Written by Mike DeWilde, OTR/L
More than 11 million Americans age 65 and older have travel-limiting mobility challenges. A scooter can provide access for seniors to activities they otherwise might have to give up in the interest of comfort and safety. Choosing the right scooter will help you continue going places and doing things you enjoy even if you have trouble walking long distances.
1. Best Overall: E-Wheels EW-M41 Mobility Scooter
2. Best Folding for Travel: Electric Lightweight Mobility Scooter - Transport AF+ by EV Rider
3. Best Heavy-Duty: Ewheels EW-72 Four Wheel Mobility Scooter
4. Best Battery Life: EWheels EW-36 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter
5. Best Splurge: Zero Turn 10 | Power Scooter by Pride Mobility
6. Best 3-Wheel: BuzzAround Lite 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter by Golden Technologies
7. Best For Outdoor Use: Afiscooter Breeze S4 Mobility Scooter
8. Best on a Budget: 3-Wheel Electric Mobility Scooter by Vive Health
If your priority is maneuverability in tighter spaces, a scooter with three wheels is the better choice, due to its smaller turning radius. If space isn’t an issue, many users prefer a four-wheel scooter due to its stability.
Since scooters shouldn’t be used by anyone who weighs more than the recommended carrying capacity, this is an important feature to note. The average carrying capacity ranges from 220 to 265 pounds, with some standard models able to accommodate users up to 350 pounds. For heavier users, a bariatric or heavy-duty model should be purchased.
Different scooters have different ranges. Generally, they can go from 5 to 15 miles on one charge, depending on the battery, the weight of the user, average speed, etc. If you are using your scooter strictly at home, a long range is not required. If you are traveling and using it on all-day outings, you don’t want the battery running out on you before the day’s activities are complete. Batteries should be fully charged every day, as sporadic charging or allowing the battery to completely run out will shorten its service life.
Smaller, lightweight scooters that can be easily taken apart or folded down are most convenient for traveling. Folding is more convenient than disassembling, but breaking it down into separate pieces can also make it easier to lift in and out of a car, so there are advantages to either design.
Most scooters have at least a mounted basket on the front or rear. While it might not seem like a big deal, having a handy basket to toss some essentials in can be more beneficial than you might think.
The turning radius is the least space required for a scooter to make a circular turn. The smaller the turning radius, the easier it is to get around smaller spaces. This is especially helpful indoors when you’re getting around in kitchens and bathrooms. A larger turning radius can limit where you can take your scooter, since you need to be able to turn it around to ensure you can get out of any place you get into.
The 3-Wheel Electric Mobility Scooterby Vive Health is simple to operate with an intuitive control panel. It provides stable maneuverability from a comfortable seat and is a great all-around choice for lighter duty.
Able to handle slight inclines as well as smooth surfaces, this mobility scooter breaks down into four manageable pieces for easy transport and storage. It has an easy-to-clean vinyl height adjustable swivel seat with a contoured backrest for comfort and support. With a top speed of 3.7 miles per hour, it can go over 12 miles on a single charge. For added visibility and safety, it has a bright LED headlight and a horn. Keeping personal items accessible is easy with its front-mounted basket.
This basic model can accommodate users weighing up to 265 pounds. It has a 2’6” turning radius. Check out this product demo video!
Designed for travel over lawns, gravel, unpaved roads, uneven terrain, and even obstacles up to 5 inches tall, our choice for the best scooter to use outside is the Afiscooter Breeze S4 Mobility Scooter from Afikim Electric Vehicles. It has also been awarded the International Red Dot Award for Product Design.
You really need to watch this scooter go to appreciate its magnificence. Additionally, we ranked this scooter in our article 6 Best All Terrain Mobility Scooters. Beating out the competition, the Adiscooter Breeze S4 was out #1 pick!
Powered by a 24v DC motor with two 12v 73 amp batteries, it has a 28-mile range and a top speed of over 9 miles per hour. This scooter is ready to go just about anywhere with a headlight, brake lights, backup buzzer, and turn signals. It has a heavy-duty frame for durability and an ergonomic adjustable tiller steering mechanism plus an ergonomic adjustable swivel seat that makes it easy to get on and off the scooter.
Large pneumatic 10-inch tires plus an advanced suspension system guarantee a smooth ride wherever you want to go. The control panel has a user-friendly programmable control screen, and this scooter has a panic sensor to shut off in an emergency.
The BuzzAround Lite 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter by Golden Technologies from Golden Technologies is a remarkable and versatile mobility solution designed to enhance the lives of people with mobility challenges. Weighing only 98 pounds, this scooter is easy to transport and maneuver, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Its tight turning radius allows for effortless navigation through narrow hallways, crowded spaces, and tight corners, granting users increased independence and freedom of movement.
Equipped with two 12AH batteries, this scooter can travel up to 8 miles on a single charge. This extended range ensures that users can confidently run errands, visit friends, or explore their surroundings without worrying about running out of power. Additionally, the battery is quick to recharge, reducing downtime and allowing users to get back on the move swiftly.
Safety is a top priority with the BuzzAround Lite 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter. It boasts a stable and sturdy construction that can support a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, providing a secure and comfortable ride. The scooter's bright LED headlight and taillights offer excellent visibility during low-light conditions, promoting safer outings in the evening. With its adjustable tiller and comfortable seating, users can find their ideal position, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable ride every time.
The zero-turn capability that allows you to turn on a dime makes the Zero Turn 10 | Power Scooter from Pride Mobility our choice as the best splurge for a mobility scooter. The rear wheels have tires that rotate independently and allow for the tightest turns available on the market, providing a level of maneuverability not found in standard scooters. It’s one of the only four-wheel scooters that have the turning radius of a three-wheel. Don’t believe me? See it for yourself!
Able to accommodate users weighing up to 400 pounds, this mobility aid can go as fast as 7.5 miles per hour and it has a range of more than 21 miles. The oversized seat is 18 inches wide and has an integrated back support and armrests. It is available in red, white, or blue.
Its seat height is adjustable, its ground clearance ranges between 2 and 3 inches, and it comes with two batteries.
After retirement, the opportunity for leisure time activities increases. For active users who rely on their mobility scooter while traveling and/or enjoying longer excursions, battery life is a major consideration. The EW-36 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter by EWheels is our choice for the best battery life because you can travel for 40 miles on a single battery charge.
Able to safely carry users weighing up to 350 pounds in comfort over long distances, these scooters also have generous storage capacity via a sturdy lidded basket behind the seat that allows you to load up on souvenirs while traveling. There are three models to choose from. Standard rear brakes are hydraulic discs and front brakes are mechanical drums. The Elite series has electromagnetic brakes that work well for users with slow reaction time or diminished hand strength.
The shock absorbers provide a smooth ride at speeds up to 18 miles per hour, and each scooter comes fully assembled. It has an anti-theft alarm with a remote key, a bright LED headlight, turn signals, and rear running lights.
Able to carry riders up to 500 pounds with its 700-watt motor, the EW-72 Four-Wheel Mobility Scooter from EWheels is our top heavy-duty choice of scooters. It can also travel an impressive 40+ miles per charge with its 48-volt 20 AH batteries.
This scooter can go up to miles per hour, and is limited by a top speed control dial using a speed rheostat. It comes in red, blue, or silver with an adjustable headrest, a rear-mounted basket with a lid, and a variable speed control twist throttle. It also comes with a remote key fob with start/stop and alarm functions. Check out more of its benefits in this product video!
It has an LED front headlight, rear brake lights, and front and rear turn signals for safely traveling any time of day or night. It arrives fully assembled and is ready to roll as soon as it’s charged with its smart charger. The rubber tubeless wheels roll smoothly on hydraulic shock absorbers and are stopped by front and rear drum brakes with electric brake assist.
With just the click of a button, the Electric Lightweight Mobility Scooter - Transport AF+ from EV Rider folds down for travel or to store out of the way at home. Watch it in action to see just how simple it is to transport!
The rechargeable 11.5-AH lithium battery has a 10-mile range and recharges quickly between uses. The scooter’s tight turning radius of fewer than 40 inches makes it highly maneuverable and easy to use in small indoor spaces. It has a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour and a ground clearance of 1.4 inches.
Weighing less than 52 pounds (less than 45 pounds if the battery is temporarily removed), it can be tucked into a vehicle, and when folded it is less than 18 inches tall. Special attention has been paid to comfort with the supportive padded seat with an open-entry design for easy access.
Fitting the general needs of a wide range of users, the high-quality sturdy yet lightweight EW-M41 Mobility Scooter from E-Wheels has our vote as the best overall mobility scooter.
It has a range of 16 miles between charges, so you can use it all day without taking a charging break. When it’s time to recharge the battery, it can be done with the battery on or offboard. For portability and storage, the scooter breaks down into five light pieces. Yet it is strong and stable enough to safely carry users weighing up to 350 pounds.
It has a turning radius of 54 inches and 2 inches of ground clearance to get over most indoor and outdoor obstacles. The flip-up armrests and swivel seat make it easier to get on and off the seat, which helps reduce the risk of a fall during transfers.
Medicare Part B covers mobility scooters as durable medical equipment (DME).
Medicare helps cover DME if the doctor treating your condition submits a written order stating that you have a medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home.
They should be serviced every two years. Between professional service appointments, keep the scooter clean, especially keeping dirt from building up on the undercarriage. Avoid unnecessary moisture. Keep the battery topped up by charging it when not in use and then taking it off the charger when it’s done. Check tires for wear and replace as necessary.
There are several Pride Mobility scooter models, and they range in price from about $1600 to about $2800.
A properly maintained mobility scooter should last at least 5 years.
The EW-M41 Mobility Scooter from E-Wheels is the best choice for seniors. It breaks down into five light pieces that are easy to lift into the back of a vehicle, and with its four wheels, it’s very stable and able to take you anywhere you want to go.
Four-wheel scooters are more stable and are great for indoor or outdoor use. A three-wheel scooter will usually have a tight turning radius and is best for tighter spaces like in-home use.
You want your scooter protected from the elements. If it’s too difficult to bring your scooter inside, you can store it in a shed or similar shelter, or you can purchase a scooter cover to keep it dry and protected.
Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires buses to accommodate mobility scooters. The bus must have a lift or ramp so you can board the bus on your scooter. You can either store your scooter in the bus cargo area, or take it into the seating area.
For people who have difficulty walking, mobility scooters allow them to remain active and independent. Using a mobility scooter allows users to continue enjoying daily living activities ranging from freely moving from room to room at home to shopping or going on vacation. With a variety of models and features, making the best purchasing decision includes taking into consideration your needs along with an option’s available features.
Our list covers the best choices in many categories. We named the EW-M41 Mobility Scooter from E-Wheels the top overall choice because of its long battery life, price point, durability, lightweight design, and ability to accommodate a wide range of users with a 350-pound weight capacity.
We appreciate the time you took to read this article, and we encourage you to check out all of our mobility scooters. For more helpful information, including product reviews and buying guides, visit Caregiver University.
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Mike DeWilde is an occupational therapist in the acute hospital and inpatient rehabilitation settings. He has experience working with a wide range of patients from all walks of life, and he is especially skilled in helping people recover from traumatic and neurological conditions. He’s also trained in the outpatient mental health setting, working with veterans in addiction recovery and holistic health improvement. Mike is motivated in helping drive future improvements to our health care system, such as the development of preventative health programs.
