Trying to choose among the many mobility scooters on the market today can be a daunting task. Probably the best way to go about this is to look at the various features they offer and the associated benefits. Cost is no doubt a major consideration for many people. Similar to cars the smaller and lighter scooters are the least expensive and as a general rule three wheel scooters are about 10% cheaper than their four wheel cousins.
A good starting point is to determine if you need an all-purpose scooter that can be used indoors and outdoors, an agile indoor scooter, or a more heavy-duty outdoor scooter. A lightweight, preferably three wheel travel scooter is ideal for indoor use as they are more agile due to their lower turning radius - think compact car. The Pride Go Go Elite Scooter is an example of a popular travel scooter. You should keep in mind though that these scooters usually have a lower weight capacity of say 250-275lbs.
For those more interested in using their mobility scooter outside you want to look at things such as ground clearance, stability and battery range. For stability always go for a four wheel model. The greater the ground clearance the better. The Pride Legend Scooter offers a 3.5″ clearance and a respectable 25 mile range on one battery charge. It should be noted that the per charge battery range as based on a average weight of around 200lbs. Heavier riders will experiance less range.
Finally there are people who wish to use their scooter both indoors and outdoors. Basically an all purpose scooter is needed. A compromise must be made unless perhaps two scooters is in the budget. You need to be able to make sure you can navigate around your home but also feel safe when venturing outside. Two of the more popular all purpose scooters are the Victory Mobility Scooter.
Take the time to think about these factors the next time you’re in the market for a medical mobility scooter.