Looking for that perfect mobility scooter to fit YOUR lifestyle? This guide will show you the different types of mobility scooters available. You will learn which scooters provide better mobility indoors, which work outdoors and much more.
Ask yourself these simple questions before proceeding on to the section below.
- Will you be using the scooter primarily indoors, outdoors or both?
- How much time will you be spending on your scooter?
- What weight capacity will the scooter need to have?
- Will you travel with your scooter? What kind of car do you have?
3 Wheel Mobility Scooters
If you need a scooter to help you maneuver indoors a 3 wheel scooter is probably the option you should consider. 3 wheel scooters work great indoors because they have a smaller turning radius than 4 wheel scooters. The turning radius on 3 wheel scooters varies from scooter to scooter, but is usually between 35 inches and 60 inches. The smaller the turning radius the easier it will be to maneuver indoors. A 3 wheel travel scooter can have as low as a 30 inch turning radius.
There is a negative side to 3 wheel scooters. 3 wheel scooters do not provide the stability that a 4 wheel scooter can. With only one wheel in the front of a 3 wheel scooter, too much leaning to one side or the other could cause the scooter to tip over. This is why 3 wheel scooters are recommended for indoor use, where the ground surface is smooth and less likely to cause the scooter to tip. 3 wheel scooters can certainly be used outside, but carefully consider the terrain you will taking your scooter on before you purchase. If you plan to use your scooter outdoors on a rougher terrain, such as grass and gravel, you should consider a 4 wheel scooter.
4 Wheel Mobility Scooters
A 4 wheel scooter is perfect if you are looking for a faster scooter, able to handle more rugged terrain than a 3 wheel scooter. 4 wheel scooters provide a better outdoor experience than other types of scooters. A fourth wheel on the scooter provides extra stability allowing these scooters to travel on some moderately off road terrain. Full size scooters also tend to get more mileage per charge than travel scooters or folding scooters so they work great for longer trips and places like the store or the mall.
You sure gain a lot by buying a 4 wheel scooter, but you must sacrifice some things as well. A 4 wheel scooter does not have as good a turning radius as a 3 wheel scooter. The turning radius on 4 wheel scooters ranges between 50-80 inches making it more difficult to operate in a house or any small indoor destination.
Some other options available with 4 wheel scooters include upgraded seating, rear view mirrors, upgraded lighting and upgraded batteries.
Travel Mobility Scooters
Travel scooters are the most portable scooters available. These scooters can easily be disassembled into multiple pieces so that they can be lifted without as much effort, with most pieces weighting less than 25 lbs. These pieces can then be stored in the trunk of a car. Taking your scooter to the grocery can be a breeze. If you have a smaller vehicle and plan to travel with your scooter, it is much more realistic to purchase a travel scooter. While not always necessary, scooter lifts can be used with travel scooters to make transport easier.
Travel scooters come in 3 and 4 wheel models, as you may expect. When buying a travel scooter, you will not have to forfeit all the luxuries of a full size scooter. Travel scooters can reach speeds up to 5 mph and still get you up to 20 miles on a single charge! 3 wheel travel scooters are more maneuverable, but 4 wheel travel scooters provide more foot room better stability, especially outdoors.
Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters
All scooter models, including travel and 3 and 4 wheel models, have what are considered heavy duty scooters. Heavy duty scooters are determined by their supporting weight capacity. Typically scooters with weight capacities over 300 lbs. are considered heavy duty models. If you require a higher weight capacity for your scooter and/or a larger seat than the standard size, consider a heavy duty model.
Heavy Duty scooters are typically built to be bit more sturdy since they support a high weight capacity. As a result, heavy duty scooters are great on outdoor terrain.
As you can see there are different types of mobility scooters to choose from. If you are interested in purchasing a scooter like the ones you see here, the best place to start your search is the internet. There are quite a few reputable online portals, such as the Landroverbar, where you can buy mobility scooters with great prices and every model is reviewed so you can make an easy choice.
