By Maurice
The purchase of a heavy-duty mobility scooter is a wise investment in your continued mobility and independence. This review will help you sort through the benefits and “what to look for” features in our top 3 picks of the best heavy-duty mobility scooters, along with 3 runners-up, to make your purchasing decision an easy one!
What is a Heavy Duty Mobility Scooter?
A heavy-duty mobility scooter is for users who desire mobility but are unable to walk for extended periods, whether indoors or more commonly, outdoors. Unlike a rollator walker, mobility scooters allow users to sit comfortably and ride, eliminating the need for a lot of walking.
Some of the reasons for needing a heavy-duty mobility scooter may be due to age, weight, injuries, or medical conditions. These scooters are ideal for anyone experiencing serious mobility restrictions, yet desire to get out and about on their own.
While heavy-duty mobility scooters are certainly larger than rollators, they also offer a lot of stability and today’s models are designed to be portable.
Aside from the huge benefit of maintaining your independence, some other overall benefits of a heavy-duty mobility scooter include:
While considering the best heavy-duty mobility scooters for review, we took into careful consideration factors such as performance, features and user-friendliness.
Best Heavy Duty Mobility Scooter (Overall)
Features:
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase the Pride Mobility Revo 2.0?
This model is for users with limited leg mobility. It gives you extra wide and comfortable seating, plus the extra room to get on and off the scooter with ease. This model is best for flat, even outdoor terrain.
It easily breaks down into five pieces when disassembled. The 3-wheel model allows you greater flexibility and mobility in smaller, tighter spaces, making it perfect for long-distance travel and trips.
This model is not for users who spend a great deal of extended time outdoors traveling on uneven, steep or rough terrain.
Best Folding Heavy Duty Mobility Scooter
Features:
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase the Drive Medical ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter?
This model is for anyone looking for a lightweight, easy to handle and transport mobility scooter. It maneuvers well in light outdoor conditions, but if looking for more serious off-road or difficult terrain, this isn’t your scooter.
Best Heavy Duty Mobility Scooter (Runners-Up)
Buyers’ Guide to Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters
What to Look For in a Heavy-Duty Mobility Scooter
To make the best possible purchasing decision, there are several factors for consideration.
Scooter Usage
One of the most important things to consider before purchasing a mobility scooter is its primary use and how often you will be using it. If you are an active person and go outdoors frequently, a model with larger wheels, preferably pneumatic wheels, that can handle outdoor terrain with greater ease. A 4-wheel model is more stable and durable than a 3-wheel model especially for heavier outdoor use.
User Weight Capacity
Another major consideration is the user weight capacity. Be sure to get your accurate and current weight before purchasing a heavy-duty mobility scooter. If you need a higher weight capacity, look for a bariatric model that can accommodate 400 or 500+ pounds.
Comfort
If you have pain or lack of strength in your hands, look for a model with ergonomic, coated handles and/or grips to reduce strain on your hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders. Consider wider and more heavily padded seats which give plenty of wiggle room. Other comfort features that you might like are padded armrests, backrests, easy to reach and grip controls, and adjustable seats.
Safety
It’s wise to purchase models with LED lights, safety belts, swivel-feature tillers for accurate steering and control and a high-quality scooter that’s built to last. Check out the safety features and if your model meets FDA safety approvals.
Battery Life
Mobility scooter batteries vary in the types of batteries used to fully charge the unit. Consider how far you’ll be able to travel with a fully charged battery, if you need a back-up battery, if you can charge the battery on- or off-board, and the weight of the batteries once installed into the scooter.
Ease of transport
Some mobility scooters are still quite heavy even when broken down into four or five pieces for transport. Be sure you can handle lifting, packing, unpacking, and folding the scooter by yourself. Those with upper body strength limitations should watch the weights of the entire scooter in addition to disassembly weights of the scooter pieces.
Budget
Heavy-duty mobility scooters are considerably more expensive than rollator walkers or more lightweight scooters. Heavy-duty models are built to last, perform better in outdoor terrain and are larger in size.
While all of these are positives, you pay more for the heavy-duty mobility scooters and any additional add-ons like bigger seats or more storage. Check the prices carefully so you can match your needs with your budget.
Tips for Finding the Best Heavy Duty Mobility Scooter for Your Needs
Sources:
Askinglot. “What is a Good Turning Radius for a Mobility Scooter.” Last updated May 1, 2020.
