Different Types of Mobility Scooters

When you’re having mobility issues, life can seem impossibly difficult. Things you once did with ease become a struggle, a burden, and it may seem easier to stay inside altogether. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter scooters.

Scooters give you the freedom to go where you want when you want.

Scooters give you back your mobility independence and allow you to do more on your own with less help from others. You’ll have more energy to enjoy activities again that were once stressful and draining, like shopping or walking your dog. With your new scooter, you can finally join your friends at the park, go to the grocery store without assistance, festivals, farmers markets, and more. You don’t have to wait for life to pass you by. A new scooter will help you get back to enjoying life.

How do I know which scooter is right for me?

There are so many kinds of scooters out there, it can be daunting to know where to start. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand the different types of scooters and which one might be right for you. Organized from smallest and most portable to largest and most heavy-duty, the different types of scooters are broken down for you.

But first...

A note about 3-wheel scooters vs. 4-wheel scooters: The general rule of thumb is that 3-wheel scooters have tighter turning radiuses and maneuver better in narrow spaces and sharp turns, whereas 4-wheel scooters provide more stability and evenly distributed weight. For folding and travel scooters, both can generally be used indoors and out, although 4-wheel scooters provide more stability than 3-wheel models when used outdoors. If you use a walking aid, such as a cane or a walker, 4-wheel scooters are recommended due to superior stability.

Read on to find out which type of scooter is right for you!

Folding Scooters

* lightweight * portable * compact *

Folding Scooters are ideal for people who can get around okay but have trouble walking long distances. These compact scooters simply fold when not in use, and some have a remote that do the folding for you. Some folding scooters disassemble into smaller, more lightweight pieces for easier transport. Folding scooters travel well and many are FAA approved for safe air travel.

Folding Scooters:

• Fit easily in the trunks of most cars, SUV’s, and vans

• Fold for easy transport

• Allow you to travel when you might not otherwise

• Are simple to operate

• Cost less than mid-size and full-size scooters

• Can often be taken on airplanes (check before buying)

• Travel well on vacation and locally

• Typically weigh around 50 lbs. fully assembled

• Do not need a vehicle lift

TRAVEL SCOOTERS

* lightweight * portable * compact *

Travel Scooters are perfect for people who have trouble walking long distances and need something to help them get around either when traveling or on a regular basis for daily errands and shopping. Travel scooters disassemble into smaller, more lightweight pieces that fit easily into the trunks of most cars. The universal accessory hitch on the back of the seat allows for scooter accessories, like spacious baskets, cane holders, and oxygen tank holders.

Travel Scooters:

• Disassemble into smaller pieces for easy transport

• Fit easily in the trunks of most cars, SUV’s, and vans

• Allow you to travel when you might not otherwise

• Cost less than mid-size and full-size scooters

• Travel well on vacation and locally

• Feature a universal accessory hitch for scooter accessories

• Are easy to operate

• Don’t need a vehicle lift

MID-SIZE SCOOTERS

* Durable * Comfortable * Dependable *

Ideal for full-time use, mid-size scooters offer extra comfort features, longer-lasting batteries, and more speed. Mid-size scooters are perfect for people who need help getting around on a regular basis and are looking for a full-time scooter. 

Mid-Size Scooters: 

• Are designed for full-time, regular use

• Offer more advanced features for comfort and performance

• Allow you to travel when you might not otherwise

• Feature longer driving ranges and higher weight capacities than travel scooters

• Travel well locally

• Feature a universal accessory hitch for scooter accessories

• May need a vehicle lift

FULL-SIZE SCOOTERS

* Heavy-Duty * High-Performance * Feature-Rich *

Full-size scooters offer more of everything - more speed, more bells and whistles, more comfort and performance features. Perfect for full-time outdoor use, full-size scooters can be used to get you from home to the grocery store and back.

Full-Size Scooters:

• Are sometimes referred to as “heavy-duty” or “high weight capacity” scooters

• Can be used as your main transportation vehicle due to its long driving range

• Offer more advanced features for comfort, safety and performance

• Feature a universal accessory hitch for scooter accessories

• Offer more leg and foot room

• Are ideal for outdoor use

• Feature higher ground clearance

• Come standard with illuminating lighting packages

• Feature longer driving ranges and higher weight capacities than travel and mid-size scooters

• Often feature full suspension for a smoother ride

• Need a compatible vehicle lift for transport

We're Here To Help

If you have any questions about this blog, scooters, or your mobility independence in general, our Mobility Specialists are happy to answer any and all questions you have! Email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-888-364-3813.

Thanks for reading and we hope this information helps!