How to Choose the Right Adult Mobility Scooter

By: Robert Thomson


Mobility scooters are a wonderful way for a person with limited mobility to get around. There are several models of mobility scooters and while choosing the right scooter for you, ask yourself the following and you should choose well.

Your weight and height. These are the first things you would be checking, to ensure you feel comfortable using them. There are lightweight scooters and heavyweight scooters. While lightweight scooters are for people below 250 pounds, the heavyweight scooters are for people around 400 pounds. Checking out the manufacturers specifications is important to get an idea. If you are on the tall side, then small scooters will not give you the comfort of leg space, although they may be cheaper than the bigger ones.

Why do you need a scooter? The reason you need a scooter tells you what scooter to buy. First understand what you are going to do with the scooter. If you are going to use the scooter mostly indoors, then there are the 3 wheel models. If you are going to use it outdoors on rough surfaces, you will have to look at the 4 wheel scooters, as they are far more stable outdoors than the 3 wheel ones.

How much usage will there be and where will you use it? If you are going to be using the scooter on rough surfaces and for long distances, you may want to get a heavy duty scooter which has a higher range of say above 20 miles. The smaller light scooters will only give you 10 miles on smooth surfaces.

Will you be carrying your scooter with you when you travel? If so, you will need to look at mobility scooters that are lightweight. However, if you decide to go in for a heavy-duty scooter, you will need to get a trunk lift, so that you can take your scooter along. A trunk lift is a mechanical device that will lift your scooter and put it in your car.

Make it more comfortable by adding other things like special padded seats, filled with foam or gel, or getting a basket for the scooter so that you can carry things with you. There are several things you can do to make them comfortable.

After deciding on what you are going to buy, drive them around. If it a heavy duty one, drive it outdoors and check it out. Ensure that it is indeed as comfortable as it looks. Get the sales people to make any adjustments required.

Check the scooter speed and range, see whether it dismantles for travel. See if they have a lighting kit and indicators. Check out the battery performance, warranty, and after sales service.

You may be on a budget, but my advice is not to buy a particular scooter just because it is cheap. Just because you don’t know much about mobility scooters, does not mean you don’t feel the comfort. If you are not comfortable, stay away and look at others.

Once you find your mobility scooter, time to regain your independence and there is no stopping you.


For detailed descriptions and specifications of all major brand name mobility scooters , visit www.usmedicalsupplies.com.