Mobility Scooters             

Motorized wheelchair scooters  

Motorized wheelchair scooters or mobility scooters have become increasing popular over the last 10 years.  These scooters are better than power wheelchairs because of their steering advantages.  It is more akin to a car or bicycle which is more natural to most people than a joystick.  In addition, mobility scooters tend to be cheaper than power wheelchairs.   

Mobility Scooter Benefits 

Scooter users like mobility scooters because they help conserve the user’s stamina.  Scooter users tend to be those who can walk, but only for limited distances.  Also, they are great for keeping scooter users active as they increase their traveling range when the scooter is used and conserve the energy of the rider.  Plus, they help some users  

Scooter Industry Information 

The industry is made up of several companies who produce mobility scooters:  

Rascal Company, Pride, Invacare, Drive, Golden Technologies and others.  The two most popular companies are The Rascal Company and Pride who have been battling it out over the top two spots.  Each of these manufacturers tends to let a retailer sell the product directly to you the consumer.  This separation of the manufacturer to the consumer has led to some complaints by consumers who have dealt with less than reputable dealers. 

Mobility Scooter Types 

Most models come in 3 and 4 wheel versions.  The 3 wheel scooters after easier turning and maneuverability whereas the 4 wheel versions provide more stability and are stronger.  Generally, you can find a version of both for most mobility scooter models. 

Pride Scooters 

Pride makes a number of different models.  The current number is at 14 different scooters.  Popular scooters from Pride include the Go-Go scooters and Celebrity Scooters.  Most of their scooters offer max speeds of at least 4 mph and traveling distances of up to 20 miles.  These traveling distances are very good for the scooter industry. 

Rascal Scooters 

Rascal offers more variety in their scooters as you can find convertible, foldable and more standard type scooters.  Rascal scooters are interesting because of their solid  performance and function numbers.  Some of the scooters can go up to 8 mph and a number of them have a maximum incline of 10 degrees or better.  This feature is greater for traveling up steep driveways and ramps.   

Prices & Retailers 

Prices vary for these scooters depending on the model; however, most new scooters can cost anywhere from $800 up to several thousand dollars.  There are a wide variety of dealers for the main companies; however, some with a major online presence include Happy Scooters, Wheelchair medical, American Wheelchairs, The Scooter Store, 1800 Wheelchair, Spin Life, and Urban Scooters. 

Buying Questions and Decisions 

Due to the wide variety of mobility scooters available, it helps to keep some things in consideration when deciding what scooter works best for you.  Here, are few questions you should be asking yourself before deciding on a scooter: 

1.  How much traveling will I need to do?  If you are doing a great deal of traveling, it would be wise to purchase models that break down more easily or purchase a lift for your car.  Some models are even suited to be taken on airplanes so be sure to look around. 

2.  What is the scooters traveling range max?  This is an important consideration if you believe you will be using your scooter a great deal.  Scooter charging times generally take 4 to 6 hours so it pays to get scooters that offer you up 20 miles in distance before a recharge.  However, if you will not be doing that much driving, this may be a feature you are willing to sacrifice for a little more speed and/or comfort. 

3.  Will it be easy to store the scooter?  Storage of scooters can be a concern depending on your living arrangements and needs.  Ideally, most would prefer lighter scooters that are 150 lbs or less if they will need to lift it at all.  In addition, foldable scooters from Rascal may be the answer for those who want to reduce the space the scooter takes up when not in use.   

4.  What are the weight capacity limits of the scooter?  A number of scooters are made to handle weights of anywhere from 300 to 500 lbs. This is an important consideration when taking into account your own weight and groceries or other items you may need to carry.  Most of the scooters can be found under the title “bariatric scooters.” 

These questions should help you start thinking about what really matters to you in your scooter function and performance. Check back in this section for additional articles as we explore how the scooters match up and which scooters are the better ones for certain performance and function features.

*To find out about one mobility scooter company and what they offer, check out Rascal Electric Scooters.