Mobility scooters have done an excellent job of providing independence and quality of life. They are a great alternative to the electric wheelchair. After being introduced in the early 1970s, many manufacturers have taken their own spin on these products. You can find many different types and styles of these scooters, such as a 3 wheel mobility scooter.
This article will provide the knowledge you'll need for investing in an electric mobility scooter. Before you buy, you should know a lot of different information regarding the options and mechanics of these products. This list investigates seven things to consider.
Buying a Mobility Scooter
If you’re in the market for a portable electric scooter, you’ll want to know everything about them. This will help protect your investment and help you find the best option for you. You’ll know exactly what you’re looking for after reading this article.
We will provide seven useful things to consider before buying a mobility scooter.
3 or 4 Wheels
There are likely many reasons you'd consider a 3 wheel mobility scooter. These scooters have many advantages, primarily maneuverability and portability. The top reasons why you might opt for a 3-wheel model are:
3 Wheel Scooters
There are likely many reasons why you’d consider a 3 wheel mobility scooter. These scooters have many advantages, primarily maneuverability and portability. The top reasons why you might opt for a 3-wheel model are:
- They have a tighter turning radius, so they are great for small spaces and indoor use
- They are typically lighter than 4-wheel models
- You can often find these models at a lower price point
- They typically have more legroom
- They are easy to maneuver
The main disadvantage of 3 wheel scooters is that they have decreased stability. Because their base isn’t as stable, they are more prone to tipping. This can make them a poor choice if you plan on traveling outdoors often.
4 Wheel Scooters
If you require more stability, consider a 4-wheel model. The advantages of these are:
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They are suitable for rough and rocky terrain
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They resist tipping and stay balanced
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They are more robust, which means they can often travel at higher speeds and can go longer distances
The main disadvantage of the 4 wheel scooter is that they have a larger turning radius, which can make them a poor choice for small spaces or indoor traveling. They are also more expensive.
Where Will It Be Used?
The scooter you decide on will rely heavily on where it will be used. If you want to travel indoors, you'll likely benefit from a small scooter with a small turning radius. However, if you use your scooter outdoors, you may opt for a larger model with good ground clearance.
If you want to travel further, you'll want a mobility scooter with an impressive range. Where you'll be using it will also determine what kind of range you need. Indoor-use scooters typically have a smaller range.
Also, consider how many slopes, hills, or inclines you'll be traveling on. You'll want a scooter to handle that incline if you're frequently going up hills (such as a steep driveway). Discuss this with a technician or salesperson.
Transportation
Will you need to transport your mobility scooter often? Transportation is a critical factor, whether it be by plane, train, bus, or car. For frequent travelers, you'll want a mobility scooter to accommodate your adventures.
Some models are designed to be portable mobility scooters. This often means they are lightweight and can be broken down into different pieces. These features make it easy to load into a vehicle. However, you may sacrifice range, speed, and comfort for a portable scooter.
If you plan on traveling infrequently, you may opt for a heavy-duty scooter. These are heavy and difficult to lift into a trailer or van. Therefore, a lift is typically required.
If comfort and speed are priorities to you, you may want to buy a heavy-duty or traditional mobility scooter. Opt for a lightweight mobility scooter if traveling and portability are your main concerns.
Budget
Mobility scooters have a broad range of price points. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1000 or $15,000, depending on the features you want. Thankfully, some healthcare plans will provide financial assistance. Before purchasing, look into your health coverage. Apply for a pre-approval, so you are confident the financial aid will kick in.
Once you determine if you have insurance, then you can set a budget. It's important to note that budget can weigh into quality and features. However, some cost-effective brands have good quality products. It's important to shop around. Look at reviews of brands and scooter models to find one that is a good fit for you.
If you are in the market, consider waiting for a promotion. Some companies have promotions for Black Friday, Seniors Day, and other sales. This patience can get you an even better deal.
Size
The size of your scooter can refer to many things. This includes:
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Weight limit
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Width of seat
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Depth of seat
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Height of seat
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Size of scooter
All of these things play a role in your purchase. Almost all scooters have a weight limit. Make sure to purchase a scooter that can accommodate your weight. If you are planning on storing personal belongings when you run errands (such as groceries), you’ll have to take that into account as well.
Some people have wider bottom halves. You'll want a wide seat to fit your body comfortably. Sitting in a chair that is too small will quickly get uncomfortable. Find a seat with a width and depth that works well for you.
Make sure you have a scooter that can easily clear doorways as you go between rooms. The size of the entire unit is also important. If you travel inside a lot, you'll want a scooter that can fit between doors and hallways.
Range
The range of a mobility scooter refers to how far it can travel on one charge. The average range is anywhere between 15 and 25 miles. A lightweight mobility scooter may be on the lower end of the average range. Furthermore, a robust model may even travel up to 35 miles on one charge.
If you want to run errands and travel outdoors, you may opt for a full-size mobility scooter. If you travel mostly inside, you may opt for one with a smaller range. You won't have to worry about charging frequently, and your battery shouldn't die halfway through your trip.
The range can also affect the price. Mobility scooters with a more extended range often are more expensive. It's important to note that the range is an estimate. If you are traveling on hilly or rocky terrain, this can lower your range.
Range
The range of a mobility scooter refers to how far it can travel on one charge. The average range is anywhere between 15 and 25 miles. A lightweight mobility scooter may be on the lower end of the average range. Furthermore, a robust model may even travel up to 35 miles on one charge.
If you want to run errands and travel outdoors, you may opt for a full-size mobility scooter. If you travel mostly inside, you may opt for one with a smaller range. You won't have to worry about charging frequently, and your battery shouldn't die halfway through your trip.
The range can also affect the price. Mobility scooters with a more extended range often are more expensive. It's important to note that the range is an estimate. If you are traveling on hilly or rocky terrain, this can lower your range.
Features
You'll want a mobility scooter that accommodates your personal needs. There are many features available with mobility scooters. Some standard features include the following:
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Lights. If you travel outside in the dark, you’ll want different lights on the scooter for safety. This can include headlights, signal lights, and hazard lights.
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Seats. Some seats are capable of swiveling, raising, and lowering. These features can make it easier to access and exit the chair.
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Cushioning. Aside from the mechanical capabilities of a chair, you’ll want to look at the cushioning and padding that come with the product. Most users prefer captain’s seats. These are seats with a lot of padding. There may even be an option for contouring in the backrest or headrests. Travel scooters have less cushioning than a full-size scooter.
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Wheels. You can opt for solid, pneumatic, or foam-filled wheels. Pneumatic wheels offer a smoother ride, but can go flat. Both solid and foam-filled wheels will never go flat. However, these options can have a rockier ride.
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Suspension. Suspension adds to the smoothness of a ride. It will provide the cushioning you’ll need when traveling over bumps and rocky terrain.
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Storage space. You'll need a basket or storage space if you want to store personal belongings (like your identification card) or run errands (such as grocery shopping). Some scooters have a basket, and others have lockable compartments under the seat or at the back.
Knowing what features you need can help you shop. Look at different options and decide what your top priority is. The features will make the mobility scooter even more user-friendly. Some portable mobility scooters have fewer features than their full-size counterparts.