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Best Mobility Scooters for Aging Adults
Updated on: January 2023
Our Top Picks
Pride Mobility
Pride Revo Mobility Scooter
EV Rider
EV Rider Gpysy
Drive Medical
Drive Phoenix Mobility Scooter
Are you interested in mobility scooters but don’t know where to start? Doing your research beforehand is the difference between a sound investment and buyer’s remorse. By discovering the best brands and scooters, you’re ensuring your long term comfort. Not all scooters are the same; for instance, some are better at handling rough outdoor terrain than others.
You can benefit from a mobility scooter if you find that your lack of mobility is impacting your daily life. If you’re having trouble balancing throughout the day and don’t feel as if a walker or cane will provide improvement, a mobility scooter or wheelchair is the best option for you. If your only need is for mobility on outings or trips require more walking, there are lightweight scooters available that can be folded and easily stored away after use.
Many people still have a stigma of scooters and believe they’re cumbersome pieces of equipment that are too slow on rough terrain and hard to maneuver indoors. However, you’ll find that both their technology and functionality has improved. There is now an emphasis on lightweight scooters that can handle different terrain types without the fear of tipping over.
Read on to learn how to make the most informed decision when it comes to buying a mobility scooter along with our top picks.
Find What You Need
Types of Mobility Scooters
When it comes to purchasing a mobility scooter, the most important place to start is determining the type you need. Not all scooters are built the same, and some are better at handling specific terrain and situations than others. Keep your lifestyle and typical environments you navigate in mind as you consider your options.
Travel Scooters
Travel scooters can also be called portable scooters. They’re an excellent investment if you travel long distances often. These scooters are lightweight and designed to easily disassemble so that you can fit them in a trunk, bus, or on a plane. They frequently come with a swiveling seat and a basket. Some can even automatically fold and unfold so that you don’t need to struggle with manual disassembly.
Long-Range Travel Scooters
Long-range travel scooters give you the peace of mind needed to navigate new streets without needing to worry about charging or switching out your battery during an inopportune time. Long-range travel scooters are a smart choice if you like commuting to work or running errands on your scooter. When fully charged, the best long-range travel scooters can travel 20 to 45 miles on a full charge.
Full-Size Scooters
Full-size scooters give you the best of both worlds; they tend to be easy to maneuver indoors and durable enough to handle outdoor terrain. Since they’re full-size, they also provide plenty of comfort with high chair backs, reclining seats, and elevating seats. They’re also able to carry a higher maximum weight of up to 500 pounds.
They’re able to travel greater distances on a single charge because of their larger batteries. However, you’ll need to arrange for a lift for your car if you need to transport it. Some will have seats that can fold down, but many of them won’t fully disassemble t traveling mobility scooters do.
Heavy-Duty Scooters
Heavy-duty scooters c tackle rough outdoor terrain with ease and easily accommodate any user and typically come with wider bases and bigger tires. Along with larger motors, these features make them especially suited to handle different terrains and steep hills. These scooters are also more comfortable for bariatric users as they provide larger seats and more legroom.
4-Wheel
4-wheel mobility scooters can handle the highest weight capacity. 4-wheelers are also the optimum choice if you want the maximum stability in outdoor environments and rough terrain. Some users only feel safe when they’re using 4-wheel scooters versus 3-wheels, as you’re far less likely to tip over when traveling over uneven ground.
3-Wheel
3-wheel mobility scooters have a tighter turning radius than 4-wheelers, which makes them ideal for cramped indoor areas. They also work better on smooth, even floors compared to grass or rough terrain as the three wheels make them less stable. However, you can still use them safely and comfortably outdoors if you stick with paved areas.
Best Overall
We find that 4-wheel scooters are the best overall because of their stability, versatility, and maximum comfort level. These scooters can be used indoors or outdoors without the fear of tipping over on rough terrain. Because of their larger size, we also find that their battery life tends to be on the generous side, so you don’t have to worry about frequently changing out or charging the battery.
Although they’re less maneuverable than 3-wheel scooters, most have turning radiuses that can handle indoor corners. Losing some maneuverability in place of a more stable ride may be completely fine with you, especially if you live in a spacious home.
Best Value
If you’re willing to give up some comfort and battery life, travel scooters can provide the best value for people who travel because you won’t need to add a lift to your car. These scooters can fold up quickly and are lightweight enough to take with you no matter how far you travel from home. Travel scooters can come with either 4-wheels or 3-wheels and can even come with larger batteries, but you’ll need to check to make sure they are sealed if you want to bring it on a plane.
Best Mobility Scooters
Now that you know about the different types of scooters available, here are our top picks for the best scooters you can buy depending on your needs. We made these picks through our unbiased research, customer reviews, and comparing and contrasting each scooter’s features.
Best Overall
Pride Mobility
Pride Revo 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
- User-friendly console
- Heavy-duty drivetrain
- Ergonomic delta tiller
- Comfort-Trac front and rear suspension for a smooth ride
- Durable rear bumper
- Seat designed for comfort
We chose the Pride Revo 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter because of its comprehensive combination of comfort, features, and durability. With four wheels, it’s able to handle all kinds of terrain, and it’s 52″ turning radius can take tight indoor cornering as well. It has an impressive 400 lbs weight capacity with a top speed of 5 mph, which is in the average speed of scooters, which satisfies most users’ needs.
Lastly, we liked that it came with add-ons that make it more comfortable to ride, such as a USB charger, LED headlight, and under-seat storage bins. It also offers a generous 17.8 miles per charge at 200 lbs and 12.4 miles per charge at 400 lbs, which is more than enough for most riders.
Here are more features that differentiate this scooter from the rest and make it a great riding experience. It also comes in two attractive colors: grey street and true blue.
Best Lightweight/Transport
EV Rider
EV Rider Gypsy
The EV Rider Gypsy is our top pick for a lightweight, easy to transport scooter because it only weighs 37 lbs, including the battery, making it easy to collapse, fold, and fit into the back of your car or fit into a carry-on bag. With a weight capacity of 250 lbs and a driving range of 7 to 10 miles, this 4-wheel mobility scooter can accommodate many of your travel needs.
EV Rider’s Gypsy model is the best choice for users looking for a mobility scooter for only part-time use when you’ll need to do more walking than usual, such as at an amusement park, cruise ship, or other family vacations. The scooter’s sleek and simple design results in the loss of many comfort and luxury features making it less ideal for everyday use.
It has a stool-like chair instead of one with a high back, but this may be a sacrifice you’re willing to make if you want to easily store it in a closet when you’re not using it.
Best Heavy Duty
Drive Medical
Drive Phoenix HD Mobility Scooter 4-Wheel
We chose this heavy-duty scooter because not only can it accommodate riders up to 350 lbs and handle rough terrain, it can also travel with you as its seat can fold down. Its drive range is a respectable 15 miles.
This scooter differentiates itself from others because of its focus on the rider’s comfort. You can choose from a 17.5″ wide seat or a 20″ wide seat. The seat can also swivel in 45-degree increments. It also features an adjustable angle tiller that automatically straightens, so you don’t have to spend too much time finding a comfortable position.
Its ergonomic throttle aids people with strength or dexterity issues, as you can control it comfortably with only one finger.
Best Outdoor All-Terrain
EV Rider
EV Rider Vita Monster
- LED light package with turn signals and brake light
- Double A-arm front suspension
- LCD control panel display
- 53” turning radius
- Stable ride at 330 lbs with batteries
- Pneumatic front street tires
If you spend most of your time outdoors and want a scooter that can match your activity levels, we recommend the EV Rider Vita Monster. This all-terrain scooter has a sleek and rugged look with large turf tires to handle all kinds of ground conditions. The rear-wheel-drive also ensures that your scooter can handle bumps, hills, and challenging terrain.
A powerful scooter, EV Rider’s Vita Monster has the ability to handle 350 lbs and comes with a substantial 900-watt motor. On a full charge, it’s able to travel 28 miles. Here are a few more notable features. We like that it also comes with free add-ons such as baskets, a cup holder, a safety flag, cane holder, an umbrella with a clamp, and more.
Best For Airline Travel
EV Rider
EV Rider Transport AF+
- Max speed of 3.8 mph
- Load capacity of 250 lbs
- 10-mile range on a full battery
Traveling to different states or countries with your scooter is a must for many, but it can be stressful trying to decide which scooter fits the bill best. We chose the EV Rider Transport AF+ as our top airline travel scooter because of its ease of use. It comes with a handheld remote that enables your scooter to fold in seconds with only a push of a button.
Its 11.5Ah lithium battery is approved for airline travel and only weighs 44 lbs making it easy to transport. This compact scooter has 3-wheels–this makes it very maneuverable in tight corners, crowded sidewalks, and narrow spaces in general. Here are a few more features. It also comes in attractive red, copper, blue, and silver colors.
Best Folding
Drive Medical
Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter
Compact, foldable scooters are your best choice if you travel in cars or buses often and need to disassemble your scooter quickly. We chose this scooter because its 4-wheel design is lightweight at 58 lbs and provides a great deal of stability for all kinds of terrain. Its anti-tip wheels and 300 lbs weight capacity can help riders feel secure.
Although it only has a maximum range of 9 miles on a full charge, the quick connect battery pack makes it easy to change out batteries even if you have strength and dexterity issues.
One of its notable features is that it has interchangeable color panels that can hide scratches. When you’re traveling and disassembling the scooter often, scuffs and scratches are bound to happen.
Reviewers noted how quickly it was to assemble and applauded its lightweight. They were also impressed with how easy it was to handle terrain and the comfort level for riders.
Best for Stability
Lexis
Lexis Light Scooter
Stability is an especially critical feature for riders who have strength or dexterity issues or who want to handle rough terrain without the fear of tipping over. The Lexis Light Scooter is one of the most stable scooters on the market because of its unique design, which sets it apart from most scooters with a center seat post that makes them incredibly unstable on inclines.
The Lexis Light four-point design, on the other hand, eliminates this issue by adding 45% more stability. Even better, it’s also extremely lightweight at only 54 lbs and can fold into 30.5″ x 14.75″ x 21.9″. It also includes articulated front wheels that help maneuverability, making the scooter an ideal choice for trips where you expect large crowds, like amusement parks or maneuvering in hotels or cruise ships.
It has a total weight capacity of 250 lbs. It has a max speed of 4.8 mph and a turning radius of 29”.
Best Long Range Battery
Drive Medical
Drive Medical Scout 4-Wheel 20AH Battery
- Non-marking tires
- Ergonomic throttle control
- Freewheel operation
- Adjustable and padded armrests
- Swivel seat that is height adjustable
- Large carry basket
Long-range batteries mean that your scooter can travel farther without depleting its charge. This feature is particularly convenient if you have a long commute or expecting to do a lot of travel throughout the day and don’t want to avoid getting stuck somewhere.
This scooter is heavier than most transportable scooters at 100 lbs, but you’ll enjoy a 15-mile range with the larger battery. It can disassemble into five easy to handle pieces that can be stored easily in the back of a car. If you’re purchasing the scooter new, it comes with a generous five-year warranty from the manufacturer.
We like that it comes with interchangeable color panels like many other scooters in Drive Medical’s product line. It also has anti-tip wheels for extra stability and quick-connect batteries for those lacking strength and dexterity. You’ll also enjoy. It has a maximum speed of 4.25 mph and a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Best For Nighttime
Pride Mobility
Pride Jazzy Zero 8 Turn Mobility Scooter
- 325 lbs weight capacity
- Speed of up to 4 mph
- 13.4 miles per charge
- Compact, foldable seat
- Charge port located on tiller for easy access
- USB charging port on tiller
- Standard front basket
You should feel just as comfortable riding your scooter during the nighttime as you do during the daytime. However, nighttime riding comes with unique challenges. You need to be able to see where you’re going to avoid obstacles and accidents. You also need to be visible to pedestrians and people operating motor vehicles so you can avoid potentially dangerous collisions and the resulting property damage and injuries.
The Jazzy Zero 8 Turn Mobility Scooter is our choice for the best nighttime scooter because it comes with a full LED lighting package that allows you to see where you’re going in low light situations. These lights are situated at the base of the scooter at the front and back. It also comes with a bright LED headlight allowing you to make out any obstacles ahead of you clearly.
It also differentiates itself from other scooters through its iTurn Technology. It provides all the stability of a 4-wheel scooter while maneuvering like a 3-wheel scooter with its 38.25″ turning radius. Its CTS suspension system and dual motors also ensure a smooth ride over all different kinds of terrain. It also features. It also comes in six different colors so you can choose the style that’s right for you.
Best Value
Golden Technologies
Golden Technologies Buzzaround
- Full disassembly
- USB charging port
- Black vinyl captain’s seat
- Comfort suspension springs
We chose the line of Golden Technologies Buzzaround scooters because they provide the best overall value if you’re looking for a scooter that can offer everything. This scooter comes in 4-wheel and 3-wheel varieties depending on whether you want more stability or more maneuverability. The LX luxury line provides the most bang for your buck and comes with features such as. It also comes in six different colors so you can choose the style that’s right for you.
Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter
Before you purchase a mobility scooter, you must consider all the below factors so that you’re making the best investment for yourself. By considering details such as how much airline travel you do during the year, whether you need an all-terrain scooter, and more, you’ll be able to make a purchase that’s good for your budget and your lifestyle.
Type of Scooter Use
Consider or write down your activities from day-to-day and choose a scooter to improve your life and not serve as a detriment. For instance, if you find that you spend most of your time outdoors, you’ll want a 4-wheel or heavy-duty scooter that can withstand rough terrain. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time indoors, you’ll want to invest in a 3-wheel scooter with a tighter turning radius.
Scooters with front-wheel drives are far easier to maneuver indoors, where you’ll need more control in tight spaces. On the other hand, rear-wheel drive scooters are the best for getting through rough outdoor terrain. Scooters with mid-wheel drives offer both worlds’ best, but your ride won’t be as smooth compared to front-wheel and rear-wheel drives.
Features and Specifications
Your scooter’s size and weight capacity are essential for your overall comfort and the performance of your scooter. Most scooters can handle users of 200 to 250 pounds. Bariatric users can enjoy the enhanced comfort of heavy-duty scooters that can hold up to 500 pounds.
The speed of your scooter is also essential–you want to be able to reach your destinations without growing impatient and uncomfortable by your pace. Some of the fastest scooters have top speeds of 15 mph, but we find the average to be about 10 mph. Mid-range scooters will have rates of 5 mph to 7 mph, which is typically the optimal speed for most users.
The best way to judge the speed you need is to go into a shop and try them out. Pay attention to how you feel when using a fast scooter versus a relatively slow one. Does it make you feel uncomfortable or at ease? Do you feel impatient in slower scooters? You’ll also want to keep in mind that faster scooters may be harder to control, especially when you need to maneuver around tight corners.
Travel Options
If you need to load your scooter onto a car, bus, or plane often, then a scooter that’s easy to transport is imperative. Travel scooters are easy to disassemble and can also come with automatic folding options. They typically weigh between 30 to 70 pounds.
When you’re traveling far from home, it’s also crucial that you’re comfortable with the battery’s travel range. Mid-range scooters can travel 10 to 25 miles on a single charge. Remember that the travel range also depends on your weight, the number of hills, the battery’s age, and the weight of the scooter.
Comfort
Your scooter’s comfort is one of the most important factors, regardless of where you’re using it or how much. If you struggle with back pain or posture issues, be sure to choose a scooter with a high back that you can rest your entire back on while riding. Most compact and foldable scooters won’t include a chair with a full back. You’ll also want to choose a chair that allows you to recline it and adjust the height.
Chairs can also come with leg rests and armrests that you can swing away or elevate. Padded armchairs can be vital if you tend to lean your weight to the side for extended amounts of time.
Scooter chairs can be contoured for added comfort or include additional conditioning. Additionally, chairs can be made with a water-resistant, UV resistant, and abrasion-resistant fabrics to withstand a substantial amount of use no matter what the weather is like outside.
Regardless of the comfort level you need, it would be best if you tried out the chair to see whether the material is comfortable for you. The description of a scooter and your experience can be completely different.
Longevity
No matter what kind of scooter you purchase, you’ll still need regular maintenance to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. To keep your battery healthy, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some batteries need to be discharged entirely at regular intervals, while some can withstand continuous charging without much harm.
Clean the outside of your scooter with a cloth and an all-purpose cleaner. You’ll also want to check the tires regularly to make sure they’re at the right pressure just like you do with your car to help your tires’ longevity and give you a more comfortable ride.
Mobility scooter batteries will typically have at least a three-year lifespan. If your battery dies earlier than three years, you can usually get it replaced under its warranty. When reading the fine print, this is important, especially if you’re purchasing a mobility scooter out-of-pocket.
Mobility Scooters vs. Power Wheelchairs
Mobility scooters and power wheelchairs are often confused as the same, but they’re both very different products that provide varying mobility benefits. One of the most considerable differences is in how they operate. A tiller and handlebars are used to operate mobility scooters, and power wheelchairs use a joystick instead.
Power wheelchairs have more wheels at an average of six; mobility scooters typically have three to four wheels. Because of the four smaller wheels on power wheelchairs, they’re usually the best option for maneuvering around tight indoor areas. Power wheelchairs also offer more support for anyone with posture issues because they provide many seat movement options.
The downside to power wheelchairs is that they’re usually far more expensive than mobile scooters. Although their weight makes them extremely stable, this also makes them difficult to travel with unless there are specific accommodations such as lifts or large buses designed for wheelchairs.
Mobility scooters are less expensive and provide more options when it comes to lightweight travel that’s easy to pack in cars and even planes.
How Much Do Mobility Scooters Cost?
Now that you know the type of mobility scooter that’s best for you, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. There are multiple ways you can save money to avoid breaking the bank. You first need to find out whether your insurance covers a portion of the costs. If you don’t have insurance or written order by your doctor, you can still save money by paying attention to clearance items and seasonal discounts.
Payment Options
Medicare Part B can cover 80% of durable medical equipment (DME) costs after you pay your portion of 20%. You’ll need to have a written order by your doctor stating a medical need for your wheelchair or scooter.
Some private insurance companies will pay for mobility scooters, but this depends on your policy. Unfortunately, this usually isn’t a quick process and can take months to get all the documentation required for your insurance company to provide payment for your new scooter.
If you’re paying out-of-pocket, mobility scooters will typically cost you between $600 and $2,000. The cost varies depending on the size, weight, and type of scooter. Remember that this medical cost is tax-deductible and can save you money at the end of the year.
Used Mobility Scooters
Remember that if you’re paying out of a pocket, you can also save a good deal of money by shopping for used mobility scooters. Although you won’t enjoy the manufacturer’s warranty, you can set aside some of the money you’ve saved for maintenance and repairs in the future.
It’s essential to look at used scooters in person to make sure it’s been well-maintained and is still operational. It’s also crucial that you test drive the scooter before purchasing to make sure that it’s still able to provide a stable and comfortable ride.
Here are a few things you’ll want to look for:
- Appearance: A dirty scooter is a good indication that it hasn’t been properly maintained
- Rust and corrosion: The battery and battery connections should be free of rust
- Battery: Ask the seller how long the battery has been in use
You also have the option of having a mobility scooter specialist take a look at the scooter you’re planning to purchase so they can provide an independent assessment.
As with purchasing a new scooter, you must do some comparison shopping and get an idea of what a fair price looks like for your local area. Don’t automatically go with the cheapest scooter you find because this could mean it will need more costly repairs soon after you purchase it.
Warranties
When you’re purchasing a new scooter, pay attention to the kind of warranties the company offers. The length of the contract typically depends on the specificity of the scooter.
You can enjoy warranties that last from one to five years or limited lifetime warranties. These warranties are usually only for specific parts of the wheelchair that are defective. The company will then repair or replace those faulty parts or components with new or reconditioned parts.
Add-On Accessories
Add-on accessories will provide extra utility for your scooter and make it more comfortable to use. These accessories can include:
- Drink holders
- Baskets
- Bags
- Safety gear
- Rearview mirrors
- Drink holders
- Phone holders
Typically, insurance companies won’t pay for your add-ons if they’re deemed “non-standard” and are used primarily for convenience. Luckily, paying out-of-pocket for add-ons usually isn’t costly. You can expect to pay between $15 to $100 for most luxury add-ons.
Some scooters provide add-ons as standard parts that come with the scooter. These are usually front or rear baskets.
Discounts
When you decide on the type of scooter and brand you’d like to purchase from, make sure that there are any discounts you can use before you make a purchase. Some companies offer substantial holiday discounts.
There may also be specific models or types that are on clearance due to low demand. Companies can also offer discounts specifically for veterans, so it’s worth asking customer support even if you don’t see the information on their website.
You can also enjoy free shipping with most companies if you spend a certain amount of money. Because of most scooters’ high cost, you’ll most likely enjoy free shipping no matter what brand you choose.
Lastly, Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans can receive military discounts on mobility scooter rentals at the Walt Disney World Resort.
FAQs
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Can I Rent A Mobility Scooter?
You can easily rent mobility scooters from a variety of brands and locations. For instance, most cruises and amusement parks give customers the ability to rent scooters through them. Most companies also provide a range of scooter types to suit their customer’s needs. Some companies allow you to return the scooter by simply dropping it off at your hotel lobby if you’re traveling. Rates depend on the duration of your rental, scooter type, destination, and pick up and drop off points.
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Can I Bring A Mobility Scooter On The Plane?
You’re able to bring your mobility scooter on the plane if it has a sealed battery. During check-in, a member of the airline staff will typically take your scooter to the cargo hold. Both the check-in and assistance afterward are entirely free of charge. You must communicate with the airline at least 48 hours in advance of your limited mobility, so the staff is prepared to assist you.
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Does Medicare Pay For A Motorized Wheelchair?
Medicare Part B covers 80% of durable medical equipment (DME) costs, including scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs. You’ll need to pay 20% of the purchase cost first. However, before Medicare Part B offers coverage, your doctor will need to submit a written order to have a medical need for the equipment. You also need to have a medical condition that makes you unable to do daily activities even when using a cane, crutch, or walker.
Conclusion
The ability to attain consistent mobility in your daily life at all times dramatically enhances the quality of your life. Seniors and people living with disabilities can feel more reluctant to perform the activities and attend the social outings they once did if they aren’t confident in their mobility. Mobility scooters give people the confidence to navigate the world without fear of tripping, falling, or being stuck in dangerous situations.
There are many types of mobility scooters with differing functionality and size to suit any environment. Take your time when it comes to finding the best scooter for you.
Focus on your own needs, lifestyle, and comfort when it comes to choosing the best mobility scooter for an investment that could last you a lifetime.
