Choosing the right mobility scooter for you
There are many things to think about before you choose your mobility scooter. Will you just be nipping over to see family, taking a trip to the shops or going on a longer journey? Will you be using it on roads or pavements? Does it need to be foldable to store away in small spaces? Three-wheeled mobility scooters are great for navigating tighter spaces as they offer a smaller turning circle. However, their four-wheeled counterparts offer greater stability. It’s also worth thinking about steering. Many scooters have a standard tiller bar – a handle fitted to the tiller – that enables you to steer and can be gripped easily even by people who suffer from ailments such as arthritis. Delta tiller bars can give you even greater control over the scooter than standard ones, thanks to the D shape.
A mobility scooter can be an expensive – although very worthwhile – purchase, so budget is something to consider. If buying a mobility scooter brand new seems out of the question, you can bag some amazing second-hand Good Finds over on Gumtree.
There are two classes of mobility scooters to choose from:
Class 2 – Pavement scooters
These scooters can travel up to 4 mph and, as the name suggests, can only be used on pavements – except when you need to cross the road, of course. They’re often lightweight and are sometimes known as boot scooters because, well, they easily fit into the car boot! Their slow speed means they’re perfect for leisurely days out. Battery life has improved in recent years, so you can travel over longer distances. Many models also enable you to carry an extra battery on board, so there’s less chance of getting stranded. Their smaller size makes them manoeuvrable, and they can be quickly and easily dismantled to store away in smaller spaces. You don’t need to tax Class 2 mobility scooters. There’s also no legal requirement to have insurance on them – although it’s probably advisable, just in case.
Class 3 – Legal road scooters
These scooters can travel up to a speedy 8 mph, and you can use them on roads. But they have to be able to switch to 4 mph when on the pavement. These scooters tend to offer a wider distance range and have a higher weight limit than Class 2 scooters. They’re also usually larger and more durable due to the battery and speed they can travel. Although some of them look like small cars, Class 3 vehicles are not legally designed as motor vehicles. Therefore, they’re not subject to road tax or MOTs.
You don’t need to have a driving licence or pass a medical examination to use a scooter. However, it’s worth seeking medical advice if you have any concerns about your ability to drive one – particularly if you have sight issues.
The best pavement mobility scooters
Rascal Ultralite 480 Scooter – £875.00
This scooter is extremely compact and lightweight and can be easily disassembled in seconds to stow away in a cupboard or pack into a car boot. Don’t let its size fool you, though; this Rascal can support a user weight of up to 18 stone, and it can zip along for eight miles on one full charge. It’s also easy to access thanks to the adjustable 360-degree swivel seat and liftable armrests. The stylish design is available in a range of colours, and it even comes with a handy basket at the front to keep your groceries – or whatever else you fancy putting in there!
Pride Maxima Bariatric Mobility Scooter – £2,575.00
With loads of leg space, a wide-backed seat, and an adjustable tiller to help you get the best position, this scooter has been designed with comfort in mind. It’s also rugged and robust, though, and it’s one of the few scooters that can support over 35 stone in weight. It has an ultra-heavy duty drivetrain that can keep you going for up to 20 miles. To keep you safe, it comes with a braking system, enhanced rear suspension, anti-tip wheels and lighting at the front and rear, so that people can see you coming on the streets.
Livewell Jaunt Plus Mobility scooter – £778.80
The heaviest piece on this scooter weighs just 15.9 kg, and the easy-split design enables it to be quickly dismantled into five separate sections. Livewell has upgraded this model with a 20-amp battery, which means an increased range of up to 13 miles, perfect for little jaunts out and about. The D-shaped tiller handlebar and wigwag paddles make it a good choice for those with mobility issues or a limited grip. Plus, it’s easy to hop in and out of thanks to the swivel seat and adjustable armrests.
There’s also all-round suspension for an extra-smooth ride, and the solid tyres mean you won’t have to worry about bringing your puncture kit out with you.
Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller 4 Wheeled Portable Travel Mobility Scooter – £799.99
This highly portable scooter can manoeuvre easily within tight spaces thanks to its compact size. You can separate the frame in a flash with just one hand, with the heaviest part weighing just 14 kg. Thanks to the swivel seat and wraparound delta tiller, you can ride around in comfort for up to 2.5 hours. The Go-Go Elite Traveller even has a customisable shroud, letting you swap between red and blue as the mood takes you.
The best road mobility scooters
Vega RS8 – £1,499.99
This sturdy scooter has a convenient high/low speed switch that lets you move between roads and pavements quickly and effortlessly. It’s built for all kinds of terrain, with front and rear suspension and a rear swing hanger mechanism to keep it steady over rough roads and potholed pavements. With a long-life 700W motor under the bonnet and a 50Ah battery, you can race along for up to 24 miles on a full charge and climb hills effortlessly. You should feel safe and secure thanks to electro-mechanical brakes, rear-view mirrors, a front LED light, indicators and a hazard light switch (phew!) included. It’s comfortable too, with an adjustable delta tiller bar for ease of use and a swivel Captains seat.
Kymco Midi XLS – £1,195.00
The all-round suspension and compact chassis on this scooter make it easy to handle in tight spaces. It comes with an adjustable Captains seat, a delta tiller is fitted as standard, and it has a dual set of rearview mirrors so you can see what’s going on behind you. The stylish design comes in blue, black, orange, gold or silver. Plus, the two-tone panel disguises a hidden basket, so you can keep your personal effects to yourself! It can carry you up to 25 miles on a single charge and take a weight of up to 25 stone. There’s also a Maxi version if you fancy upsizing.
Heavy Duty Shoprider Cadiz 8mph Mobility Scooter – £1,525.00
Despite the name, this one is definitely not just for a trip to the shops, as it has a maximum range of 20 miles. The Cadiz is an advanced mobility scooter. It has full suspension for a smooth ride and an adjustable high-backed Captains chair for extra comfort. You’ll feel safe, too, thanks to two different speed controls for on and off-road driving, front and rear lights, hazard flashers and a horn to warn people you’re coming. Added touches make this style even better, like the large front basket and a Delta tiller to let you drive one-handed.
Green Power Unique500 – £1,690
This scooter is possibly the most stylish on the list. The retro design will make you feel more like you’re riding a vintage Vespa than a mobility vehicle. It’s not all style over substance, though: safety takes priority with anti-tip pneumatic tyres and full suspension. It combines a 500W motor (that can be upgraded to 800W if you live in a hilly area and need some extra oomph), with three different speed modes (4 mph/8 mph/1 5mph) and a very wide range of 45 miles. The lockable under-seat storage and a rear storage pod are the perfect places to keep your bits and pieces.
The best folding mobility scooters
Drive DeVilbiss Foldable Scooter – £2,020.99
Nothing is stopping you from hopping on a plane or cruise ship with this scooter, thanks to its long-lasting lithium-ion battery. The chair folds up in 15 seconds at the touch of a button, making this one of the best mobility scooters for those who like to travel, and one charge can keep you scooting for over 10 miles. It also has a huge range of safety features. This includes an automatic electromagnetic brake system, rear anti-tip puncture-proof tyres and an anti-rollback system, so you won’t disappear backwards down any hills.
XCBY 3 Wheeled Folding Electric Scooter – £1,350.00
This is the perfect commuter scooter, weighing a featherlight 26 kg. The portable, folding design makes it easy to store away, whether it’s on the bus or in the car boot. Additionally, the handy storage bags are the perfect place for your daily essentials. The powerful 300W motor means that you can cruise up even steep roads, and a high-capacity lithium battery lets you travel further afield. Bumpy terrain is no match for this scooter’s shock-absorbing rubber pneumatic tires. Plus, the advanced braking system makes for a safe and smooth ride.
TGA Mobility Minimo 4 Plus Portable Mobility Scooter – £2,595.00
Although this scooter is extremely lightweight, it’s also robust. It features four wheels for stable and reliable rides and large pneumatic tyres that zip smoothly over challenging terrain. The folding mechanism can be simply activated with one hand and is completed in seconds. No doubt you will impress everyone with your dexterity. It’s safe, too, with an added sensor to control cornering speeds and high-visibility LED lights. The lightweight lithium battery makes it Airline Approved, so it’s easy to take on your holidays.
Mobie Plus Folding Mobility Scooter – £1,995.00
The Mobie Plus literally folds in 5 seconds flat. The compact design means you can store it away in very small spaces. Aapparently, it even fits in the boots of Smart Cars! It weighs a tiny 23 kg without the battery and can support a user weight of 21 stone. It’s also comfortable thanks to the adjustable tiller and delta handlebars. Although the range of nine miles isn’t huge, it has an onboard battery storage compartment that enables you to safely carry an additional lithium battery. You can choose between blue or red. Plus there’s an added horn for safety – or so you can beep at your friends as you glide past.
An electric mobility scooter can improve your quality of life and give you back your freedom. If one of these mean machines takes your fancy, why not zoom over to Gumtree to check out the amazing range of mobility scooters on offer?
Before you buy, be sure to check out our article on what to look for in a reliable seller on Gumtree to make sure you get exactly what you need.