4 or 3 wheel scooters: Does any one use a... - My MSAA Community

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4 or 3 wheel scooters

CharlesHH profile image
27 Replies

Does any one use a electric mobility scooter. What works for you a 3 wheel or 4 wheel? I am looking at getting one to aid my walking because I cannot walk more than a block. Does medical insurance help pay for it or MS Society, MSAA ?

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CharlesHH profile image
CharlesHH
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27 Replies
StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward

Anything with three will is more likely to tip than four wheels. I would go four if you can.

ssdw1958 profile image
ssdw1958 in reply to StacyHayward

Hi Stacy thanks for the info I have been looking for one also.

purpletustin profile image
purpletustin in reply to StacyHayward

A friend gave me her small 3 wheel scooter. When I'm having a bad day, I use it in the house. It's small enough and 'agile' enough to easily use it indoors. Our home is set up for easy passage from room to room. Also, we have hardwood flooring throughout. Now the BUT.....it doesn't feel secure enough to use on any uneven surface, slight angles, i.e. driveway. If I was any bigger I'd definitely not feel secure which means I'd have to give up my double caramel lattes!!!

So, it was a generous gift, but when/if things get worse, I'll just keep this for indoors and invest in a more secure scooter with 4 wheels.

Corran731 profile image
Corran731

I use a 4 wheel scooter and I love it. It has allowed me to keep working and I can enjoy times with my family that I wouldn't be able to otherwise. I live in an area that is not very accessible (lots of uneven sidewalks etc.) and I have a friend with a 3 wheel scooter who has problems with it for that reason. The main benefit with 3 wheels is a better turning radius but tipping can be a problem.

Fancy1959 profile image
Fancy1959

CharlesHH, it's Fancy1959 responding to your post. It depends what you want to use the scooter for. If you've ever noticed on the three wheel scooters most of them have two small extra wheels on the front about where your feet rest to keep the scooter stable and to help prevent it from tipping over . Most indoor use like going around the mall or going through flea markets, or using it around the house three wheel scooters work just fine and would be more than a 4 wheel scooter. If you want to take the scooter doors even just around the house the four-wheel scooters will be a lot more stable and less likely to tip and go places 3 wheel scooters might not be able to make. The disadvantage of the four-wheel scooter is it's much less when maneuverable in the three wheel scooters and they cannot turn in make tight corners like a three wheeler scooter can.

So Charles basically it boils down to what you want to use your scooter for and where you want to use it. If you ever noticed commercials for the Hoveround that is a 3-wheel Style scooter very compact on the front end. Good luck with your decision. Just researching both and think about where you want to use it the most. Good to hear from you again!

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Hi CharlesHH l agree with what Fancy1959 says about it. As far as your insurance goes, l think it all depends on your coverage. Call and ask them. As they might pay part and your responsible for the rest.

As far as the MSAA you can give them a call and they can put you in the right direction anyway :)

Toll-Free Helpline: (800) 532-7667 MSAA

NationalMSsociety # 800-344-4867

Hope it helps let us know how it goes for you :)

Fancy1959 profile image
Fancy1959 in reply to Jesmcd2

Jesmcd2, it's Fancy1959 ,responding to your post. Wow you are the woman of the hour exclamation point way to have those phone nums to help Charles handy and to be able to give them to him so he can see if anyone offers help, hash connections at a certain participating dealer to help him save money was absolutely the perfect and timely thing to do! What a professional thing to do. You were on top of your game! Way to go!

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Fancy1959

Fancy1959 l have my moments :D hahaha

RoyceNewton profile image
RoyceNewton

3 wheel, used to have a 4 wheel but they are much heavier machine % I found very hard to take on road trips, cruises, flights. To be honest I would have both if I had the money as they have different uses, what do u actually want it for. That should really tell u which one you want, o yeah and how much U want to spend, btw 15 yr 48yo user.

michaelbarnes profile image
michaelbarnes

Yes Fancy1959 has good thoughts on this. An MS friend recently tipped over a 3-wheeler outside where the sidewalk meets grass. She cracked her clavicle!

RobertCalifornia profile image
RobertCalifornia

I use a three wheel scooter when going for several hours. It is great in tight spaces. I go to Disneyland with mu daughter and grandchildren. I would be lost without it. Disneyland rents four wheel scooters and they work fine. They do charge over $50 per day. My scooter can not handle steep hills. It died on me twice trying to go up grades. For flat surfaces mine is great, my grandson loves to ride with me and drive.

Starla0313 profile image
Starla0313

This one is the one I'm saving up for...it's only 41 pounds and folds up kind of like a stroller. It can fit in the trunk of your car so you don't need a lift. It even turns on a dime. There's a video you can watch in this link that gives you details about everything it can do and the price seems more reasonable than many of the others on the market.

discovermymobility.com/stor...

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Starla0313

I want 1 of these when and if lm going to need one Starla0313 . They look awsome!

Starla0313 profile image
Starla0313 in reply to Jesmcd2

After I saw the video of this one and realized the savings of not needing a lift because it's so light and how it turns on a dime that sold me on it.

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Starla0313

I watched the video on it Starla0313 and loved that it wad so light. So many of them are so heavy that it doesn't seem possible to take it anywhere. This seems almost perfect :)

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Starla0313

BTW Starla0313 welcome to the best chat ever! So glad you joined us :)

Starla0313 profile image
Starla0313 in reply to Jesmcd2

Thank you!

CharlesHH profile image
CharlesHH

Thanks for your replies

Bygonelines profile image
Bygonelines

This is the scooter I have. amazon.com/gp/product/B01BY...

It is great! It is very steady even going over speed bumps and up inclines. I researched scooters online then checked to see where Icould get the best price. Amazon had the best price for me. I am constantly amazed at how tight I can turn this puppy.

There are many things to consider when purchasing a scooter...

1. 3 wheel - tips easier, tighter turn radius, 4 wheel - much steadier, larger turn radius.

2. your weight and height.

3. Ground clearance

4. Where you want to use it.

5. Warranty

6. Can it be used in bad weather?

7. Will it fit on public transit or in your vehicle?

8. How long will it go on a charge? Time and Miles.

9. What maintainence is required?

10. Is there a place to put bags, beverages?

11. Is it comfortable to sit in?

12. How fast is it?

These are just some of the things to consider. Once you have these answers you can compare online and visit local showrooms. Then once you have decided what you want you can begin to look around for the best price. These are not cheap items so you want to make sure you get the most you can for the money you spend. Good luck in your search.

Jacqui

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Bygonelines

Great advice Bygonelines

AngieRowe profile image
AngieRowe

Most insurances do help pay look at your policy. Medicare does help pay also.

beadowns profile image
beadowns in reply to AngieRowe

Angie, As I recall, the Medicare Guidelines are 80/20. You pay 20%, they the 80%, unless that changed from ten years ago. Worth looking into. Bea

AngieRowe profile image
AngieRowe in reply to beadowns

Yes 80/20 and if you have secondary or Medicare supplement should pay the other 20% after deducts.

sybermomm profile image
sybermomm

I bought a 4 wheel scooter thru Amazon because I didn't qualify from Medicare. I also purchased a walker holder attachment for the scooter. I am too unstable as to the reason for the 4 wheeler. My scooter can be taken completely apart so as to fit in trunk of a car. May want to consider how you plan to transport scooter before purchasing one.

beadowns profile image
beadowns

Hi, Charles, I had a three-wheeled, but I'm 5'2" & weighed (notice past tense!) 98 lbs., so it worked well for me. That puppy could move! Cornered well & was light enough for me to handle, getting it in n out of the back of my van using a power lift. Went to a rear-entry van when MS made walking to the back of the van to retrieve it became too iffy a voyage. Absolutely enamored with the rear-entry -- don't need handicap parking place, regular one is O.K., plus the side entry means there has to be an open area to the right. Oops, you only asked about scooters! The four-wheel are better if you are large & need that stability. I'm getting off my soapbox now ~ tee hee.

Bea

Medicaid is paying for my custom fitted power chair 100percent. I heard that medicare is not approving power chairs right now. But sometimes you can get Medicaid on top of medicare otherwise Ms society

RoyceNewton profile image
RoyceNewton

3 wheel Jazzy scooter. I think they are around $1500. Break down into 3 pieces. Heaviest part is the battery and fit in the boot\trunk of a Camry. Mine has been on several cruises and many flights. Highly recommended

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