Do you or your loved ones experience mobility challenges? Knowing how to choose the right mobility scooter is essential in your journey to regaining motility independence.
However, selecting the best mobility device suited to your needs can be challenging. Luckily, we’ve made this ultimate guide for you, making it easier to pick the right scooter for you or your loved one.
Keep reading to discover the types of mobility scooters and the features to look for before making your final decision.
Understand Your Needs
The first step when looking for a mobility device is to understand your mobility needs. Here are some questions you might need to answer:
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- Where will I mostly use the scooter? Indoors or outdoors?
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- What’s my height and body size?
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- How often will I use it?
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- What’s my budget for the mobility scooter?
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- What smart features do I want the mobility scooter to have?
Take time to answer these questions. The answers will guide you in selecting the best device for your needs. For example, if you’re tall, a three-wheeled mobility scooter with adequate legroom might be the most ideal.
Let’s look at the different types of mobility scooters to help you narrow down your search.
Types of Mobility Scooters
There are two main types of mobility scooters; three-wheel and four-wheel scooters.
Here’s how the two compare.
Three-wheel scooter
These scooters are usually lightweight, portable, and compact. Three-wheel scooters are ideal for indoor use since they have a tighter turning radius and can maneuver narrow spaces.
Due to their compact nature, they can easily tip over if you make turns at high speeds. If you’re a regular traveller, three-wheel mobility scooters might be ideal as they are easy to transport.
The only downside to these scooters is they may not handle well on rough/sandy surfaces, hilly areas, and grass.
Four-wheel scooter
These mobility devices are usually more powerful, stable, and comfortable than three-wheel scooters. Four-wheel scooters have a higher weight capacity, impressive suspension systems, and pneumatic or all-terrain wheels.
Older models can be bulky, but newer versions are lighter, have modern features, and can fold easily for convenience.
Levels of mobility scooters
Besides choosing a mobility scooter depending on the number of wheels, you need to consider their different levels.
These include:
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- Lightweight mobility scooters: These are light scooters that are foldable and easy to transport. They have a low drive range, weight capacity, and slow speed. Ideal for indoor use or on smooth surfaces.
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- Medium-size mobility scooters: These devices are usually compact, comfortable, and can handle a higher weight capacity. Their safety features, power, and performance make them ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
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- Full-size mobility scooters: They are mostly four-wheel scooters with excellent performance, speed, driving range, and high weight capacity. Though you can use them indoors, they are ideal for outdoor errands.
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- Heavy-duty mobility scooters: These are typically full-size scooters but with advanced features like higher weight capacity (500 lbs or more). They have large all-terrain wheels, powerful motors, comfortable seats, and a longer driving range.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Mobility Scooter
Now that you’ve learned about the types of scooters, you might wonder what to look for when buying a mobility scooter.
There are two main factors to consider before choosing your mobility device:
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- Features of the scooter
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- Personal considerations
Let’s look at each factor independently.
7 Features to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
There are numerous brands that offer mobility devices with varying designs, prices, and features, making it challenging to find the right scooter.
Consider the following seven features when buying a mobility scooter for you or your loved ones.
1. Frame
Depending on your needs, you can choose a mobility scooter with a foldable or permanent frame. The former is excellent if you’re always on the road and looking for a scooter that can disassemble and fit in your car trunk.
When choosing a mobility scooter, pick one with a sturdy frame that can withstand a high weight capacity and last long.
2. Safety features
Another key factor to consider before buying a mobility scooter is the safety and security features. Modern scooters like the Afikim Afiscooter C3 offer features like automatic braking, LED headlights, and rearview mirrors.
Select a mobility scooter with various features that guarantee your safety indoors or outdoors.
3. Controls
A mobility scooter may have a T-shaped or flexible tiller, depending on the scooter’s brand and model.
The tiller has components that control the scooter and its features. These include the brakes, lights, steering, and start/stop switch.
Choose a mobility scooter with a T-shaped tiller if you’ve got adequate hand strength and manual dexterity.
Flexible tillers that you can control using either hand is ideal if you have limited hand strength and manual dexterity.
4. Speed
Lightweight mobility scooters usually have about 4–5 mph top speed. If you need a faster device, go for heavy-duty scooters that can reach up to 18 mph.
Caution: Travelling at high speeds can cause accidents or make the scooter tip over when negotiating corners. Take extra caution whenever riding your mobility device to ensure safety and avoid legal problems.
5. Driving range
A scooter’s driving range refers to the distance it can go with a single charge. Pick a mobility scooter with a long-lasting battery if you plan to use the device for outdoor errands like going shopping.
Generally, lightweight mobility scooters have a shorter driving range while full-sized/ heavyweight scooters go longer with a single charge.
6. Wheels and tires
The tire type and wheel size largely affects the comfort and maneuverability of your mobility scooter. There are front-wheel and rear-wheel drive models that offer varying features.
The former has smaller tires that improve the scooter’s maneuverability but has reduced traction. Rear-wheel drive mostly comes with large tires that have better grip and can maneuver in rough terrains.
Besides the tire size, there are three scooter tire types:
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- Pneumatic tires: These air-filled tires offer a smooth ride and impressive traction on uneven surfaces. The only downside is they may wear out quickly and deflate if you ride on sharp objects like rocks and nails.
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- Foam-filled tires: These tires are more expensive but very durable since they can’t deflate. However, they don’t offer as excellent comfort as the pneumatic ones.
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- Solid tires: Though they aren’t very comfortable on rough terrains, they are puncture-proof and very durable.
7. Power and performance
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a mobility scooter is its power. The battery and motor determine the power and performance of the device.
Small-sized mobility scooters have motors that can deliver about 200–350 watts. Heavy-duty models can push 700 watts or more.
The motor determines the mobility scooter’s weight capacity, top speed, and maneuverability in rough and sloppy areas. When choosing the scooter, confirm the battery is powerful enough to fuel the device’s performance.
5 Personal Factors to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
Besides the features, you must consider various personal factors when buying a mobility scooter. Here are the things to look for when selecting your scooter:
1. Comfort
The main reason for buying a mobility device is to help you move conveniently without causing any harm. Therefore, consider the comfort of the scooter to ensure you enjoy the ride.
Ensure the seat is contoured, well-padded, and wide enough to accommodate you. Choose a mobility scooter with a tiller and seat you can adjust to achieve maximum comfort.
You should conveniently reach the controls without any struggles. The ideal mobility scooter should accommodate you for hours without causing pain or discomfort.
2. Budget
When buying a mobility scooter, select a model that fits within your budget. If you’ve got medical insurance, inquire whether it can cover the cost of the device.
Does Medicare cover mobility scooters? It may cover power wheelchairs and scooters only if they’re medically necessary or if the doctor prescribed them for home use.
You might need to cover the cost if you need a specific model that fulfills all your indoor and outdoor mobility needs.
If you’re low on budget, choose a mobility scooter from companies like Electric Wheelchair USA that offer pocket-friendly prices and financing options.
3. Your body size
Consider buying a mobility scooter with the right size dimensions to accommodate you. Check the weight capacity to ensure the specific model can handle your weight without breaking down or causing discomfort.
Make sure the mobility scooter have enough legroom, keeping your feet resting comfortably while riding it. Consider the seat’s height and width and confirm that you’ll get in and out of the scooter conveniently.
4. Portability and storage
If you’re a travel enthusiast, consider buying a travel/portable scooter. These models are lightweight and can easily disassemble or fold for easier transportation. Choose the scooter with lithium-ion batteries that are airline-approved.
Another key consideration is the device’s weight. Select a model that you or your caregiver can easily lift. Additionally, check the dimensions to ensure that it can fit in most car trunks or your home for added security.
Buy mobility accessories like lifts or ramps for convenience when loading or transporting a scooter that doesn’t disassemble or fold.
5. Other considerations
Other factors you might consider when choosing a mobility scooter include smart features, design, and colors.
Most brands offer models with different colors and designs. Select the most appealing one, depending on your likes and preferences.
Consider buying a scooter with useful features like storage compartments and a control panel with information like battery and speed indicator.
If you live in hilly areas, pick a mobility scooter with high climbing angles since it’ll tackle the slopes easily. It’s also best to buy models with high ground clearance. These scooters handle rough terrains and keep the components from damage.
Get Yourself a Mobility Scooter
Consider the factors we’ve discussed here to guide you in choosing the right mobility scooter for you/ your loved ones. Ensure the model you select has the necessary features to improve your life.
Get the best mobility scooter and reclaim your mobility independence. Remember to stay safe and enjoy a happy ride!