Find The Best Mobility Scooter Of The Year
Advancing technology radically changes the world we inhabit in so many different ways that it can be a bit of a challenge to keep pace with all of the advancements that are occurring. Sometimes, however, technology affects a smaller group of people in a much more meaningful way, such as those with disabilities.
Living with a disability requires a sort of inner fortitude that many people can’t grasp, but it is all too real for those with problems that they have to surmount in day-to-day life. Thankfully, there are many products out there to make life more manageable for people with any form of health issue.
Today, we are going to be looking at one of those very products which were designed to improve the quality of life of the disabled. We’ll be going over five options you have available when it comes to choosing the best mobility scooter out there. We understand that five options seem like a lot, but there is a reason for it.
We have chosen to present the five best portable mobility scooter reviews since it allows us to review a broader range of products to our readers. When it comes to something like a mobility scooter, customer needs tend to be entirely personal, and it benefits you to have a broad variety of mobility scooters to consider.
Of course, you may also be wondering why it’s important to put so much effort into ensuring that you’re getting the best mobility scooter for travel. As you can expect, mobility scooters tend to be rather pricey products, and they aren’t exactly easy to return if you get the wrong one, so you’ll want to be sure of your purchase.
Beyond simple buyer’s remorse, there are some unique features that you may wish to find in your particular mobility scooter that may not seem all that important to another buyer. Putting careful thought into your new mobility scooter makes it much more likely that you will be satisfied with it.
It is for this reason that this guide won’t end when our mobility scooter reviews end. For those of our readers who are interested, we will move on to some features to look for in your new mobility scooter. This final section will be geared towards first-time buyers who want to be sure that they’re getting the best portable mobility scooter for their needs.
In the end, it’s entirely up to you how you go about reading this guide. Perhaps you are a new customer who wants to go over the essential features before the reviews. On the other hand, there may only be a single product of interest to you. Without any further delay, let’s get started on our search for the best mobility scooter.
|
Product Name |
Our Rating |
|---|---|
| Best Mobility Scooter – 4 Wheel | |
| Drive Medical Scout 4-Wheel Compact Travel Power Scooter | |
| Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX Extreme Travel Scooter | |
| Best Mobility Scooter – 3 Wheel | |
| Drive Medical Scout 3-Wheel Compact Travel Power Scooter | |
| Pride Go-Go Ultra X 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter | |
| Best Foldable Mobility Scooter | |
| EV Rider Transport Plus Folding Mobility Scooter | |
Best Mobility Scooter – 4 Wheel
Winner – Drive Medical Scout 4-Wheel Compact Travel Power Scooter
Specifications:
If you want the best mobility scooter on four wheels, nothing will be able to compete with the Scout Compact from Drive Medical. This mobility scooter combines a wide range of helpful features with a reasonable price point, and we find that this is the model that all other scooters should aspire to.
First off, this scooter is easy to put together when it comes out of the box, eliminating the need for a complicated assembly process. Afterward, the model is also easy to take down into its base components so that it can be loaded up into a vehicle for transport and then put back together in no time.
source: drivemedical.com
When it comes to driving this scooter, you won’t have to worry about control issues due to the delta-shaped steering column that means you won’t have to reach far to steer. You can even drive this mobility scooter on off-road terrain if needed, thanks to the impressive tires that are used on it.
Keep in mind that this model from Drive Medical is also very comfortable, making it much more accommodating for those who need to use their mobility scooter more often than not. The seat is fully adjustable, and it even swivels. Overall, we were highly impressed by this mobility scooter.
Runner Up – Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX Extreme Travel Scooter
Specifications:
Up next in our search for the best mobility scooter on four wheels, we’ll be taking a look at a well-known product from Golden Technologies: the Buzzaround EX Extreme. This mobility scooter is reputed to be one of the longest-ranged and most reliable models on the market, and it has certainly impressed us.
The range of 18 miles means that you can take this mobility scooter places that you can’t go with other models. Of course, it takes a little longer to charge than products with shorter ranges, but that may be a necessary trade-off if you tend to use your mobility scooter to travel around often.
source: goldentech.com
This model also offers over four inches of ground clearance, meaning that you won’t get bogged down in obstacles too quickly, and you may even be able to do some light off-roading with it. Comfort is where this model truly shines as it offers more foot room than many other full-size scooters.
You may be wondering why this product isn’t our winner if it seems to be such an excellent mobility scooter. To put it simply, this is an expensive product, retailing for around 1500 dollars, which is more than twice as much as you may sometimes pay for the Scout from Drive Medical.
Best Mobility Scooter – 3 Wheel
Winner – Drive Medical Scout 3-Wheel Compact Travel Power Scooter
Specifications:
When it comes to the best mobility scooter on three wheels, you may be shocked to learn that Drive Medical’s Scout model comes in as the winner again. This innovative design has the benefit of being more affordable than many other comparable models, bringing a whole new level of accessibility to these products.
Being a 3-wheeled mobility scooter, you will find that this model is more apt for use indoors than the 4-wheeled version of the Scout. Of course, it still features all of the provisions that make the 4-wheeled model suitable for use in the outdoors like the rugged no-flat tires and the higher ground clearance.
source: vitalitymedical.com
This product is also more comfortable than many competing mobility scooters since it features a seat and armrests that can be adjusted. The seat also has the benefit of swiveling, and it even features a back that you can fold down for more room, though the armrests do not also fold out of the way.
We would argue that one of the most impressive aspects of this mobility scooter is the price point coupled with the reliability. It is not often that you find a mobility scooter for under 700 dollars that you can trust to last as long as a product that is worth twice as much money.
Runner Up – Pride Go-Go Ultra X 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter
Specifications:
If you are in the market for a more affordable mobility scooter, then the Pride Go-Go Ultra X may be the right model for you. While this product does not come included with too many bells and whistles, it is designed to offer a reliable, comfortable ride at much lower price point than many other scooters.
While the additional features may be a little sparse, you will find that there are still some amenities, and this product certainly does not compromise performance. You can still travel at a brisk 4 mph on this mobility scooter, so you can get where you need to go in a timely manner.
source: pridemobility.com
The range of this scooter leaves something to be desired for use outdoors, though the 7-mile battery capacity should be more than enough for primarily indoor use. Where this product shines is in the brilliant disassembly system that makes it possible to take apart with one hand.
All you have to do is unhinge a latch, and you will be able to take this model down into several lightweight pieces that can easily be transported wherever you need to go. While this product may not be flashy, it is still meant to be convenient and user-friendly, not to mention cheap, coming in at only 830 dollars.
Best Foldable Mobility Scooter
Winner – EV Rider Transport Plus Folding Mobility Scooter
Specifications:
Folding mobility scooters are an excellent choice for those who are always on the go and may need to get off of their scooter and lug it around from time to time, and the Transport Plus is ideal. This model features a unique design that makes it much easier to fold up without compromising performance.
This mobility scooter can travel anywhere between 10 to 15 miles on a single charge, depending on the age of the battery, which is more impressive than many full-size models. Keep in mind that this product is also capable of reaching speeds of up to 4 mph.
source: wendyswalkers.com
You won’t have to worry about the Transport Plus being borderline uncontrollable, like many other folding mobility scooters thanks to the implementation of an articulated front end. In addition to making it easier to navigate tight areas, this articulated part helps improve your ride stability.
The four-pole 270-watt motor is included to ensure that you don’t have issues with slight inclines and other small obstacles, and it provides a reasonable amount of power for such a light model. Keep in mind that this is a pricier mobility scooter, and it will cost you around 1500 dollars.
On What To Pay Attention When Buying Your Mobility Scooter
Capacity
Capacity can mean a few different things when it comes to finding the best travel mobility scooter, and they are all rather crucial. First off, the most vital consideration to make when you are purchasing your new mobility scooter is to account for the model’s max weight capacity.
Buying a mobility scooter without knowing the weight capacity is a recipe for disaster. In the best case, you’ll realize that your scooter can’t support you before using it and you’ll have to return it. In the worst case, you may end up using your mobility scooter and have it fail on you, potentially injuring you.
Be sure to get a mobility scooter that is comfortably within your weight capacity to ensure that you won’t face any issues related to it. Of course, capacity can refer to more than just the maximum amount of weight that can be safely exerted on your mobility scooter, as it will also apply to the amount of room you have in and on it.
If you plan on using your mobility scooter relatively often (and we imagine that most users will), you’ll want to ensure that you can stock it up with everything that you need. The best outdoor mobility scooter models will feature baskets or even small compartments where you can keep assorted items.
Your Disability Level
Of course, not every mobility scooter will be ideally suited for every customer because everyone has varying degrees of disability. For example, if you just need a bit of help getting from place to place, you can opt for a simpler mobility scooter model that doesn’t come equipped with all of the extras.
On the other hand, if you have a more severe disability, you may have to opt for a mobility scooter that is capable of supporting you and tending to some of your needs. In the end, the type of mobility scooter that you decide to purchase will depend on the features you need for support and the budget you have available.
Mobility scooters which are designed for use by those with more serious disabilities tend to be more expensive than some of the other options, but they may also end up covered by your insurance. This is something which is handled on a case-by-case basis, so we would recommend checking with your provider.
Battery Capacity
Another thing that you need to consider when looking for the best mobility scooter for outdoors is the amount of life in the battery. Of course, not all mobility scooters are powered by batteries, and some older models still use gasoline engines, but they have mostly fallen out of favor.
If you are hoping to go any reasonable distance on your mobility scooter, you will want your battery to have a capacity that is higher than average. You will also have to balance this with your budget, however, as high-capacity batteries tend to be rather pricey, especially ones that recharge quickly.
Other than how long your battery lasts and how much time it takes you to recharge it fully, there is one more thing that you need to consider. The number of cycles that a battery can go through (how many times it can be discharged and recharged) will also influence your purchase to a significant degree.
Type Of Mobility Scooter
There are many different kinds of mobility scooters, from the best mobility scooter for off road to the best folding mobility scooter. As you would guess, the former type of mobility scooter is more suitable for customers who live in areas that aren’t fully developed, as a city scooter won’t cut it in such an environment.
Folding scooters, on the other hand, are an excellent option for those who want to bring their mobility scooter with them wherever they go. A model that can fold up will be easier to pack away into your vehicle, so you may not need to invest in a minivan to transport your mobility scooter long distances.
There is no single best mobility scooter type, as it will depend on entirely on what you want out of your product. Since every user has different needs, the wide variety of scooters is one that you will have to consider yourself. In the end, you will just want to ensure that you get a quality product.
Control Box Or Speed Dial
This part of the mobility scooter is essentially what controls everything. Your control panel and speed dial play the role of the pedals and the steering wheel in a car, so they are your interface with the scooter. As you can imagine, this is one of the most integral parts of your mobility scooter.
A quality control box can make it much easier for you to maneuver your mobility scooter between obstacles without having to worry about a flick of the wrist sending you careening into a wall. Many different types of controls are featured on mobility scooters, so you will need to find a set that works for you.
The speed dial that is featured on your mobility scooter is not as critical as the steering setup, but you will still want something that is ergonomic and relatively simple to use. A poor quality speed dial may be oversensitive, which can make it a challenge for you to get the perfect speed setting.
Does It Have Lights And Mirrors?
While these features may not be included on the best lightweight mobility scooter, they will be integral to a model that is meant to be used outdoors. Let’s start off with why you’ll need lights. Even if you plan on using your scooter during the day, you should opt for lights to easily navigate darker areas like tunnels.
Mirrors can help you maintain your situational awareness while you are operating your mobility scooter, reducing the possibility of an accident that could injure you or someone else. If you are driving indoors, mirrors can be a bit of a hindrance, so folding mirrors may be a good choice.
The Best Mobility Scooters for Air Travel
Air travel can be a pain even for the most agile person, but it can especially be hard for an individual who has a hard time getting around because of physical impairments. If you do have difficulty getting around on your own two feet, finding the best mobility scooters for air travel is going to be a ‘must do’ before you think about flying off on an airplane!
You may be wondering where to even start or what to even think about looking for when searching for the best mobility scooters for air travel. Luckily for you we’ve got those necessities all figured out and ready to share with you!
THE LIGHTWEIGHT/COMPACT OPTION
[amazon box=”B079SMBL4W”]The Travel Pro Premium 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter by Pride is an excellent option when you are searching for the best mobility scooters for air travel. Airports are very fast paced environments. People are on the go and oftentimes racing for the next checkpoint in order to make their flight on time. Your assigned gate arrival or departure area could change at the drop of the hat which means that you may find yourself blazing across the airport to get to the new area you are assigned to. If you’re relying on a mobility scooter to get you around the airport, you are going to want one that is very fast and lightweight. The three wheel styling of this scooter allows you to maneuver in and around tight places with ease. Most airports are busy places crowded with lots of people traveling. Moving around an airport in a mobility scooter may seem like an intimidating task when you think about all the extra personal space you are going to take up versus the typically smaller amount of space people are taking up with just their bodies. The Travel Pro Premium 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter possesses the ability to make quick sharp turns all with a smooth drive experience. This scooter can be disassembled with ease into five manageable and lightweight pieces. This mobility scooter reaches a top speed of 4 mph and can hold up to 275 pounds It really is a great choice for travel because of it’s compact nature. This ease of storage will not only be functionally effective, but it will give you peace of mind when it comes to thinking of the potential hassle of getting a large piece of equipment checked and stowed away so that you can make a smooth transition to physically getting inside the plane.
THE MID-RANGE SIZE w/ INCREASED DRIVE TIME OPTION
[amazon box=”B0184RQ5XQ”]The Drive Medical Spitfire Scout 4 Wheel Travel Power Scooter is another great option if you’re searching for the best mobility scooters for air travel. Not only is a fast and quick scooter going to be your best bet when it comes to searching for the best mobility scooters for air travel,but it is also important for your scooter to possess the ability to go for long ranges on one battery charge. The Drive Medical Spitfire Scout has an extended 15 mile range battery. You may find yourself without access or without time to charge your scooter while traveling through an airport. Or you may simply be traveling in a large airport. The extended 15 mile range battery will really come in handy while traveling all over the airport without adding the additional worry of needing to be able to repeatedly charge your batteries in addition to all the other normal pressures that come with air travel! This scooter has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and is able to go up to 4.25 mph. Since this scooter has four wheels it offers you a little more stability and confidence in control than other three wheel scooters. You should be able to carry yourself and your carry on luggage and transition from inside to outside terrain with ease while riding on this sturdy scooter! The best mobility scooters for air travel should be ones that can easily go from handling inside terrain to outside terrain. You might not think that it is incredibly important for a your travel mobility scooter to be able to do this since you plan on being mostly inside an airport, but there is also going to be a significant amount of time that you spend traveling in parking lots and possibly on an outside tarmac. You don’t want to have to worry about your mobility scooter not being able to transition well from on type of terrain to another, because you will inevitably have plenty of other travel worries on your mind!
THE FULL SIZE SCOOTER OPTION
[amazon box=”B01LDJ7N7E”]The BUZZAROUND EX Extreme 4-Wheel is a heavy duty long range travel scooter that offers the conveniences of a compact scooter but gives you all the bells and whistles of a full size scooter. This scooter is a great option when you’re searching for the best mobility scooters for air travel. It is portable and easily disassembled, It has a maximum operating range of up to 18 miles which is a major plus when traveling through large airports! The BUZZAROUND EX Extreme has a weight capacity of up to 330 pounds. It can also definitely smoothly transition from an inside terrain to an outside terrain. This will come in handy when riding your mobility scooter through parking lots or on tarmacs. Some other extras that come with investing in a full size scooter are things like a LED headlight and taillight along with a comfort spring transition along with 9″ tires that will all work together to make your ride time incredibly smooth! The frame is heavy duty but lightweight allowing it to be easily transported and disassembled during air travel.
So there you have three great options when it comes to searching for the best mobility scooters for air travel. It’s important to remember to invest in quality and seek out the style and size that will best fit your needs. There are some common themes that you are going to want no matter which option you choose: a long battery life and ease of mobility which each of these three options possess!
Best Lightweight Mobility Scooter and Best Folding Mobility Scooter
[amazon box=”B00VWHRJQS”]When travelling, it goes without saying you want a mobility scooter that not only folds and is lightweight, but is durable and reliable as well. Travel can be a challenge for someone with limited mobility if the unit is too heavy or bulky and lacks the option to make it more compact in size.
For that reason, we have selected the Solax Transformer Folding Electric Mobility Scooter as our top-performing unit. For starters, the unit is lightweight clocking in at only 55 pounds. It also has a remote folding option that allows you to simply and safely prep the scooter for quick and reliable transportation be on a flight, car, or any other form of travel. It also is run by a lithium battery that is 100% compliant for full air travel. This makes it easy to just cruise up to the airport gate, then fold and hand off to to the airlines’ team for cargo storage. The unit itself rides smoothly and comfortably and in no way feels like a cheap or less useful type of mobility scooter. The best part is after repeated uses it holds it durability and is not something you have to worry about breaking down in an awkward spot or locale. For all of these reasons, the Solax Transformer Folding Electric Mobility Scooter is the superior choice when it comes to the best lightweight mobility scooter and the best folding mobility scooter.
Additionally, because of the lightweight, folding option, this also makes it the best mobility scooter for cars, since you can simply pack it up and carry easily in any type of automobile. Could it get any better than that?
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many different types of mobility scooter to choose from, and we have only scratched the surface of the best models on the market. We hope that you have been able to find a product that can perform everything that you need out of your mobility scooter. Good luck finding the best mobility scooter!
Resources:NZMATAndFOnline
