Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter For You

Look no further than our three Midland Mobility Showrooms. While our website is informative, there’s nothing like trying out a scooter for yourself. With our extensive range of scooters available, you’ll be sure to find the perfect match for your needs. Plus, we offer home demonstrations so you can try out a scooter in the comfort of your own local area. Covering South Birmingham and Worcestershire.

Things to consider when selecting a mobility scooter

Critical factors to consider when purchasing a mobility scooter include your frequency of use, intended distance of travel, and any assistance you might need. Our experts offer impartial advice on products and assessments to help you make the best decision, experience the difference in one of our leading Midland Mobility Scooter Showrooms. Below are key points to keep in mind, but if you require further assistance, feel free to speak with a member of our team.

Types of mobility scooter, usage and environment

The mobility scooter has transformed the lives of many, restoring their independence and freedom. Choosing the right scooter is more than just about the colour. This guide provides essential information and knowledge to help you make an informed and well-suited decision on which mobility scooter best fits your needs and circumstances. Make your life easier with the right mobility scooter choice.

About travel mobility scooters

Limited to flat pavements, paved pathways, and shopping centres, small boot scooters have a restricted range but offer the ultimate in portability and transportation. Most travel and portable scooters now come with lithium batteries as standard and combined with aluminium frames this makes them incredibly lightweight and portable. Travel scooters can be limited by the terrain such as soft ground and bumpy surfaces can also cause issues for their small wheels so it’s important to check the clearance and tyre size on the scooter as this will affect its ability to manage obstacles and terrain.

The eFOLDi Lite travel scooter is a very good example of a travel scooter that weights only 15kg yet allows the user to enjoy grass and solid dirt paths with relative ease. Its revolutionary design makes it one of the lightest, most compact folding travel-scooters on the market. And with no complex assembly required, it ensures that you can be up and running in mere seconds. Ideal for those who need a dependable and portable form of transport.

Class 2 mobility scooters

If you’re looking for a pavement scooter that can go anywhere, look no further than a Class 2 scooter. These scooters are classified as Class 2 vehicles, meaning they can be used on all pavements and footpaths. Plus, you can even use pedestrian crossings to get across the road. However, it’s important to note that you can’t travel along the road unless there isn’t a pavement. One of the benefits of a Class 2 scooter over a larger Class 3 scooter is its size. Class 2 mobility scooters are usually considered ‘portable’ because they can be easily dismantled for transportation.

So , if you’re looking for a convenient and versatile option, a Class 2 scooter may be just what you need. There is an industry trend emerging towards aluminium and lithium travel mobility scooters that are robust enough to cope with pavements and a bit of terrain but are lightweight aluminium in design can also break down into the boot of car for travel. The Airium from Motion Healthcare is an excellent example of this emerging trend. This incredible scooter features a lightweight lithium-ion battery that outperforms and outlasts other scooters on the market.

Class 3 mobility scooters

When it comes to Class 3 vehicles, there are some important things to keep in mind. These vehicles can reach speeds of up to 8mph, but it’s crucial to have a way to limit that speed to 4mph when travelling on the pavement with your scooter. This is usually achieved through a simple switch that enables travel at the safer, slower speed. Compared to Class 2 scooters, Class 3 scooters offer some significant advantages. They tend to have a larger range and offer the user both comfort and stability on rougher terrain.

The Vita E from TGA is a next level all terrain scooter that offers light handing and big all terrain tyres and suspension. It’s important to note that a Class 3 scooter is not legally classified as a motor vehicle, it’s not subject to road tax or required to have an MOT. That’s one less thing to worry about when you’re out and about on your 8mph road mobility scooter.

Should I choose a lithium battery?

The weight of lithium-ion batteries is undeniably one of their most significant advantages. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are incredibly lightweight, enabling you to effortlessly carry them around and recharge them. However, that’s not the only benefit, these batteries have a longer lifespan and charge more quickly than their counterparts, making them an excellent choice. Class 3 8mph lithium mobility scooters are now starting to come through and will be available in 2023.

When coupled with the fact that they are a more eco-friendly alternative, lithium-ion batteries are a clear winner in the power storage game but lead acid is still the prominent choice in the larger mobility scooters. Over time this will change but it is always worth thinking about the initial upfront investment that is required when purchasing a lithium powered mobility scooter for travel.

For the past few years Lithium has only been available on the lighter folding scooters but is now coming through on the larger pavement scooters such as the Vantage Lithium from One Rehab. The Vantage is the perfect choice for an outdoor mobility scooter. The scooter itself weighs in at just 6kg with two 34ah Lithium batteries providing an incredibly weight efficient design. Full suspension ensures a smooth ride, while easy assembly and disassembly make this scooter thoroughly transportable.

Think about your mobility requirements

Choosing the right scooter can be crucial to meeting your mobility needs. It’s important to take into account any specific requirements you may have, such as back problems, and weigh them against the features of the scooter. For instance, suspension may be an important consideration if you’re someone who experiences discomfort.

Another essential factor to keep in mind is your weight. This will determine the maximum weight capacity of the scooter, making it crucial to choose a scooter that can support your weight. Always consider these critical factors when selecting a scooter to make sure it meets your needs and provides a comfortable, safe ride.

Consider your journey

When choosing a scooter, it’s essential to consider your driving environment. Are there many kerbs to navigate? If so, look for a scooter with a reasonable ride height to tackle them effortlessly. Living in a hilly area such as Malvern or Clent hills? Be aware of how it can affect both speed and range but also larger scooters will cope with rougher terrain easier and allow you travel safely to your destination.

Manufacturers typically specify the maximum incline a scooter can handle at maximum user weight and this type of information needs to be carefully thought through before making a purchasing decision. Urban environments such as Central Birmingham can be suited to a number of different types of mobility scooter and it is important to try out scooters first as the options are far and wide.

Transportation and storage

One critical factor to consider when choosing a mobility scooter is the ease of storage and transport. If you plan to travel with your scooter by car, it’s vital to choose a model that can fit in your boot without hassle. Opting for a folding or boot scooter can help to save space when not in use and make it easier to store and transport with you. Boot scooters can be taken apart to fit into the car boot, while folding scooters come with an automatic folding mechanism for maximum compactness.

Keep in mind that the right scooter choice will depend on your needs, but ensuring convenient storage and transport is crucial for a smooth and straightforward experience. In both instances the battery can be removed and charged separately which offers the user convenience and the opportunity for the mobility scooter to be stored in the boot of a car. Larger scooters will require larger storage solutions ideally such as a garage or a shed. However, storage covers can be a useful option for both temporary and longer-term storage