Mobility Scooter Components
Seating
The most common seat found on scooters is a chair-style seat similar to those found on boats. The basic seat is molded hard plastic or fiberglass, but most manufacturers offer a padded-seat option, usually with a choice of vinyl or fabric upholstery. Vinyl upholstery is frequently less expensive, but because it is a more slippery surface, it may not be the best choice for those whose disability makes it difficult to maintain position or balance.
Until recently, there were few other options in seating on scooters. Unlike wheelchairs, scooters did not offer custom seating or positioning options. More manufacturers are now offering more ergonomically designed seats, lumbar supports, and separate cushions. In rare cases, manufacturers offer custom design and fitting with positioning options similar to those found on wheelchairs.
Seats are usually post-mounted to the center or rear of the base, and most swivel up to 360 degrees with stops at every 90 degrees using a manual lever beneath the seat. A powered seat is a common option. The mechanism is usually controlled from the dashboard or control box and uses power from the battery to rotate the seat. Some powered seats also elevate, allowing the user greater access to counters, cupboards, etc. As with most options, powered seats add to the scooter’s final cost.
Another consideration is the draw of power from the battery; frequent use of the power seat during the course of the day may reduce the scooter’s range. Some seats also allow for forward and rearward adjustment to better accommodate the user’s needs. In addition, some scooters are equipped with folding seats or seat backs and/or removable seat posts for transport or storage.
A travel scooter seat
Armrests are another consideration in seating. Some scooters offer armrests only as an option; others offer fixed armrests as standard with flip-up armrests available. Whatever the type, they are generally constructed of rigid plastic with padded upholstery optional, although some armrests feature a rigid plastic base with padded, upholstered inserts.
Whether or not armrests are padded and whether they are fixed or not should be determined by the user’s needs in transferring to and from the scooter and whether the armrests will help with balance while seated. Padding may make it more difficult to grasp the armrests and fixed armrests may make it more difficult to transfer.