Did you know that the first basic mobility scooter invented in 1954, which Sears advertised as a power wheelchair, had a lot in common with mobility scooters due to its wide seat, increased battery capacity, and unique three-wheel structure?
Mobility scooters are one of the finest inventions, particularly for the elderly or disabled, since they allow users to live life to the fullest and give them freedom. Before selecting a mobility scooter, there are a few things you should think about, whether you want to buy one for yourself or a loved one who might need one.
It’s critical to realize that while choosing a mobility scooter, the user’s specific demands must be considered since what may work for one individual may not work for the other. So keep reading to find out what to consider when buying a mobility scooter.
What to Consider When Buying a Mobility Scooter
Depending on their features, mobility scooters may come at a high price tag.Therefore, selecting the ideal one for yourself is even more important, so you do not regret your purchase later. Here is a list of things to consider while selecting a mobility scooter to assist you in making the best decision.
Examine the Different Types of Mobility Scooters
There are various types of mobility scooters on the market, each designed to fulfill a certain function. Therefore, before selecting, you must first research the many categories of mobility scooters available to determine the best fit for your needs. Here are a few different types of mobility scooters to make the research process easier for you:
Portable
Portable/ travel mobility scooters are an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys being outside and prefers to travel and run errands independently. Retirement is about letting go of worries like work and living life to the fullest. Portable mobility scooters will allow you to make much-needed travels while remaining comfortable.
Most models in this category of mobility scooters are lightweight and easy to disassemble and store, so you won’t have any problem transporting them when traveling. Here are two of our top portable mobility scooter picks.
1. Solax Mobie Plus
The Solax Mobie Plus mobility scooter is the most recent addition to the renowned Mobie Foldable Lightweight scooter range. Here are some of the features of the Solax Mobie Plus that stand out the most:
- Speed control and horn for added safety
- Upgraded tiller
- Fully adjustable angle and height
- Lightweight and compact construction
- Does not require any tools to disassemble or reassemble
- Only takes a few seconds to fold and unfold
- New Ergonomic Steering Wheel
- No-flat tires
- Comes with a Lithium Ion battery which is allowed by airlines
- Weighs only 54 lbs. with battery
2. Featherweight mobility scooter (37 lbs.)
The featherweight mobility scooter is the lightest mobility scooter on the market. The scooter is approximately 37 lbs. and can be carried by anyone. Here are a few other features that stand out about this unique device:
- Electromagnetic braking system
- tires with foam filling for a better ride
- Rear wheel drive
- PG Controller
- 4V 2A automatic protective charger
- Horn
- Brushless motor (120W)
- Handy charging port underneath the controller
- Key switch
- Front/Rear Throttle Control Lever
- Dial for Speed Adjustment
Indoor
Indoor mobility scooters are suited for usage in homes and tight spaces. They give users the independence of effortlessly navigating their homes or offices without needing help from others.
However, remember that they are only suitable for indoor usage and will struggle to perform efficiently outside. They are also unsuitable for bariatric patients. Here are two of our top picks for Indoor mobility scooters.
1. Shoprider Scootie
The shoprider scootie has a slimmer body and weighs just around 82 lbs., making it easier for users to transport to their offices and keep in the trunk of their car. Here are some other features of the Shoprider scootie that stood out to us:
- Adjustable armrests with flip-up feature
- Adjustable length
- batteries that can be removed
- Foldable for easy transportation
- Adjustable length for more legroom
- Includes Batteries
- Front Basket with Wire Mesh for storage
- handy battery charger storage compartment
- Puncture-resistant tires
2. Tzora Portable Lite Deluxe Scooter
The flexibility of the Tzora Portable Lite Deluxe Scooter to fold into a compact size is what sets it apart. Here are a few other features of the Tzora Portable Lite Deluxe Scooter that stood out to us the most:
- Easily fits in the trunk of most cars
- You can use this anywhere since it is a sturdy and powerful 4-wheel mobility scooter
- created with comfort and usefulness in mind
- The front wheels’ dual articulation increases stability
Outdoor
When looking for an outdoor mobility scooter, we usually look for wider wheels, horns, backlit displays, powerful motors, and headlights. Here are two outdoor mobility scooters that meet such requirements.
1. Pride Revo 2.0 4-Wheel Scooter
The Pride Revo is exactly what you need for those much-needed downtown trips. Here are a few features of the Pride Revo 2.0 4-Wheel Scooter that stood out to us the most:
- Front basket
- Under-seat storage
- Extremely powerful drive train with a 70 amp controller
- Tiller adjustment lever with good grip
- USB port for charging mobile devices
- Equipped with a comfortable delta tiller
- Battery charging is simple both on and off the device
- Flat-free and non-scuffing tires
- Seating with a high level of comfort
2. Atto Folding Mobility Scooter
The Atto Folding Mobility Scooter can fit into the tightest spaces. Here are a few features of the Atto Folding Mobility Scooter that stood out to us the most:
- The 10-mile range on a 4- to 5-hour charge with a 48 Volt lithium-ion battery
- Optional concealed armrests
- Comes with a lubricant
- Can easily be lifted and separated into two lightweight sections
- Reverse, LED Display, and Buzzer
- Most airlines will let you store your ATTO mobility scooter in the cabin’s overhead bins. If not, it can be kept in the luggage section
Heavy Duty
Heavy-duty mobility scooters are built of durable material and can support users weighing up to 550 lbs. Heavy-duty variants can operate on the most difficult terrain, unlike lightweight mobility scooters. Here are our two top picks of heavy-duty mobility scooters:
1. Pride Victory 10.2 3-Wheel Scooter
The Pride Victory 10.2 3-wheel scooter defines quality, comfort, performance, and style. Here are a few features of this mobility scooter which stood out to us the most:
- Charging port positioned on the tiller
- Dual braking system with electromechanical regeneration
- Transaxle sealed with a 24-volt DC motor drive
- Off-board battery charger (40-AH, 3.5-amp, U-1)
- Front basket for convenient storage
- Rear-wheel drive
- Front basket for storage
- Tiller has a USB connector for charging mobile devices
- knob for easy adjustment of tiller
2. Red Elephant Heavy-Duty Mobility Scooter
The Red Elephant Heavy-Duty Mobility Scooter is the largest and most powerful mobility scooter you will come across. Here are a few features about it that stood out the most:
- Front and back headlights for safety
- Maximum incline rating between 12 to 15 degrees (depending on factors like battery charge and weight)
- 43-mile range
- 15-mph speed
- Front and rear flat-free suspension tires measure 14″ and 16″.
- Rear basket for storage
- Completely assembled when delivered
- 500 lbs. capacity
Wheel Mobility Scooter
Wheel mobility scooters are perfect for outdoor excursions since they handle rough terrain very well and keep riders safe. The four wheels provide stability and help prevent accidents. Here are our two top picks of 4- wheel mobility scooters:
1. Pride Victory LX Sport 4-Wheel
As the name suggests, the Pride Victory LX Sport 4-Wheel is designed for individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle. Here are some of the top features of this mobility scooter.
- LED headlight
- Backlights
- Directional indicators
- Conveniently situated charger port on the tiller
- Delta Tiller equipped with ergonomic wraparound grips
- Simple to read voltmeter
- Mirror in the back
- Simple to use console
- Headrest with height adjustment
2. Pride Revo 2.0 4-Wheel Scooter
The Pride Revo 2.0 4-Wheel Scooter is built for durability and has features such as portability. Here are a few other features of the Pride Revo 2.0 4-Wheel Scooter that stuck out the most to us:
- Easy access tie-down points (To transport the scooter if it’s unoccupied)
- Seating with a high level of comfort
- Front basket for storage
- Extra under-seat storage
- An ergonomic delta tiller
- Battery charging is simple both on and off the device
- Flat-free and non-scuffing tires (Black)
These are just some of the categories of mobility scooters. If the mobility scooters above do not meet your requirements, you can look into other options. Visit 1800Wheelchair to discover more about the many types of mobility scooters.
Consider the Purpose behind the Purchase
The main purpose behind purchasing a mobility scooter for most individuals is to enjoy independence when it comes to mobility. However, there are other purposes that you need to consider before choosing a mobility scooter. Here are a few questions you must ask yourself:
- How much distance am I willing to cover with the mobility scooter? Getting a powerful scooter with good battery timing will be essential if you cover large distances and go on long trips.
- Where will I be using the mobility scooter? Determining if you plan on using the mobility scooter indoors or outdoors can explore appropriate options, making the research process much easier.
Think About Your Storage Options
It is critical to consider your storage space when purchasing a mobility scooter. Going for something large like the Elephant Heavy-Duty Mobility Scooter might be the worst pick if you have limited storage space in your home and don’t have much space in the back of your vehicle.
Therefore, if you have your heart set on a mobility scooter, inquire about its storage options and ask whether it is compact or can be disassembled into smaller pieces for convenient storage.
Will You Be Using The Mobility Scooter On Public Streets?
Determining if you will be driving the mobility scooter on public roads is also essential to help you decide what kind of mobility scooter to look for. If you purchase something heavy-duty like the Gatsby X Vintage Heavy Duty 4 Wheel Scooter only to realize that you wanted to get an indoor mobility scooter, that would be a lot of money gone to waste.
Therefore, determine if the mobility scooter will be used indoors or outdoors and then begin researching that specific category.
Don’t Forget the Laws
If you wish to purchase an outdoor mobility scooter, then considering the local laws for mobility scooters is essential to ensure you don’t land into any trouble with the law. In most areas, medical-grade mobility scooters must be 8MPH to be allowed on roads.
The mobility scooters must also be equipped with taillights and headlights to ensure safety while on the roads. For added safety, we recommend wearing bright-colored clothing to ensure that people can spot you on the road.
Consider Your Personal Needs
Consider your personal needs to ensure that the mobility scooter you select provides you with optimum comfort. Nobody wants to wind up with a mobility scooter that is difficult to get into or makes them feel cramped.
Therefore, you must ask yourself how much you weigh, if you require extra leg room, and whether you have any medical conditions that the mobility scooter must accommodate. Consider these factors to help you choose the ideal mobility scooter for your body type.
If you do not consider these elements, you may select a mobility scooter that does not provide your body with the support it requires to be comfortable.
You’ll easily find numerous mobility scooters in the market that can accommodate users with different weights and body shapes. For example, the Afiscooter S (Breeze S) 3-Wheel Scooter has a weight capacity of around 450 lbs. whereas the Shoprider Echo 3-Wheel Scooter has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Comfort
Comfort is the most important thing one needs to consider when buying a mobility scooter since you will spend a significant amount of time in it. Therefore, if it’s uncomfortable, that can seriously affect your overall experience and worsen your health. Here are a few questions you must ask:
- Does the chair have an up/down height adjustment?
- Does the chair have armrests, and can the armrests be moved?
- What material is the upholstery on the chair?
- Is there enough padding in the chair?
- Is the seat stationary, or will you be able to move it?
Cost
Nobody enjoys having their heart set on something that is out of their price range. When looking at different mobility scooters, keep an eye on the pricing to ensure you don’t wind up buying anything that is completely out of your financial range. Mobility scooters are available in various pricing ranges, beginning at $942 and up to $5,000 and beyond.
The more functions the mobility scooter has, the higher the price. Mobility scooters have improved the lives of countless individuals. Therefore, we recommend focusing on the features rather than the cost to guarantee you obtain a quality vehicle that will last long.
Think About the Future
When choosing a mobility vehicle, remember that a high-quality scooter will be durable and lastlonger. It may be a good idea to purchase a larger scooter to ensure maximum comfort. Moreover, consider if you plan on getting surgery or have certain medical conditions that may worsen with time.
It may also be helpful to consider certain factors, like whether you will have trouble lifting larger or heavier mobility scooters in your car. When making purchases that may last you for years, it is essential to consider the future to ensure that you won’t have to replace the mobility scooter later due to the abovementioned concerns.
Count the Wheels
Considering the number of wheels on the mobility scooter, you plan on buying will help ensure that the vehicle operates smoothly and keeps you safe. If you buy a three-wheeled lightweight scooter, it might not do so well on rough terrain, and the risk of the scooter tipping over will also increase.
Whether you should buy a three or four-wheeled scooter depends on the environment you live in and where you plan on driving the scooter. More wheels on your mobility scooter will boost your safety and ability to go more smoothly over difficult terrain.
Final Verdict
Now that you know about the different types of mobility scooters on the market and what you need to consider when choosing a mobility scooter, we recommend that you head to the 1800Wheelchair to find the ideal mobility scooter for yourself. We have a vast collection of mobility devices on our website ranging from mobility scooters to electric wheelchairs, so while you are there, don’t forget to check out these categories.
If you have any further queries about the different mobility scooters mentioned above. In that case, you can also contact us by dialing 1-800-320-7140, and a customer representative will be more than happy to assist you.