People with disabilities go through problems related to their walking and running. That is the reason why they chose to use a mobility aid such as a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters help people with mobility issues to maintain their active lifestyle in a safe and stress-free manner. There are many types of mobility aids depending on the needs of their users. What are the different types of mobility scooters?
The different mobility scooters are as follows: Travel or Portable, for more compact and easy to carry scooters, Full-sized, larger capacity and size, 4-Wheeled, for more stable and secure scooter and 3-wheel, for crowded places.
Types of Mobility Scooters
There are different mobility scooters so that people with mobility issues can find the fit and adaptable scooter for their mobility needs.
Travel or Portable Mobility Scooter: For users who want to bring their scooter as part of their trip. Its seats are more compact and small compared to other types. It can be disassembled or folded for more comfortable carrying.
Full-sized Mobility Scooter: This type is for users who like to travel outdoors. It can accommodate large riders and weight.
4-Wheeled Mobility Scooter: The four wheels of this type of scooter provide more reliable security when traveling on uneven pavements or inclines. It is also for users who want to use their scooter outdoors often. It is more stable and has a wide turning radius.
3-Wheel Mobility Scooter: An ideal option for users who use their scooter indoors more often due to its smaller turning radius. Due to its turning radius size, it can quickly move in doorways and around corners.
Compactness and better maneuverability are often why some users prefer mobility scooters to wheelchairs and even powered/electrical ones.
Here is a play-by-play comparison of the types of mobility scooters:
| Type of Scooter | Range Per Charge | Capacity | Maximum Speed | Mobility Scooter Total Weight | Turning Radius | Folds/Disassembles? |
| Portable/Travel Mobility Scooter | 13 miles | 300 lb | 4 mph | 55 lb | 47.2” | Folding (Automatic) |
| Medium-sized Mobility Scooter | 12 miles | 220 lb | 4 mph | 53 lb | 62.2” | Folding |
| Full-sized Mobility Scooter | 20-30 miles | 300 – 500 lb | 5 mph | 53.7 lb | 74” | Disassembles |
| All-Terrain Mobility Scooters/Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters | 43 miles | 353 lb | 15 mph | 251 lb | 55” | Does not Disassembles |
| 3-Wheel and 4-Wheel Scooters | 12-15 miles | 250 -300 lb | 12- 15 mph | 62 – 86 lb | 53” | Folding |
Choosing a mobility scooter
Choosing a mobility scooter can be a daunting process. Take it from me. It took me a couple of tries before finally finding the right scooter. However, think of it this way: mobility scooters are investments you can make and enjoy for years. It is best for you to do your research ahead and not settle for less.
Tips on Choosing a Mobility Scooter
1. The primary place to be used with the mobility scooter – If the mobility scooter is primarily for indoor usage, you may want to choose a three-wheel mobility scooter for its smaller turning radius. If the mobility scooter is for outdoor use, a four-wheel mobility scooter is better since its design is for traveling over bumps and rough terrain.
2. Fit — The actual best way to find the mobility scooter best fit for your needs is to find a local dealer and let their experts do the work. But if you want to do it yourself, you have to measure the seat height and make sure you can sit comfortably on the mobility scooter. The next thing you should do is check the listed weight capacity of the mobility scooter to ensure that it can adequately sustain and support your weight and the items you plan to carry if you decide to use it for groceries or travel.
3. Controls — Can you operate a standard tiller? To perform a standard T-shaped tiller, you must be capable of holding onto it with both hands and have the manual dexterity to control speed and other options such as turn signals. Most mobility scooters require pressure to move forward and backward.
4. Seating — A comfortable seat, with adequate padding, of a full-sized three- or four-wheel mobility scooter may be the right choice for you if you choose to spend most of your day using the mobility scooter. A portable/travel mobility scooter is more compact; therefore, the seat has less padding.
5. Portability and storage — Choosing a mobility scooter requires paying attention to factors like how often you would use the mobility scooter. Also, pay attention to the most decadent piece’s weight and make sure you can lift it and store it easily. If you choose portability over maneuverability, then the travel mobility scooter is for you. If you choose the latter, a 3- or 4-wheel mobility scooter is for you.
Benefits of Owning a Mobility Scooter
If you’ve been looking for help to get around while avoiding pain altogether, here are some benefits of owning a mobility scooter:
Allowed on public transport
The ability of mobility scooters to be taken on public transportation, even on trips, is a significant benefit of owning one. After getting one, you may find trips enjoyable while not worrying about the pain and fatigue to come.
Make daily activities more comfortable and more efficient
Whether due to age or illness, it can cause mobility deficiency, it can make daily activities much harder. Either you need to forgo them entirely or get help from others to do things like your shopping, getting to appointments, or meeting up with friends. Illness or old age can slow your mobility. It is a known fact that daily activities can be much harder to accomplish if you are unable to work. You need to do them yourself or ask assistance from other people, but at times, people are not available. A mobility scooter allows you to do daily tasks easier and more efficiently, without any assistance needed.
No need for a license or registration
Mobility scooters are applicable in pedestrian areas. However, they are not like vehicles; therefore, they do not need to be registered. You also do not need a license to operate them. However, what is essential is that you are physically able to handle a mobility scooter.
Easy to take in public
The public has slowly opened to the possibility of improving accessibility to the disabled or older people. With that, it has become relatively more straightforward for mobility scooter users to visit public spaces and centers, just like everyone else.
Wide range of features and models
There is a wide range of mobility scooters available for everyone to use, from small folding scooters used to get around home and get groceries through to heavy-duty mobility scooters that can navigate steep hills and travel distances. Everyone is different and has different preferences. Therefore, the wide range of features and types of mobility scooters is a definite benefit.
Easy to use
The design of mobility scooters has drastically improved over time. They have become much more comfortable to use and far easier to operate. But it would help if you still had the confidence to control and stop, especially in the event of something unexpected. But most people get the hang of it quickly.
Conclusion
Mobility scooters vary in shape, size, capability, adaptability measures. To find the right scooter to cater to your every need, you must follow and consider the factors mentioned above to help and provide what is best suited for you.
There are a lot of mobility scooter types, since not all people are the same. Each person is different and has different needs.
Along with your responsibilities as a mobility scooter owner, it is also your responsibility to see that outside forces like the environment, people around you, to name a few, are on tiptop shape and are appropriate and can go along with your choice of mobility scooter.
The welfare of other people is also in your hands, along with responsibilities. As an expert in the use of mobility scooters for many years, I suggest that you do thorough research first before settling on a particular mobility scooter. It can save your life. Believe me.
