Mobility Scooter, Handicap Scooter, Power Scooters, Motorized Scooter

Who Uses Mobility Scooters?

As a powered mobility device, mobility scooters are specifically designed for use by individuals who experience restricted mobility issues for a variety of reasons. If you are having difficulty with walking and a cane or walker is not providing enough support, a mobility scooter might be in order. If you are on supplemental oxygen for cardiovascular or pulmonary health issues, or if you have arthritis or conditions that cause severe pain, you may also benefit from the use of a mobility scooter.

While power scooters are similar to power wheelchairs in the mobility they provide, they are designed very differently. Many wheelchair users prefer the look and feel of mobility scooters over wheelchairs because they look more like personalized vehicles rather than disability transport aids. And while mobility scooters still require some upper body mobility, hand coordination and upright posture control, they are certainly easier to maneuver than manual wheelchairs.

What is a Mobility Scooter?

Although many may think of mobility scooters as being the same as power wheelchairs, there are a few features that firmly separate these two ambulation aids. Power scooters engender steering with the use of a tiller and handlebars to control the direction of the front wheel or wheels. This steering arm can often be adjusted to conform more comfortably to each user. Levers for controlling forward and reverse movement are generally operated by using the thumbs or fingers. Scooters are designed with a baseboard instead of the footrests typically found on wheelchairs, and the seat is generally stem-mounted, allowing for comfortable rotation and swiveling.

Typically battery-powered, mobility scooters usually feature one or two batteries that can be charged with the use of an onboard or separate battery charger. Some models highlight the ability to carry an extra fully-charged battery for backup power on longer trips. Mobility scooters are most often configured into three or four wheel designs. Three wheel mobility scooters are lighter in weight, usually feature front-wheel drive and are best used indoors, while four wheel scooters are heavier, sturdier, often have rear-wheel drive and can be used outdoors.

Most mobility scooters feature low profile construction, making them narrow enough to fit through most private home or public building doorways. This compactness also serves well in using them as a chair at a dining table at home or in a restaurant.

How to Choose the Best Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooters offer a variety of designs to more perfectly accommodate unique user requirements. While there is no ‘best’ type for all users, this guideline will help explain the differences to help you narrow your search to find the best scooter for your own needs.

Foldable/Portable Mobility Scooters

Also known as travel scooters, portable power scooters are the perfect mobility solution for people on the go. Smaller and more lightweight than other scooters, portable scooters can often be further disassembled into smaller, lighter parts that are easy to lift and pack into vehicles and airplanes, or they can fold down for easier transport. Their very compact design also translates into easier maneuverability and tighter turns, but they may be difficult to run on rougher terrains.

Three Wheel Mobility Scooters

Another mobility scooter model that works wonderfully for navigating smaller indoor spaces is the three-wheeled design. More full-sized than portable models, three wheel scooters often offer all of the features of a larger scooter without the extra weight. Many three wheel designs can also be disassembled into smaller parts for easier transport, but they typically offer higher working weight limits than portable travel scooters. They also include a full range of features such as swiveling seats, arm rests and storage baskets. Three wheel scooters are perfect for indoor use as they have a tighter turn radius, but can often be used outdoors as well.

Four Wheel Mobility Scooters

With a wider wheelbase and a fourth wheel, four-wheeled mobility scooters provide the utmost in stability. Built with the outdoors firmly in mind, four wheel scooters often feature rough-textured tires and a higher ground clearance to navigate rugged terrains with ease. Some four wheel designs highlight a top speed of 10 mph and more than 25 miles per battery charge to accommodate longer trips. It is important to keep in mind that the wide wheel base on four wheel mobility scooters often creates a wider turning radius, so they may be harder to maneuver indoors, especially in smaller spaces.

Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters

Featuring an ability to securely handle higher user weights, heavy duty scooters are the perfect choice for bariatric individuals. Usually designed with four wheels, heavy duty models highlight wider wheel bases, larger tires and bigger motors. Heavy duty power scooters can often easily tackle even the most challenging terrains, with some models able to climb curbs and other elevations.

Legal Classifications of Mobility Scooters

Powered mobility scooters are divided into two main legal classifications; Class 2 and Class 3. While Class 2 mobility scooters are only legally allowed to travel on roads to cross them, Class 3 mobility scooters are legally allowed to travel on roads. Here are some other basics about both classifications:

Class 2 Mobility Scooters for Indoor/Outdoor Use
Three-wheeled
Tiller steering
Short to medium distance range
4 mph speed
Indoor use with limited outdoor use on even surfaces
Disassembly capabilities for transport
Some models feature limited curb-climbing capabilities

Class 2 Mobility Scooters for Outdoor Use
Three or four-wheeled
Tiller steering
Medium to long distance range
4 mph speed
Outdoor use on uneven surfaces, not for domestic indoor use
Disassembly capabilities for transport
Most models feature curb-climbing capabilities

Class 3 Mobility Scooters
Three or four-wheeled
Tiller steering
Long distance range
8 to 10 mph speed
Outdoor use on uneven surfaces, not for domestic indoor use
Cannot be disassembled
Best curb-climbing capabilities

Class 3 mobility scooters that will be used on the road must also have headlights, indicator lights, a horn, rear reflectors and a rear view mirror.

Rehabmart is pleased to offer a comprehensive selection of superior quality mobility scooters from renowned and respected manufacturers that include Convaquip, Invacare, Zipr Mobility, Karman Healthcare and Drive Medical.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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