Mobility Scooters

A scooter could well be a better choice than a powerchair for someone who doesn't need to use such a mobility aid all the time - if, for example, you need assistance to get to your local shopping centre, but are able to walk around the shops.

You need good upper body strength and reasonable balance to manage a scooter, otherwise a powerchair might be more suitable.

You can click here to go straight to more information on:

Electric scooter components and features

or, you download a PDF with all the information - Choosing a scooter

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One of the latest developments in the mobility scooter market, the five wheeled Quingo (shown right) combines the stability of a four wheeler with the manoeuvrability and ergonomic seating position of a three wheeler.

For adventurous travellers, an all-terrain scooter such as the brilliant pink custom-built Mayan on the left, will take you out in all weather and all types of country. This scooter can be finished in any colour you like, including camouflage for those who want to make their way more discreetly!

Mobility scooters cover the range from very light and manoeuvrable three wheelers, some of which can be folded up and dismantled for easy transport in the boot of a car, to sturdy road-going four wheelers that will take you on considerable journeys. In between is a wide range of models with various features, for use both inside and out.

Some suppliers group their scooters according to power, range and size; as micro (the lightest and least powerful); mini; midi; and maxi (the most powerful, long-range road-going vehicles).

It is important to check that a scooter suits you (and your home environment) before buying. Many Disabled Living Centres around the country have a range of mobility scooters that you can try, and some of the scooter manufacturers/suppliers offer a home demonstration service, so that you can make sure that your choice is right. This is particularly useful if you plan to use your scooter indoors.

You also need to make sure that you have somewhere waterproof to store the scooter - near a power source for charging the battery.

Help choosing the right scooter for you. Click on a highlighted word and the explanation will open in a new browser window.

Components

• Base plate - general information

• Tiller - general information

• Tyres - pneumatic, solid, tread

• Wheels - size, quantity, drive

• Seat - general information

 

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