How To Choose a Mobility Scooter

Mobility is important.

It lets you shop at the store, dine out with friends and keep up with your family. Mobility is independence. When your mobility is challenged, it can keep you from experiencing all that life has to offer.

What is a mobility scooter?

Mobility scooters—sometimes called POVs (Power Operated Vehicles)—are devices similar to power wheelchairs but have the appearance of a motor scooter.

Scooters are operated via a control panel with bicycle-like handlebars mounted atop a tall post called a tiller. Steering via a tiller does require some upper body strength, so keep that in mind when deciding if a scooter is right for you. Also, even the smallest scooters require more room to maneuver than a power wheelchair.

SELECT THE SCOOTER THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

MOBILITY SCOOTERS ARE AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS SIZES AND STYLES. ASKING THESE QUESTIONS WILL HELP NARROW DOWN THE SELECTIONS:

• Does the scooter’s maximum weight capacity comfortably accommodate you?
• Will you use the scooter primarily on smooth, level surfaces or will it be used over rougher outdoor terrain?
• Will you be traveling with your scooter?
• Does the scooter’s seating provide the size and comfort you desire?
• Does the scooter’s performance offer the speed and range you need?
• Does the scooter’s appearance match your style?
• Does the scooter offer additional safety or comfort features that set it apart?

COMPACT/TRANSPORTABLE SCOOTERS

COMPACT SCOOTERS ARE THE SMALLEST AND LEAST EXPENSIVE.

They can be disassembled quickly and easily into several manageable pieces, perfect for any type of travel. This size scooter will not need a special vehicle lift or rack. Disassembled, the pieces are lightweight with the heaviest piece ranging from 30-40 lbs. The disassembled pieces can fit easily in the trunk of a car.

This category of scooters is smaller in size and features lower weight capacities of between 250 and 300 lbs. These scooters also come equipped with smaller, stadium-style seats, rather than the automotive-style captain’s seats often found in larger scooters.

These scooters also offer a lower top speed and shorter maximum range than larger units which makes them better for shorter trips.

ADVANTAGES

• Lowest cost
• Disassemble for easy transport in standard vehicles (some strength and dexterity are required)
• Lightweight
• Small size ideal for indoor maneuverability
• Flat-free tires for worry-free travel

DISADVANTAGES

• Not ideal for rough outdoor terrain
• Stadium-style seating less comfortable for long trips
• Limited battery range compared to larger scooters

MIDSIZE SCOOTERS

MID-SIZE SCOOTERS OFFER A GREAT COMBINATION OF PERFORMANCE, SIZE AND COMFORT. 

Comfort and safety-related features often include suspension for a smoother ride, safety lighting, enhanced seating options with weight capacity between 300 and 350 lbs. The larger batteries found in standard scooters improve range over those found in compact scooters, which make this size scooter perfect for longer trips around the neighborhood and day long events, such as a trip to the zoo or a family reunion.

ADVANTAGES

• Longer battery range than travel
• scooters
• More comfortable Captain’s seating
• Additional safety features
• Flat-free tires for worry-free travel

DISADVANTAGES

• Not ideal for rougher
• outdoor terrain
• Size not ideal for indoor use
• Do not disassemble for transport, requiring a vehicle lift or special rack

HEAVY DUTY SCOOTERS

HEAVY-DUTY SCOOTERS HAVE WEIGHT CAPACITIES GREATER THAN 350 LBS.

Dedicated to outdoor use, heavy-duty scooters have larger, air-filled tires, high ground clearance, long range and a high top speed, making them the best for rugged terrain. This category of scooter also offers Captain seating and full suspension for added ride comfort. These scooters lack the maneuverability for indoor use, and the weight of the scooter makes it difficult to transport easily.

ADVANTAGES

• Longest battery range available
• Comfortable Captain’s seating available in choice of widths
• Additional safety features
• Large wheels and high ground clearance for handling outdoor terrain
• Full suspension for more comfortable ride
• Highest weight capacity

DISADVANTAGES

• Highest cost scooter category
• Not for indoor use
• Heavy weight and large size make transport more difficult

Mobility Scooters are available in three-wheel or four-wheel models. Each has its own pros and cons:

THREE-WHEEL

Three-wheel scooters are configured with two drive wheels in the back and a single wheel in the front for steering. Three-wheel scooters offer excellent maneuverability, making them better for indoor use, where nimbly maneuvering around obstacles is a necessity. While they include anti-tip wheels for safety, three-wheel scooters are not quite as stable as four-wheel scooters.

Three-wheel scooters are best used on smooth, level surfaces and not on rougher outdoor terrain like grass or gravel. Compared to four-wheel models, three-wheel scooters offer more legroom for users who are taller or suffer from knee or leg ailments. Also, three-wheel scooters are lighter in weight and cost less than the comparable four-wheel scooters.

ADVANTAGES

• Tight turning radius for indoor maneuverability
• Lighter overall weight than four-wheel scooters
• Lower cost than four-wheel scooters
• Greater legroom

DISADVANTAGES

• Not ideal for rough, outdoor terrain

FOUR-WHEEL

Four-wheel scooters offer improved stability over three-wheel scooters, making them a better option for users who plan to regularly drive on uneven outdoor terrain. Four-wheel scooters are configured like an automobile with two drive wheels at the rear and two wheels for steering at the front.

Compared to three-wheel scooters, four-wheel models provide excellent stability over any kind of terrain—indoor or outdoor— by resisting tipping (even at top speed), safely handling hills and curbs. Four-wheel stability is excellent for users who may suffer from poor balance.

Because the four-wheel configuration increases the scooter’s turning radius, these scooters do give up some maneuverability, making them less desirable for primarily indoor use. However, smaller four-wheel scooters do still offer a turning radius that allows the user to perform most indoor functions.

Four-wheel scooters are also slightly heavier and cost more than comparable three-wheel units.

ADVANTAGES

• Great overall stability, including on outdoor terrain

DISADVANTAGES

• Larger turning radius limits indoor maneuverability