Choosing the best mobility scooter for you
Introduction
Is buying a mobility scooter as easy as getting any-old electric thing with 4 wheels, plugging it in, and zooming off? Unfortunately not. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a hard process either.When buying a mobility scooter, you need to make an informed decision so you aren’t left with a product that doesn’t meet your needs.
In this complete buying guide, we will walk you through everything that you need to know in order to get your hands on the best mobility scooter for your needs.
What is a mobility scooter?
Mobility scooters, or disability scooters, are designed for people who are fairly mobile, but find it difficult to walk long distances due to disabilities or health implications. You may find that after using a mobility scooter, you’re able to independently participate in activities you couldn’t previously do.Improvements to mobility scooter design has made it much easier to lift and transport mobile scooters into the boot of your car, and have become a popular mobility aid.
What type of mobility scooter is right for you?
To help make the decision process easier, here are the different types of mobility scooters and what to look out for in a mobility scooter.
Small Mobility Scooters
Ideal for indoor environments and shopping centres.
Range: up to 20km
Speeds: up to 6 km/h
Enhanced maneuverability, ready for transport and easily folded or disassembled, compact folding mobility scooters are ideal for moving around indoors and navigating crowded shopping centres. Their lightweight material and simple design allow you to fold or dismantle and transport with ease, fitting perfectly into your car.
Due to their small shape and battery size, small mobility scooters have a smaller range — up to 20km, are less stable and capable on uneven terrain, lacking power to get up steep hills.
Features can include:
- Lightweight
- Removable battery pack
- Fits perfectly inside your car
- Easy to dismantle, fold and transport
- Comfortable and convenient ride
- Front basket for carrying groceries
- Tight turning radius for better
- maneuverability
- May be suitable for air and sea travel
Mid Size Mobility Scooters
Ideal for indoor and outdoor environments and small local trips.Range: 20 to 40 km
Speeds: up to 10 km/h
Mid-sized scooters are a little bigger and stronger than small. Having larger wheels and suspension, it is more comfortable and equipped with larger batteries, allowing you to travel further distances with each charge. Enhanced suspension and additional safety features provide a safer, more comfortable and stable ride, making it perfect for small trips to your local cafe or shops, or visiting a friend’s house.
Features can include:
- Added safety features
- Heavy duty tyres for better traction
- Front mounted basket for carrying items
- Ability to add extra storage and accessories
- Improved suspension for a more comfortable and stable ride
- Disassembly for easier transport and storage
Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters
Ideal for indoor and outdoor environments and uneven terrain.Range: 20 to 55 km
Speeds: up to 10 km/h
Heavy duty scooters or full size scooters can travel longer distances and at faster speeds. More ground clearance allows you to travel over uneven terrain and larger obstacles with ease. Heavy duty, pneumatic rubber tyres, improved suspension and a deluxe padded seat provides you with a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Features can include:
- Full lighting system
- Added safety features
- Padded seat for comfort
- Puncture proof tyres for rough terrain
- Enhanced braking system for more control
- Improved suspension for better handling on uneven surfaces
When would you need a mobility scooter?
If you’re having difficulty walking long distances, or getting around and doing errands, even if you weren’t able to renew your driver’s license, a mobility scooter offers you a new mode of transport that’s easy-to-use and can be combined with other forms of transport. For example, making short trips to the grocery store, traveling long distances on public transport, or going to your local cafe.Best of all, it gives you the freedom and independence to do all the things you love while avoiding any pain and discomfort.
What to consider when choosing a mobility scooter
Choosing a mobility scooter that’s right for you will ultimately depend on what you want to be able to do and your lifestyle. There are a number of factors to consider that will help you decide on the best mobility scooter to suit your needs.Some questions to consider before deciding on a mobility scooter include:
- What do you need it for?
- What size scooter do you want?
- What terrain will you be using it on?
- Are you confident in your ability to operate a scooter?
- Are you able to use the scooter without assistance?
When in doubt, you can always speak to one of our friendly product advisors who are trained to help you with a solution suited to your needs.
What is the best mobility scooter to buy in Australia?
Mobile scooters for the elderly, people with limited mobility or disabilities have become increasingly popular for a wide range of benefits. But how do you know what’s right for you? The answer to this question will ultimately come down to your own individual needs.- Small mobility scooters are lightweight and easy to dismantle. They fold up and fit nicely in the boot of your car, making them an ideal option for traveling.
- If you’re no longer able to operate a motor vehicle, a mid-size to heavy duty power scooter will give you the freedom to make small trips to local cafes, do the groceries and see your nearby friends.
Whether you’re shopping around for yourself, or mum and dad, we recommend speaking to one of our friendly team members for professional advice choosing the right mobility scooter.
What to consider when choosing a mobility scooter
So, how do you get started with your mobility scooter? What are your steps to getting a new mobility scooter? There’s more than 1 way to skin a cat, and there’s more than 1 way to go about getting started with your disability scooter. However, we think the following steps are a great way to go about it:Get advice from a professional and ask if a mobility scooter is your best option.
What to consider when traveling with a mobility scooter
When traveling with your mobility scooter, it won’t be as simple as going by foot. You have to make the following considerations before you travel with your scooter:- Is the place I am going wheelchair accessible?
- What sort of terrain will the ground be? (metro/gravel/grass)
- Do I need to go somewhere by car, and can I get my scooter into the car?
- Will I be able to get my scooter onto public transport?
- Will I have someone with me to help me?
Mobility scooter safety tips
Though an electric mobility scooter may not be as fast, or as powerful as a fuel powered road scooter, or a car, it does not mean they can’t be dangerous to you and others. There are a few safety precautions you should take when using a mobility scooter, which include:
Be mindful of your surroundings
Try and remember that you are bigger when on the scooter, and as such you won’t be able to fit down narrow paths and corners. You might be comfortable with the parameters of your scooter, but other people in public might not be, so be mindful.
Make sure you keep it charged
If you’re going on a longer journey to the shops, or elsewhere, make sure your scooter is charged so you are not left stranded. You will be in quite a predicament if you are far from home, and you somehow have to get the scooter back to your house without any help.
Don’t speed
Just like in a car, the faster you go the scooter becomes harder to control, and the more damage it can do. Particularly if there are a lot of people around, try not to go too fast and only move at walking pace around people
Take your time getting on and off the scooter
A lot of scooter related accidents happen while getting on or off the scooter.
FAQs
With government funding for mobility scooters in Australia, often searches will begin with “How to get a mobility scooter for free in Australia”. Providing you meet the criteria, you may be eligible to purchase a mobility scooter through NDIS.
However, with all things related to government grants and schemes, the process can often be long and complicated. At The Mobility Store, we’re happy to help answer any questions you may have regarding the NDIS. We understand that the NDIS can be difficult to navigate, and our trained staff have years of experience in helping people choose the right scooter and assisting with the NDIS payment process.
Contact us today for assistance on purchasing a mobility scooter through NDIS.
Mobility Scooters:
Buy vs Rent
Should you buy or rent a mobility scooter?This decision will depend upon a variety of factors, including long-term vs short-term disability or injury, travel plans, and daily use. Consider short-term use vs long-term use and renting costs vs outright purchase . Depending on your individual circumstances, it’s best to seek professional advice before making a decision.
Where can I buy or rent a mobility scooter?
If you are a Melbourne or Perth resident looking to rent or buy a mobility scooter, The Mobility Store is the perfect place for your needs.
We supply and stock Australia’s largest range of mobility equipment at our retail stores in Melbourne and Perth, as well as online, where you can browse, buy or rent from our extensive range of mobility scooters, mobility aids and much more.
Get helpful advice and support on a mobility solution that’s suited to you from our dedicated team of professionals, who regularly attend mobility training sessions.
Elsewhere in Australia? Shop our online range now or contact us today for comprehensive advice and service.
