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Last updated: April 10, 2022
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If you can no longer be mobile, you lose out on so many opportunities in life. However, instead of suffering in silence, you can get back into life with a mobility scooter. Made to be durable, safe, and sometimes a little, fun, the best mobility scooters will give you back your sense of independence and allow you to take part in all your favorite activities.
We’ve looked at eight of the best mobility scooters for adults. All of the items listed are backed by industry standards which means you can safely ride on your scooter and not worry about tipping or being stranded. Within these eight scooters, you will find ones that are geared for taller individuals, heavier individuals, and those that want extra storage for their possessions. We hope that you will find a mobility scooter that works for all your needs. The more independent you can be, the happier and more fulfilled your life will be.
More features: 45 in turning radius, 2.6 in ground clearance, LED lighting, standard front basket, non-scuffing tires, foldable seat, 35 lbs heaviest part weight
Who says you can’t move around in style with a mobility scooter? Our Editor’s Choice is the Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller and you’ll quickly see why this is one of our favorite picks. Not only is it a reliable ride, which is incredibly important, but it is customizable for ultimate comfort – the height of all the important parts can be changed to fit the person using the vehicle. The LED lighting means you can see around you, and be seen, when the evenings start to get dark so early. There are also two colors you can choose from, red and blue, and the colored parts are easy to attach.
The Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller is a bit heavy all around, at 112 pounds. However, the heaviest part, which is the seat, is only 35 pounds, which means it won’t be too difficult to assemble. The scooter is very easy to disassemble and you can fold the seat for more compact storage. Thanks to the battery pack, you can travel up to 12 miles with this scooter on a single charge, which should be more than enough to visit friends or head to a local shop. The 300-pound weight limit should be more than enough for just about anyone looking for a mobility scooter. If you are looking for a larger, four-wheel option, there is another similar product that is available for purchase.
More features: foldable, 6-in front tires, 7-in rear tires
If you can’t decide where you will use your mobility scooter the most, either indoors or outdoors, then it’s important to choose an option that works everywhere. The Enhanced Mobility Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter is one such product. You can easily roll around on the non-skid wheels inside but can also traverse uneven surfaces outside. The 13.5 miles maximum distance should allow you to get to the shops or a local restaurant and while the 3.75 mph isn’t very fast, it will still get you where you need to go.
The Enhanced Mobility Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter has a nice, elevated seat which makes it easy to see where you are going. The chair can be adjusted for height, as can the handlebars. As for steering, it is responsive and easy to manipulate so you don’t have to worry about a steep learning curve. The Enhanced Mobility Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter is also foldable, which makes it very easy to travel with. You can fold it down and it will fit inside the trunk of a car. Furthermore, the scooter only weighs 53 pounds, which means if you are in the company of a fit person, they will have no trouble moving it around.
What are its best features?
Nice weight capacity at 300 pounds
Can seamlessly maneuver between indoors and outdoors
Easy to fold up and travel with
What could be improved?
Max speed is rather slow
Chair is sturdy but can’t take sharp corners very well
More features: 51.6 in turning radius, 1.5 in ground clearance, front basket, LED headlight, padded armrests
If you haven’t realized it yet, there are some very expensive options on our list of the best mobility scooters. If you’re on a tighter budget, don’t worry, however, as the Vive 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter is affordable but still works well. This scooter isn’t too heavy as it weighs about 88 pounds. While not as lightweight as other options, it is still not the heaviest. The maximum distance is also decent, at 12.4 miles. While the top speed, at 3.7 mph isn’t super-fast, this might not be a deal breaker for those who don’t mind taking a bit of extra time.
The Vive 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter comes with one basket at the front. The chair can be adjusted, as can the handles, so you can be comfortable while using it. As for the controls, they are easy to steer and the break is very responsive so there should be no safety issues. You can choose from either blue or silver accents, and both options give the scooter a nice, polished finish to it. If you want to transport your Vive 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter with you on a trip, it comes apart into four smaller pieces. These are fairly light on their own and you can easily place them in the trunk of a car. Then, when you want to assemble it again, it is very easy.
Why is it special?
Very affordable and perfect for those on a budget
Easy to disassemble and take with you
Sturdy and very safe
What are the flaws?
Top speed is fairly low
Maximum distance is ok but shorter than other options
More features: 41.5 in turning radius, 2.75 in ground clearance, 250W motor, foldable, honeycomb tires, LED lights, padded armrests and seat, 3 shopping baskets included
The whole point of a mobility scooter is to help you keep up with the life you want to live. If you are someone who likes to travel but wants to be able to take their scooter with them, then the Glion SNAPnGO is a product to consider. It has a total weight of just 38 pounds. Even if you can’t physically lift it, there’s a good chance another person around you will be able to. You can also fold this scooter, which is perfect if you want to store it in the trunk of a car or even if you want to take it on an airplane with you.
The Glion SNAPnGO has a lot of accessories which makes it incredibly functional. While most scooters just have one basket, this option actually comes with three. There is one at the front, off the handles, and two on either side of the chair. There are also LED lights and a comfortable, padded seat. When you do use this scooter, you will be able to travel 15 miles on a single charge and go at a decent speed of 6 mph. Overall, this is an excellent scooter but you will have pay quite a bit for it. The Glion SNAPnGO is one of the most expensive on our lists and while it is impressive, it might not fit everybody’s budget.
More features: 52.7 in turning radius, 9 in ground clearance, USB charging, LED lights, 140W motor, 8-in front wheel, 7-in rear wheels, 8° max incline
Mobility scooters have different uses and you may want one just for going between your room and a friend’s. However, if you plant on using your scooter to head to the shops or get outdoors, then you will need a device meant for more rugged use. The iLiving V8 is our pick for an outdoor mobility scooter because of its construction. With three wheels that have nice, deep tread, you can travel on the bumpiest of sidewalks and not have to worry about tipping over. Then, once you reach your destination, you can easily fold the iLiving V8 up. It maneuvers easily and won’t take up much space once you fold the front up. And, to help you with moving it around, the whole scooter only weighs pounds.
The iLiving V8 works on a 140W motor and can be charged via a USB cable. It is easy to operate and there are no extra fancy buttons that might confuse some people. While you can’t go too fast on it, with a top speed of 3.7 mph, you can travel up to 15 miles on a single charge, which is a decent distance. When the iLiving V8 arrives, it is already fully assembled, which is perfect if you aren’t the best at following instructions. Simply unfold the scooter and start moving!
What makes it special?
Folds up very compact and very easily
Comes fully assembled
Only weighs 40 pounds so is easy to store
What cons did we find?
Incredibly expensive so might be out of most people’s budgets
More features: 53.75 in turning radius, 2.5 in ground clearance, 6° max climbing angle, 8-in front wheel, 16 lbs seat
While mobility scooters are not meant only for the elderly, they do often tend to be used by our older population. If you are someone who needs a bit of help getting along and want something easy to use and incredibly safe, then the Drive Medical Scout 4 is a solid option. It has a weight of just 94 pounds, which is a lot lighter than other models on our list. It is easy to maneuver and the controls are very simply. When you sit in this mobility scooter, you will be able to adjust the seat height and the arm rests, so you can be as comfortable as possible. The inclusion of a basket in front of the scooter is a nice touch as it will allow you to keep an eye on your valuables at all times.
The Drive Medical Scout 4 has four solid wheels that won’t leave any marks on the ground. This is a bonus if you live in a seniors center and want to use your scooter to visit friends. The throttle control is ergonomic and very easy to use. There is no fancy display screen which is perfect if you aren’t the most technologically-savvy person. Finally, the Drive Medical Scout 4 is a relatively affordable option, especially if you are on a fixed income.
Why is it special?
Very easy to operate
Light and easy to store away
Seat is fully adjustable for maximum comfort
What are the flaws?
Turning radius is ok but not as great as other scooters
We’ve covered a lot of ground with our list of the best mobility scooters but if nothing is heavy duty enough, then you will be impressed with the E-Wheels EW-72. One of the best four-wheel mobility scooters, this model truly shines, both with its performance and its appearance. The maximum distance it can travel on a single charge is an incredible 43 miles. This is leagues above other scooters. Furthermore, your top speed is 15pmh which is double the average of others scooters. If you weren’t already convinced of the amazing prowess of the E-Wheels EW-72, you will be once you find out it can hold a weight limit of 500 pounds. This is almost double the average.
The E-Wheels EW-72 shines in it performance but you will also be impressed by its aesthetics. With a shiny maroon color, this scooter screams stylish accessory. The basket behind the seat is large enough to store your items and the four large tires mean you can traverse many different terrains. To start is, simple use the remote fob that is easy to operate. As for safety features, there are LED lights, turn signals, and brakes that will respond to any amount of pressure. You can certainly take the E-Wheels EW-72 out on all your errands and social outings.
What makes it stand out?
Incredibly stylish with its shiny paint job
43 mile maximum distance means never worrying about being stranded
500-pound maximum weight means this scooter is for everyone
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Price tag is rather high
Might be too much scooter for one person to handle
More features: foldable, 31 in turning radius, 3 in ground clearance, 26’’-36’’ handlebar adjustment, drum brake, UN38.3 certified
When we think about mobility scooters, we often think about large, bulky units. However, there is an alternative in the form of the SuperHandy 3 Wheel Folding Mobility Scooter. At first glance you might be a little skeptical but this scooter is incredibly safe, can take you out on your travels, and is unbelievable light. Weighing just 35 pounds, it is by far the lightest on our list. The scooter has everything you need without all the extras that add to more weight. You have an adjustable seat, sturdy handlebars, and three wheels that can take you on different terrains.
The SuperHandy 3 Wheel Folding Mobility Scooter has a distance maximum of 13 miles, which is standard but also more than enough to meet most people’s needs. It can go forward or reverse and the whole design is made to be as portable as possible. There is also a powerful break that can be activated instantly, so you never have to worry about your safety. While there isn’t a basket, which is unfortunate, it does come with a tote bag to store your belongings. The orange color in the accents of this scooter are quite unique and will appeal to the sportier, bolder people out there.
When you think about a mobility scooter as your chance at prolonging your independence, you can see why it’s so important to pick the device that will work best for you. Please consult our buying guide so you know exactly what to look for in an indoor or outdoor mobility scooter.
Safety Tips for Mobility Scooters Use
Once you purchase your mobility scooter and have it delivered, you should spend some time getting used to it. Move around in your room or building before you take it on the road. When going down a hill, keep to a lower speed. Finally, always make sure the break is firmly on when you park your scooter and want to get off it.
Picking the best mobility scooter can be a bit difficult. Always start with how you plant on using the scooter, whether it is just indoors, out running errands, or if you want to travel with it. There are some best mobility scooters for outdoors if you plan on taking your device outside where the terrain will be rougher. After that, consider weight maximums as well as speed and distance maximums.
Overall dimensions
Almost all mobility scooters will allow you the ability to adjust each component to suit your body. This can include seat, armrests, and handles that can be moved up and down.
Ground clearance is another dimension to consider, which basically means the distance underneath your scooter. The lower to the ground, the safer the scooter generally is. However, you want it to be not too close to the ground in case there are plenty of bumps.
Weight capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a mobility scooter is just how much the weight limit is. The first step is to weigh yourself and then add on a few extra pounds for items such as jackets and groceries. There are quite a few mobility scooters, such as the SuperHandy 3 Wheel Folding Mobility Scooter and the iLiving V8 which have a weight capacity of 275 pounds. If you are worried this is too low, you can also try the Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller or the Glion SNAPnGO, as they have weight capacities of 300 pounds. It is always best to find a scooter with slightly more weight capacity than you need, just to be safe.
However, if you are looking for the absolute maximum capacity, the E-Wheels EW-72 is a must. It has a capacity of 500 pounds which means the scooter itself is incredibly secure.
Speeds
Mobility scooters tend to be a bit quicker than a regular walking pace – this ensures elder users will be able to control the movement
Speed is an important factor when purchasing a mobility scooter but you might not want to go for the speediest one. If you are a cautious person, or someone who is afraid of going fast, then a slower speed might be what you are looking for.
Even though you will be on your scooter most of the time, the overall weight can be a huge factor in how you use it. The lighter the scooter, the easier it is to fold up and transport. Larger scooters may feel more stable, however, and this might be an important factor for you. The best lightweight mobility scooters will allow you to disassemble your scooter, place it in the trunk of a car, and then easily reassemble it later.
Those looking for a lightweight scooter will appreciate the SuperHandy 3 Wheel Folding Mobility Scooter as it only weighs 35 pounds. The iLiving V8 is also a good option as it weighs just 40 pounds.
Maximum distance
Mobility scooter use electricity to charge their battery.
How far you can travel depends on the strength of the battery and how long it will hold a charge. The last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere with a dead battery, so make sure you plan your routes according to the maximum distance.
Also, remember that if you are going uphill, your battery will need to work harder, which can decrease the maximum distance. Generally, if you are only using your scooter for indoor use, it doesn’t need to go very far. The best 3-wheel mobility scooters are great for indoors.
On our list, the maximum distance varies greatly among scooters. While 13 miles is around the average, this is not standard. For example, the Vive 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter can only go 12.5 miles. On the other end of the scale, the E-Wheels EW-72 is the most impressive as it can travel 43 miles.
Battery power
Mobility scooters are made to be charged in order to work. It’s always best to fully charge your scooter before you head out. Even if you don’t think you will be going very far, the battery might not have enough charge in it to get you where you need to go. Battery power will determine the maximum speed and distance you can get. If you just want a scooter to take you down the hall, then these are not important. However, if you want your scooter to go longer distances, like to the grocery store, then it is better to go with a stronger battery.
If you are a taller individual, you will appreciate the Glion SNAPnGO. Not only does it have an impressive weight capacity of 300 pounds but it has a handlebar that can be maneuvered up and down. You can comfortably get around town with this mobility scooter.
Mobility scooters are made to be simple to assemble. However, you should always carefully read the instruction manual once it arrives. It is also a good idea to ask a friend or relative to help you. While you can move the scooter around, it would be safer if someone more mobile could help.
Our Verdict
It’s time to keep going with your life by investing in a mobility scooter. Our Editor’s Choice is the Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller. This all-around, impressive scooter is comfortable, ergonomic, and easy to use.
Finally, if you are on a budget but still want a scooter capable of decent performance, then have a look at the Vive 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter. Its controls are simple and it has enough charge to take you where you want to go. The best mobility scooters are those that are practical and reliable. We hope you have found a few options from our list that will meet your needs.
References
1.
Design of built environments to accommodate mobility scooter users: part II - PubMed
Accessibility standards for wheeled mobility devices currently use a 1.5 m turning circle, designed to accommodate manual wheelchairs. Scooters are less manoeuvrable than wheelchairs, so allowing a full turning circle would require too much space.
The Use of Mobility Scooters by the Elderly – A Feasibility Study in Israel - ScienceDirect
Studies worldwide indicate that an active lifestyle, including mobility, is essential for the quality of life of the elderly. Given the decline in elderly people's ability to serve as vehicle drivers and their physical limitations for long walks or cycling, the possibilities of using alternative transport means, e.g. mobility scooters (MS), are considered.
