21 June 2024 – Is moving around proving to be a challenge for you or a loved one? Motorised solutions such as Personal Mobility Aids (PMA) are great but with so many options you may wonder, “Which type of mobility aid is right for me?” MOBOT takes pride in being the largest retailer in the Personal Mobility Aid market in Singapore, renowned for offering a vast selection of Land Transport Authority (LTA) compliant mobility scooters and motorised electric wheelchairs that are public transport friendly. Continue reading to learn how to decide between these options and the different types of mobility aids available within each category.
What is a Personal Mobility Aid?
A personal mobility aid (PMA) is a mobility device designed to carry an individual who is unable to walk or has difficulty walking. There are a few things to look out for when choosing a mobility aid, the first of them is what to consider before purchasing a mobility aid. Below are the considerations to factor into your decision.
1. Individual needs and mobility requirements
When selecting a mobility aid, it is essential to evaluate the requirements, mobility considerations, and existing health conditions of the individual needing it. This comprehensive evaluation can be broken down into key factors, such as:
- Walking ability
Can the user walk, and if yes, for how long?
- Balance levels
Does the individual have a significant risk of falling when walking or transitioning from sitting to standing?
- Range of motion
Examine the user’s range of motion in their upper body and limbs. Determine if the mobility aid’s design aligns with its range of motion, ensuring comfort and ease of use.
- Endurance
Consider whether they need a mobility aid that offers sufficient comfort and support for prolonged use.
- Weight capacity and dimensions
It is important to consider the size and dimensions of the PMA to ensure that it is capable of supporting the user’s weight and that it matches the user’s body size and proportions for safety and comfort.
- Environment (Indoor or Outdoor)
A motorised personal mobility aid has constraints in terms of accessibility, particularly in public transportation and narrow walkways. Evaluating these limitations is crucial.
- Portability
If frequent travel is part of your lifestyle, this is where the factors of portability and transportation come into effect. It is important to consider the device’s weight, foldability and ability to be conveniently stored. MOBOT’s PMAs use lithium-ion batteries that are easy to detach.
Commercial airlines follow the International Air Transport Association regulations for carrying battery-powered mobility aids. Please verify your airline’s specific requirements for carrying mobility aids, as regulations may vary between airlines.
Generally, the power rating of the battery should not exceed 300Wh*, or for mobility devices with two batteries, each should not exceed 160Wh. To calculate Watt hours, use the formula *Watt hours (Wh) = Amp-hours (Ah) x Voltage (V)”.
- Coordination
Consider whether they require a device with specific controls or features to accommodate their coordination abilities, such as the type of controls for PMAs.
- Types of Handlebar/Controls
Twist Throttle
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- Right-handed control.
- Grab and twist motion.
- Hand mobility & strength required.
- Feels similar to motorcycle or bicycle handgrips.
- Designed for performance and outdoor use.
- Offers less support and control than delta tillers.
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Delta Tiller
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- Ergonomic design gives you options for hand placements.
- Two throttle control levers provide two points of control for each hand.
- Able to operate with one hand.
- Suitable for those with limited hand strength.
- Allows resting of the arm below the wrist while steering.
- Offers greater control and comfort.
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Joystick
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- Used in electric wheelchairs instead of tillers.
- Single-hand control.
- Omni-directional.
- Single stick control for acceleration, braking, and steering.
- Ideal for individuals with upper-body mobility challenges.
- Joystick can be placed on either armrest via a clamp, providing usability for left and right-handed individuals.
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2. Weight Capacity and Dimensions
It is important to consider the size and dimensions of the PMA to ensure that it is capable of supporting the user’s weight and that it matches the user’s body size and proportions for safety and comfort.
3. Environment (Indoor or Outdoor)
A motorised personal mobility aid has constraints in terms of accessibility, particularly in public transportation and narrow walkways. Evaluating these limitations is crucial.
4. Portability
If frequent travel is part of your lifestyle, this is where the factors of portability and transportation come into effect. It is important to consider the device’s weight, foldability and ability to be conveniently stored. MOBOT’s PMAs use lithium-ion batteries that are easy to detach.
Commercial airlines follow the International Air Transport Association regulations for carrying battery-powered mobility aids. Please verify your airline’s specific requirements for carrying mobility aids, as regulations may vary between airlines.
Generally, the power rating of the battery should not exceed 300Wh*, or for mobility devices with two batteries, each should not exceed 160Wh. To calculate Watt hours, use the formula *Watt hours (Wh) = Amp-hours (Ah) x Voltage (V)”.
Should you select a motorised wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Wheelchairs are for individuals with restricted leg function who cannot sustain weight on their legs for extended periods. Electric wheelchairs are less physically taxing as they are solely controlled by a joystick, requiring less exertion to operate. They can also be manually pushed by another person making them suitable for use at home, in public indoor spaces and outdoors.
MOBOT carries many PMA models suitable for handicapped individuals and people with mobility constraints. Our mobility scooters and motorised electric wheelchairs are designed with user experience in mind. MOBOT prioritises manoeuvrability so that users of PMA can enjoy riding it effortlessly in different terrains or environments, thereby enhancing and improving the efficiency of day-to-day activities.
In 2025, the speed limit of PMAs will be reduced from 10km/h to 6km/h. You may purchase a PMA in 2024 with a max speed of 10km/h. In 2025, you may simply adjust the speed of your PMA to 6km/h.
To help you make the right decision, here are our most popular series of sought-after mobility aids for you to compare:
Safe Comfort Series
Image: Prime X-Pro 4 Wheels Mobility Scooter
The PRIME 2nd Gen, PRIME X-Pro, and PRIME Lite provide the ultimate comfort and safety in personal mobility aid. It has an adjustable stem for optimal reach and a wide, 360-degree adjustable seat with a backrest. The seat height can be easily adjusted and swivelled sideways for dismounting. These features are further complemented by retractable armrests, which create extra space for caregivers to assist the user. It is the PRIME choice for seniors. All PRIME series mobility scooters can be disassembled for transportation and are the ultimate choice when comfort is a priority. With explosion-proof rear tyres that do not puncture, intelligent braking, and anti-tip features, they are among the safest mobility scooters available on the market.
Foldable Compact Series
Image: Flexi Titan 3 Wheels Mobility Scooter
Lightweight and easily transportable, the Flexi 4th Gen, Flexi Max and Flexi Titan PMAs in this series save space and can be effortlessly folded within seconds, fitting seamlessly into a car boot. They are equipped with airline-friendly batteries, making them the optimal choice for frequent travellers.
Foldable Electric Wheelchair Series
Image: MWheel LW Motorised Electric Wheelchair
The MWheel LX, MWheel LW, and MWheel Carbon occupy only half the space of what larger mobility scooter takes when folded, making them easily storable at home. Ideal for short trips, general travel, or indoors.
Power Series
Image: Fiidom Max 3 Wheels Mobility Scooter
The Fiidom Max, Oxli and Fiidom X are mobility scooters with bigger battery capacities which have more power. This means more mileage, making it possible to go further and back without the risk of running out of battery and being stranded. These LTA-compliant mobility scooters also have multiple storage solutions, perfect for shopping trips.
MOBOT offers a wide range of ultimate LTA-compliant Personal Mobility Aid choices that can significantly enhance and transform the lives of different users. With the diverse models available, customers are sure to find the one that best suits their needs.
Visit any MOBOT outlets to test drive today!