Who Can Benefit from a Mobility Scooter?


Mobility scooters are ideal for those with long-term mobility needs, such as old age, Parkinsons, arthritis, or other conditions that lead to impaired strength and balance. They can also be valuable aids for individuals recovering from surgery and other injuries.  

 

Mobility Scooter vs a Power Wheelchair 


Both scooters and power wheelchairs help individuals with mobility impairments, but they do have slightly different uses. 

  • Mobility Scooters: A great fit for those who have some mobility, but need extra support when traveling long distances. They’re perfect for outdoor use and often have a longer range and can accommodate more varied terrain than wheelchairs. 
  • Power Wheelchairs: Ideal for individuals with more severe mobility impairment and limited dexterity. 

 

 

Factors to Consider
Before purchasing a new mobility scooter, let’s go over the 10 most important things to consider.

 

Assess Your Lifestyle 

To start, it’s important to identify what you’ll actually be using the mobility scooter for. Are you an outdoor adventurer, or someone who prefers to keep excursions minimal? How often do you travel? If you do travel, do you need a scooter that can fly on planes? Do you need a scooter that can hold up to extreme weather? 


Take a minute to consider: 

  • Will you be primarily using the scooter indoors or outdoors?
  • How “travel friendly” do you need a scooter to be?
  • What are your daily activities and how often will you use the scooter?

2. Size and Dimensions


If you’ll be using a scooter in your home, take a moment to measure doorways and storage spaces to ensure that your scooter will be able to navigate easily. 


Scooters come in two different models: 

  • 3-Wheel Scooters: 3-wheel scooters typically offer more legroom and are slightly faster than 3-wheel scooters. 
  • 4-Wheel Scooters: 4-wheel scooters provide greater stability and a smooth ride over uneven terrain. 4-wheel scooters are more durable and have a higher weight capacity than 3-wheel scooters, though they may not be as nimble in tight spaces. 

https://medmartonline.com/mobility-scooters

Depending on the dimensions of your home, you’ll be able to determine if you require a 3-wheel or 4-wheel scooter. Outdoor scooters are often 4-wheels, as stability is more important than navigation outdoors. 

 

 

 

3. Battery Life/Range


How far do you need your scooter to take you on a single charge? Mobility scooters generally have a 12-20 mile range per charge, but those who want to go the extra mile can prioritize scooters that drive 30+ miles per charge. 


Certain lithium ion batteries are approved to travel as carry-on baggage on many airlines. If airline travel is important to you, keep an eye out for lithium-ion batteries. 


4. Weight Limit


What weight do you need the mobility scooter to support? Each scooter will have an individual weight limit, but most mobility scooters can accommodate users of 250-350lbs.

If you’re looking for a scooter that can support additional weight check out Heavy Duty scooters! These scooters are designed to accommodate almost any user

 

5. Comfort

There’s nothing worse than driving around all day in an uncomfortable mobility scooter. Take time to review the specific comfort features that are important to you, including: 

  • Adjustable Features: Look for scooters with adjustable seats, armrests, and tillers. This adjustability lets you customize the scooter to perfectly fit your body, reducing discomfort.
  •  Padded Seats and Backrests: Reduce fatigue and pressure points by selecting scooters with plush padding. 
  • Legroom: Are you looking for a scooter that has extra legroom? Scooters with adjustable tillers and 3-wheel scooters may be an ideal option. 

 

6. Portability 


If you travel frequently, whether adventuring across Europe or across town, portability can be one of the most important aspects of a mobility scooter. Consider scooters that are lightweight, easily disassemble or fold down, and can be compact enough to slide into small storage compartments. 

 

 

7. Safety Features


Choose a mobility scooter with the right safety features to keep you or your loved ones safe. Modern mobility scooters come packed with intentional safety features, including: 

 

  • Speed Limiters: These dials are designed to prevent the scooter from exceeding a certain speed limit. Users can drive at “full throttle” without picking up to dangerous speeds. 
  • LED Lighting Packages: Many scooters come with headlights, brakelights, and an LED-lit interface to ensure that users can see (and be seen!) no matter the lighting conditions. 

8. Terrain


Will you be driving your scooter on smooth neighborhood sidewalks, or uneven dirt pathways? Do you need a scooter that can handle extreme weather conditions like snow or ice? 


You may want to consider an all-terrain scooter. These scooters are built to go where other scooters can’t, and can handle rugged terrain with ease. 

Read about our top 5 all-terrain mobility scooters

 

9. Storage

 

Need somewhere to place your groceries or purse? Most scooters come with one or more storage compartments to keep your personal belongings safe. These can range from a front basket, rear basket, or locked compartment if security is a concern. For those who will regularly take their scooter on errands, it may be preferable to choose a scooter with a larger storage capacity. 

10. Budget


Of course, your mobility scooter needs to be able to fit in your budget. Here at Med Mart, we’re proud to have one of the largest collections of mobility scooters on the market. No matter your budget or specifications, we can help you find the perfect scooter for you or a loved one. 

 

 

Looking to find a mobility scooter for you or a loved one? For over 30 years, Med Mart has been helping families create more independent lifestyles through durable medical equipment. 


Check out our catalog today, or contact a product expert for 1-1 assistance.