Scooter Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

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Searching for the right mobility scooter can quickly become overwhelming. With so many types, features, and configurations, it’s easy to feel lost before you even start. That’s why we created this quick guide to help you narrow down the options so you can find the best scooter that fits your lifestyle.

Before you buy, here are some factors you should think about so you can find the right scooter for your needs.

What are your mobility needs?

Your mobility needs are unique to you and your lifestyle, so it’s important that your scooter or power wheelchair fits those needs and lifestyle. Consider factors such as:

• Do you need assistance for shorter or longer distances?
• What activities would require the use of a scooter?
• How will your mobility needs change in the future?

How will you be using your scooter?

It’s important to consider what your primary uses for a scooter will be. Are you navigating spaces that require a lot of walking, like going grocery shopping and running errands? Do you need a little extra help getting around on rougher terrain when doing yard work and gardening?

How often you plan to use a scooter will also determine the scooter you choose. If you’re using a scooter daily, something more durable may be necessary than if you only use it a few times a week.

For a durable, long-range scooter, the Buzzaround EX from Golden Technologies is a good option to consider.

Check out the Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX 4-wheel scooter

Indoor or outdoor use?

Another aspect to think about when looking for your perfect scooter is how often you plan to use your scooter indoors or outdoors. Some scooters are more compact and better for maneuvering indoor spaces where door frames and furniture become obstacles. Other types of scooters are sturdy and meant to go over the rugged terrain of a backyard or even an outdoor trail. It all depends on where you need the freedom and independence to go!

Traditionally, a 3-wheel scooter will have a tighter turning radius and be better suited for indoor use. However, evolving technology, such as Pride Mobility’s new EZ Turn technology, gives a 4-wheel scooter a turning radius that rivals the turning radius of a 3-wheel.

Indoor: Check out the Pride Mobility Go GO Elite Traveller 2 Platinum

Outdoor: Check out the Baja Bandit

Will you be traveling with your scooter?

In today’s busy world, flexibility is a must, and when choosing a scooter, it’s important to think about what kind of flexibility you need. If you plan on traveling with a scooter, you will need to consider the possibility of installing a scooter lift on your vehicle. Some lighter-weight models fold or disassemble for easy stowage in the trunk or rear-area of your vehicle and do not require a scooter lift for transport.

If you are a frequent air-traveler, you will want to choose a scooter that is lightweight, foldable, and has an airline-compliant battery. Select scooters, like the Pride Mobility Go Go Super Portable, are airline-approved and have airline-compliant lithium batteries. To avoid any unwanted interruptions or confusion at the airport, it is important to confirm with your airline, prior to your day of travel, that your scooter and battery will be allowed to be taken on the plane. Even though the battery is FAA approved, the airlines make the final decision as to what they want to allow to fly.

Check out the Pride Mobility Go Go Super Portable

Check out the Bruno Out-Sider Lift (ASL 275)

With so many options available for mobility scooters and devices, we want to help you make a decision that is not only easy, but one that makes you feel confident. Whether your scooter is for daily use or a longer trip, to get around the house or get around the mall, we have you covered. Ready to shop? Visit shop.mobilityworks.com or call 877-375-9658.