Updated (2024) Mobility Scooter Buyers Guide

Are you looking to buy a mobility scooter but unsure of what specifications or details to look for? In today’s competitive online shopping environment, the numerous options can become overwhelming. At MobilityDirect.com, educating customers about our products is a priority, ensuring a confident purchase that will suit your individual needs. This post reviews some of the most important factors to consider when shopping online for a mobility scooter. For further assistance, our non-commissioned product experts are always happy to help you find the best mobility solution. Here are a few key points to consider when shopping for the most suitable mobility scooter.

#1 – What Are You Using Your Mobility Scooter For?

First and foremost, it is important to determine exactly what you will be using your new scooter for. There are many different types of scooters available and the best way to narrow down your options is by gauging what environment, terrain, etc. you will need it to perform in. As you may have discovered, there are several different types of categories on our website in which you can find models for different applications. Take a look at the video below for a short demonstration of the various categories:

 

The most widely used type is called a travel mobility scooter. They are compact and disassemble into a few smaller pieces to offer exceptionally easy transportation in a vehicle. These models are optimal for use as indoor mobility scooters due to their smaller configuration, turning radius, and ability to fit through tighter areas. We recommend looking at the Go-Go mobility scooter series for a reliable and long-lasting travel scooter.

Folding mobility scooters are primarily designed for traveling, whether on an airline or a cruise ship. Instead of coming apart into a few pieces, folding scooters typically fold into one bigger piece. Some fold manually, while others can be folded/unfolded with a remote or key fob. Folding scooters are generally more expensive than travel scooters due to their extra electronics, motors, etc. Our top two recommendations are the Solax Transformer Automatic Folding Scooter and the Golden Buzzaround Carry-On.

If you plan on using your scooters mostly outdoors or you need a larger weight capacity, the best option would be a full-size mobility scooter. These models offer features such as bigger tires, suspension systems, and faster top speeds to perform outdoors. Some full-size units are still able to disassemble for transportation, like the Revo 2.0 or the Baja Bandit.

Last but not least, if your goal is to take on tough terrain or you are a heavier person, a heavy-duty mobility scooter would be the way to go! The robust suspension systems, high-capacity batteries, and upgraded electronics allow these models to hold more weight and perform better than any other type of scooter. Our top recommendations are the Baja Wrangler 2 and the Afikim S4, but you can see all of our off-road mobility scooters here.

#2 – Consider Your Required Specifications

Once you have determined what type of mobility scooter you are interested in, you will need to consider which models will be the best fit for you. We highly recommend paying close attention to the following specifications to ensure that you purchase a scooter that is going to provide you with optimal comfort.

1. Seat Width & Depth – The dimensions of the seat options should be chosen with the user in mind.
2. Seat Adjustments – Consider which (if any) seat adjustments you need. Some seats slide, rotate, or recline for alternative positioning.
3. Armrests – It is important to know if the unit has armrests and what options the armrests have (i.e. flip-up, width adjustable, height adjustable, removable).
4. Weight Capacity – The maximum weight that the unit is rated to handle.
5. Seat-to-Ground Height – The distance from the seat to the floorboard of the scooter.
6. Overall Width – The widest points of the unit are measured to ensure it fits between narrow spaces in your home.
7. Turning Radius – The total amount of space needed to execute a 180-degree turn. This is important if you plan to use the scooter indoors or in places that have narrow hallways with turns.
8. Overall Weight of Heaviest Piece – The total weight of the unit or weight of the heaviest piece if it disassembles. This is important if you plan to transport your unit.
9. Top Speed – Most medical scooters only go up to 5 MPH. If you need something faster, you will want to look into a recreational scooter.
10. Braking System – Automatic brakes or manual disk brakes. Automatic brakes, or electromagnetic brakes, are much safer than manual brakes.
11. Throttle System – How you make the unit move forward, either with a delta tiller or rotating handlebar. Many elderly customers prefer the delta-style tiller for its ambidextrous use.
12. Ground Clearance – The space between the ground and the bottom of the scooter. This is important if you have small curbs to enter your garage.
13. Incline Rating – The highest incline/slope that the unit can handle. This is important if you have a steep driveway or plan to go on trails with hills.
14. Travel Range – The max distance that the unit can travel on a full charge. Many factors can impact the travel range such as the terrain, weight of the user, and more.
15. Tiller Adjustment – If you need more space between the seat and the steering column, you want to be sure that the tiller is adjustable (tilts forward or backward) to create more space or to bring the handlebars closer.

To get the right product, make sure to take measurements and weights of the user. Depending on how much you weigh and how tall you are, you can narrow your selection based on seat height and weight capacity. If you weigh more than a model’s weight capacity can handle, you will overexert the motor and it will not be safe. The same scenario can happen if you weigh the same amount as the weight capacity rating as well. To get the best performance out of your mobility scooter, choose a unit that has a weight capacity of at least 25 pounds higher than your weight.

#3 – Three Or Four Wheel Preference

 

Another big factor to consider is the age-old question: 3-wheel or 4-wheel scooter? If you are a taller user (6’ and up) or plan on using your scooter mostly indoors, a 3-wheel might suit you best. 3-wheel mobility scooters offer a smaller turning radius and improved maneuverability as opposed to a 4-wheel. If you have trouble with your balance or plan on using your scooter outdoors, a 4-wheel configuration would be ideal. 4-wheel mobility scooters provide more support and stability than 3-wheelers.

# 4 – Upgrade Options & Accessories

Once you find a model that you think will work best for you, make sure to check for all of the upgrade and accessory options available. The majority of scooters offer wider seat upgrades to ensure you will be as comfortable as possible. Many models also provide battery options, either with larger SLA batteries or lithium upgrades. Higher-capacity batteries will increase your maximum travel range, and if upgrading to lithium, will increase their overall lifespan. When considering which batteries to choose, just keep in mind if you plan to travel via airplane or not. Most airlines have capacity limits on lithium batteries, with the maximum size being 300 watt-hours or less. SLA batteries have no capacity limits for airplanes.

Additionally, most mobility scooters offer plenty of options for different accessories and attachments you might need. Universal accessories such as cup holders, sidearm bags, oxygen tank holders, cane, or crutch holders will attach to almost any model. Some accessories are created for a specific model or brand. When you find a model that you like, check the mobility scooter accessories page and you should be able to find what is compatible with that particular model. It is always best to confirm compatibility with the mobility scooter of your choice with our Parts Department!

#5 – Trusted Brands & Warranty Support

The last point to consider during your shopping journey is the manufacturer of the product you are purchasing. The last thing you want is a product that lacks manufacturer support for warranty claims, parts, or troubleshooting. Brands like Pride Mobility, Baja Mobility, Afikim Electric Vehicles, Golden Technologies, and Enhance Mobility have been manufacturing for decades and therefore offer the best warranty support in the industry. All of these companies include a 1-year in-home parts and service warranty, while Afikim covers 2-years!

Here at Mobility Direct, we only partner with manufacturers known to make high-quality products and provide excellent warranty support to our customers. That is a big contributor to our upstanding reputation and multitude of good customer reviews after a decade of being in business. We are here for our customers long after the sale is made. Whether you need parts, troubleshooting, or any other matter related to your product, we are happy to help!

Final Thoughts

After reading this Mobility Scooter Buyers Guide, we hope that you feel more confident and secure in your upcoming scooter purchase. Although it can seem tough to know where to begin, you have the knowledge you need to make an informed purchase. Assess your needs and the features that you require, and find models that will seamlessly elevate your lifestyle. If you need help with any questions or product recommendations, feel free to reach out to us. We have non-commissioned sales experts ready to help find the right scooter for you.

Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for a chance to win a FREE MOBILITY SCOOTER!