Mobility scooters are one of the most reliable modes of transportation for seniors and people who can’t walk by themselves. They ensure a safe driving experience, and they minimize the energy spent on going from one place to the other. Mobility scooters are considered medical equipment because they are specially made for people who have trouble walking.
Therefore, manufacturers all over the world put extra effort in mobility scooter production so that they can safely say that these scooters are made of high-quality materials and are completely adjustable to the person riding them.
But, besides high-quality, you should consider a few other things if you or someone you love is looking for a mobility scooter. If you type “mobility scooter” in Google, you will notice that you will get pictures of scooters with 2 to 4 wheels; these are basic models, without any additional features. These scooters don’t have any bags, pockets, cup holders, or the like.
Since there are so many different things you must consider when buying a mobility scooter, I have gathered some of the most important factors you must know before you order a mobility scooter. As I have already mentioned, a mobility scooter is considered a piece of medical equipment, which means that the price is not low. Therefore, it is best to do research before deciding on a model to decide which scooter best meets your physical and financial considerations.
Mobility Scooter Buying Guide
Before we start deciding on a mobility scooter, think about the model you want. What is the purpose of the scooter? How often will you use it? Do you need a bag for oxygen or other things? Do you prefer a scooter with a horn, a light, and other features? All these questions will be answered below in this guide.
Purpose of a Mobility Scooter
Why do YOU need it? If you are looking for a scooter that you don’t plan to use a lot, then you can consider a basic model. The main thing you want of a scooter for this purpose is that it will transport you from point A to point B safely. Basic models are often made without too many accessories, but that’s not such a problem, since most of these models can be upgraded with different accessories. But, if you plan to use the scooter for shopping, paying bills and various other obligations, then it is a smart idea to have a few necessary accessories, such as a horn, a bag or even a light. Keep in mind that mobility scooters which are sold with the aforementioned features included are more heavy-duty than their basic counterparts and, therefore, their price will probably be slightly higher.
Type of Scooter
Type of scooter refers to the number of wheels on the scooter. The number of wheels is an essential component of the scooter which has an effect on its speed and performance. The most common scooter is the one with two wheels, which is a basic model and is the closest thing to electric scooters. If you’re looking for a two-wheeled scooter, check here to see a great post by Electric Scooter Expert. This scooter can go 3-4 times faster than other models, but it is good only for pavement. The second type is the three-wheeled model. That model has many of the benefits of both two and four-wheeled models. It is fast and light like the two-wheeled model, but it can also travel across rough terrain such as unpaved roads, like the four-wheeled model. The four-wheeled scooter is the biggest and heaviest one of them all; it’s a real heavy-duty model. It is not as fast moving, but it can cross over gravel, grass and other surfaces without trouble.
Mobility Scooter Battery
If you plan to use your scooter often, look for a model with a removable battery or at least one that is rechargeable, and charges quickly. The best option is to buy a model with a removable battery, because you can then get an additional battery to use as a spare. This way, while the first one is charging, you can still use your mobility scooter with the second battery.
Mobility Scooter Accessories
The most important thing about accessories is that you get a scooter with accessories that are essential for you. For example, if you need an oxygen tank carrier, it is better to get a scooter with a tank carrier already included, than to order the carrier after you get a scooter. The reason for that is simple: There is no way that you will get a wrong tank carrier if you check the information about it the moment you are buying a mobility scooter because the tank carrier will fit your scooter like a glove (since it is already installed). The same story is with every other accessory. My suggestion is to get a scooter with the most important accessories already installed, and everything else you can add over time.
