Some people assume using a mobility scooter to get around means losing their freedom. In fact, the opposite is true. Using a mobility scooter enhances a person’s freedom to move about wherever they want to go. It allows them to be present and participate in activities with others instead of sitting out on the sidelines.

With a mobility scooter, you’re not restricted by the pain and difficulty of walking caused by arthritis, muscular disease, or other painful conditions. 

All you need to do is choose the best mobility scooter to buy for your circumstances, take a seat, and off you go!

There are dozens of different types of mobility scooters on the market, each with its own features and benefits. To simplify the search for you, we’ve grouped them into seven categories (although there will be some overlap). 

Don’t let the number of different types of mobility scooters overwhelm you—Med Mart just mentions them here for your information. 

First, we will unpack scooters and their wheel counts. If you want to skip that and immediately determine the best mobility scooter for you, scroll down to the next section. Otherwise, keep reading.

3-wheel scooters are an excellent option for indoor use because they fit through tighter spaces and can easily maneuver around furniture. 

Features and benefits:

• The two larger wheels in the back and one smaller front wheel provide a tight turning radius.
• There’s a lot of legroom, which is better for people who have knee or leg injuries or ailments.
• The lightweight design means these cost less than 4-wheel scooters.

Price Range: $799 to $5,320

4-wheel scooters are great for handling general transport situations inside buildings. They’re also the best mobility scooter choice for the outdoors. 

Features and benefits: 

• Two wheels in the back and two in front keep the scooter from tipping over, providing ultimate stability.
• The four wheels grip the ground better, so it can easily handle curbs and small hills.

Price Range: $849 to $6,920

Folding scooters are a great option if you want a scooter on hand for occasional, short-distance use (like when traveling on vacation or to visit the grandkids). 

Features and benefits:

• The entire scooter folds up for easy storage and transportability.
• Some scooters can fold and unfold via remote control.
• The scooter’s compact design only weighs about 50 pounds, offering convenient transportability.

Price Range: $1,499 to $3,299

Portable scooters are perfect for taking on errands, shopping trips, and social events because they’re easy to disassemble to fit into the trunk of a car. No lift is required.

Features and benefits:

• Small, lightweight pieces are quick to reassemble on the go.
• They're quite affordable at a lower price than larger, heavier-duty models.
• They’re easy to operate. You can focus on what’s happening around you without the distraction of too many functions.

Price range: $799 to $2,699

Full-size scooters are sturdy and have a far enough driving distance range to be used as your primary transportation vehicle. 

Features and benefits:

• There are advanced features for comfort, performance, and safety.
• There’s plenty of room for your legs and feet, so you never feel cramped.
• An attached hitch lets you connect a range of accessories.
• A full suspension provides a smooth ride.

Price range: $1,844 to $6,995

All-terrain mobility scooters are the best for the outdoors if you’re the type of person who wants to go anywhere without being held back by the rugged terrain often found in nature.

Features and benefits:

• The high ground clearance handles dirt roads, grass, gravel, and more.
• A sturdy frame, large pneumatic wheels, and a sound suspension offer ultimate comfort.
• The canopy or shield option protects you from wind, rain, and other outdoor elements.

Price Range: $2,949 to $6,920

Heavy-duty scooters provide serious riders with maximum performance and ultimate comfort.

Features and benefits:

• These are built to carry larger loads with ease.
• The seats are wider and more cushioned, so you don’t get sore.
• Nicer, bigger wheels let you travel farther, quicker.

Price Range: $1,696 to $6,995

There are so many options available that choosing the best mobility scooter for you is an easy task, regardless of what you need. Use our list and pick the one that will suit your needs best.  If you have questions, Med Mart is here to help!

If you’re planning to do most of your scootering indoors, you might want a portable 3-wheeler since they can turn tighter. If you’re planning on spending time outside, you’ll probably want a 4-wheeled scooter with bigger wheels, higher clearance, and a more comfortable seat.

How fast a mobility scooter goes should be a significant factor in your decision. Depending on whether you’re riding inside, on sidewalks and pathways, or on the road (preferably in a bike lane), you'll have different requirements.

The speed for mobility scooters ranges from 3.6 miles per hour (perfect for home use) to 8.1 miles per hour (best for driving on smooth surfaces outdoors). Consider the areas where you’ll be driving the most to determine how fast your mobility scooter should go.

Regarding technical specifications, there’s something for everyone’s body, lifestyle, and personality. 

• Seat Width: There’s a good fit for all, with sizes ranging from 14 inches to 23 inches across.
• Color: Anything from black or white to camouflage or gold are available. You can choose your best mobility scooter hue.
• Style: Feeling sleek, rugged, chic, or sporty? It’s up to you—each feature is a possibility, so there’s no need to compromise.
• Features: Just a few of the possibilities include:
  Automatic folding
  Canopy
  Dual seat
  Foot pedal drive
  Power-elevating seat
• Weight Capacity: This ranges from 200 pounds all the way up to 600 pounds, so absolutely anyone can ride.
• Drive Range: Some mobility scooter batteries have a maximum range of 20.1 miles or more on a single charge.
• Turning Radius: This can be as little as 35 inches.

You’d be surprised at the different styles and types of mobility scooters available for your needs. Check them ou