Renting a mobility scooter may seem easy enough, but if you’re under 5’2’’, many scooters may be a bit too big for you. If you’re planning a vacation in Orlando and need a mobility scooter to get a round, this can put quite a damper on your fun. If your feet can’t reach the ground or the controls are too far away, you will not only be subjected to an uncomfortable ride, but it can also be dangerous because you won’t have enough stability and control to ride the mobility scooter safely.
So how to you rent a scooter in Orlando that is the perfect size for you? Here are just a few tips to ensure you get the scooter you not only want, but need.
How to Rent a Scooter in Orlando When You’re Short
- Do Some Measuring- Measure, or ask someone else to help you measure, the length of your leg from the back of your knee to the floor. This is the height that you need your mobility scooter to be in order to ensure your feet can be placed flat on the floor when necessary. Not all scooters will show that they are this height, but don’t be fooled. Call and ask if the scooter you want to rent has a seat that can be lowered. Most can, which means you’ll easily be able to adjust the scooter’s height to fit your needs.
- Watch the Overall Length- When you’re vertically challenged, reaching a scooter rental’s controls can be difficult. Paying close attention to the specifications before you decide to rent can prevent you from renting a scooter that doesn’t fulfill your special height needs. Look for a scooter that has an overall length of 40” or less. This will allow you to reach the controls easily. It might also help if the scooter has handles that can tilt toward your body for easier reach.
- Look for Smaller Seats- If you also are smaller in width, choosing a scooter with smaller seats can help you feel more comfortable when driving and provide you with the support and reach you need. Some scooter seats can be as wide or long as 20”. For a vertically challenged smaller individual, this is much too large. Look instead for scooter seats that are 17” or less in width and length.
- Ground Clearance- It might seem as if choosing a mobility scooter with a short ground clearance is one of the best ways to ensure you have the right amount of height, but this is not necessarily the case. Ground clearance ensures your scooter can actively move about and won’t become hung up over uneven or rough terrain. Even when you’re short, you need to ensure your scooter has a ground clearance of at least 2.5” to 3”.
Looking to rent a scooter in Orlando for your vacation? If you’re vertically challenged, keep these helpful tips in mind so that you can find a scooter that works for your unique height and physical needs.