The Ultimate Guide To Buying a Mobility Scooter
Investing in a mobility scooter is a fantastic way to maintain your independence and freedom as your mobility changes. With the overwhelming amount of options available on the market and showrooms scattered across the UK, it makes you think about what to look for when buying a mobility scooter. If this is your first time buying a mobility scooter, then you’re in the right place! Peruse our mobility scooter buyers guide and discover the perfect model to suit your lifestyle.
Types of Mobility Scooters
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What To Look For When Buying a Mobility Scooter
Before heading into that showroom, or commencing online shopping, you need to have a number of requirements in your head to ensure that you purchase the perfect mobility scooter to suit your needs. Here are a few to get you started…
Battery Range
Depending on what you’ll be using your scooter for, you’ll want to factor in the battery range and how far it can travel on one charge. Some of the larger scooters have ranges of up to 40 miles per charge, whereas the smaller models may only reach 20 miles. It’s important to consider the distances you’ll cover, and how often you’ll need to recharge your scooter!
Weight & Portability
If you find yourself on the go all the time and need to travel with your mobility scooter, then considering the product's weight and portability will be crucial when selecting the right model for you. You may opt for an ultra-lightweight model or one that folds down at the press of a button and is towed away in the boot of your car.
Ease of Use
As with any major purchase, particularly first-time purchases, it’s essential to choose a product that is easy and comfortable to operate, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable experience every time. Things you might want to look out for include manoeuvrability, the complexity of its LCD (if it has one), whether it has adjustable settings or a swivel seat, or any other features that will impact your use of the scooter.
Indoor/Outdoor Capabilities
Depending on what you’ll use the mobility scooter for, you will need to look into the indoor/outdoor capabilities. So this could refer to whether the LCD is waterproof or not, the type of tyres installed (pneumatic tyres or solid tyres), the speed limitations and scooter class.
Storage Space
Before you consider investing in your first mobility scooter, you need to ensure that you have storage space to tuck it away in between uses. You don’t want to trip over it or have it become a focal decoration in your dining room! Secure outdoor locations such as a garage or mobility scooter storage shed are great options.
This only touches on a few of the key elements to consider when buying a mobility scooter, with that being said, the only person who will know if the scooter is right for them or not, is you. There is a mobility scooter out there that meets each and every one of your requirements! You want to make sure it’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle, and really boosts your independence and quality of life.
Try Before You Buy
After hours, days, or even weeks of extensive research, the time has come to select the mobility scooter that is made for you, but how can you do that without sitting in the driver's seat and giving it a whirl? Well, many mobility scooter providers will offer a ‘try before you buy’ or demo service, where you can either visit the showroom in question or have them come to your home with the scooter to test, helping you to finalise your decision and provide you with the reassurance that you need.
Frequently Asked Questions When Buying a Mobility Scooter
Yes, many scooters are versatile enough for both. Smaller, compact scooters are great for indoor use due to their tighter turning circle. Larger scooters are better suited for outdoor use, especially on uneven terrain. Some models are designed specifically for dual-use, offering the best of both worlds.
Each mobility scooter has a different weight capacity, typically ranging from 20st for smaller, more compact models, to 28st for heavy-duty models. Always check the product specifications when buying a mobility scooter!
Some scooters are designed to be lightweight and foldable, making them easy to transport in a car or on public transport. Others, especially larger models, may require a vehicle with a ramp or lift. If portability is a priority, look for compact or travel-friendly designs.
In most places, you don’t need a licence to drive a mobility scooter, but insurance is recommended. While it’s not always legally required, having coverage for theft, damage, or liability can provide peace of mind, especially if you use the scooter frequently.
The range of a mobility scooter depends on the model and battery capacity. On average, scooters can travel between 10 and 40 miles on a full charge. When choosing a scooter, consider how far you plan to travel regularly and check the manufacturer’s specifications for battery life.
Getting Started with Seacroft Mobility
As helpful as an online guide can be, nothing quite beats talking to an expert when you’re thinking about buying a mobility scooter. That’s where Seacroft Mobility comes in! Now that you have a few key features in mind and some requirements that need to be met, it’s time to compare the nitty gritty of models and arrange a demo to see which scooter fits your lifestyle best. If you have any questions about buying a mobility scooter or need some guidance on where to start, call our friendly team on
01754 882327 or email us at enquiries@seacroftmobility.com, let’s find the perfect fit for you!