What is a Mobility scooter?

An electric scooter is a battery-powered vehicle with either 3 or 4 wheels.

They are commonly referred to as electric, travel, power, disability or medical scooters.

2-wheel scooters seen on the open road are used for urban transportation or recreational use, but the primary function of the mobility scooter is to aid those individuals with limited mobility due to an existing medical condition, disability, very old age or just plain getting older.

The basic design consists of a seat, an electric motor, steering column, ignition, throttle device, brake system and a base/floorboard.  Most modern electric scooter models do not require manual braking due to their automatic braking system that is activated whenever the throttle is released. 

Electric mobility scooters provide freedom and maximum mobility for those who have trouble walking, but are able to sit upright with minimal support, and also have sufficient strength in the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands to operate the steering column/throttle etc.

Travel scooters are the light weight models in the scooter family while the standard scooters will have more power and size.

How frequently will the scooter be ridden?

If the electric scooter will be used more than a few hours each day, consider a standard mid or full-size mobility scooter which provides more leg room, longer lasting battery range, and a more comfortable seat. 

Travel scooters are terrific, but in order to reduce the weight, many come standard with seats that are hard on the backside and generally lack comfort and support. When purchasing a travel scooter, consider a model that allows for an upgraded to a more comfortable seat. This will allow the user to ride the electric mobility scooter comfortably for longer periods of time.

How much weight will the scooter support?

The weight capacity assigned to a scooter by the manufacturer must be considered before making a purchase. 

Be sure to select a scooter based not only on your weight and future weight, but also based on the mobility scooter's intended use. Just because a scooter can carry 120kg's, doesn't make it appropriate for everyone that weighs close to that weight.  

Different surfaces causes the scooter to work harder, hence the need for riders to weigh less than the manufactures specifications.

Purchasing a mobility scooter that is close to the user's weight, is a mistake that can be made when buying an electric mobility scooter. For example, Brisbane Mobility Scooter would not recommend that a person over 100kg's purchase a travel scooter.

Travel scooters can be misleading, because most have weight capacities of at least 115kg's, with some going up to 135kg's. It is likely, however, that someone weighing over 110kg's will be uncomfortable on a electric travel scooter, even for a short period of time.

Another consideration is that most travel scooters have a standard seat. Most users over 110kg's will defiantly want a much wider seat for more comfort. 

Consumers need to road test carefully to ensure their body shape and size are a excellent fit for the make & model being considered.

Customers need to also realise that the weight capacities assume the mobility scooter is used predominantly on level ground. If users are planning to use the scooter regularly on an incline of 6 degrees or more, and your weight is within 10 kg's of the weight capacity of the mobility scooter,  then customers should consider moving to a electric mobility scooter with a higher weight capacity. This action will greatly increase the performance and extend the life of the motor.

 More details on 3 & 4 wheel pages!