3 Simple Steps to Selecting the Right Mobility Scooter

3 Simple Steps to Selecting the Right Mobility Scooter

It is easy to find the right mobility scooter if you know what to look for and consider.

What is a Mobility Scooter?

A mobility scooter, also known as a personal mobility vehicle (PMV), is a hand-operated mobility aid that assists individuals in moving with ease from point A to point B. Purchasing a mobility scooter is a big investment, so you should spend time researching your options to make an informed decision. Use this guide to get started.

There are three main things to consider before purchasing: your weight and height, scooter dimensions and durability, and extra features and accessories. Use the checklist below to determine which type of scooter best fits your needs.

1. Consider Your Weight and Height

Weight: Research scooter styles that can support your weight, plus any other additional weight, such as scooter accessories or personal possessions (purse, groceries, etc.) you plan on keeping with you.

  • Lightweight scooters can hold up to 250 pounds.

  • Heavy-duty scooters can hold up to 400 pounds.

Height: To ensure maximum comfort and safety, consider a scooter's overall length in relation to your personal height.

  • For anyone shorter than 5 feet 5 inches, the overall length of a scooter should be 42 inches or less.

  • Individuals who are taller than 5 feet 5 inches should purchase a style more than 42 inches long to provide extra leg room.

2. Choose a Style

Once you've factored in your weight and height, decide on a scooter style based on where you intend to use it the most, whether indoors, outdoors, or both. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Scooters come in four general styles: compact, midsize, travel and rugged outdoor.

  • Most scooters have a low profile and are less than 24 inches wide.

  • Two popular models are 3-wheel and 4-wheeled models.

1. Three-wheeled

  • This scooter can be used indoors, and on paved roads and sidewalks.

  • It provides better maneuverability for indoor use and tight spaces (like narrow hallways, entrances, and corners).

2. Four-wheeled

  • This scooter is more heavy-duty compared to a three-wheeled option.

  • It can be used on rough terrain, such as graveled roads, unpaved surfaces, and grassy hills.

  • A four-wheeled scooter is also suitable for indoor use.

3. Travel

  • This scooter assembles and disassembles easy for transportation.
  • It's disassembled part are designed for easy handling.
  • When disassembled it can be placed into the storage area of your vehicle.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP MOBILITY SCOOTERS NOW.

3. Features and Accessories

Before you purchase, look for any features available on your scooter to fit your individual needs. For example, you can often swap out the standard scooter seat for a more comfortable seat cushion. Or opt for adjustable scooter arms that can be moved out of the way when not in use.

Other features include:

  • Swivel seat

  • Headlight

  • Captain seat

  • Adjustable seat

  • For transportation purposes, find a scooter that can be easily disassembled. Most scooters come apart in three pieces, but it's important to make sure someone can assist with heavy lifting. Consider a scooter lift for your vehicle if you plan on traveling.

Need Help Finding the Right Mobility Scooter or Mobility Scooter Lift?  

Call 877.392.2531 to get expert advice now.

After you've selected a specific scooter style and potential upgrades, consider some useful accessories:

  • Basket or bag

  • Cup holder

  • Scooter covers

  • Scooter lift

  • Batteries

  • Flag

  • Oxygen tank holder

  • Saddle bag


    • Related Articles

    • Simple Bathroom Safety Ideas

      Simple Bathroom Safety Ideas Over the past few decades, we have made the world safer in so many different ways. We use seatbelts when driving in our airbag- and antilock brake-equipped cars. We wear helmets when bicycling, skiing, and rollerblading. ...

    • 4 Easy Aging-in-Place Projects for Seniors

      Has Your Life Changed? Are you aging and starting to experience mobility challenges? Most people prefer to stay in their current space when starting to age instead of going through the hassle of moving to an assisted living home. Taking the necessary ...

    • Vertical Platform Lift Installation Requirements

      Installing a vertical platform lift is a complex task that requires careful planning, proper equipment, and adherence to safety regulations. Vertical platform lifts are typically used to provide wheelchair accessibility or to transport individuals ...

    • 6 Basics For Your Accessible Shower

      6 Basics For Your Accessible Shower Traditional showers have a threshold that needs to be stepped over to enter, and people often use them for years without issue. When a life event occurs, such as surgery, people realize that the step into the ...

    • Fulfilling the American Dream: A Guide for Disabled First-Time Homebuyers

      Fulfilling the American Dream: A Guide for Disabled First-Time Homebuyers December 6, 2020 by Emily Huddleston Redfin does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice from ...