As they are considered medical devices, scooters are manufactured to meet or exceed the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Good Manufacturing Practices (FDA-GMP). In addition, in 1982, the ANSI/RESNA Wheelchair (also addresses scooters) Standards Committee was formed to develop standard procedures for testing and comparing scooters and wheelchairs. The combination of these assures that scooters must be built to meet rigorous quality requirements, and that their performance claims should be readily compared.

It is very important that you know all you can about scooters. Be sure to understand both the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of scooters, and the validity of the information source. Professional sales people are able to answer the majority of your questions.

You should also talk with the Service Personnel, as they have intimate knowledge about the reliability and durability of scooters.

Local professional dealers provide many vital functions. To name a few, they provide you with information; they have a selection of scooters to choose from; they will demonstrate scooters to you; and most importantly they provide you with local service. Scooter manufacturer’s are happy to recommend local professional dealers to you.

Some important questions follow. A professional dealer will openly answer these and all of your questions. If the answer to any of these questions is NO, you should seek an explanation.

Does the dealer have a selection of scooters in stock? Yes No
You should be able to evaluate an assortment.

Will the dealer let me ride the scooters? Yes No
You should be able to take any scooter for a “test drive”.

Will the dealer come to my home to demonstrate the scooter? Yes No
You should know if the scooter will meet your needs.

Is the dealer reputable? Yes No
Does the dealer seem established by a visible commitment to the business?
While they might be new, they shouldn’t be “fly-by-night”.