Shirley. Lecker, M.C.P.A. . Physiotherapy Consulting Services Individualized Exercise Programs for Chronic Conditions and Neuromotor Problems (Such as Strokes, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Parkinsons and MS) “-+ 119-255 West 1st Street North Vancouver “For ap pointment or information please call 987-5236 to arovide the help and convenience your end nects. oe "qualified installers. Davies’ PRESCRIPTION « PHARMACY : 1401 St. Georges. Avenue, North Vancouver @pRoste Lion’s Gate Hospital Emergency) - Telephone: 985-8771. YOU CAN ‘see them everywhere now — on the seawall, in the Super. markets, on the sidewalks. One c¢ scarcely walk anywhere: on the North Shore without crossing paths with a scooter and its driver, "scoot- ing’ by pedestrians, negotiating bumpy. curbs or climbing up the hills. While scooters have been around for 15 years, their. current popularity has come about for iwo reasons. First is the improve- ment in. technology, Most new orodels are rauipped with power- ful. battery-operated motors thatare cupable of handling almost any terrain. Coupled with the power is. the . increased range and. reliability of the ntchines. No longer do scooter drivers have to dimit the distances they travel for fear of a breakdown or loss of battery power, “The second reason for the rise in popularity of scooters has w do with the changing attitude. of Canadians. We are no longer content to sit back and accept the fict that cur body sannot do what we ask of it Canadians wha face impaired mobility through accidents or ill- nesses still want to be able to fully participate in all that our country offers. , 6G We are no longer content to sit back and accept that our body cannot do what we ask of it, OY Here on the North Share we are blessed with a mild climate, terrific scenery and a host of activities: snmall wonder that scooters are pop- ular. They give independence 10 those who don’t we want Lo rely on oth- ers. ; There ‘are. many different manu- facturers and many different: kinds WHEELCHAIRS - HOME HEALTH CARE Power Scooters Light Wheelchairs - Walkers, Canes & Crutches Bathroom Safety Products _ FREE HOME DEMONSTRATIONS. 988-5566 SALES RENTALS @ REPAIRS» 1829 CAPILANO ROAD, NORTH VANCOUVER. Oceanfront RV. Resort 5,35, or 99 year site membership : Fully serviced site up'to 2300 sq. ft... f. Phone and cable availability @ Tennis.& volleybail courts _ *: Beachside. pool & deck * * Fabulous oceanfront clubhouse ok recreation centre | RVresort 200 North Corfiel, St, Box 1750, of scooters, Like cars, the manufac- turers have created many models. that appeal to different customers, Here are some of the basic dis- | “uinguishing features: Type Most scooters have three or four ® wheels. shorter turning radius for -: getting into narrow hall- ways and. quick -turns,: This makes a wheeler handy for -use inside the home. while it can also’ be “used. out- doors. A four wheeler can be used inside, but the urning © radius makes = it Where -the four-wheeler shines is in stability and handling ‘rougher-terrain, Batteries Scooters are battery operated and " use either. sealed gel or lead: acid batteries. Po “The batteries are the heart of the scooter, Proper: recharging proce-.:" dures must be followed to optimize’ the strength and life of the battery, The sizeof the scooter will -usu- ally determine the size of the battery ; needed to optimize ‘its operating ot capubilities, Distance Newer models ‘will’ generally have claimed ranges of up to.40 kilometers (25. miles) on:a single. charge. However, these fig igures are usual.” ly based on a rider of lighter weight, on, relatively flat’ terrain. : Heavier riders and those who take on a lot of hills will experience less range. ; Hills: ' Sree: a The North Shore has no shortage: of these and: the ‘various scooters-:. have: different capabilities © for: -, climbing. . ‘While dependent on the weigh of the rider, and how long the scoot er’ has .been used during. the..day before. the hill is attempted,: most. hills..on. the North: Shore can: bes ‘ », climbed with a scooter. : oan Speed : - Brisk walking ’ speed ‘js three miles per hour and the top speed o most * four-wheel * models “is ’ five miles per. hour.—~ almost’ twice the » pace: of a brisk: walk. The speed is controlled: with a "master dial that limits the maximum speed according to its setting and an ‘accelerator: which must.be. pressed to get the scooter to go... Rules of the Road - A scooter is considered the same as a pedestrian. That means scooters ' use the sidewalk, and, where there is. no sidewalk, the drivers should ride facing into the traffic. ; | Whenever possibie,: scooter dri- “vers should ‘make ‘eye contact with - Car drivers to be sure of being seen. A flag is'a great;ideaand even better are:a couple’ of flags in a row so the eye ‘follows down from the top flag to the person, An additional _/small horn'is useful, even though ail - scooters have ea builtin horn: Because scooters“ are: electric: they are:very quiet “(and envyiran- 4 mentally » friendly) so! itis easyto. ride up behind unwary. pedestrians without them” hed aring the” “scooter. coming. A ‘polite “toot ‘can: dlert them so the scooter can’ gel by. © three.” often awkward. Three wheels’ can offer”. .