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Mobility Scooter Types (and How to Know Which Type is Best for You)

By Maurice

Mobility Scooter Types

Mobility scooters are made to assist people having difficulty moving around. Whether they’re immobile because of illness, surgery, injury, or any other reason, people use mobility scooters to move around with ease despite their conditions.

There are many different kinds of mobility scooters, and you’ll learn more about them (and how to choose your own) in this article.

Let’s get right into it!

Types of Mobility Scooters

There are several kinds of these scooters, all of them made to be comfortable and convenient. Here are the main types you’ll be able to choose from:

Three-Wheel Mobility Scooters

First on the list is the three-wheel mobility scooter, which is made for easy use indoors. They are typically easy to maneuver. These are the most commonly-found mobility scooters because of their ease of use.

Four-Wheel Mobility Scooters

Four-wheel mobility scooters are best-suited to being used outside and are made to deal with the outdoor environment. These scooters are very stable and won’t risk tipping over while used outside.

Enclosed Mobility Scooters

Enclosed mobility scooters are like wheelchairs with seats in an enclosure, but better than that description sounds. They are very safe to use and more stable than other mobility scooters. They are also easy to move around and don’t have difficulties with tight spaces and stairs.

Folding Mobility Scooters

Folding mobility scooters can be folded into smaller parts that make them easy to carry around. These scooters are also easier to store because they can fold up so easily.

Lightweight Mobility Scooters

If you are going to be using your mobility scooter often, it is a good idea to invest in a lightweight option. They are easier and more convenient to move around and put away during car travel.

Indoor Mobility Scooters

This type of mobility scooter is made specifically for people who won’t be spending a lot of time outside. They aren’t made to be used outdoors and won’t be very robust or powerful.

All-Terrain Mobility Scooters

If you enjoy an active lifestyle and don’t want that to change just because you need to use a mobility scooter, an all-terrain option is what you want. They can be a bit expensive but are made to be used during vacations and day trips with no hassles.

Outdoor Mobility Scooters

Much like all-terrain mobility scooters, outdoor scooters are ideal for people who want to spend time outside. They have larger batteries and are highly comfortable, making them the best option for long trips.

These scooters can be used on the road as well, but if you’re visiting or staying in the UK, they must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Heavy-duty Mobility Scooters

A heavy-duty mobility scooter will last longer and is designed to endure all kinds of environments. If you or your loved one want to be outside having adventures, you should invest in a heavy-duty scooter.

Portable Mobility Scooters

Most mobility scooters are designed to be portable so they can be used anywhere, but some are more portable than others. If portability is important to you, make sure you find out everything you can about the scooter you plan to buy.

Cheap Mobility Scooters

For the most part, mobility scooters can be a bit expensive, starting at $1000. However, if you shop around, you should find a few affordable options. Just make sure they are durable and well-made.

Travel Mobility Scooters

There are mobility scooters that are airline-approved and are perfect for people who want to travel long distances. They can be quite expensive, though.

Two-Seater Mobility Scooters

These scooters are made for couples who wish to travel together but need mobility scooters. They have dual captain seats and can hold up to 570 pounds in general. Some of them even come with LED lighting and travel up to 37 miles on a fully charged battery.

Compact Mobility Scooters

Compact mobility scooters are designed to save space and are ideal for users who don’t want to struggle with a bulky vehicle. They are typically also lightweight.

Fast Mobility Scooters

Although mobility scooters aren’t made to speed around, some of them can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. Most only travel at 10 miles per hour.

Long-Range Mobility Scooters

If you want a mobility scooter that can travel long distances, you’ll need one with a strong and powerful battery. Some models come with batteries that can travel between 35 and 45 miles on a single charge.

Bariatric Mobility Scooters

These mobility scooters are designed for use by large and heavy users who find it difficult to move around. They are made to handle heavier weights, and some can handle up to 900 pounds. Of course, the bigger the mobility scooter, the higher the price tag.

Gas-Powered Mobility Scooters

If you don’t want a mobility scooter powered by a battery alone, you can invest in a gas-powered option. They typically use a mixture of oil and unleaded petrol.

Beach Mobility Scooters

Using a mobility scooter generally doesn’t include driving on the beach, but there are specifically-designed options made to be used on the sand. They use unique wheels and allow people to spend time on the beach with ease. Most people only rent these mobility scooters, though.

Luxury Mobility Scooters

If you want a mobility scooter with extra comfort and special features, you’ll love luxury mobility scooters. They are made with high-quality materials and also boast more attractive designs.

Vintage Mobility Scooters

Who says you can’t have fun with your mobility scooter? If you have the budget, you can buy a vintage mobility scooter. This is a normal mobility scooter but it is designed to look like a vintage car, such as the Ford Model T.

How to Choose the Best Type of Mobility Scooter for Your Situation

Now that you know more about the kinds of mobility scooters there are, you should know which one is best for you. There are a few other things to keep in mind, though. They are:

Weight

Keep in mind how much you or your loved one weigh, so the mobility scooter will be a comfortable fit. Also, how much the scooter weighs is important if you’re going to move it to and from a car regularly.

Comfort

If you’re going to spend a lot of time driving a mobility scooter, it’s important that you are comfortable while doing so. Look out for models with padded seats.

Power

The power of your mobility scooter will determine how fast it goes, and on which terrain it can be used. Make sure you check the power of your scooter before buying it.

Ease of use

Most mobility scooters are made to be easy to use, but make sure you know how to charge the battery, how the scooter is folded, and other details about the vehicle before you buy it.

Conclusion

There you have it – information about all the different kinds of mobility scooters you can choose from. Keeping in mind your unique situation, you should be able to find the best scooter for you without any difficulty now.

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