7. Dimensions -

The dimensions of the scooter or powerchair are important for two reasons: (1)to accomodate the size and weight of the rider and (2)to optimize performance in the riders environment. As a general rule, a large rider will require a longer scooter to fit longer legs comfortably. Many 3 wheel scooters will have foot boards which extend along each side of the tiller to increase foot room. A larger rider should also consider a wider scooter since there is more weight higher up on the scooter. A scooter with a narrow wheelbase will tip more easily with more weight located higher up from the ground.
Greater stability is offered by wider, longer scooters when operating on grass, gravel or uneven terrain. Sometimes it is difficult to find everything you want in one scooter and that is why many people have two scooters: (1) a scooter specifically for indoor use and ease of transport; and(2) An outdoor scooter that has large dimensions for stability and a longer range for safari riding.
One problem that comes up with the length of a scooter is when the rider has ramps installed which are at a steeper angle than is normal. Here, a longer wheelbase can actually be a problem since the bottom of the scooter will hit the "peak" where ramp and the floor meet and bottom out. This type of problem is commonly encountered when using a ramp to enter a van or truck. A shorter wheelbase with a good ground clearance is required if you cannot change the ramp angle.
As far as the ground clearance of the scooter, 3 inches is most common for indoor scooters. More for outdoor use is required. Shoprider DX 4 wheelers have a 7 in. ground clearance. Pneumatic tires can reduce ground clearance when rider is on the scooter or when not properly filled.

The seat height of the scooter is critical for people with limited or complete loss of ambulation in their lower extremities. Special consideration should be given to tranfering on and off the scooter from bed, the commode, vehicles, etc. Power seats are available from most manufacturers and usually cost about $700 to $800 dollars. If you cannot afford a power seat, make sure you check the maximum and minimum seat height with padding to see if it meets your requirements. Standard is 17.5 in. from the floor to the front edge of the seat with with manual adjustments usually only higher.

The turning radius of the scooter is also determined by the dimensions of the scooter. Scooter such as the Superlight, Ranger Safari, Pride Sundancer, Pacesaver Passport Jr., and Sporty all have great a turning radius and are designed to handle well indoors because they are shorter and not as wide as full sized scooters. The best handling scooters for indoor use are front wheel drive as they pull you through the turn. Rear wheelers push you through. These scooters also have smaller wheels (9" and under ) and this also makes a difference. Most three wheelers unless they are exceptionally long and wide have a decent turning radius but it is with the 4 wheelers that the turning radius will increase enough to really make the scooter more difficult to handle indoors. Although some 4 wheelers have a narrower front wheelbase than others, 4 wheel scooters are primarily for outdoor use.

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