A mobility scooter is similar to the scooter or motor scooter in function and construction. However, additional power wheelchair type features and options make mobility scooters an exceptional form of transportation for anyone who has good arm strength and upper body balance but needs occasional assistance.

Elderly people, and those who have progressive conditions that challenge their permission to walk, appreciate and benefit from the aid and comfort of a mobility scooter. Users of those mobility scooter can usually walk to some degree, but have greater difficulty with slopes and longer distances.

The very first power wheelchair was built in the late 1960s by a Mr. Alan Thieme in Bridgeport, Michigan. Mr. Thieme created this front wheel drive scooter that can assist someone close with multiple sclerosis regain a few of their independent mobility.

The basic components of a power wheelchair today are two rear wheels by using a seat above them, a set area on which that will put the feet wich also holds the seat and power source, along with a steering column with handlebars to steer either one or two front wheels. There exists gasoline powered mobility scooters, though the a large number of those manufactured are electric. The longer popular electric mobility scooter runs with one or two batteries onboard the scooter. You may have necessity to have more power to surmount steep hills and slopes, you may be better served with two batteries which is able to deliver more power than one. These batteries are charged which includes a standard charger that connects into a typical electrical socket.

The steering column, located centrally at the front end of many scooter, is known as the tiller. The tiller controls forward, reverse and speed controls with finger controls, a thumb paddle or a switch. Mobility scooters are bought in front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Normally, front wheel drive mobility scooters will accommodate a rider as many as 250 lbs. and therefore are handier for indoor use because of the smaller size. Rear wheel drive mobility scooters work extremely well indoors and outdoors and can accommodate a weight of as much as 350 lbs. There are also hard rear wheel drive mobility scooters, which differs from the conventional rear wheel drive mobility scooters as it may accommodate riders as many as 500 lbs.