Mobility Scooter

Do think about what problems he has mobility wise. Does he have a deteriorating condition which will affect his ability to manage the controls and transfer onto the seat.


Many companies will sell you these trikes without any discussion as to whether he will be able to manage it in the longer term.


Take your time and think about where it will be stored and is there level access to and from where it will be kept. Plus is there and electric socket nearby for the battery.


Do you have a shopping precinct that has a mobility centre attached as that is a good starting point to see if he can use one( they lend them out )

We leave the scooter in the car boot and the battery is taken indoors for charging.

We've looked into mobility scooters, - as currently i hire them from shopmobility units when I'm in different places.

Some thoughts....

Weight - generally they go in weight ranges 18 st/21st/25 stone / + weight

Size - theres 2 main issues - mobile ones pavement use (4 miles per hour), heavy duty big ones (8 miles per hour - need a road tax )

Distance - how far do you want to go, general battery - 10 or 13 mile radius, - the more power to the battery in terms of radius - heavier battery

Warrenty - second hand - you could buy and it conks out next day
- new - 12 months warrenty (maybe longer)

Additional costs - insurance - think recommended - apr £90 a year

Storage - Where are you going to store it

Electricity - need to have sockets close by for the battery

Used one before - different styles of handles - need to look at condition as well

Price - a new one start at around £600 - could pay as much as 3k for all bells and whistles

what am I going to use it for - for out and about in car, back and forth to supermarket from home


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I would first suggest looking for an indepandant supplier, that way you know they dont have a sales target to meet to keep that firms stock in their shops.

Try and go to different suppliers, - even if you have to go to next town

Car boot - can I lift it, - some people have a lift built in, ramps, is it easy to come apart, how much room does it leave me in the boot.

Try the ones in supermarket - they have the big basket so not an ideal experience but gives a jist of controls etc

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Some of the points you may have already decided yes/no for.... so apologies if I have doubled up,

Good luck, sure your have many miles ahead

I know for me, the last 8 years of hiring them have given me so much freedom, independance and may sound daft even self worth, as i'm not reliant on others for everything. xxxx

Yes think loads covered but things to think of:


Do you want a large one for pavements/village/town or a smaller more manageable one for using in the car and inside shops only? Some of the bigger ones would not fit in most cars.


Who would load it into the car? Some are very heavy, even when dismantled.


Hire one out from town to have a 'test drive' or try the supermarket ones.


I have had three and four wheelers and have had no trouble with either.


Three wheelers and smaller ones more manoeuvrable inside shops.


Some of the very small ones don't have a comfortable seat.


Currently I have a small one with three wheels that hubby can put in boot which I use for Drs or shops.


I also have a larger four wheeler which has a better padded seat for out and about in our village - but it is too large to transport.