From Rascal Pertaining to Safety of Three Wheel Scooters - Two Recent Innovations That Make the Three Wheel Scooter As Safe as a Four Wheel Scooter

PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR  3 WHEEL MOBILITY SCOOTERS

For Medical Professionals, Medical Equipment Dealers and Administrators of Government and Private Programs Who Authorize Mobility Scooter Purchases

BACKGROUND OF MOBILITY SCOOTER’S SAFETY

3 Wheel Mobility Scooters provide independence and convenience to millions of people who have difficulty walking long distances. Since 3 wheel scooters were introduced in 1977, they have improved the quality of life for the elderly and people with disabilities who utilize them for indoor and outdoor transportation.  Because 3 wheel scooters can be accidentally tipped over sideways, more stable 4 wheel scooters were introduced in 1990. However, most scooter users prefer 3 wheel scooters over 4 wheel scooters because they are more maneuverable, more comfortable (more legroom) and easier to use (steer). In the past, stability was the only drawback in selecting a 3 wheel scooter over a 4 wheel scooter. Manufacturers, Dealers, Sales Consultants and Medical Professionals regularly warn new 3 wheel scooter users about the danger of sideways tipping. Some manufacturers have equipped their 3 wheel scooters with side anti-tip wheels to reduce sideways tipovers.  Despite warnings about accidental tipovers and the use of anti-tip side castors, thousands of people tip their 3 wheel scooters over each year.  A review of published articles analyzing data from the Consumer Products Safety Commission reveals an alarming trend of a three-fold increase in wheelchair related injuries and fatalities over a fifteen year period. Between 1986-1992, research of hospital emergency department admissions revealed an average of 36,599 wheelchair accidents causing serious injuries.
1  By 2003, the number of serious injuries increased to 102,300 according to data compiled by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS – a Division of CPSC). Tips and falls accounted for more than two-thirds of the incidents.
2  To determine how many serious injuries occur annually as a result of tipovers on electric scooters, an article analyzing data of manufacturer’s reports to the FDA of adverse incidents was reviewed. The proportion of incidents reported to the FDA related to the use of scooters was 52.8% compared to manual and powered wheelchairs 47.2%. Sideways tipping was the most common direction for scooters’ tipovers.
3  In the article that analyzed the 1986-1992 CPSC wheelchair-related injuries, the author noted that: “Presumably many accidents result in no injury, in injuries for which the affected person seeks no medical attention or in injuries for which the affected person seeks attention from his or her family physician or other health care worker. It is therefore likely that this study significantly underrepresents the incidence of accidents and injuries.”
4  If 52.8% of the 70,000 serious wheelchair-related injuries caused by tips or falls occurred on scooters in 2003, then as many as 36,960 of the serious injuries treated in hospital emergency departments in just one year can be attributed to scooter usage, with sideways tipping being the primary cause.

3 WHEEL SCOOTER SAFETY BREAKTHROUGH

Recently, two new patent-pending stability technologies have been developed that make 3 wheel scooters just as stable as 4 wheel scooters. These breakthrough ideas provide both the superior maneuverability of a 3 wheel scooter and the stability of a 4 wheel scooter.  One technology introduced in 2008, actually turns a 3 wheel scooter into a 5 wheel scooter, with three steerable front wheels. The Quingo®, developed in the UK by Advanced Vehicle Concepts Limited, with a design to prevent accidental sideways tipovers, is now in use by thousands of scooter users in Europe.

The second technology was introduced by The Rascal Company in 2009. This
breakthrough technology is relatively simple and maintenance free.
Magnetically controlled swivel castor wheels are positioned on each side of the scooter’s steerable front wheel, slightly above the ground. If the 3 wheel scooter turns too fast, the outside swivel castor wheel touches down and instantly turns to follow the single front steerable wheel. During most turns, the 3 wheel scooter becomes a “4 wheel scooter”, but one that remains highly maneuverable.
According to The Rascal Company, over 2000 Rascal® BalanceTM scooters are in use by customers without a reported incident of sideways tipover. Test reports conducted by an independent test lab posted on the Rascal Balance website (http://www.rascalbalance.com/) show the exact same stability ratings for the new Rascal Balance 3 wheeler compared to the Rascal full sized 4 wheel scooter.  The incidence of 3 wheel scooter sideways tipovers is believed to be so prevalent as

many as one of every two 3 wheel scooter users may have tipped over. Many users are embarrassed because they tipped over. Others do not want friends and loved ones to know they tipped because they fear losing their driving privileges, much like the use of an automobile. The cost of scooters is frequently covered by insurance companies or government programs under Medicare and Veterans benefits. Medical expenses to treat seriously injured scooter users and the rehabilitation necessary to return them to better health are also covered by the same programs. “Medical bills incurred in wheelchair-related falls, including rehabilitation are often between $25,000 - $75,000.”6 The cost savings for private insurers and government programs such as Medicare and Veterans Hospitals as the new stability technology for 3 wheel scooters is adopted will be significant - as much as $2.3 million to $7 million a year.  The inherent instability of 3 wheeled ATV’s and the serious injuries and fatalities they caused resulted in a government ban on new sales by the Consumer Products Safety Commission in 1988. Hopefully, as the community of Medical Professionals, Dealers, Sales Consultants and FederalHealth Care Programs embrace the cost-savings and safety of these new advanced stability technologies, they will no longer recommend or purchase 3 wheel scooters that lack 4 wheel stability.

1 Ummat S, Kirby RL. Nonfatal wheelchair-related accidents reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1994;73:163-167
2 H Xiang, A-M Chany, and G A Smith. Wheelchair related injuries treated in US emergency departments. Inj Prev 2006; 12:8-11
3  Kirby RL, Ackroyd-Stolarz SA. Wheelchair safety—adverse reports to the United States Food and Drug Administration. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1995 Jul-Aug;74(4):308-12
4  Ummat S, Kirby RL. Nonfatal wheelchair-related accidents reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1994;73:163-167
5 E061810-02 Test Reports of Rascal Balance 3 Wheel and Rascal 4 Wheel Scooters, Ammer Consulting, June, 2010 - Attached
6  Gavin-Dreschnack D, Nelson A, Fitzgerald S, Harrow J, Sanchez-Anguiano A, Ahmed S, Powell-Cope G. Wheelchair-related falls: current evidence and directions for improved quality care. J Nurs Care Qual. 2005 Apr-Jun;20(2):119-27

This article was commissioned by The Rascal Company of Sewell, NJ. For more information or to set-up an interview, please contact the firm at  http://www.rascalbalancesafetyprogram.com/

Beware: AV Security Systems Looks Real But Is A Virus

WARNING to all of you with computers hooked to the internet. My sister and her husband on their computer and I on mine were attacked over the weekend by a virus called the AV Security System. It gets in and blocked everything making it virtually impossible to remove. I don't know if it came in in an email, or got around my firewall somehow. If you google the name you'll see that it's a hack created to look like a real program, that claims your computer is under attack by dozens of virus' and worms, and demands something like 60-70 dollars, but according to what I read it takes your money, gives you nothing, and to add insult to injury screws up your computer anyway. In both cases from what they told me, and my experience, it keeps you from accessing your virus software, your control panel, your registry, in my case I downloaded the same software they used to get rid of it, called AVG, and a couple others, and it allowed the downloads but blocked the installation, the gist is it blocks any way to get rid of it. It reloaded everytime you'd reboot, and kept popping up basically saying buy me, over and over whether connected to the web or not, also it kept opening web pages to porno sites when connected to the web. Very disconcerting and annoying. Neither of us paid, from what they said they disconnected their high speed connection, and that allowed the virus software to work and it removed the AV Security. In my case my virus software was blocked, and installing the dowloads was blocked, I was about to wipe the drive and reload the operating system, when I came across instructions, put it in safe mode and work through it that way, didn't work... Then I had a thought, according to what I'd read it also blocked or could infect system restore, but out of options I used system restore and set it back two days. Miracle of miracles it worked, I rebooted and it didn't show up. Since then I've been running all the virus software I've got and boosted the firewall. As of 3am it was gone. The point is this is a major PITA but if you get it it can be dealt with, just takes time and patience.

Lee Murray

Barriatric Scooters and Powerchairs For Those With Weight Issues

Rascal 600 series Convertable Scooters have a weight limit of 450 pounds, which is more than adequate for most of us. However there are some who need a scooter or powerchair with a higher weight limit. For those people we offer a barriatric scooter and powerchair with a 550 pound weight limit.  They are the 655 scooter and the PC710 powerchair.  Let me say right here that I believe Rascal designs and manufactures the best-built mobility products in the world. Stylish and dependable, our scooters have many distinct features that move them ahead of the rest. If I didn't believe it, I wouldn't still be selling them after 12 years.  Also I want to clarify that the 655 scooter is NOT a convertable scooter, it is a one piece frame, and is four wheel only.

Rascal 655

Known for its high performance, this bariatric friendly scooter is equipped to handle any terrain. It has a top speeds of 8 mph with a turtle switch that cuts the top speed in half at your option. Large 12” pneumatic tires provide a smooth ride on level surfaces and higher ground clearance than the 600 series. Dual rear-spring coil suspension comfortably copes with uneven, rugged terrain. Bariatric-friendly capacity to 550 lbs with a uni-body one piece frame for increased strength. An Oxygen tank holder, Cane & crutch holder, walker holder are optional. It comes with an upholstered captains style, high-back, leather-like, gray vinyl seat with flip-up armrests and a headrest, the backrest folds down for convenience. The seat also swivels 360 degrees and slides forward and back 6” to accommodate all size riders. Automatic safety steering automatically engages a half-speed control sensor to slow vehicle when turning. A hand-brake lever engages a durable drum brake for additional safety. There is an easy to clean floor pan with removable carpet, removable basket with handle, a full lighting package including headlight, taillights, flashers and turn signals.
Color is:  Candy Apple Red

Specs:

Overall Length            54”

Overal Width              27”

Turning Radius          62” 

Maximum Speed         8 mph

Weight Capacity        550 lbs

Maximum Range*      Up to 25 Miles

Seat Height                 22”

Ground Clearance      4”

Charger                        Off-board 6 Amp

Total Weight              266 lbs

*Range is calculated under test conditions. Weight, terrain and weather conditions can affect range of travel.

1-Year Limited Drivetrain Warranty

1-Year Limited Parts Warranty

Now the Rascal 710 powerchair:


This heavy-duty powerchair model is sturdy and powerful enough to accommodate up to 550 lbs, and specifically designed for bariatric applications.  It has a flip-up footplate of course, and a programmable, swing-away joystick. The swingaway feature is standard with Rascal, not optional as with other manufacturers, and is handy when you need to get right up to your desk or dining table. It has airline-approved batteries, meaning you can take it right on the plane with you when traveling, just let the airline know ahead of time.   It has a very heavy duty four-point seat mount, that while the seat is fixed in place and doesn't turn, prevents broken seat posts.
Options include:  Elevating leg rests and height adjustable armrests, oxygen holder and cane holder, positioning belt

Warranty:

3-Year Limited Frame Warranty
1-Year Limited Parts Warranty




Specifications:
1 Vehicle range capabilities depend upon battery type, terrain,
temperature, and total payload.
2 All pneumatic tires receivepuncture-resistant treatment.
3 Seat height is measured from floor less 3” of cushioning.

Overall Length                          43.5”
Overal Width                            27”
Turning Radius (wheelbase)  31.5”
Maximum Speed                       5 mph
Weight Capacity                      550 lbs
Maximum Range1                     Up to 25 Miles
Heaviest Component               136 lbs
Tire Type (front)                       9” Foam
Tire Type (rear)2                       12” Air Filled
Seat Height (range)3                21.25”- 22.25”

Tracker Lift (aka Backpacker Lift) the Best Choice for a Van or SUV

Well actually the best choice if you don't need the rear seat.  The Tracker gives you the advantages of both a crane type like the Trunk Lift or Equalizer and the Rack and Roll.  It has a platform that you drive your scooter or powerchair onto, like the Rack and Roll, but instead of hanging behind your van, the platform and scooter or powerchair are lifted up and  pulled inside the vehicle, out of the weather, out of the way when backing up and less vulnerable should your car be hit from behind. Over the years I have known of a couple veterans who were rearended and their scooters and lifts were destroyed.

The Tracker has all the features you need in a scooter lift. It offers an exclusive high threshold kit that allows it to be installed in vehicles with raised cargo opening thresholds without altering the vehicle, i.e. Dodge Grand Caravan.  There is also a false bottom kit that allows it to be installed in those vans that have seats that go down into the floor instead of being removed.  The Tracker platform has two options in docking systems, the Dock 'N' Lock  positive self-guiding docking system for powerchairs, or the more generic strapping system for scooters or powerchairs. This provides some flexibility in docking your power chair or scooter.  Once secured to the platform, the Tracker easily lifts and stows your scooter or power chair inside the cargo area of your vehicle for clean and safe transportation to wherever you're going. Two other options are a wireless remote and battery pack for power instead of having it hard wired to your vehicle.   Also the Tracker is ATRS Ready, which I'll talk about in another post.

                                                              Vehicle Requirements:

The Tracker inside van lift fits in the cargo area of most mini vans, and should always be installed by a qualified installer to ensure proper installation and to avoid possible damage. Please refer to the following dimensional requirements to ensure proper lift application:

Minimum Cargo Area Height (A): 37.25"
Minimum Cargo Area Width (E): 45"
Minimum Cargo Area Depth (B): 45"
Maximum Threshold Height (C): 3.75" High Threshold Kit
Maximum Vehicle Cargo Height (D): 27.5" with Threshold Kit, 29.5" w/o Threshold Kit

Specifications:

Recommended Maximum Lifting Capacity: 350 pounds
Platform Overall Width: 44"
Platform Depth: 27"
Maximum Lifting Height: 28"
Actuation: 12 VDC motors powered by vehicle battery or mobile power pack (optional)
Weight of Lift: 181 pounds

The Tracker XT Lift for Full Size SUVs is slightly different.  With the added functionality of a retracting column, the Tracker XT can raise your POV up to cargo heights of 36" - fitting the largest of SUVs on the market.
The Tracker XT inside  lift fits in the cargo area of most full size SUVs. Any Tracker should be installed by a qualified installer to ensure proper installation and to avoid possible damage to your vehicle. Please refer to the following dimensional requirements to ensure proper lift application:


Minimum Cargo Area Height (A): 37.25"
Minimum Cargo Area Width (E): 45"
Minimum Cargo Area Depth (B): 45"
Maximum Vehicle Cargo Height (D): 36"

Specifications :
Recommended Maximum Lifting Capacity: 350 pounds

Platform Depth: 27"
Platform Overall Width: 44"
Maximum Lifting Height: 36"
Actuation: 12 VDC motors powered by vehicle battery
Weight of Lift: 192 pounds

Here is a comparison of the two lifts showing the differences:
                                                            Tracker   Tracker XT


• Maximum Lifting Capacity           350 lbs.    350 lbs.

• Lift Platform Dimensions             44” x 27” 44” x 27”

• Minimum Cargo Area Height       37.25”       34”

Required (See Diagram A)     • Minimum Cargo Area Width 45” 45”

(See Diagram E)                       • Minimum Cargo Area Depth 45” 45”

Hatch Threshold to 2nd Row of Seats    (See Diagram B)

• Maximum Threshold Height        3.75”          2”

High Threshold Configuration  (See Diagram C)

• Maximum Vehicle Cargo Height 27.5”          36”

With Threshold Plate                (See Diagram D)

• Maximum Vehicle Cargo Height  29.5”        36”

With Threshold Plate Removed  (See Diagram D)

• Cargo Floor to Top of Platform 5” 3”

A minus F = Maximum Height of Power Chair