By kbeveridge
Mobility scooters are a handy tool that can give you a lot of independence, but they are unfortunately large and bulky. This can make them hard to transport unless you opt for a lightweight and folding mobility scooter. But which model should you choose?
The overall best folding mobility scooter is the Golden Technologies Buzzaround. This premium vehicle breaks down and folds flat for easy storage. It also has excellent battery life, durability, and adjustable features for your comfort.
Our comprehensive guide to the best folding mobility scooter discusses the key features, pros, and cons of the leading models of folding mobility scooters. It also explains the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of mobility aid. Lastly, we talk about how to choose the right option for your needs.
Folding Mobility Scooter Reviews
Best Folding Mobility Scooter (Overall): Golden Technologies Buzzaround
Pros
Cons
The Golden Technologies Buzzaround is the overall best folding mobility scooter on the market. It has detachable parts and can fold down entirely to a compact size. It is also reasonably lightweight, with the heaviest piece weighing just 47.5 pounds (21.5kg).
The scooter includes carry handles at four different points. This design feature makes it easy to lift and store, even on an airplane.
It is heavy-duty and suitable for long-distance driving, with a battery that can continuously run for 18 miles (29km). It also has an adjustable tiller so you can reduce strain on your wrists and shoulders and drive more comfortably.
The main disadvantages of this scooter are its lack of storage and suspension. If you want to go shopping, you will have to carry the bags on your bag or sit them at your feet. You will also not get the smoothest ride on bumpy surfaces.
We recommend this mobility scooter for: people who want portability and long-distance travel.
Best Budget Folding Mobility Scooter: Mini Rider Folding Mobility Scooter
Pros
Cons
The Mini Rider Folding Mobility Scooter is the best budget option. It is incredibly affordable and has a simple but effective design. The vehicle is reasonably lightweight, folds down compact, and is narrow enough to use inside buildings.
It includes a variety of safety features, including automatic braking and anti-tip wheels behind the rear tires. The scooter can also only reach 4mph (6.4kmph), so it is suitable for beginners and people without driving confidence.
You can adjust the height of the tiller, but it isn’t enough for tall people. They will have to lean down, which could cause pain and postural problems in the long-term.
It has a removable battery pack for easy charging. However, the battery life is limited and will only allow you to travel 9 miles (14.4km) on a single charge. Therefore, it isn’t a viable option for long day trips.
We recommend this mobility scooter for: people looking for a lightweight and compact vehicle at an affordable price.
Best Long-Distance Folding Mobility Scooter: Triaxe Sport Foldable Electric Mobility Scooter
Pros
Cons
The Triaxe Sport Foldable Electric Mobility Scooter is the best long-distance choice. It combines speed and endurance with a battery that can handle up to 12mph (19.3kmph) for 35 miles (56.3km).
You can stop the scooter quickly with its rear brakes and a simple parking brake. Unlike other models, it has manual brakes, so it isn’t the best option for complete beginners.
It is relatively lightweight at just 55 pounds (24.9kg). Despite this, it can support heavier bodies of 350 pounds (158.8kg), significantly more than that the standard. You can also fold the scooter down for when you need to transport it.
It has a 3-wheel design, which allows it to drive around tight corners and access smaller spaces. However, this design does reduce the stability when compared to a 4-wheel scooter. Because it has a narrow seat, you will need to have a decent amount of balance.
We recommend this mobility scooter for: people who drive long distances on their scooter.
Best Self-Folding Mobility Scooter: EV Rider Transport Folding Mobility Scooter
Pros
Cons
The EV Rider Transport Folding Mobility Scooter is the best self-folding option. It includes a remote with a button that you press for folding or unfolding the vehicle in just moments. This feature makes it an excellent choice for people who lack the strength to do it themselves.
It has FAA approval and is lightweight enough to take onto a plane. You can also store it in your car trunk if needed.
When driving, the scooter is stable and can handle different terrains. It also uses an actuator lock to safeguard against the folding mechanism during use. This way, there is no chance that you can accidentally set it off and injure yourself while driving.
The main downside of this scooter model is its battery life. It can only drive for 10 miles (16.1km) at a time, so it isn’t suitable for long trips. Also, the adjustable tiller can only move a few inches. Therefore, it may not be ideal for very tall people.
We recommend this mobility scooter for: people looking for ultimate convenience.
Best Pride Medical Folding Mobility Scooter: Pride Go-Go S19
Pros
Cons
The Pride Go-Go S19 is the best Pride Medical Folding Mobility Scooter. It has a sturdy but foldable design that allows you to drive safely and store the scooter with ease. It also has reflective surfaces to keep you safe if you travel at night.
It has a decent battery life and can handle up to 13 miles (20.9km) of driving. It also has a low maximum speed of 4mph (6.4kmph), making it suitable for beginners and indoor use. All of the safety features combine to reduce your chances of crashing or falling off the scooter.
The scooter has an extended warranty for all of its parts and also sports a contemporary aesthetic. While style isn’t the most crucial factor of a mobility scooter, it certainly doesn’t hurt.
The main downside of this folding mobility scooter is the weight. It weighs in at 51 pounds (23.1kg) without the battery. Therefore, you should remove the battery before lifting the scooter. Otherwise, it may be too much for even two people to handle.
We recommend this mobility scooter for: people who prioritize distance and safety.
Best Ultra-Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter: iLiving i3 Foldable Electric Mobility Scooter
Pros
Cons
The iLiving i3 Foldable Electric Mobility Scooter is the best ultra-lightweight option. Including the battery, it weighs in at just 53 pounds (24kg). You can fold the scooter into a compact shape and transport it with the handle and wheels like a suitcase. Therefore, it is one of the best options for air travel.
It can run continuously for 14 miles (22.5km) and allows you to use two batteries simultaneously. You can disconnect these units to charge them separately and optimize the run time.
The scooter has an overall durable design that can handle indoor and outdoor environments. You can adjust the driving speed to your comfort level and even charge your phone with an included USB port.
This mobility scooter is one of the most expensive options on the market. However, we consider it good value for the sheer amount of features that it includes. If you want to invest in the long-term, it could be a great choice.
We recommend this mobility scooter for: people looking for comfort and safety with a lightweight frame.
Best Stable Folding Mobility Scooter: Lexis Light Foldable Mobility Scooter
Pros
Cons
The Lexis Light Foldable Mobility Scooter is the best stable option. It uses a four-point design to stabilize the seat even on sloped surfaces. It also has four wheels and stays grounded on bumpy terrains.
You can fold the vehicle down into a single piece that weighs 62 pounds (28.1kg). This weight can be limiting, and you will need two people to safely lift the scooter.
It includes a high-torque motor that can go up hills with little effort. Despite its four wheels, it resembles a 3-wheel scooter in appearance. This design feature allows it to maneuver around corners and fit in smaller spaces.
The main drawback of this scooter is that the design is pretty basic. It lacks some of the sophistication and extra features of other models. That being said, it has plenty of storage space and is a reliable scooter at a fair price.
We recommend this mobility scooter for: people looking for stability and security.
Buyer’s Guide: Tips for Finding the Best Folding Mobility Scooter
What Is a Folding Mobility Scooter?
A mobility scooter is a one-person electric vehicle that allows you to drive inside and on some outdoor terrains. It has a seat, accelerator, brakes, and handlebars to steer the vehicle. This scooter usually has three or four wheels.
It is a kind of mobility aid that allows people to get around without walking. As long as you can stand up and get down from the vehicle, turn your head to survey your surroundings, and operate the handles, you can use the scooter.
Folding mobility scooters are a portable variety of mobility aid. They allow you to collapse the vehicle through the middle and store it flat. This design is useful if you need to transport it in a car, bus, or plane.
Folding mobility scooters may also include sophisticated features like a removable battery or a delta tiller. The latter part is a curved handlebar design that is more gentle on the hands.
In general, folding mobility scooters can support up to 250 pounds (113.4kg) of weight. Their maximum speed and battery life depend entirely on the brand and model. They also tend to be more lightweight than other models to increase their portability.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Folding Mobility Scooter?
There are a few advantages to using a folding mobility scooter:
There are also possible disadvantages to using this mobility aid:
What to Look for in a Folding Mobility Scooter?
When choosing a folding mobility scooter, there are a few factors to consider:
Golden Technologies Buzzaround Overview
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Golden Technologies Buzzaround is the overall best folding mobility scooter. We like its portable design, adjustable features, and excellent battery life.
Mobility scooters can be useful if you find it difficult to walk. They can allow you to perform tasks independently, socialize, and increase your self-esteem. However, be careful to still maintain physical activity, or you can hurt your health in the long-run.
When selecting a folding mobility scooter, pay attention to the folding mechanism and the overall weight. You should also opt for a durable and stable model that is comfortable to drive.
Overall, folding mobility scooters allow you to transport and store your vehicle with ease. They’re straightforward and can make your life easier. So, what are you waiting for?
Sources:
4 Things Your Mobility Scooter Must Have
The 9 Best Folding Mobility Scooter To Buy In 2021
Effect of Motorized Scooters on Quality of Life and Cardiovascular Risk
