Investing in a mobility aid such as a mobility scooter is often one of the first steps people take when preparing to age in their own home. Mobility scooters allow seniors to enjoy the freedom and independence of leaving the house on their own accord and complete daily tasks such as doing the groceries, paying the bills, and much more.
However, choosing the correct mobility scooter is not such a simple task. The market is flooded with a variety of makes and models, each of which have different features to cater for different needs. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the biggest factors that influence a buyer’s decision when choosing a mobility scooter either for personal use, for a loved one, or for a patient, and we’ll also take a brief look at two of our most popular models.
For more information about mobility scooters, please contact Evan. He’ll be happy to assist you with all your questions, and also feel free to have a read of our previous post on the differences between mobility scooters and power wheelchairs.
Three-wheeled mobility scooters offer more maneuverability, and tend to be easier to transport.
The most common mobility scooters on the market currently have either three or four wheels. Both three-wheeled and four-wheeled models come with their own benefits, and choosing between the two is highly dependent on the individual’s needs.
The general consensus is that three-wheeled mobility scooters offer greater maneuverability compared to their four-wheeled counterparts. They also tend to be lighter and more spacious due to the fact that they only have one wheel positioned in front of the user, making them a great solution for people who are tall, prone to leg stiffness, or suffer from aching legs.
Three-wheeled mobility scooters also feature a tighter turning radius, making them ideal for use indoors or in tight spaces. They can also be used in light outdoor conditions, and most three-wheeled scooter models will come with headlights, tail lights, and turn signals for safe use on roads and sidewalks.
However, if you, your loved one, or your patient are looking for a scooter that can be used predominantly outside, then a four-wheeled model may be the best way to go. Four-wheeled mobility scooters are more stable than three-wheeled models, simply due to the fact that they are evenly balanced at the back and front end of the scooter.
They also tend to be more rugged and durable, and have more power and reach higher speeds than three-wheeled models, but they are generally not as maneuverable. Four-wheeled mobility scooters are better suited for outdoor use because they are more stable and can be used on a variety of terrains, and also come equipped with the necessary road safety features such as headlights, tail lights, and turn signals.
For more information about mobility scooters, contact Evan. He’ll be happy to assist you with all your questions. |
Another major (and obvious) difference among mobility scooters is their size. Choosing the right size for a user depends primarily on how and where they plan to use the scooter, as well as their individual needs. There are three main sizes currently available on the market:
Most compact mobility scooter models can be taken apart into separate pieces that are easier to manage.
Compact mobility scooters are super lightweight and are great for users who require a scooter that can be transported easily. Most compact models can be folded without the need for extra tools, and can easily be lifted onto a bus, car, or other mode of transport.
As they tend to only come in three-wheeled models, compact mobility scooters have a tight turning radius, but are not rugged enough to handle curbs or rough terrain, meaning they are not really suited to be used outdoors. They also tend to have smaller batteries, meaning they will have a shorter travel range and less power than mid-size or full-size scooters.
Compact scooters are perfectly suited for travel, and for use in apartments, condos, houses, or any other indoor environment that features tight spaces.
Mid-size scooters are generally available in both three and four-wheeled models, and are still smaller than full-size scooters, making them a great choice for all-round use. Unlike compact scooters, they CANNOT be folded, but they are still light enough to be lifted into a minivan, SUV, or truck.
Mid-size scooters are not as maneuverable as compact scooters and are not ideal for use in an apartment or condo. However, they still have a small enough turning radius to be used in shopping malls, grocery stores, etc. They are also rugged enough for light outdoor use, and can tackle small curbs and slightly rugged terrain.
As they are larger than compact models, mid-size mobility scooters also tend to have larger batteries, meaning they have a larger travel range. While the weight capacity of mid-size scooters varies, they tend to peak at about 250lbs.
Full-size mobility scooters are perfect for outdoor use on rugged terrain.
Full-size mobility scooters tend to reach the highest speeds and travel the largest distances on a single charge. They also support more weight, and bigger motors and tires mean that these scooters can be used on rough terrain.
Due to their size, they are not suited for indoor use, and they also lack the maneuverability to be used in areas that have tight corners or spaces. They may not fit into some SUVs or minivans, and tend to be very heavy. However, they are perfect for outside use in parks and acreages, and for patients who want the freedom to make long trips and do not require a scooter to move around once they’ve reached their destination.
Now that we’ve discussed the main differences between the main types of mobility scooters currently on the market, here are a list of questions you may want to ask yourself in order to help you decide which scooter is right for you:
Here’s a quick rundown of two of our best selling scooter models. For more questions about these models, or any other mobility scooters we stock, please contact Evan. He’ll be more than happy to help.
Shoprider 778EL Cobra. Available in red, silver, and Monarch Blue (pictured).
This mid-size scooter combines the best of 3-wheeled maneuverability and 4-wheeled stability. It can travel up to 20 miles on a single charge, making it great for longer trips. It has a turning radius of 43″, making it better suited for use outdoors, and can reach a maximum speed of five miles per hour.
The Cobra is also available in a three-wheeled model (778s model), a four-wheeled alternative (888sln model), and the 778EL (pictured above) which combines the two.
Pride Victory 10 DX Sport.
This is a great all-round scooter that offers the stability and durability of a standard four-wheeled scooter. The Victory 10 DX Sport is a mid-size scooter that has a turning radius of 51.75″ and a ground clearance of 2.25″ at the midframe. It also features full suspension, a wrap-around delta tiller, and high-visibility LED lighting.
It can reach a maximum speed of eight miles per hour, and travels a maximum of 11 miles per charge. It has a maximum weigh capacity of 350lbs. The Victory 10 DX Sport is ideal for indoor use, as well as light outdoor use on light terrain.
For more information about mobility scooters, contact Evan. He’ll be happy to assist you with all your questions. |
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