There isn’t a single industry out there that hasn’t been impacted by technology, and more times than not, it’s a positive adaptation. For mobility scooters in particular, technological innovations are making the travelling process easier for those with reduced mobility, as the latest technology found in mobility scooters are revolutionising the way people can use them. From built-in tracking facilities to ensure people don’t get lost, to folding mobility scooters to make the storing of the vehicle more convenient, technology has made life much easier for those suffering with a mobility disability. But how, exactly?
Tracking Facilities
Driving a mobility scooter is significantly different compared to driving a car, as you need to take different routes in order to reach your desired destination. Of course, once you’re used to the original route, it can be easy to get lost once you begin following another. Therefore, researchers at the University of Lincoln and De Montfort University in Leicester have created a tracking device in mobility scooters to ensure vulnerable drivers don’t get lost on their journeys. This technology is truly helpful, as in the situation where the disabled do get lost on their scooters, their reduced mobility will prevent them from seeking further assistance. It’s important that people with movement impairments feel safe inside and outside their homes, making tracking devices a huge part of technological advancement in mobility scooters.
Self-Balancing Technology
Mobility scooters are now being released onto the market with self-balancing technology, allowing the process of moving onto different terrain seamless! The extraordinary lightweight balance technology allows you access to almost any vehicle, including cars, trains and even planes! As this mobility scooter is self-balancing, it requires the movements of your body to control the direction in which the scooter is moving, which is positive for some and negative for others. A strong core and upper-body strength is ideal for this type of technology, as you lean forward to go and sit straight to balance. Sure, you don’t have to fiddle with buttons, but for those with severe impairments, this might not be the most practical, but there are several modes of transport that are.
The Firefly Attachment for Extra Speed!
Rather than being built into the mobility scooter, this is an attachment to accompany it. I think many mobility scooter users can agree with the fact that some journeys take longer than necessary due to the slow speed that some scooters operate at. Of course, this ensures safety, but a little boost could really help you reach strict appointments or events without leaving ridiculously early. That’s where the firefly attachment helps, as it can increase the speed of your Firefly wheelchair to a maximum speed of 12.5mph! This might not sound very fast, but it will make a big difference to Firefly wheelchair users as the average speed is only 8mph.
Self-Driving Technology
It would seem like our mobility scooters are becoming more independent by the year, and nothing gets more independent than a mobility scooter that can drive itself! In Singapore, a self-driving mobility scooter has been in development, making mobility scooter travel even easier for passengers. They have overcome many initial problems with this design too. For example, what would have happened if there was an obstacle in the way of the path? Well, the self-driving mobility scooter has laser sensors attached, detecting obstacles up to 2.5m in front and 10cm at the sides, allowing the scooter to make an informed decision about how to tackle the situation. So, rather than having to keep your eyes on the path at all times, you can now do what all pedestrians do – stare at your phone and play your favourite games on the go!
