We recommend talking to your occupational therapist, who will be in a good position to help you understand the physical requirements of mobility scooter use.

The ability to operate a mobility scooter safely and as intended relies on you having adequate vision and hearing to be aware of your surroundings and will require you to be confident in:

• Operating the hand controls
• Turning left & right
• Staying focused while on the scooter
• Maintaining balance while on sloping or uneven ground
• Turning your head to check for pedestrians & traffic
• Responding quickly & competently to circumstances
• Getting on and off the scooter without assistance

Getting on and off the scooter unassisted would also mean being able to walk short distances unaided or with a walking aid.

If you’re after a folding mobility scooter or a small scooter that dismantles, consider your ability to lift it into a car or whether the person who would assist you will be able to lift it.

Our range of mobility scooters includes models that suits most needs and budgets. But which model will be right for you?

The first question to answer is “How do you intend to use your scooter?” For local shopping? To visit a friend down the road? Or will it be for more demanding purposes, taking the place of a car to travel further than just locally?

Consider the terrain where you live. A small scooter will handle easy terrain, such as flat pathways, but you’ll need a scooter with more power if you want to negotiate hilly or uneven ground.

Smaller mobility scooters will have reduced seat room and less space for your feet. A bigger scooter might be needed if you’re tall or if you have a large frame.

Smaller mobility scooters have in their favour convenience and manoeuvrability. With their smaller turning circle, they are good for getting around indoors and navigating crowded shopping malls.

Most smaller models are designed to fold down or be quickly dismantled for the car boot. They can also be taken on holidays as checked baggage.

Smaller size means smaller batteries and less range—generally up to 20km per charge. With smaller wheels, these scooters can be less stable on uneven ground. They also lack the power to get up steep hills.

Features of smaller mobility scooters:

• Small size helps in crowded areas
• Front basket for shopping
• LED front and rear lights for visibility
• Basic suspension for a smooth ride
• Easy to disassemble for transport
• Removable battery for travel
• Range up to 20km

Mid-sized mobility scooters give you the ease of use of a smaller scooter but with extra power to tackle moderate inclines and outdoor terrain. They are good for local trips, such as going to the shops or visiting a friend nearby.

A medium-sized scooter is also a good option if you need to take it on public transport. While restrictions vary, your mobility scooter will generally be allowed on public transport that is wheelchair accessible.

Medium scooters feature:

• Puncture-proof, knobbly tyres for extra traction outdoors
• LED front headlight, tail-light & indicators for visibility
• Front basket for shopping
• Basic suspension for a comfortable ride
• Padded seat including arm rests & headrests
• Rear view mirrors for extra safety
• Range: 20km – 40km

Heavy duty mobility scooters are better suited over difficult terrain and long distances. Pneumatic rubber wheels and suspension provide a smoother ride.

These models usually have more supportive seats, as well as padded arm rests and head rests.

Heavy duty mobility scooters feature:

• Pneumatic tyres for a smoother ride
• Padded high-top seat
• Hydraulic brakes
• Full lighting, including LED headlight, kerb light, taillights & indicators
• Large front shopping basket
• Ability to add additional storage & accessories
• Range: 25km – 50km

When you first get your mobility scooter, try it out somewhere that is flat—away from the traffic and free of obstacles—to get a feel for the controls.

Adjust your seating position so you can get on and off without assistance. Make sure you know how to operate all the controls. Practise starting, stopping, turning, and going up and down kerbs.

Storage needs to be considered. If your scooter is small, you might be able to keep it inside. Otherwise, larger models are often kept in the garage or under a carport. Be sure it is stored somewhere with easy access to power, so it can be charged between uses.

Check to see if your home and contents insurance covers your mobility scooter. Some insurance companies will add it to your cover for an additional premium. You can also get separate mobility scooter insurance.

Make sure your scooter is covered for damage and theft, as well as for damage to property or other people. Don’t be afraid to shop around for competitive quotes.

Ensuring that your scooter’s battery has a full charge before its next outing is your best plan—far better than getting caught out with a flat battery with all the inconvenience that entails.

Charge the battery with the scooter power switch in the OFF position. Connect the charger to the scooter’s charging port and plug the cable into a power outlet.

The red/orange light shows that charging is underway. It will turn green when the battery is fully charged. At this point, you can disconnect the charger.

Mobility scooter batteries typically take 8-10 hours from flat to fully charged. Overnight charging is obviously the best plan. This way, your scooter will always be ready for its next outing. Check the charging light is red/orange to be sure all is going according to plan.

Have your mobility scooter should serviced annually to keep it running reliably. It’s a no-brainer when you get Balance Mobility to take care of your servicing.

Mobility scooters are not designed for travel on the road, except when crossing or where there’s no footpath. They are for travel on footpaths and basically where pedestrian traffic is allowed.

A mobility scooter is not considered a motor vehicle although, in Queensland only, you need to register your scooter with the Department of Transport and Main Roads if you intend to use it outside. This registration is free and includes third party insurance.

It’s a good idea to stay up-to-date with regulations, in case there are changes, particularly if you take your scooter interstate.

Familiarise yourself with the road rules for pedestrians, as well as where you can and can’t take your scooter. Stay alert when negotiating crowded areas, such as shopping centres, and when crossing roads.

Mobility scooters are generally allowed on public transport that is wheelchair accessible. When travelling by train, position yourself toward the front of the platform where the first carriage will stop. You want to be visible to the driver.

They will lower a ramp to get you on-board. You’ll be asked which station you’re travelling to so you can be helped when you disembark.

Restrictions vary between states and transport vehicles but generally, mobility scooters should:

• Be no more than 750mm wide
• Have a maximum height of 1500m
• Fit within a space 1300mm long by 800mm wide

Note that accessories, such as a canopy or flags, may cause your scooter to exceed these guidelines.