Using an electric mobility scooter at the grocery store is a comfortable and efficient way to get around, especially if you have mobility challenges or often use a walker or wheelchair. Imagine, however, if you had your own personal power scooter, allowing you more freedom and mobility than you could get with just manual mobility assistance.
Mobility scooters are a great way for people to experience life and participate in activities that would otherwise be out of reach, from spending time on an outdoor walking trail to a shopping spree or visiting a theme park.
When it’s time to buy or rent your mobility scooter, there are several things to consider to find a scooter that best fits your lifestyle.
Mobility Scooter Options
- Portable Travel Scooters are best for people who are frequently on the go. Many models can fold for easy storage in a car trunk and are often the least expensive option. They’re typically smaller and more maneuverable but may not be the best option for everyday use.
- Indoor Three-Wheel Scooter these sturdy and maneuverable scooters are perfect for home or office use, with a narrow base and tight turning radius, good in places where space is limited. They aren’t recommended for heavy outdoor use, though.
- Indoor Four-Wheel Scooter, which offers more comfort and legroom, plus a larger seat size. It has decent speeds and longer battery life, but it isn’t as maneuverable since it’s larger than the 3-Wheel version.
- Outdoor Four-Wheel Scooters have large motors and heavy-duty tires, a good choice for unpaved surfaces. If you have difficulty navigating uneven terrain but otherwise can get around without a scooter, this may be ideal for outdoor use.
- Heavy Duty Scooters are built for larger-framed individuals and have a weight capacity of up to 550 pounds. A bigger motor, larger tires, and a bigger base can comfortably support riders even on outdoor terrain.
Mobility Scooter Maneuverability
Being able to navigate places you regularly go comfortably is one of the most important things to consider. Several factors contribute to overall scooter mobility.
- Type of tires: Solid, foam-filled, or air-filled
- Weight: scooters can range from 50-200 pounds
- Turning radius, which is the smallest circular turn capable of the scooter
- Ground clearance, the space between the tire base and the undercarriage. Lower clearances have greater stability, while higher clearances are better for outdoor use
- Maximum incline: the amount of incline a scooter can safely climb. Keep this in mind when considering whether you regularly use ramps
Power Scooter Performance
Performance for your mobility scooter is essential. You don’t want it to die in the middle of your activities or be unable to hold your weight. Performance include:
- Weight capacity, according to the specs from the manufacturer
- Maximum speed, which ranges from 4-5.5 miles per hour. More weight typically means slower speeds
- Operating range, the distance a scooter can travel on a full battery, which is from 8-15 miles
- Battery charge time, how long to fully recharge a scooter on empty. It can take as little as 2 hours or need to charge overnight
The best scooter for your needs will fit your lifestyle, but it’s important to consider all of our points before selecting your mobility scooter. Check out the brands we carry in-store.
