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Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters can be a better choice than powerchairs for someone who doesn’t need to use such an 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.
The essentials on choice of mobility scooters
You need good upper body strength and reasonable balance to manage a scooter, otherwise a powered wheelchair might be more suitable.
Don’t forget that you will also need somewhere waterproof to store it – near a power source for charging the battery. If you live in an apartment, you won’t be able to store your scooter in the communal hall area without a suitable fire-retardant housing, because of the risk of fire.
You can click here to go straight to more information on:
Electric mobility scooter components and features
or you can download a PDF with all the information – Choosing a scooter (PDF file will open in a new browser window)
Three wheels or four? Or maybe five!
Mobility scooters cover the range from very light and nimble three wheelers, some of which can be folded up and dismantled for easy transport in the boot of a car, to sturdy road-going or all-terrain four wheelers that will take you on considerable journeys.
The three wheel scooter shown on the left folds itself up via a remote control, so that it is ready to be transported in one piece.
In between is a wide range of models with various features, for use both inside and out.
Three wheelers are good for manoeuvrability; they have a smaller turning circle. They can provide a more ergonomic seating position, particularly for taller users, as they give you a bit more legroom.
Four wheeled scooters give you good stability. The wheelbase is larger and sturdier, with even weight distribution.
One of the newer developments in the market, the five wheeled mobility scooter shown at the top of the page combines the stability of a four wheeler with the manoeuvrability and ergonomic seating position of a three wheeler.
For adventurous travellers, an all-terrain mobility scooter such as the one shown on the right, 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!
Choosing from the range of mobility scooters
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 mobility scooter suits you (and your home environment) before buying.
Many Disabled Living Centres around the country have a range of scooters that you can try, and some of the 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.
Help choosing the right scooter for you.
Types of Mobility Scooter
• Class 2 mobility scooters
can travel up to 4 mph and are only allowed on pavements apart from crossing the road to get to the other side.
• Class 3 mobility scooters
can travel up to 8 mph and are allowed on to the roads. This means that they tend to be larger than Class 2 scooters.
The user doesn’t need a licence to drive one on the road but, all the same, they must respect the highway code.
Class 3 scooters need to be fitted with lights, indicators, a horn, a rear view mirror and rear reflectors.
Although they do not need to carry numberplates and no road tax is payable, they should be registered with DVLA (external link to Government website will open in a new browser window).
If you buy a second hand mobility scooter, registration is a bit tricky, as it uses the same form as for registering a motor vehicle…
However, there is an explanatory leaflet which you can download here (pdf file will open in a new browser window)
And note that there is no registration fee to pay.
When you buy new, the supplier should help you with the necessary information.
Mobility scooters – components and features
Base plate – general information
The base plate is basically the body of the scooter and is made of steel, aluminium or a composite frame. It supports the feet and batteries. Depending on size, ground clearance and turning circle the base plate determines whether the scooter is for indoor or outdoor use.
The comfort and safety of the user are largely dictated by the design of the base plate. You need to make sure that the user can reach and use the controls while being comfortable. Some designs can be adjusted so as to be extended for longer legs. This extension will also mean a larger turning circle.
You need to try a scooter before buying it in order to determine its stability. Some scooters have modular base plates which allow them to be converted from a three to four wheeled model, or from indoor to outdoor use.
Tiller – general information
The tiller is the control centre for the scooter – steering mechanism and drive controls. As well as the standard options for the tiller there are other control possibilities such as thumb levers, loop handles and joysticks.
Thumb levers are very common and will allow one thumb to go forwards and one to go backwards. They are touch sensitive which means that the pressure you apply will govern your speed. This kind of control requires quite a lot of dexterity.
Some manufacturers will design a tiller and adjust to the user’s needs for easier control and extra comfort.
Tiller steering for long periods can be quite tiring – which is why it is important to make sure that the seating position is optimised to give good access to the controls without straining.
Anybody with reduced upper body strength and/or poor balance might consider a powered wheelchair instead.
Tyres – pneumatic, solid, tread
• Pneumatic tyres can puncture and need regular pressure checks but they are smoother and more comfortable for the user than solid wheels.
• Solid tyres do not need maintenance like pneumatic tyres and might also give better manoeuvrability on certain surfaces.
• Deep tread tyres give better grip and stability on kerbs, slopes and other difficult terrains.
Wheels – size, quantity, drive
Scooter wheels are usually 6, 8 or 10 inches in diameter. The scooter’s ability to overcome obstacles depends on the size of the wheels. They can be all of the same size or larger at the back.
Quite often front wheel drive scooters for indoor use will have smaller wheels. The scooter will be more stable and able to climb kerbs more easily.
The number of wheels is an important consideration – four wheeled scooters have more stability than three wheelers for turning and tackling kerbs, but are not as manoeuvrable.
Five-wheeled scooters are a fairly recent development, combining the balance and ergonomic benefits of a four wheeled scooter with the manoeuvrability of a three wheeler. The fifth wheel is at the front; a larger wheel between two smaller ones.
Outdoor mobility scooters tend to be rear wheel drive, which provides more power and better grip on slippery ground. This is because the user’s weight is directly above the wheels.
You can have a free-wheel facility which allows the scooter to be pushed manually in case of emergency. However, this is very difficult as the scooter is heavy.
Seat – general information
The seats are usually moulded plastic or contoured padding, with lift-up armrests. It is important to make sure that the scooter seat gives enough support, so that the user is not constantly having to adjust their balance. Also to ensure that the seat is not too narrow, so that it causes discomfort, nor too wide, so that the user does not feel properly secure. The added bulk of coats or jackets must be taken into consideration, if the scooter is for outdoor use.
To improve comfort some seats are height adjustable, to provide a better seating position. There are also designs with a powered, elevating seat to enable the user to reach higher areas. However, with these models, when the user is elevated their feet will not be in contact with any support and so they will not be as stable. This position also increases pressure on the thighs, and therefore should not be used for too long.
It is a good idea to check if the scooter seat can be rotated (90° – 360°) and if so whether this can be done by the user while sitting on it – this could make it much easier to get on and off.
Forward and/or backward adjusting seats are also useful, so that the user can reach the controls easily and comfortably.
Finally on particular models, it is possible to remove the entire seat in order to facilitate transportation.
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Further reading and resources
We have other resources relevant to mobility scooters. Find out whether they are legally vehicles here
20 Replies to “Mobility Scooters”
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With chronic fatigue which can also affect arms, would a mobility scooter or wheelchair be best? I can only walk very short distances. I haven’t been able to go out with family for 3 years, have no medical advice on this and am a bit concerned that a mobility scooter might tire my arms holding onto the handles for long, but I’d feel a bit silly self-prescribing myself a wheelchair? (I’d like to be able to move myself around rather than relying on family as they have their own, different, needs.)
Hello Liz
I see that you posted this comment a while ago, so you may well already have received some advice. If you haven’t, I think you are right to be concerned about the mobility scooter. You do need good upper body strength to use a scooter, and if you become quickly fatigued, this might be a problem. A power chair is less taxing, as you just rest your arms on the armrests and use a joystick to control it. We have information about power chairs here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/il-editorials/powered-wheelchairs/
Best wishes, Frances
How do I get a permit for the buses . type 2
Hello Vincent, it’s best if you phone the bus companies in your area directly and ask about their requirements.
Best wishes,
Liane
I live on the 6 floor of an apartment and not allowed to park in stairwell or use lift with a mobility scooter so charging is a problem can battery be removed to charge indoors
Hello Elizabeth
Before you buy a scooter, check that the battery can be removed for charging. Many can. Also think about how you are going to get the battery upstairs to your apartment – it may be quite heavy.
Best wishes,
Frances
The idea of a mobility scooter with a top speed of 8MPH on a public highway is a recipe for disaster. Imagine a two lane road with an articulated lorry at 8MPH being forced to a crawl because oncoming traffic makes overtaking impossible.
Solution is a 20MPH minimum speed limit to keep the menaces off the road.
and holding traffic up. Any reason why I only use the pavement.
I’m looking for a boot scooter for my husband. I have read that they cannot be used in the rain. If we are having a day out & it starts to rain would the scooter breakdown or warranty be invalid.
Hello Jan
Yes, it is generally advised that scooters and rain don’t go together – which is rather tricky to accomplish in Britain! It’s best to be prepared for the weather, with a waterproof cape which protects both the rider and the machine. You can also get small covers just to go over the control panel, as this is particularly vulnerable to water damage. Some models of scooter can be equipped with a canopy to keep out the weather.
I don’t know what the situation would be over warranty protection – it’s difficult to imagine that you could have a clause forbidding scooter use in the rain, when it is such a feature of daily life. Probably best to check before you buy, what is expected of you as the owner/user.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
Hi Frances, thank you for the great read, I’m considering a mobility scooter now, but as I have hidden disability, I don’t want to look like someone on mobility aid tho, was considering vespa from velobike tho, since it doesn’t look like one, but I am a bit unsure about making purchase, because it doesn’t look like a mobility scooter so I don’t know if I can register this with dvla? I mean they say it can be registered but I would appreaciate another opinion before making a buy…
Hello Thomas
I have taken a look at the mobility scooter you are considering, and I don’t think you need to have concerns about registering it with the DVLA as such. The suppliers describe it as a mobility scooter and it has the appropriate speed limit for you to use it in Britain. They will most likely do the initial registration if you buy from them, in any case.
I can’t see anything wrong with choosing a mobility aid that you like the look of! Though you should “try before you buy” if possible, to make sure it meets your needs.
Best wishes,
Frances
Anyone know where i can get the velo zt15 insured thanks most only do 4 and 8 this can do 15 as well
Hello Mike
I think you will struggle with this, as 15 mph mobility scooters shouldn’t be used on roads in the UK. The rules are different in Europe, where you are able to travel at the higher speed. I suggest you ask the supplier to suggest insurers who will cover you.
There will clearly be other people in a similar situation, so if you find an insurer please could you let us know here!
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi I am wanting to get a scooter on motability so I am able to get out and about the problem I’m having is finding one that is a 100cm or less in length. They’re all just over that length – do they allow a bit of leeway on buses? I’m getting really stressed out about it, it doesn’t help that the catalogue and website for motability is useless because you can’t get any of those scooters from the dealer’s (I’m in Sheffield) so I’m seriously confused with that sorry for my rant.
Hello Ann
I understand your frustration – no need to apologise!
I think it’s probably best if you phone the bus companies in your area directly and ask for their requirements.
In South Yorkshire, Arriva, First South Yorkshire and Stagecoach have all signed up to the Scooter permit scheme: they offer simple, free assessments and issue permits. Call these numbers for more details:
First – 07971 343594
Stagecoach – 0845 266 6606
Compact scooters. The Drive DeVilbiss ST1 is 100cm long – you can read about it here https://www.manageathome.co.uk/pd/st1-scooter_12018 and there is an auto-folding model which is even more compact https://www.manageathome.co.uk/pd/auto-folding-scooter_13536 (external links will open in a new browser window)
There may be others, but you are right, it isn’t easy to track them down, which is why it might be better to get guidance from the bus companies first!
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes
Frances
I have a large ‘easy rider’ type scooter from Eden Mobility and I want a rain canopy/cover for using in all weathers. can you suggest any for me please?
Hi Christine
I know that Horizon Mobility make a good all-weather cab. You can see more about it on this page:
https://www.independentliving.co.uk/product/horizon-weather-cab/
You can contact them directly to find out about fitting your particular scooter – phone 01684 275626 or email gb@horizonmobility.com
Best wishes,
Frances
Which lightweight & automatically collapsible wheelchair would you recommend? I have to be able to take it on flight. Thank you.
Hello Helen
There are several lightweight folding wheelchairs to choose from. Two good examples are: Karma Mobility’s i-Lite https://www.independentliving.co.uk/product-focus/karma-i-lite-wheelchair/ and the Expedition Plus from Drive DeVilbiss https://www.independentliving.co.uk/product/drive-expedition-plus-transit-chair/
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes,
Frances