Choosing a mobility scooter is not an easy decision. There are so many factors to take in to consideration, depending on your age and lifestyle, that it is not necessarily something that can be decided upon straight away. In fact it is not until you sit down and really give the matter some serious thought, that you realise how many things can influence your final choice.
When selecting a mobility scooter, there are 5 things to take into account:
The types of journeys you plan to make
When you are trying to decide on the type of mobility scooter you need, it is imperative to consider the type of journeys you are likely to make in it. Will they be short, day to day type of journeys on mostly smooth surfaces, such as popping to the local shops, or to visit friends or family close by? Or maybe you wish to travel further afield on terrain which is bumpy or unpredictable? Of course, it might be that you can still drive but need to transport your scooter in your car, in which case you need one that can fold up or be taken apart easily.
The types of terrain you’ll cover
If the majority of your travelling on your mobility scooter is close by, then the chances are your router will be smooth as it will be roads and pavements that are maintained well, and pot hole and bumpy road free. If this is the case then a Class 2 mobility scooter should suit your needs perfectly. However, should you wish to make longer journeys with your scooter, maybe even with hills then a Class 3 scooter would make more sense for you.
Your storage facilities
Another important factor to take Ito account when deciding upon which mobility scooter is the right one for you, is to consider what storage it will need to keep it safe and protected from the elements. If you need to manoeuvre the scooter inside your home for example, then you need to make sure it can fit through your doorway easily. Maybe you have steps, in which case you would require a scooter that folds up or can be taken apart, or to make a ramp for easy access over the steps. Remember, some scooters can be very heavy and hard to move about, so it is crucial to consider your home and garden areas when choosing.
Your body weight and size
It is very important that you purchase a mobility scooter that is suitable for your weight, otherwise if you are too heavy for the scooter it could become unstable. Also, if you buy a scooter with a recommended weight capacity of lower than your actual weight, you will also invalidate its warranty
Your budget
As with most things,mobility scoters vary in price depending on their class, weight, age etc. Therefore it is a good idea to have a budget in mind before making a purchase. Do you research, search the internet for good deals and check out lightweight options in mobility scooters, see here. You want to ensure that you are getting the best value for money scooter you can where possible.
This post was written in collaboration with Pro Ride Mobility