How to Choose a Mobility Scooter

If you’re shopping for a mobility scooter, whether for yourself or a loved one, you’ll quickly find there are many options from which to choose. Knowing which is right for your needs can seem difficult.

It doesn’t have to be! Choosing the ideal mobility scooter simply requires considering certain essential factors. They include the following:

Number of seats

When you picture the typical mobility scooter, you probably think of a scooter with a single seat. However, it’s worth noting that some mobility scooters have two seats.

If both you and a loved one struggle with mobility issues, buying a two-seater mobility scooter may be the best choice. Buying a single mobility scooter with two seats will typically be less costly than buying two separate mobility scooters.

Number of wheels

Mobility scooters can also have a different number of wheels depending on which model you buy. Some come with two wheels, others with three, and others with four.

No particular option is universally better than the others in regard to the number of wheels a mobility scooter has. Different models serve different purposes.

Mobility scooters with two wheels are the fastest. They are ideal for those who plan on using a mobility scooter to travel relatively long distances. Mobility scooters with three wheels tend to be fairly lightweight, and perform well on many paved surfaces.

Four-wheel models are usually the slowest, but they are also arguably the most versatile. They can travel across a range of surfaces, including gravel roads. Mobility scooters with four wheels also tend to be the most durable.

Cushioning

You don’t want to make the mistake of purchasing a mobility scooter without accounting for your comfort! If you’re going to be using a mobility scooter fairly often, the seat needs to offer adequate cushioning. 

If you can, test out a mobility scooter before buying it. If this isn’t an option, perhaps because you’re buying a mobility scooter via the Internet, look at the pictures closely to determine if the seat appears comfortable enough for your needs.

Maximum weight

This is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a mobility scooter. The amount of weight a mobility scooter can support will vary from one model to another. 

Keep in mind, your own body weight isn’t the only weight a mobility scooter may need to support. It may also need to support the additional weight of items you’re carrying when using it, such as groceries.

Airline-friendliness

This factor is easy to overlook. However, depending on your lifestyle, it may be a factor you need to keep in mind when choosing a mobility scooter.

Most major airlines have policies regarding the types of scooters and mobility equipment they can accommodate. If you fly often, you need to purchase a mobility scooter that airlines can accept.

Cost

Naturally, you need to consider your budget when buying a mobility scooter. You don’t want to sacrifice quality in the name of savings, but you do want to avoid spending more than you have to when making a purchase.

The main point to remember is that this is a significant investment. You shouldn’t buy the first mobility scooter you find. You’ll be much more likely to purchase the right scooter for your needs if you keep these tips in mind.