When mobility and flexibility becomes an issue with people with disabilities, "mobility scooters" can be of great help. Before you buy mobility scooters, as with any other product, it is best to get educated on the various brand names in the market, their features and their functions. The biggest of names among the mobility scooter manufacturers are Pride and Invacare.

Pride mobility scooters are usually considered to be the best in the three- and four-wheel category. They are very good for internal as well as external use and are easy to maneuver.

Invacare scooters are considered to be good on even, hard terrain - there are faults associated with their movement on soft or uneven ground. Some of their versions have faulty rear fork lifts, which make the scooters give a bumpy ride. However, most of these setbacks have been corrected in their new Zoom series. Also there are Lynx L-4 and Leo.

The Lynx L - 4 offers the features of the L-3 model with the performance and bold look of a four-wheel scooter. The stable four-wheel base of the L-4 model handles varying surfaces with ease. Customize the L-4 model to fit the consumer by simply adjusting the seat height, armrest width and tiller angle. Get comfortable, get set and go! With a top speed of five mph, you can feel confident the Lynx L-4 scooter will get you to your destination on time. Some of the key characteristics are:

• 4-Step Quick Disassembly,

• Estimated 7 Mile Travel Capability,

• 0 - 5 MPH Speed Range,

• Indoor and Outdoor Travel Ready,

• Available in Blue or Red, 3 or 4-Wheeled.

The Leo offers a stable four-wheel base that provides a smooth, safe drive and handles varying surfaces with ease. Features include a full lighting package, built-in splash guards to protect the electronics and transaxle, comfortable seating that swivels and slides and flat free tires. With a sophisticated design and impressive features, the Leo Scooter will get you where you're going in style! Some of the features are:

• 0 - 5 MPH Speed Range,

• Available in Silver or Blue,

• Full Lighting Package,

• Indoor and Outdoor Travel Ready,

• Up to 15 Mile Travel Range.

It is important to note that mobility scooters that will travel on main roads should be equipped with taillights and headlights with speed of 8 mph minimum, as provided by law. Today almost all mobility scooters are powered by rechargeable electric batteries. Electric mobility scooters need batteries to run. A typical mobility scooter would require two 12-volt batteries. Sealed lead rechargeable batteries are used and the charger is often supplied on board.

A mobility scooter is extremely beneficial for people who lack the stamina or the strength in the shoulders or the arms to manoeuvre a manual wheelchair. Further the swivelling seat of the mobility scooter is more advantageous as compared to the adjustable foot supports as available in conventional wheelchairs. The mobility scooter is extremely beneficial for people who have systemic disability or are down with conditions that affect the heart, lung or are plagued by arthritis and obesity.