Adult Scandinavians' use of powered scooters: user satisfaction, frequency of use, and prediction of daily use

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate user satisfaction with characteristics of powered scooters (scooters), frequency of use, and factors predicting daily scooter use.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Sample: Adult scooter users (n = 59) in Denmark and Norway, mean age 74.5 (standard deviation 12.3) years.

Methods: Structured face-to-face interviews. The NOMO 1.0, the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive devices (QUEST 2.0), and a study specific instrument were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were applied, and regression analyzes were used to investigate predictors for daily scooter use. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) served as a framework for classifying variables and guiding the investigation.

Results: Satisfaction with the scooter characteristics was high with most participants being very satisfied or quite satisfied (66.1-91.5%). Most scooters were used daily (36.2%) or several times a week (50.0%). User satisfaction with safety of the scooter [odds ratio (OR) = 11.76, confidence interval (CI) = 1.70-81.28] and reduced balance (OR = 5.63, CI = 0.90-35.39) increased the likelihood of daily use, while reduced function in back and/or legs (OR = .04, CI = 0.00-0.75), tiredness (OR = .06, CI = 0.01-0.51), and increased age (OR = .93, CI = 0.87-1.00) reduced the likelihood of daily use. 52.8% of the variance was explained by these variables.

Conclusions: User satisfaction was high, and most scooters were used frequently. User satisfaction with safety, specific functional limitations and age were predictors for daily scooter use. Implications for Rehabilitation Scooters seem to be a beneficial intervention for people with mobility impairment: user satisfaction and frequency of use are high. Users' subjective feeling of safety should be secured in the service delivery process in order to support safe and frequent scooter use. Training of scooter skills should be considered in the service delivery process.

Keywords: Assistive technology; mobility devices; outcomes; rehabilitation; user evaluation.