Mobility Scooters & Motorized Chairs
For people with a mobility-related impairment, mobility scooters and motorized wheelchairs (or 'chairs') can be an efficient and effective way to get where you want to go. Motorized chairs use an electric motor and navigational controls rather than manual power. A mobility scooter is similar to a motorized wheelchair but is shaped more like a motorscooter. It is often referred to as a power-operated vehicle/scooter or electric scooter as well.
Motorized chairs or mobility scooters can go wherever pedestrians go
People using motorized chairs or mobility scooters to get around outside are considered pedestrians and may ride on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, or a curb or other barrier makes it unusable, a motorized chair or mobility scooter may be used on the side of the street, going against the flow of traffic. Otherwise, they may not be used on public streets or highways.
TCAT buses have lifts and spaces to accommodate a person in a wheelchair. See our ADA Paratransit page.
Sample cost and power information
|
Personal Mobility Vehicle |
Sample Purchase Cost |
Energy/Power Information |
|
Mobility Scooter (based on X-Treme Scooters XB-420M Elite Electric Mobility Scooter) |
$1,619.99 |
5-20 miles per charge of four 20 AMP batteries |
|
Motorized Wheelchair (based on Jazzy Select GT Power Chair) |
$728.28 with Medicare, $5,496 without Medicare |
Up to 15 miles per full charge of two 12 Volt batteries (based on Jazzy Select GT Power Chair) |
For more information on finding, purchasing or using a motorized chair or mobility scooter, contact the Finger Lakes Independent Center (FLIC) at 607-272-2433, 215 5th Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850.
