When your ability to move is limited it is important to have an easy and cost-effective way to get around. Mobility scooters can solve this challenge and give you back a zest-filled life. But knowing where to start when it comes to choosing a mobility scooter can be confusing. Armed with the right information, it is possible to find a great and empowering mobility scooter that will make getting around much easier.
What Are Mobility Scooters?
A mobility scooter is basically a motorized wheelchair that runs on a battery. Alternate names for them include buggy, motor scooter and gopher. They can navigate up inclines and down declines and around twisty paths and roads and are controlled by the person sitting in them through the handlebars. The driver can use their thumbs to drive the scooter and generally scooters also have three and often four wheels, making them more stable than your standard wheelchair.¹
Main Things To Consider If You Are Looking For A Mobility Scooter
No matter the reason that you need or want a mobility scooter—from arthritis to a physical disability—there are a few essentials to think about before you go shopping. There are many different models of mobility scooter available, from the more basic starting at around $1,000 to the more advanced, all-the-extras options which come at higher prices.
Note that it is vital to first speak with your doctor to get his or her advice about your specific needs and eligibility for a mobility scooter. Some may have disabilities which make it difficult to drive a mobility scooter.²
Here is a list of five great mobility scooters on the market ranging from the entry-level to the more advanced.
1. Drive Medical Zoome Flex Mobility Scooter
Starting at around $2,000, this four-wheel mobility scooter is one of the best on the market. It gets around 4 miles per hour and has a fold-up option so it is convenient to transport. You can get up to 13 miles on one battery as well, so you won’t be constantly recharging. This is a good entry-level scooter.³
2. Buzzaround EX Extreme Long Range Mobility Scooter
This is an excellent mobility scooter that will run you about $1,650. Produced by Golden Technologies, the Buzzaround EX gets up to 5 miles per hour and is extremely dependable and durable with a battery range of 18 miles before recharge is required. Bright LED headlights make sure you stay safe when it is dusky and it can be packed up and put in the trunk of most standard sized trunks.⁴
3. Drive Medical’s Scout Spitfire
This three-wheel mobility scooter costs around $749 and is roomy for your legs and handles well. It is very comfortable and easy to steer with a top speed of just over four miles per hour. Its battery can last for up to 9 hours before needing a recharge. It also includes a convenient basket to carry everything you need.⁵
4. Pride Go-Go Ultra X 3-Wheel
The Pride Go-Go Ultra X 3-Wheel is a lightweight, smooth-handling three-wheel scooter that weighs under 100 pounds and is perfect for use in close distances with a 6.9-mile capacity before requiring a recharge. It has a top speed of up to 4 miles per hour. This scooter sells at around $829 and includes repairs for a year.⁶
5. E-Wheels EW-36
The E-Wheels EW-36 is a high-powered, three-wheeled mobility scooter. Its battery lasts a whopping 45 hours and it can go at speeds of 18 miles an hour. While it offers significantly faster speeds than most, this can lead to a higher risk of accidents, so it is important to be very careful. The price starts at about $2,099.⁷
More To Think About Before You Buy Your Mobility Scooter
Before buying your mobility scooter it is important to determine if you have full or partial coverage from your insurance. Secondly, you are well-advised to determine if the battery life of the scooter you are considering fits your needs. Thirdly, it is a good idea to ensure that the scooter you are looking at has ample baskets and carry areas for your things such as groceries while you motor around and lastly, it is key to check it can support your weight. Most scooters support up to 300 pounds but it is important to check weight limitations first.
Thanks to the competitive market for mobility scooters, it’s highly likely that some fantastic deals can be found. Dealers will often offer excellent financing plans, discounts and special offers. Searching online is a great way to start evaluating options and find an excellent offer.
[1] https://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/mobility/scooters/
[2] https://assistedlivingtoday.com/blog/best-mobility-scooters/
[3] https://www.envyride.com/zoome-flex-review/
[4] https://ridewithease.com/golden-buzzaround-mobility-scooter-review/
[5] https://www.envyride.com/drive-medical-scout-review/
[6] https://scooterstudy.com/pride-mobility-scooter-reviews-2020/
[7] https://www.myproscooter.com/ew-36-electric-mobility-scooter/