Purchasing a mobility scooter is a big – but practical – investment, not to be taken lightly. And with so many models to choose from, it can be hard to find the mobility scooter that best suits your lifestyle and level of mobility. Find out everything you need to know about travel and pavement scooters (or class 2 invalid carriages) and 6-8mph mobility scooters (or class 3 invalid carriages) with our handy buyer's guide.
Mobility Scooters Categories
Folding Mobility Scooters
Folding mobility scooters use automatic folding frames, so there's no need for awkward disassembly. With a click of a button on the scooter or a key fob, these travel scooters fold quickly to a compact, easy to store size, perfect for hassle free travel on public transport.
Travel Mobility Scooters
Travel mobility scooters are lightweight, portable models that can be dismantled for ease of storage and transportation. These are ideal for anyone looking to take their scooter on holiday, whether at home or abroad, or for short trips to the shops.
Pavement Mobility Scooters
Folding mobility scooters use automatic folding frames, so there's no need for awkward disassembly. With a click of a button on the scooter or a key fob, these travel scooters fold quickly to a compact, easy to store size, perfect for hassle free travel on public transport.
6-8mph Mobility Scooters
These road legal long-distance mobility scooters can travel at a maximum speed of 8mph, but must be limited to 4mph and below for pavement use. Safety features like lights, mirrors and efficient braking systems ensure they comply with British Government requirements for class 3 scooters.
Cabin Mobility Scooters
Like 6-8mph mobility scooters, cabin scooters use larger batteries to travel longer distances and can be driven on the roads. They offer excellent protection from the elements, making them the perfect year-round mobility scooter.
Things to consider:
Scooter Type
Do you need a compact, easy to store scooter, or something a little larger with more features?
Battery Size
How far will you need to travel on a single charge? Do you need a portable battery for holidays abroad?
Portable
Are you looking for a mobility scooter that can be transported in the boot of your car?
Max Speed
Will you be travelling on roads or mostly pavements and indoors? Be aware of speed restrictions on pavements.
Things to consider before buying a Mobility Scooter
Buying a mobility scooter is a very personal decision, so you need to decide exactly what is important to you and which features suit your mobility and lifestyle. The below questions should help you to decide which features in a mobility scooter will be most useful, taking into account your lifestyle and your current level of mobility. You'll also find the answers to a couple of frequently asked questions, like whether you need a licence and insurance to drive a mobility scooter.
Do you need your Mobility Scooter to be portable?
Taking a travel or folding mobility scooter on holiday is easy these days, whether you're travelling abroad or putting it in the boot of your car. Travel scooters can be disassembled into smaller parts, while folding scooters automatically transform into compact shapes at the touch of a button. Many of these portable scooters come with transport bags included. Remember that travel and folding scooters are smaller and lighter in design, so they might not be as comfortable as larger models over longer distances.
Where will you be travelling?
For longer journeys, especially those on roads, you'll need a larger scooter fitted with a bigger battery and more powerful motor. Look out for the battery size (in Ah). The bigger the battery, the further the scooter will travel on a full charge. Think about obstacles like hills and kerbs, and if you'll need a pavement or 6-8 mph scooter to deal with them. If you're going to do most of your travelling in busy areas or indoors, for example in a supermarket, then a 3-wheel scooter will offer a smaller turning circle to navigate corridors, doorways and busy aisles.
What is your level of mobility like?
Certain mobility scooter features are designed to help with specific mobility conditions that you may be dealing with. For example, swivel seats and flip-up armrests make side transfers much easier for those who aren't confident in their balance. Captain's seats offer more comfort and support to those who need it, especially if you are prone to pressure sores or back pain. Delta tiller bars are easier to use for those with arthritis, and some models have adjustable tillers to help you set the scooter up in a way that suits you. Suspension systems protect you from rough terrain by dampening the force of impact and vibrations through the scooter. If you suffer from muscle aches and joint pains, a mobility scooter with suspension is definitely worth keeping an eye out for.
Which Mobility Scooter accessories should you look for?
There are lots of little things that can make a world of difference to your experience with a mobility scooter. For outdoor storage, our range of weatherproof storage covers will come in handy. We also stock waterproof clothing for mobility scooters, including ponchos and capes, as well as protective covers for control panels. Safety lights, pannier bags and cushions can all make your experience with a mobility scooter more comfortable, while our care kits keep your scooter in top condition. And don't forget to look at our range of ramps if you know you'll be dealing with high kerbs and thresholds around your home or out and about.
How do Mobility Scooter batteries work?
Mobility scooters are powered by rechargeable batteries. The bigger the battery, the further the scooter can travel on a full charge. Many scooters use on- and off-board charging systems, meaning you can remove the battery to charge indoors or simply plug the charger straight into the fully assembled scooter. Lithium-ion batteries are the latest breakthrough in technology, with quicker charging times and a smaller, lighter size that's ideal for travel. Some simple battery maintenance tips will help to keep your scooter's battery in top condition for longer, but they do have a limited cycle life and will eventually need replacing.
Do you need a licence or insurance to ride a Mobility Scooter?
You do not need a driving licence to ride a mobility scooter. Your scooter also doesn't need to be taxed or insured (though we would recommend taking out an insurance policy to cover against theft and accidental damage). The rules for driving a mobility scooter are simple. Class 2 scooters (travel, folding and pavement mobility scooters) cannot be used on the road and have a maximum speed of 4mph. A class 3 mobility scooter can be driven on the road at a speed of 8mph, but must be restricted to 4mph on pavements.
How do you maintain a Mobility Scooter?
With a little care and attention, you'll be getting the most out of your mobility scooter for years to come. Keep your scooter clear of mud and out of the way of wet conditions as much as possible, as this can lead to rust. If your scooter will spend a lot of time in storage, especially over winter, then there are some simple mobility scooter maintenance checks to make. Look out for loose parts, inspect the tyres, brakes and lights and make sure the batteries are working correctly. Try to keep the battery charged when the scooter isn't in use for long periods (a weekly overnight charge will do the job). If the battery is losing charge quickly or not charging at all, it might be time for a replacement.
How do I look after the batteries in my scooter?
Taking care of your mobility scooter batteries doesn't take much, but there's more to it than just regular charging. We stock lithium-ion mobility scooters as well as models fitted with SLA (sealed lead acid) batteries, and each type requires a different kind of care and attention when it comes to keeping you on the road (and the pavements!). Our Battery Care Guide helps you keep your batteries in tip-top condition, with advice for the all-important first charge, making sure your scooter is set up to optimise the performance of the batteries, and storing them safely when your scooter is off the road.