How to Pick the Best Mobility Scooters
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.
At the low end of the list, we have the Enhanced Mobility Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter which can travel at 3.75 mph. On the other hand, the E-Wheels EW-72 is a bit of a beast as it can travel 15 mph.
Overall weight
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.
