Facts To Consider When Selecting A Portable Mobility Scooter

Buying a mobility scooter can be a great way of retaining independence and providing someone with limited mobility a chance to get out and about. With so many different scooters on the market, working out which one to select can be a challenge. Here we look at a number of considerations to take into account when selecting a scooter that’s going to be right for your needs.

Does the user have any specific mobility needs?

Depending on an individual’s specific limitations, some types of scooter may be more suitable than others – for example, a lower profile scooter may be more suitable for someone who struggles to lift their legs high enough to step aboard a higher profiled machine. Other people may require a scooter with a higher weight limit, a scooter that can be steered with only one hand, or a scooter that can accommodate a customised seat that’s been made to the specific requirements of the user.

Where is the mobility scooter to be used?

If a scooter is going to be used indoors as well as outside, consideration needs to be given to its width to ensure it will fit easily through internal doors. For people using their scooter out and about, it’s important that it can be easily set up to deal with inclement weather, as well as have sufficient storage for any medical equipment or other items that need to be carried.

How far does the scooter need to travel?

Scooters come with a range of different batteries. Whilst some can only travel a few kilometres between charges, others can travel 50+ km with ease. In general, a scooter that can go further will be heavier, due to the larger weight of the battery that’s required. This needs to be taken into consideration if you intend to use the car to transport the scooter – the heavier designs aren’t usually suitable to pack into a car unless you’ve got a van with the space to drive the scooter aboard.

Is this a scooter for all-weather use?

Some scooters have tires that are designed for all-weather use. They also come equipped with a robust rain cover, protecting occupants from the rain and wind. In contrast, other scooters are more fragile – they’re a great option for shorter trips where the weather isn’t a consideration.

Does the mobility scooter need to fit into a car?

As already mentioned, working out if the scooter needs to fit into a car is an important consideration. Some scooters are designed to be easily transported – not only are they lightweight, but they also fold down for easy storage. Other scooters are intended to be fast enough and have a long enough reach that they can be used in place of a car for local trips.

There are no right answers to any of these questions. Ultimately, their purpose is to guide potential scooter owners towards selecting the choice that’s going to give them the best experience and offer the most value to them.

The experienced team at Balance Mobility are always happy to discuss your scooter needs in more detail, as well as come up with suitable product recommendations on request.