Because storage baskets can be readily fitted to the front area of mobility scooters, they are great for shopping and errands. This makes them more convenient to use and transfer. Unlike power wheelchairs, they may be disassembled and transported in the trunk of a car. Purchasing a Mobility Scooter can be overwhelming with how many products are on the Market. There are 5 considerations when purchasing a Mobility Scooter.

1. Which Type Of Scooter is Most Suitable?

Some scooters are designed for recreational use while others are intended to assist users with limited mobility.   Mobility scooters are available with 3 or 4-wheels in heavy-duty or lightweight designs.

• Recreational scooters are designed for fun and enjoyment.  They are faster and more powerful than mobility scooters and are intended for outdoor use.  They are not ideal for individuals with injuries or disabilities. The Drive Medical ZooMe 3-wheel recreational scooter has a 20-mile range and a top speed of 15 miles per hour.
• 4-wheel scooters feature a broad wheelbase that provides stability for outdoor use.  A large turning radius makes them less able to navigate narrow spaces indoors. The Drive Medical Phoenix HD4 mobility scooter has a 15-mile range and a 54” turning radius.
• 3-wheel scooters are useful for indoor use due to their small wheels and maneuverability.  The single front wheel design provides maximum legroom for tall users. The Drive Medical Ventura 3 DLX mobility scooter has a comfortable  20” Captain’s seat and a weight capacity of 400 lbs. The roomy floorboard provides 23” of space for the user’s feet.
• Folding scooters collapse are lightweight and ideal for travel.  They are best used indoors due to their small wheels and low ground clearance.The Drive Medical ZooMe Auto-Flex Folding Travel Scooter electronically folds or unfolds in 15 seconds with its wireless key fob.
• Heavy-duty scooters are designed to remain stable on uneven terrain.  They also safely accommodate heavier users. The Drive Medical Ventura 4 mobility scooter has a roomy 20” Captain’s seat and a weight capacity of 400  lbs. It features front and rear suspension with anti-tip wheels and a maximum range of 22 miles.

2. Will The Mobility Scooter Be Used Indoors or Outdoors?

It is important to determine if the mobility scooter will primarily be used indoors or outdoors to select the best model for your needs. 

Indoor use

The scooter’s turning radius is the amount of space required to complete a full 360° turn. Compact 3-wheel scooters navigate narrow hallways and corners with their small wheels with a tight turn radius.  Non-marking tires protect indoor floors while anti-tip wheels protect the user.  

The Drive Medical Scout 3 mobility scooter has a narrow 45.5” turning radius.  The 42.5” length and 20.5” width allows users to fit inside most elevators.

Outdoor use

Durable, flat-free wheels are best for navigating various types of outdoor terrains.  Large, wide wheels more easily over rough terrain, allowing a smoother ride for the user.  The high ground clearance allows the chair to navigate obstacles without bottoming out.  Maximum range is an important consideration so that the user can travel desired distances without having to recharge the battery. 

The Drive Medical Cobra GT4 mobility scooter offers 5.5” of ground clearance with 8 degrees climbing angle.  It has a maximum range of 22 miles with a top speed of 10 miles per hour.

3. Focus on Ease and Comfort Based On Your Needs.

Fit

The user should be able to reach the steering control without having to arch the back.  The knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle and the feet resting flat on the footrest.  The listed weight capacity must accommodate the user as well as other items that will be carried on the scooter. 

The Drive Medical Ventura 3 mobility scooter has a 400 lb weight capacity and a roomy floorboard with 23” of foot space. The seat can be adjusted for height as well as forward/backward. 

Seat

A contoured captain’s seat is designed for comfort and support, making it suitable for long periods of use.  Compact scooters typically have narrower lightweight seats with folding backrests.  

The Drive Medical Cobra GT4 mobility scooter has a generous 22” seat with a reclining backrest.  The padded armrests can be adjusted to the user’s preferred angle.

Controls

The tiller controls the direction and speed of the mobility scooter.

A standard handlebar-type tiller requires the user to hold it with both hands.  Constant pressure and manual dexterity are needed to control speed and turn signals.  Delta tillers have an oval shape that can be controlled with either hand. Less dexterity is required as the speed is controlled with a center dial. 

The Drive Medical Spitfire DST features a delta tiller with the central-mount speed control dial. 

4. Do You Want a Portable Mobility Scooter?

Some scooters may fold or be dismantled so that they can be transported without the need for ramps, hoists, or trailers. They are ideal for traveling by plane, train, or automobile. 

Folding scooters fit in the trunk of a car without the need for a hoist, ramp, or trailer. Portable scooters come with electronic or manual-folding. 

The Drive Medical ZooMe Auto-Flex Folding Travel Scooter weighs only 60 lbs and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It folds automatically to just 17″ (L) x 17″ (W) x 23.5″ (H).

Portable scooters may be taken apart so that lightweight components are easily lifted into the trunk of a car.  

The Drive Medical Scout 3 mobility scooter features quick and easy disassembly.  The heaviest piece weighs only 29 lbs and the battery weighs only 20 lbs.

5. Maintaining and Caring For Your Mobility Scooter

Now that you purchased your Mobility Scooter, it is important to maintain it. All power scooters require regular care to ensure that they continue to function correctly. Power scooters should be kept in a clean, dry place at room temperature. Recharge batteries after every use. Keep the battery fully charged and never drained completely. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage electronics and plastics. Do not expose batteries and electronics to water or moisture.  Wipe The controller, seat, and frame clean as often with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.   

Daily checks: 

• The tiller is straight when it is in a neutral position
• Check for frayed or exposed wires in the controller harness
• Inspect for flat spots on the tires
• Check for loose hardware on the seats, armrests, and front riggings

Weekly checks: 

• No corrosion on the controller harness or frame
• All controller harnesses are tight
• The brakes are functional at the lowest speed setting

Monthly checks: 

• Sufficient tread on the tires 
• No loose hardware anywhere on the scooter

Final Thoughts

Overall, with this article, I hope you can get to answer most of the questions you have about mobility scooters. Whether indoors or outdoors, power scooters allow you or your loved ones to get around easily. At HomeCare Hospital Beds we want to help you make an informed decision. If you have any doubts about which power scooter is best for you, please contact our HomeCare Hospital Beds team to help you make the right choice. Call us today toll-free at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.