durability, and ability to drive on roads and rough terrain - best for people who work or play outdoors.
The disadvantages of the 4 wheel scooters include not being as maneuverable as the 3 wheel versions and being rather bulky for transport. Due to their wide turning radius, they are not well-suited to indoor use.
Technological advances have been responsible for helping the elderly and disabled to live more independent fulfilling lives through the invention of various movement aids for the disabled. Movement can be difficult for many people for a variety of reasons – old age, cerebral palsy, arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease. All of these and more can affect a person’s ability to get around and perform some of the daily tasks that most of us take for granted.
Disabled movement aids such as wheelchairs, electric scooters and even cars that have been adapted for use by disabled people have made life easier and more fulfilling for most elderly and disabled people.
Giving disabled people the chance to move around with ease and without discomfort can do a lot to increase self-esteem and confidence and can allow the elderly and disabled to socialize, to participate in sports and outdoor activities and to attend to their daily tasks with a measure of independence that should be the right of every person.
Disabled movement aids do not only improve the quality of life of these people, but they also allow for increased fitness and health. Family life has also improved with the introduction of foldable and lightweight scooters that allow the elderly and disabled to travel easily and participate in family activities.
Disabled movement aids are well worth their small investment as they improve the lives of disabled and elderly people and restore their confidence and enthusiasm for life.
Many people, as they age, may feel insecure about living in such a fast-paced world that requires mobility in order to function and participate in daily tasks. Thanks to the invention of electric scooters, the elderly no longer need to sit indoors all day or be escorted to perform such daily necessities as doing the shopping or getting out for some fresh air.
When buying a scooter for an elderly person, or assisting them in choosing one for themselves, there are a few things to consider:
- Will they be using the scooter predominantly indoors or out? Different models are more suited to one or the other.
- What is their financial situation and do they have personal insurance that may cover some of the costs?
- Make sure that the electric scooter that you are looking at will be able to fit through doorways and navigate shopping isles.
- How much storage space do they have and will they be travelling a lot? Foldable scooters are an excellent choice for both.
- Check the braking and speed controls. Most scooters for the elderly have the controls on the handlebars, however there are other models with controls on the footplate or arm rests.
- Make sure that you are buying your scooter from a reputable company and that there is a warranty.
Scooters for the elderly have transformed the lives of our senior citizens, allowing them freedom and independence.
When buying an electric scooter, it is important to find a model that is cheap enough for your budget, but does not compromise on quality and safety. There are numerous models of electric scooters available, and the cheapest one may not necessarily suit your particular needs. Ask yourself the following before deciding:
- Do you have enough legroom?
- Is the seat comfortable and spacious enough for you?
- Can you reach the controls easily?
- Are you able to swivel the seat to get your feet out easily enough?
- Do you need a scooter for mostly indoor or outdoor use?
- Do you fit within the weight restrictions of the model you are looking at?
- Do you have enough storage room at home to keep this particular scooter without it getting in the way?
- Are you able to fold or dismantle the scooter easily for storage?
- Is the scooter stable enough for you and are there any other safety features that you need to be aware of?
- Is the speed capacity of the scooter suitable for your needs?
There are so many different electric scooters on the market, ranging from the cheap to the very expensive. If you are looking for cheap electric scooters, be sure to speak to someone who can assist you in finding a scooter that will suit not only your budget, but also your specific needs.
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To many people, losing their independence through disability is like a nightmare come true. Luckily, there are so many aids for the disabled these days that disabled people are no longer reliant on their families and friends to the degree that they used to be. Being disabled, whether temporarily or permanently can be terrifying, and most people are quite relieved to find out about how many aids are available to the disabled person to help them regain their independence.
There are numerous mobility aids available, ranging from walking aids to electric scooters and everything in between. The extent of the disability will determine which mobility aid one will go for. A walking stick, or cane, is suitable for someone with a mild disability needing some extra stability whilst walking. A wheelchair may be more suited to someone who has permanently lost the use of their legs but still retains excellent upper body strength. Electric scooters are a welcome addition to the market, used by those with minor disabilities for covering long distances, and for those with major disabilities who do not have the upper body strength to operate a wheelchair.
Then there are the numerous aids for the disabled for daily tasks such as getting in and out of the bath. Most doctors are able to assist you in finding the most suitable aids for your particular disability and are the best place to start asking questions.
The main reasons to choose a lightweight mobility scooter are its ease of maneuverability and transporting.
Probably the greatest advantage of the lightweight scooter is that if you come across an obstacle such as a flight of stairs that would be impossible to navigate with a heavier scooter, the lightweight scooter can simply be picked up and carried. This is particularly useful if you live in a city or area that is not well equipped for disabled people, where wheelchair ramps are not a common practice. Lightweight scooters also have marvelous maneuverability, and most can do a 180 degree turn – something which any disabled person who has had to use a lift will appreciate.
In terms of transportation, most lightweight models pack up into much smaller spaces and can easily fit in anything from a car boot to a hand luggage hold on a plane. Some models even break down to a size that would fit into a carry bag.
The main advantages, therefore, are their light weight, their maneuverability and their ease of transport. Ideal for people who travel a lot or who have limited storage space.
Disadvantages include not being as suited to road use or rough terrain, therefore not the best option for the rugged outdoors fanatic. They are also not recommended for particularly tall or large people due to their compact nature.
View our latest products at http://www.afrimobility.com
Our two light and recommended scooter models are:
Afrimobility is a company that sources any disability products from a wide range of suppliers around the world. We have certain home brands, but the majority of our products come from local suppliers. Due to the wide range of products and the nature of the industry, it is sometimes difficult to find what you are looking for. We ensure that we find the right product for our clients every time.
Whether you are looking for an electric or foldable scooter, whether you are elderly or disabled, or searching for something for your disabled child, we are here to assist. With our extensive experience in mobility products, we are certain that we can find you whatever it is you need.
Afrimobility stocks a wide range of disability equipment, including accessories and parts, and we would be happy to assist you in sourcing anything that we do not currently stock.
I found this article in the Mail and Guardian. It is a must read!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/14/disabled-face-increasing-hostility-strangers
Below is a snippet:
"Disabled people have faced greater hostility from the public since the government launched its controversial benefits reforms, according to a survey by a leading charity."
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We have just officially launched our new website - Afrimobility.
Below is a snippet from the latest news article on our website:
"The Afrimobility website has a fairly complex and detailed product listing. Please feel free to browse our products and to contact us if you have any questions or are looking for something that you do not find on our site. We are committed to sourcing any disability products from around the world, and can assist you with finding the correct product to suit your needs."
Afrimobility was formed by two young guys who noticed a massive need for disability products in South Africa, especially for the paediatric market. We have experience in various mobility products including scooters and wheelchairs, and have setup the Segway business nationally.
Afrimobility’s focus is to ensure that our disabled clients in South Africa have access to the correct products to suit their needs. We go out of our way to source the best mobility products and all relevant accessories such as ramps and batteries to ensure that you have access to everything you might need to get around.
We have products for the disabled, the elderly, and children, and can advise you on finding the most suitable product for yourself or your loved one. Whether you are looking for a three or four-wheel electric scooter, something lightweight or foldable, you have come to the right place.
We are passionate about both our products and our clients and look forward to hearing from you.
