Mobility Scooters Near Me (2023): How to Get the Best Deal When You Buy a Scooter Locally

By jwilder

Thinking about getting a mobility scooter? You aren’t alone – many seniors love them, for the way they make seniors more social, more active, and generally more independent.

Most seniors purchase their scooters from online outlets such as Amazon, but others prefer shopping locally. If you’re wondering “How can I find a mobility scooter near me?” read our guide to buying mobility scooters in your area – and learn how to buy in-person and get a great deal!

Mobility Scooter Stores Near Me

Costco is the only national chain store that sells mobility scooters in person. Because these products are so big, bulky, and seldom purchased, it doesn’t make sense for most big-box stores to carry them. If you have a Costco Membership, though, you’re in luck!

If you don’t have a membership or there is no Costco near you, you aren’t out of options yet. There are still many local stores that sell mobility scooters, even though you’ll have to do a little digging to find them.

Our best advice is to call your doctor’s office or healthcare provider and have them point you in the right direction. Medical providers keep large directories of suppliers and medical stores, and they’ll know where the best local store is. Plus, they can even help you find a supplier that accepts Medicare and Medicaid!

Used Mobility Scooters for Sale Near Me

Craigslist

It’s been around since 1999, and it’s long been a great place to find used items within driving distance. There is a local Craigslist site in more than 700 cities, so you know you’re never outside the range of craigslist shopping.

Many people, when they are done using valuable-yet-bulky items and appliances like mobility scooters, will place them on Craigslist. If you’re looking for a great deal, checking Craigslist once or twice a day can yield great results! There are no guarantees you’ll find something good, but a little bit of diligence in checking for fresh listings can go a long way!

Online Newspaper Classifieds

Your city or town’s newspaper likely has a classified section that is worth browsing, especially if there are a lot of seniors in your area. Just like Craigslist, there is no guarantee that you’ll find a good mobility scooter on a newspaper classified section – but if you do, you’re going to save a lot of money!

Facebook Marketplace

Because so many people already sold used items to their friends and neighbors through their Facebook profiles, Facebook created Facebook Marketplace, which launched in 2016 to compete with Craigslist and other local selling sites.

Buying on Facebook Marketplace has a few added benefits:

• It’s the largest online “flea market/garage sale” for finding used items locally
• Sellers use their own profiles, which means there is a lowered risk for scams
• You can message, inquire, and barter with sellers directly in the Facebook app or website, making the entire shopping experience intuitive and simple.

Mobility Scooter Parts Near Me

If you want to find parts for your mobility scooter locally, you may want to pare down your expectations a bit. There are relatively few places to find parts for your mobility scooter in your area – potentially none.

The best place to find parts for your scooter is at the same store you bought it from: Costco, a local medical supply store, or a mobility store. Odds are, though, that they’ll only have a few parts in stock and will have to order the part you’re looking for. There simply aren’t enough scooter users in most places for a store to keep a large inventory of parts on hand, but they’re always happy to order them for you!

Tips on Buying a Mobility Scooter Locally

What to Look For?

• Compare With Online Prices: Sometimes, you’ll get the same price for a mobility scooter in person as you would online. Often, though, there will be a markup at the dealership. If you’re okay with spending a little bit more to get your scooter today, though, it’s not too big a deal. Just make sure to compare prices before you buy to ensure you get a good deal!
• Dimensions and Weight Capacity: If you are too heavy for your scooter, it will drive slow and the motor will burn out quickly. If you are too tall for your scooter, your knees will be constantly knocking into the steering column. Always make sure that the scooter you buy fits your body!
• Speed and Range: Depending on how you plan to use your scooter, these stats are either massively important or completely irrelevant. If you want to use your scooter to get around the neighborhood and replace your car (as many seniors do), you’ll want the fastest, highest-range scooter possible. If you’re just using it to get down the street or around a store, however, you can save a lot of money by getting a slower, less powerful mobility scooter.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

• Always Test Used Scooters: If you’re buying used, don’t show the seller a single $20 bill until you’ve tested the scooter. If the battery, motor, or wheels are weak, you need to know before you spend a dime!
• Extended Warranties and Service Packages: These aren’t an outright scam, but they’re hardly ever worth the added expense. The included manufacturer warranty is often more than enough to cover any issues with your scooter, and the extended warranty the dealer tries to sell you usually does nothing but pad their pocket. Think carefully before buying an extended warranty – they’re sometimes a good idea, but usually aren’t!

Mobility Scooters Wanted for Cash Near Me

Want to sell your scooter for cash? You need to know where to offer it! Local pawn shops, powersports stores (ones that sell ATVs and other vehicles), and medical supply stores may be interested.

If you do go that route, though, don’t expect to get as much money as you would selling it to another senior. It’s a bit like selling your car to the dealer vs selling it privately – private sales take more effort but net you more cash!

Selling your scooter privately (through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a newspaper classified) often means you’re going to end up with the most cash for your efforts. Research prices for your scooter, cut the price by about 30-50% depending on your scooter’s condition, and let the offers roll in!

Conclusion

Getting a mobility scooter in your area is nowhere near as easy as shopping online, but it’s still worth it for seniors who want to test before they buy. If you want to buy or sell a mobility scooter locally, you’ll have a few headaches to deal with and hoops to jump through, like limited selection and higher prices. Still, though, getting a high-quality mobility scooter that improves your quality of life is worth it no matter what!

Have you purchased a mobility scooter in person before? Have any questions or tips to share? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

Related articles…

Used Mobility Scooters (2022): Where to Buy & How to Get the Best Deal

Fastest Mobility Scooter on the Market: World’s Fastest Mobility Scooter Revealed (+ 9 Runners-Up)

Best Mobility Scooter Brands (2022): Our 6 Recommended Brands + Top Models

I Want to Sell My Mobility Scooter: Where Can I Sell My Mobility Scooter for Cash?

Pride Legend Mobility Scooter Review (2022): Excellent Battery & Suspension

How to Make a Mobility Scooter Go Faster: The Only Guide You Need