Mobility scooters are designed for people who have some mobility but are challenged by inclines or distances. A wide variety of mobility scooters, in various price ranges, are available to meet your needs from leading manufacturers such as Invacare, Pride, Sunrise Medical and Drive Medical. Mobility scooters come in various styles that can suit a wide range of user needs. When selecting a mobility scooter, consideration should be given to where the scooter will be primarily used (indoors, outdoors, or both), how often the scooter will be transported in a car, and specific seating/accessory needs.

Most mobility scooters are defined by four characteristics that separate them from power wheelchairs: Scooters are steered by a tiller at the front of the base that can steer the front wheel. This arm can be tilted and locked, allowing for a safe and comfortable ride for all users. The forward and backward movement is controlled by two thumb levers. The scooter seat is usually mounted on a stem, which allows many scooter seats to swivel from side to side. Lastly, scooters have a base board instead of footrests. Scooters are steered with a tiller, you need enough arm strength to steer them and thumb mobility to use the controls.

Below is a brief summary of the three types of mobility scooters generally available. If you’re not sure where to start or need help choosing the scooter that’s right for you, consult a mobility professional.

Folding Mobility Scooters: Easily folded and ready for transport, these scooters are perfect for the active person who likes to travel. Also, folding scooters, often called travel scooters, disassemble into lightweight pieces that are easy to lift into the trunk of most cars. Sealed batteries make these travel scooters airline safe; be sure to check with your carrier when booking your flight.

3 wheel mobility scooters: Looking for a fully featured scooter with excellent maneuverability? You should consider a three wheel mobility scooter. Three-wheel scooters offer full-size comfort and are ideal for both indoor maneuverability and outdoor durability. Scooters in this category offer a wide range of features including: swivel seats, armrests, storage baskets, and more. And, with a maximum weight capacity of 300 to 400 pounds, even users with larger frames can be accommodated.

4 wheel mobility scooters: A fourth wheel and wider wheelbase create the most stable platform in the mobility scooter category. Four-wheel mobility scooters are designed for maximum stability and built specifically for outdoor use. Some larger models have knobby tires and high ground clearance; These scooters are a great option even for rough terrain. Some models offer a range of over 25 miles per charge and a top speed of 10 mph! The wide wheelbase, which makes 4-wheel mobility scooters great for outdoor use, often makes for a wide turning radius as well. Indoor users with limited spaces should take this into account.

Make sure a mobility scooter is right for you. Consult with a doctor and a mobility teacher.essential before purchase