Not sure where to start or what specifics to look for when buying a mobility scooter? It’s a known fact that there are a lot of mobility scooters available on the market right now, so you'll need some help in order to make the right decision.
In this article we will cover the top brands and models in the industry.
Is A Mobility Scooter The Right Choice For You?
There are tons of reasons why you might want to use a mobility scooter. It could be a decision you made yourself or one made by your family. No matter who made the decision, a mobility scooter may be a very good option if you have trouble driving or cannot walk long distances.
They are quite easy to use and can be driven at low speeds, making them less of a hazard when compared to a car. All you need is good hand eye coordination and the ability to use both hands.
Mobility scooters can also be folded or disassembled and stored in the trunk of a car, to be transported and used when shopping, going to amusement parks, or airports.
Additionally, if you are recovering from an injury or a surgery a mobility scooter might be a suitable mode of transport as it will allow you to maintain your independence while providing temporary assistance.
What Type of Mobility Scooter Would Be Ideal?
There many mobility scooters available on the market today. When beginning your search, ask yourself the following questions:
What will be the purpose of your mobility scooter? Do you need a small mobility scooter to ride inside a shopping mall or your home, or do you need one that you can ride from your home to the mall? Maybe you need something a bit bigger to ride on for a longer distance, almost like a car?
Where you live also plays a significant role in your choice. You want to consider the type of terrain you will be travelling over. Navigating narrow and less hilly paths can be done with a smaller mobility scooter, however, if the area is uneven and hilly you may need something with more power.
Something else to consider is the structure of your body. If you are on the smallish side, then a smaller mobility scooter might work for you as it has a smaller seat and footrest. With a bigger body you’ll need a scooter with a wider seat and more adjustment features in order to have a comfortable ride.
What Is The Main Purpose Of Your Mobility Scooter?
This question is important, because it will give you a clearer picture of the type of mobility scooter to look for. Once you know what type of mobility scooter is right for you, you just have to choose the features you want. Let’s take a look at each kind of mobility scooter and the benefits and features that each offer.
3-Wheel Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters with three wheels are fairly common, and their best feature is that they have a small turning radius. Full-size 3-wheel mobility scooters offer good stability due to their larger wheels and heavier frames.
There are also smaller and lighter versions, as shown above, that are made of lightweight metal, such as aluminum.
4-Wheel Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters with four wheels are durable and steady. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including full-size mobility scooters, foldable travel scooters, and bariatric mobility scooters.
The turning radius ranges wider with four-wheel scooters, depending on whether the scooter is full-size or travel version. Also, full-size scooter’s come with many features: a captain's chair, rear view mirrors, and a built-in basket, just to name a few. For a smoother ride, many have front and rear suspension.
All Terrain Mobility Scooters
If you are searching for the heaviest mobility scooters available, then these absolutely meet the requirements. All terrain mobility scooters are powerful and some of them have the largest weight capacity currently offered, up to 600 pounds.
Some of these are categorized as leisure scooters due to their driving range of up to 40 miles and maximum speeds of up to 15 mph.
Folding Travel Mobility Scooters
An excellent option for an active person is a folding mobility scooter. This kind of scooter is also designed for people who like to travel with their scooter. They don't break down into separate pieces but can be folded into a small compact size for transportation or storage in your car. Most of these have also been airline approved. They range in weight from 34 pounds to 60 pounds.
Full Sized Mobility Scooters
Full sized mobility scooters are a terrific option if you're searching for something a little more robust. Many of these disassemble into separate components for transportation, much like transportable mobility scooters. Even though the components weigh more, they take up less room and are thus easier to move.
These scooters can support more weight, often have a longer battery life, with a higher maximum speed. They also frequently cost more because they have more features, which makes them more desirable.
Portable Mobility Scooters
A portable travel mobility scooter is a terrific choice if you are just searching for something that is practical, portable, and reasonably priced. If you are beginning your search and just want something to help you regain mobility which is both simple to use and affordable, then this is ideal.
These can be disassembled into smaller, easier-to-store sections without the need for tools, allowing you to transfer your mobility scooter in the trunk of your vehicle. The biggest piece usually weighs between 30 and 40 pounds. Just disassemble it, put the components in your car's trunk, and then put them back together when you get to your destination.
2 Person Mobility Scooters
Sometimes you might prefer not to ride alone. Dual seated mobility scooters are relatively new on the market yet are incredibly well-liked. Since these units must sustain the weight of two people, they are sometimes referred to as "bariatric" or "heavy duty." Many of them appeal to consumers since they have a longer battery life and high maximum speeds. Some even include suspension to provide comfortable rides on varied surfaces.
How To Use Your Scooter
To gain a feel for the controls, it is recommended to test out your scooter on a level surface first, away from any traffic or buildings. Turn it on, then practice using the controls to stop, turn, ascend and descend on a slight incline. Make certain that you can use all of the controls. Also make sure you can get on and off the chair by yourself and can adjust your seat.
After getting that out of the way, locate a convenient location to keep it when not in use. If the scooter is small, you might be able to store it inside; but, if it is larger, a garage or carport might be more practical. Wherever you decide to park, ensure there are electrical outlets nearby so you can easily recharge (some scooters have removable batteries allowing you to remove the battery from the scooter and charge it in another location).
You might want to make sure your mobility scooter is serviced once a year in order to maintain optimal performance. Or at the very least, ask the manufacturer's tech support for maintenance advice.
Charging Your Mobility Scooter
Before leaving the house on your mobility scooter, always ensure the battery is completely charged. To accomplish that, follow these instructions:
-Switch the power off by pressing the OFF button.
-Connect your charger to the scooter's charging port and the power outlet on the other end.
-The orange/red LED light is a sign that the scooter is charging when you see it.
-Green will appear on the LED when the battery is fully charged.
-Disconnect the charger from the port and then from the power outlet after you see the green light.
Safety Measures To Follow On Your Mobility Scooter
Never operate a mobility device while you are fatigued, ill, or otherwise incapacitated, just like when operating a regular vehicle.
When driving outside, you should be visible to other vehicles and pedestrians. Use your lights if your mobility scooter has them. You can also put an orange safety flag on your unit to increase visibility.
Make sure not to overload your scooter while riding with bags. Nothing you're carrying should interfere with your ability to see or operate your controls.
Make sure to map out your route and be certain of your destination before you go. Try to avoid crowded streets and overly congested sidewalks. Additionally, cross the street at designated pedestrian crossings or intersections with traffic lights.
EV Rider provides a large selection of mobility scooters. They have mid-size scooters all-terrain scooters, and transportable scooters. Because of their wide range of products, EV Rider can provide mobility scooters at every price point. If you have a limited budget, you can still discover a scooter that is reliable and long-lasting. If money is not an issue, EV Rider provides a wide selection of luxurious scooters.
Shoprider entered the mobility market in 1988 and has remained a leading brand ever since. With Shoprider, you can have better quality products for a significantly lower cost without compromising quality.
EWheels mobility scooters are a favorite in the mobility industry. EWheels is the company designs scooters with cutting-edge features and creative designs.
Once you've selected your preferred mobility scooter model, look into the available add-on options. Would you like to have a wider seat? There are many mobility scooters that have upgrades for seat sizes.
You could upgrade the battery for a longer driving range. There are a variety of batteries available on various models, including lead acid, deep cycle and lithium. Other possibilities for mobility scooters include buckle types and sizes, canopies, and even seat styles with various modifications.
For the majority of mobility scooters, there are also numerous accessory options available. The majority of cane and crutch holders, side arm bags, oxygen tank holders and cup holders are universal and fit most mobility scooters.
Financing Available
Are there financing options available?
Yes, most of the mobility devices in our online store are eligible for financing through our partnership with Klarna, which offers 0% interest rates and great terms for those who qualify! This makes it easy and affordable to get the mobility device that you need to stay independent and connected as you age or deal with a disability.
Whether you need help covering the cost of your initial purchase or simply want to make monthly payments, mobility devices are accessible for most budgets.
So, if you're looking for an electric scooter or wheelchair that can help you maintain your independence, be sure to explore the financing options available for each model. At the top of each product page, you’ll find a financing button. Simply click on it to learn more and prequalify!
To talk to our friendly team of experts, simply call: 800-498-2560
