Choosing a Mobility Scooter

Choosing a mobility scooter can initially seem a daunting prospect, with a number of different classes of scooter existing, and several choices within each. However, we have written this handy guide to help make the process as simple as possible.

Storage

The first thing to consider when choosing a mobility scooter is how much room you have to store it. Full-sized scooters can be quite large and scooters should generally be kept indoors to maintain the condition of the batteries. Each of our product pages gives the dimensions of the scooter, and for those with less space, a boot scooter or mid-sized scooter may be preferable. Some scooters also have the option to remove the battery for charging, meaning the scooter can be kept in a shed or unheated garage.

Usage

Just as important is what use the scooter is going to be put to. Generally speaking, the less smooth the ground you'll be driving over, and the more you want to use it, the larger the scooter you should get. Boot scooters and pavement scooters are only suited to flat ground, such as shopping centres, or pavements. If you wish to drive on the road, and for longer trips, then you will need a mid-sized or full-sized scooter.

Scooters designed for use less smooth surfaces will have larger wheels for comfort as well as a higher ground clearance.

Larger road scooters can manage faster speeds, so are useful for those intending to take them on longer journeys. Look out for scooters with a long range and larger batteries if you are wanting to make extended trips.

Please note that mobility scooters are designed for outdoor use only, or in large spaces such as shopping centres. If you are looking for mobility assistance around the house, then one of our simple indoor powerchairs would be more suitable.

Transportability

Boot scooters are designed to be easily dismantled into small parts that can fit in the back of a car. Some advanced boot scooters can instead be folded, making transporting them even simpler. If you are looking to easily transport your scooter between locations, then a boot scooter is ideal. Some larger scooters can be dismantled for transport; however they will still take up more space than a boot scooter, and will be trickier to disassemble. This means that they are only suited to being transported occasionally, for example when taking your scooter to a holiday destination. Generally, it is not possible to disassemble full-sized scooters, and they will be too heavy to lift.

Comfort

There are a number of features that scooters can have to aid in the comfort of the user. Suspension will help over bumpier ground, and is usually only found on road scooters. Most scooters have adjustable seats and tillers, with larger ones normally having more options. If you are particularly tall or heavy you will probably need a larger scooter that can be set up to accommodate you comfortably.

Rotating seats are present on many scooters, allowing you to easily get on and off. If you think you may have difficulty with this, then a rotating seat is essential.

Appearance

Mobility scooters have moved on from the old days where their looks may have caused embarrassment to the person driving them. However, like with all products, scooters come in a variety of styles. Modern ones with sleek aerodynamic looks such as TGA’s Vita range are popular amongst those that want an attractive-looking vehicle to drive.

Controls

For someone using a mobility scooter for the first time, the controls may be daunting. However, most scooters are designed to be easy to use for beginners. If you have arthritis or similar problems, then look out for scooters with ergonomic handlebars that are comfortable to grip for extended periods of time.

Safety

If you are driving a scooter around, you want to know that you are driving a safe piece of equipment. Scooters designed to be driven on the road will have lights on them to ensure that they are visible to others – look out for LED lights that are brighter and use less power. At least one wing mirror will also be required to drive a scooter on the road. Sturdy bumpers and a solidly-build scooter will also help to ensure your safety.

Cost

Boot scooters are smaller pieces of equipment and generally cheaper than mid-sized or full-sized scooters. However, if you are looking for a scooter that can handle rougher terrain, but are concerned about cost, then a mid-sized scooter will offer much of the performance of a full-sized one at a reduced cost.
Options

Larger scooters often have a number of options for customisation, with some available in a number of colours, and others offering additional storage options. There are also additions such as a waterproof canopy or larger batteries available for some mobility scooters. If you are hiring on a long-term basis or purchasing a scooter, our team can guide you through these.