FAQ's

Portable travel mobility scooters are designed to fold so you can transport them in a vehicle. They’re lighter and easier to stow away or place in the boot of a car, making them ideal for people that don’t need to use a mobility scooter all the time. (Note: while these scooters are lighter than larger mobility scooters, the are still very heavy and you’ll need an able-bodied person to lift it or fold it down).

However, with smaller size comes reduced power and range. Most portable travel scooters have a range limit of around 8 miles per charge, and their speed will max out at about 4 mph. They also have lower weight capacity limits of less than 120 kg.

Large mobility scooters are often categorised as heavy duty and can go almost anywhere, even if the ground is a little rough.
These scooters tend to have larger tyres and wheels, providing a much smoother ride over bumpy terrain. They’re designed to go further and usually have larger motors for increased power when you need it. Most heavy duty models can travel around 17 kilometres per hour
Heavy duty scooters are also designed for comfort. They can take much more weight than smaller scooters, usually more than 220kg.
Their large size can make them harder to maneuver for smaller people, however, so you’ll want to test drive a few models to see which is the best fit for you.

If you mainly want to travel short distances on smooth footpaths, a medium-sized mobility scooter could be right for you.
Medium-sized mobility scooters are great for people that don’t need to travel too far. For example, if you just want to pop into town to do a bit of shopping, or zip down the road to visit a friend, these medium-sized scooters are ideal.
Scooters of this size can have excellent range, some up to 30 miles on a single charge. However, most of them will go 10 to 25 miles per charge. Most scooters in this range have a maximum speed of 4 to 8 mph.
One of the drawbacks of medium-sized mobility scooters is they generally have smaller tyres than heavy duty scooters. This means they’ll need to stay on relatively smooth terrain. Anything rough or too hilly, and you’ll need to go for a heavy duty mobility scooter.
These scooters usually have maximum weight capacity of around 130 kg so if you’re heavier you may need to get a heavy duty scooter, which can take much more weight.

Some mobility scooters are portable and are designed to be folded so they can be easily transported. Others are much bigger and heavier and will be more difficult to transport.

The size of the battery in your mobility scooter will affect how far you can travel on a single charge. What will you be using your scooter for, and how far do you think you’ll need to go on a single charge?

Generally, larger mobility scooters have a higher weight capacity. Portable scooters can support a person up to 120kg, a medium scooter can carry someone between 130kg-160kg, and a larger scooter can support people heavier than this. Consider your weight when choosing the right mobility scooter for you.

Some mobility scooters have more comfortable seats than others, so consider this when weighing up your options. Do you want arm rests? How long will you be sitting on your scooter for? How high does the back of the seat need to be? Do you need longer leg area?

Some mobility scooters can handle driving over rough or steep terrain easily, while others struggle. Do you want the option of riding over uneven ground, or will you be staying mainly on smooth and flat footpaths?

Mobility scooters vary widely in price. Usually the more features and bigger motor it has, the more it will cost. If you want to buy new, a basic portable mobility scooter can be purchased for around £900.00, while heavy duty scooters can cost upwards of £1500.00.

Buying a mobility scooter is an important and sometimes expensive exercise, so you want to do it right the first time. Answer these questions to help you clarify what your needs are. This will help you make an informed decision.

Most mobility scooters are difficult to use indoors due to their larger size. They’re not able to get around tight corners as well as many electric wheelchairs can due to their larger turning circle. You can get small scooters that could handle indoor spaces better, but most mobility scooters are designed for outdoor use.

Mobility scooters also don’t support the same range of mobility needs that electric wheelchairs do. For example, if you use a scooter you need to be able to walk short distances unassisted.

If you think you’d be better off with an electric wheelchair, check out our guide to buying a wheelchair.

Mobility scooters generally have a longer range than electric wheelchairs. Some can travel 10 to 30 miles or more on a single charge. This makes mobility scooters a great choice if you want the freedom to go longer distances.

Many mobility scooters have wider tyres than electric wheelchairs, making them more suitable to travel over difficult terrain. Some even have four-wheel-drive, so they’re ideal if you want the flexibility to go almost anywhere you like.

Electric wheelchairs have shorter ranges than mobility scooters. The average electric wheelchair can travel up to 20km on a single charge. While this is reasonable for many activities, if you’re out and about for long periods of time it might not be enough.

The heavier weight of an electric wheelchair can also be a drawback. While this can be a good thing for stability, it also makes them very difficult to transport.

If you want the freedom to travel over rough terrain, a mobility scooter might be a better option. Most electric wheelchairs are designed to be used on smooth surfaces and they’ll struggle with terrain that’s too hilly or uneven.

If you can walk short distances unassisted and like to live an active lifestyle, a mobility scooter could be a good choice for you.

Electric wheelchairs can be more comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. Some models can accommodate cushions, so you can adapt the seat to suit you.

They are also more maneuverable than mobility scooters and can be used both indoors and on even terrain outside. Because they are generally much shorter than a scooter, electric wheelchairs are much easier to navigate indoors. If you need help getting around indoors as well as outside, this could be a good option for you.

Before you choose a mobility scooter, consider whether it’s the right option for you at all. In some cases, an electric wheelchair could suit your needs better.

Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs have a lot in common – both are powered by an electric battery and support people who have trouble walking or standing. But they serve different purposes and it’s important you make the right choice.

If you have trouble walking short distances and need to sit for long periods of time, an electric wheelchair could be a better option than a mobility scooter.