Mobility scooters by design are supposed to make journeys quicker and more comfortable. The seat is the first and most obvious point to consider. When buying ensure that the seat provides enough support and is also the appropriate size for you or the user.
The next step is to find one which allows for a healthy posture. It can be easy to overlook handlebar positioning when testing a scooter out in a store or showroom. On longer journeys though, this oversight will become increasingly more clear.
The control and maneuverability of a scooter can be hard to judge without a proper test. However, there are some vitals to keep in mind. First thing’s first is the scooter’s turning circle/lock. The smaller the circle the scooter can turn in the better.
Next is the balance of the steering handlebar, a light bar can mean that it will wobble from side to side. This will make the scooter more difficult to drive in a straight line. The opposite is true for a heavy bar, while bumps in the road will be less of an issue.
Also make sure the acceleration and deceleration is very smooth and comfortable. If itʼs too quick and jumpy it is likely to have a poor motor or control box set up. When driving, it can be very unnerving and the risk of an accident and bumping into things will be far greater.
A 6-8 mph scooter is built for speed, long journeys and greater comfort. Due to their higher speed, they will usually have suspension to make the journey a little more comfortable. Meanwhile, a 4-6 mph scooter is perfect for everyday use on pavements and trips to the super market etc. Some still may have suspension designed to take the sting out of uneven ground and broken pavements.
These scooters have the ability to be dismantled into 5/6 segments enabling them to be stowed in the boot of a car for transport. This makes them very convenient for travel but the tradeoff may be that they are less comfortable. Although, they are still more than suitable for short trips and shopping.
Some other handy quality of life features to include are:
