Before You Buy

A Mobility Showroom Visit Checklist

Shopping for mobility equipment can feel overwhelming.

There are walkers, rollators, scooters, lightweight power wheelchairs, transport chairs and other products designed for different situations.

You don't have to know exactly what you need before you walk into a showroom.

In fact, trying different options in person can be one of the most helpful parts of the process.

Use this checklist to make your visit more productive.

1. Tell Us What Has Become Difficult

You don't need to know the name of the product.

Start by explaining what you're experiencing.

For example:

“I can walk around my house, but I struggle when I'm shopping.”

Or:

“I'm having more trouble getting up from my chair.”

Or:

“I want something that will help me get around when we're out for the day.”

Those details help your showroom visit start in the right direction.

2. Tell Us Where You'll Use It

Think about the places you want to go.

Will you primarily use it:

• Around your home?

• Around the neighborhood?

• At stores?

• At appointments?

• At church?

• At restaurants?

• On longer outings?

• While traveling?

Your typical environment can help narrow down which options are worth trying.

3. Sit in It

If you're looking at a power lift recliner or other seated mobility product, don't just look at it.

Sit in it.

Notice:

• How comfortable it feels

• Whether the seat feels too deep or too shallow

• Whether your feet are positioned comfortably

• How supported you feel

• How easy it is to get in and out

A product can look comfortable in a photograph and feel completely different when you're sitting in it.

4. Try the Controls

If the product has powered controls, try them.

Can you reach the controls?

Can you understand what each button does?

Can you operate them comfortably?

Don't be embarrassed to ask questions.

You should feel comfortable using the equipment before taking it home.

5. Move It

If you're looking at a mobility device, try moving it when appropriate.

Pay attention to:

• Steering

• Turning

• Maneuverability

• Braking

• Getting into position

• How natural it feels to operate

What feels easy for one person may feel very different for another.

6. Practice Getting On and Off

For scooters, power wheelchairs and other seated mobility products, getting on and off is an important part of everyday use.

Think about:

Can I transfer comfortably?

Can I position myself safely?

Can I do this the way I expect to at home?

If someone regularly helps you, it can be helpful for that person to participate in the visit too.

7. Think About Your Vehicle

If you'll transport the equipment, talk about that during your showroom visit.

Consider:

• The size of your vehicle

• How the equipment will be loaded

• Whether it folds

• Whether it comes apart

• How much the individual pieces weigh

• Who will be responsible for loading it

It's much better to think about transportation before the purchase than after.

8. Ask What You May Not Have Thought About

You don't need to arrive with a perfect list of questions.

Ask:

“What should I be considering that I haven't thought about?”

That's often one of the most useful questions you can ask.

If You're Shopping With a Family Member

Bring them with you if they're involved in your day-to-day mobility.

They may notice things you don't.

They may help with:

• Transfers

• Transportation

• Storage

• Charging

• Loading

• Getting the equipment in and out of the home

A showroom visit can be more useful when the people who will actually use or help with the equipment are part of the conversation.

You Don't Have to Buy That Day

A showroom visit can simply be an opportunity to learn.

You can:

Look.

Sit.

Try.

Ask questions.

Compare options.

Then decide what makes sense.

There is value in understanding your options even if you're not ready to make a purchase immediately.

What to Bring With You

If you're coming to look at mobility equipment, consider bringing:

☐ The person who will use the equipment

☐ A family member or caregiver who regularly helps

☐ Your vehicle information if transportation is important

☐ Questions about how you'll use the equipment

☐ Measurements if you already know there are space limitations

☐ A list of activities that have become more difficult

The Goal of Your Visit

You don't need to leave the showroom knowing everything.

You should leave with a better understanding of:

• What options are available

• What feels comfortable

• What you can operate

• What may fit your routine

• What questions you still need answered

  
  

And if your needs turn out to require something beyond the everyday mobility products available through the showroom, our team can help direct you toward the appropriate next resource.

That's part of helping you find the right path—not simply finding a product.

Start by Trying

You can learn a lot from a product page.

But some things are easier to understand when you're sitting in the chair, holding the controls or moving the equipment yourself.

Come see what feels right for you. Visit our showroom at:

1548 Ashley River Road

Charleston, SC 29407

Start with a conversation. Then try some options.