Before you buy a mobility scooter, consider the points listed below:
- Consider if you need a road or pavement scooter. 4mph vehicles on the pavement, while 6-8mph vehicles should only travel on the road. Consider insurance and breakdown membership
- Consider how far you want to travel, your weight, local gradients, type of surfaces, kerbs and cold weather can all affect the range of your scooter, so be wary of the range stated in the literature
- Have you decided if you want a 3 or 4 wheeled scooter? 3 wheels might be more manoeuvrable, but 4 wheels feels more stable stable, especially on pavements with camber
- A safe, covered area with level access and power is required for storage and charging, consider how you will achieve this at your home
- Ask how and how often the battery needs to be charged and consider if you are able to do this yourself
- When you try a scooter, it should feel safe, sturdy and comfortable. Try for a minimum of 30 minutes before you buy. Try operating the controls and check they are in a comfortable position for you. Get on and off and check there is enough leg room. If you plan on using the scooter for long distances it will need to be comfortable and durable. Arm support from the armrest is advisable for long distance. For routes with gradient, rough surfaces or grass, good tread in the tyres and some suspension is recommended
- If you want to use a scooter indoors or in public buildings it will need to be compact and manoeuvrable
- Does it have a starter key? If not, then consider how the scooter can be immobilised if left outside at home or when visiting
- For bad weather you might want to consider a cape or cover
- If you need to transport the scooter in a vehicle, you might need to fold or take it apart. Try this before you buy. You might need to consider the vehicle size and may need a ramp or lifting device
- Choose a supplier that is close for when you need their assistance for repairs and service
Prices start from around £1000