Finding the right mobility scooter can significantly enhance your freedom. Whether it’s used for nipping to the shops or getting you out and about enjoying your local park, purchasing a mobility scooter is a practical investment that can help you regain your independence.

Of course, buying a mobility scooter is a big decision, and with so many choices available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the different types of scooters available and find the best one to suit your specific needs.

Types of mobility scooters and establishing your needs:

The best mobility scooter for you depends on your lifestyle and daily needs. If you need something compact and portable for short trips or indoor use, a Travel/Portable Scooter is ideal.

For a balance between indoor manoeuvrability and outdoor durability, a Mid-size Scooter offers comfort and a longer battery range.

If you plan to use your scooter on the road or tackle rough terrains, a Road/Heavy-Duty Scooter is your best option.

To establish your specific needs, ask yourself a few questions, such as: Will you be using it indoors or outdoors? How far would you like to travel on a single charge? Do you need it to be lightweight and foldable for easy transportation or are you looking for something more robust to use on more rugged terrain?

Other considerations may also include whether you will be using the scooter at night, whether you’d like to use it on the road, the maximum weight capacity, and the available seat sizes.

Start by writing a list of everything you would like to get out of your mobility scooter – think of all the possible usage scenarios where you might like to use it and then divide your list into must-haves and would-likes, bearing in mind that you may need to sacrifice some key features in favour of others – just like you would if you were buying a car.

Key features of a mobility scooter – finding out what’s important to you…

So what are the key features of mobility scooters to consider?

Battery Life:

Battery range can vary significantly, from 6 miles on a portable scooter to 30 miles on a heavy-duty model. Consider how far you typically travel in a day and choose a scooter that comfortably exceeds that distance, so you never have to worry about running out of power mid-journey.

Comfort:

Comfort is key, especially if you plan to use your scooter for extended periods. Look for padded, adjustable seats with armrests, and check if the tiller (the steering column) can be adjusted to suit your arm length. Suspension systems can also make a big difference, absorbing bumps and making your ride smoother.

Weight Capacity:

Every scooter has a weight limit, typically ranging from 18 to 30 stone. Ensure you choose a model that supports your weight while allowing for extra capacity if you plan to carry shopping bags or other items.

Speed:

Class 2 scooters, designed for pavement use, have a top speed of 4 mph. Class 3 scooters, suitable for road use, can reach 8 mph. Think about where you’ll be driving — a higher speed might be helpful for longer journeys, but slower speeds provide better control in crowded areas.

Controls:

To test how easy the scooter is to operate, ask our mobility experts in-store for a test drive. If you’re ordering online, our mobility engineers who deliver your goods will be happy to go over everything with you before they leave.

Check to see if the throttle and brakes are intuitive. Some models offer simple push-button controls, while others have more advanced settings. Ensure you feel confident handling the scooter before making a final decision.

Portability:

If you need to transport your scooter in a car, look for a model that folds or disassembles. Some travel scooters break down into smaller parts, making it easier to lift them into a boot. Mid-size and heavy-duty scooters may require a hoist or ramp for transport.

Insurance:

While not legally required, insurance is recommended for your peace of mind against theft, damage and liability. All our scooters are provided with one month’s free insurance through Mark Bates Ltd, giving you the time and freedom to assess your own insurance needs, before committing to a long-term policy.

Ask the experts…

By now, you should have a clear set of criteria to start researching suitable models. Here, at Premier Community, we offer a wide range of mobility scooters both online and in all of our East Midlands-based mobility shops. Whether you choose to buy online or in-store, our mobility experts are on hand to help advise you on which model best suits your needs.

When shopping online, just pop your query into our online chat box and our mobility experts will get back to you as quickly as possible during their working hours, or, if you’re local, then pop into one of our stores for face-to-face advice and the opportunity to test drive our scooters before you buy.

Our goal isn’t to sell you the most expensive scooter — it’s to find the one that truly fits your life. We listen first and suggest second. Your trust means everything to us.

Paying for your scooter…

Without a doubt, mobility scooters are an investment, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach for every budget. We offer both New and Approved Used (Second-hand) Scooters to ensure you get the best possible value for your money.

We can also help you explore funding options, including grants, finance plans, and VAT relief if you have a long-term illness or disability. There’s often more support available than you think, and our experience in this area means we can help point you in the right direction.

Aftercare and support…

Once you’ve purchased your mobility scooter, your journey with us doesn’t need to end there. We can schedule reminders to let you know when it’s time for a scooter service, and book you in with one of our local trusted engineers to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.

If your needs change further down the line, we also offer a mobility buyback scheme, which allows you to switch to a newer model or cash in.

Buying a mobility scooter should feel empowering, not stressful. With the right support and clear information, you can choose confidently and start enjoying your newfound freedom. Let’s take this step together.