10 Things You Should Consider Before Choosing a Mobility Scooter

Whether this is your first or fifth, choosing a mobility scooter is a big decision. And, there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the perfect mobility scooter. With so many options and variations on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. That’s why we have put together this list of our top tips for choosing a mobility scooter, so keep reading.

1. Indoor or Outdoor

Where you use your scooter will help you narrow down your options quite a bit. If you are going to be using your mobility scooter strictly outdoors, we recommend 4 wheel scooters due to their increased stability. On the other hand, if you are going to be using your scooter mostly for shopping trips, in your home, or other indoor areas, a 3 wheel scooter might be the better option. This is because removing one of the front wheels gives the scooter a much tighter turning radius, so it can be easier to navigate hallways, bathrooms, and other tight spaces. Additionally, if you are going to be using your scooter mostly indoors, a smaller scooter might be best. While if you are using your scooter mostly outdoors, you might want something larger, with suspension, large wheels, and high ground clearance, like the Baja Wrangler.

2. Size Requirements & Limitations

Size requirements and limitations apply to multiple aspects of your scooter and lifestyle. One of the most important considerations is weight. Scooters often have weight capacities that range from 250 pounds all the way up to a 500 pound capacity. If you are looking for a scooter with a higher weight capacity, check out our list of the top 6 scooters that can carry over 400 pounds. Additionally, the dimensions of the scooter are also important to consider. If you live in an apartment building, a compact 3 wheel scooter may be your best option so it can fit in hallways and in the elevator. If you’re concerned about any tight spaces that you need to regularly drive through, take the measurement of it. All of the scooters on our website list their dimensions, so compare your measurement with the size of the scooter to ensure it will comfortably fit.

3. Transportation

If you want to travel with your scooter, whether it be in your vehicle, or even flying, you’ll need to ensure the scooter is equipt for this. If you are planning to fly with a scooter, it must have lithium-ion batteries, like the EasyFold Scooter and Go Go Endurance Li models. On the other hand, if you want to put your scooter in your vehicle so you can take it with you places, then disassembling or folding scooters might be a good option. Or, there is always the option of getting a vehicle lift installed.

4. Seating & Comfort Features

If you are going to spend a prolonged period sitting on your scooter, your level of comfort is essential. When purchasing a scooter, ensure that it is a good brand, with comfortable seating, ergonomic features, and will be roomy enough for your needs. Some smaller scooters may not be best suited for individuals who are super tall, as the tiller could hit your knees. In this case, a wheelchair or a larger scooter may be a better idea. 

5. Accessory Compatibility

Accessories can make using a scooter more enjoyable. Certain brands offer many different accessories, and some offer very few. So, if there is something that you really want, ensure that the scooter you are interested in will be compatible with it. The most popular accessories are canopies, cup holders, phone holders, baskets, cane holders, and bags. 

6. Battery Size

If you want to drive your scooter every day for multiple hours a day, you’ll need to have batteries that can keep up. Generally, the larger the battery, the longer it can go. But, the larger the scooter, the more weight it has to carry, charging methods, maintenance, and driving patterns can all contribute to how long a battery will last. 

7. Aesthetic

Let’s face it, no one wants to use an ugly scooter. Aesthetics can be a deciding factor for a lot of people, especially if you are going to be using it in public on a regular basis. Some scooters come in various colour options or even have interchangeable colour shrouds like the Pride Raptor, shown below with the pink shroud.

8. Stats

The stats that your scooter has will be important as you’ll want to match your specific needs and daily usage. As an example, if you are looking to drive your scooter every day to and from the park to get some fresh air, you’ll want to ensure the scooter has a long enough drive range and speed to do this. There are a number of stats that you should be familiar with so you can know your scooter’s limits.

9. User-Friendly Controls

Being confident and comfortable driving your scooter is a must. Nowadays, most scooters are very easy and intuitive to use. But, it still may be a learning curve if you have never used a piece of mobility equipment before. If you need any help learning how to drive your scooter, YouTube is a great resource to get some helpful tips and tricks.

10. Price

Finally, we have come to price. Price is often the deciding factor when people are between a few different scooters. If you have found the perfect scooter, but it’s outside of your price range, you may not be able to get it as soon as you’d like. However, a lot of scooter companies, including here at Scooter Country, offer financing options.

Final Words

There are a ton of things that you should consider before choosing a mobility scooter. What you value the most, and what other people value will be different, so it’s important to prioritize your wants and needs. If you’re not sure where to start, write down things that you can’t go without as well as a wishlist. Then, try to find a scooter that meets these requirements, while staying within your budget. If you need any help doing this, please give us a call and we are happy to make recommendations. Not to mention we offer free shipping across Canada and no tax!