Mobility Scooters Buying Guide

Weight capacity

When choosing a mobility scooter, it's important to take into account the weight capacity of the scooter as this plays a crucial role in its stability, performance, and safety. Firstly, ensure that the scooter you choose has a weight capacity that can accommodate your weight and any additional weight you may carry, such as a backpack or shopping bags. A scooter with a weight capacity that exceeds your weight may be unstable and difficult to manoeuvre, whereas a scooter with a weight capacity that is too low may struggle to carry you and may not have the power to move you over rough or steep terrain. Overloading a mobility scooter beyond its weight capacity can put stress on its components and increase the risk of accidents or breakdowns, so make sure to check the weight capacity and choose one that meets your needs. If you're unsure, you can speak with a Back Care Online team member for personalised advice and recommendations.

Battery range and charging time

The battery range of a mobility scooter refers to the maximum distance it can travel on a single charge, and it can vary greatly depending on the scooter model and your driving style. If you plan to use your scooter for longer trips or for daily use, it's important to choose a scooter with a longer battery range. On the other hand, if you only plan to use your scooter for short trips, a shorter battery range may be sufficient.

The charging time of a mobility scooter is also an important factor to consider. Some scooters can take several hours to charge fully, while others may have a quick-charge function that allows you to charge the battery in a shorter amount of time. If you plan to use your scooter frequently, it's important to choose a scooter with a quick-charge function or a battery that can be easily swapped out. You can also discuss with a team member from Back Care Online for personalised advice and recommendations..

Turning Radius and Manoeuvrability

The turning radius of a mobility scooter refers to the smallest circle it can make when making a turn, and it can vary greatly depending on the scooter model. A smaller turning radius makes it easier to navigate your scooter in tight spaces, such as narrow hallways or crowded shopping aisles. If you plan to use your scooter in crowded or tight spaces, it's important to choose a scooter with a small turning radius.

Manoeuvrability refers to how easily you can steer and control your mobility scooter, and it can also vary greatly depending on the scooter model. A scooter with good manoeuvrability will be easy to steer and control, even in tight spaces or rough terrain. If you plan to use your scooter in a variety of different environments, it's important to choose a scooter with good manoeuvrability. The size of a scooter will also impact its ability to have a small turning radius.

Portability & Ease of Disassembling

Portability and ease of disassembling your mobility scooter are important factors to consider, as they determine how easily you can transport your scooter and store it when not in use.

Portability refers to how easily you can transport your mobility scooter, and it can vary greatly depending on the scooter model. Some scooters are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport in a car or on public transportation. Other scooters may be heavier and more difficult to transport. If you plan to use your scooter in a variety of different environments or travel with it frequently, it's important to choose a scooter that is portable and easy to transport.

Ease of disassembling refers to how easily you can break down your mobility scooter into smaller pieces for storage. Some scooters are designed to be easily disassembled into smaller, lighter components, making them easy to store in a closet or under a bed when not in use. Other scooters may be more difficult to disassemble and may take up more storage space. If you have limited storage space or need to store your scooter frequently, it's important to choose a scooter that is easy to disassemble and store. Back Care Online has many scooter options which can take this need into account. Speak to a team member today to find out more about the Folding and Travel Mobility Scooters that we have available.

Stability and Comfort

Stability refers to the scooter's stability on the ground and how well it can handle rough terrain or uneven surfaces. A stable scooter will help you feel secure and prevent falls or accidents. Consider factors such as the scooter's wheels, suspension, and overall design when evaluating stability.

Comfort is also an important factor to consider when choosing a mobility scooter. You will be spending a lot of time on the scooter, so it is essential to choose one that is comfortable to sit on and use. Look for features such as adjustable seats, padded armrests, and adequate legroom to ensure you are comfortable during use. Additionally, consider the scooter's design, such as its weight distribution and centre of gravity, to prevent strain and discomfort while riding. A Mid-Large Mobility Scooter will provide a more stable drive as it has more weight and larger tyres to move through different terrains. Back Care Online has a number of scooters that are equipped with this. A friendly team member will be able to assist you with any queries you may have about the stability and comfort of the different scooter models we have available.

Price and Additional Features

Price is an important factor to consider, as mobility scooters can range in cost from a few thousand to several thousand dollars. It's important to choose a scooter that fits within your budget, but also to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Cheaper scooters may not have as many features or be as durable as more expensive models, so it's important to consider the total cost of ownership, including any maintenance or replacement costs, when choosing a scooter.

Additional features are another important factor to consider when choosing a mobility scooter. Some scooters may come with features such as adjustable seats, lights, baskets, or cup holders, which can make your scooter more functional and convenient to use. Other scooters may have more advanced features such as advanced suspension, high-performance motors, or larger/dual batteries for longer range. When shopping for a mobility scooter, make sure to consider the features you need and choose a scooter that meets your needs and budget.