Buying a mobility scooter, ideas and suggestions
Chilly picture
Are you thinking of buying a mobility scooter? If the answer is “Possibly” then read on. Starting in late 2009 my poor wife had to push me around in a manual wheelchair if I needed to walk more than 1K. Neither of us enjoyed it. In 2010 we saw a man on a wonderful mobility scooter called a Travelscoot. I smelt freedom and independence from the wheelchair, and this opened a whole new world to me.
My first mobility scooter
The Travelscoot is a nifty lightweight folding mobility scooter. I’ve got multiple sclerosis, a disease that does not stand still. My days of riding the Trike, its nickname, will soon be over for a variety of reasons. I have recently bought a different mobility scooter, an Atto; another 3-wheeler. More stable and much easier to get on and off. I learned a lot riding a variety of other mobility scooters and buying the Atto, a replacement for the Travelscoot.
Think carefully before you splash the cash
First of all, write a list of your expectations. My ideas are not definitive, but we all need to start somewhere. A mobility scooter can be a significant investment, and you want to avoid buying a complete white elephant so here are some initial thoughts.
- Where will it be stored? It must be protected from the elements, possibly secure and you must be able to ride the scooter into the storage space which must be flat and level. Do you need to talk to a landlord or the council?
- Think carefully on how much you can spend. Remember the scooter should last a long time so don’t be mean. The mobility scooter market is very competitive and when buying a new one you only get what you pay for. A new scooter that costs less than £2000 is probbly unsuitable for hilly rides.
- A long-term condition will almost certainly get worse and how will this affect your ability to ride the scooter. I know this is a tough one to answer but life is never easy.
- If you are planning to take the mobility scooter in a car for holidays or visit a friend then who will put it into the car, maybe think about a car hoist.
- Try out the scooter and if it is unsuitable can it be returned?
- Check it is comfortable and you feel safe so take it for a trial ride.
Read this link for a comprehensive Which review.
Where will it be used?
In a town on pavements to go shopping or will it be used on country paths to walk the dog .The bigger the wheel diameter the more suited it is to rough paths and better the stability. Remember that four wheels are more stable than three but any mobility scooter can tip onto its side. Is it easy to stash and get hold of items like phone, drinks, jumper and gloves while on the scooter.
What sort of battery
There are two types of battery. The Lithium-ion battery is light, compact and has a long life but it is expensive. All folding lightweight mobility scooters have a lithium-ion battery. A watt-hour (Wh) rating in a lithium-ion battery indicates the amount of energy it can store and deliver. The majority of mobility scooter batteries have a Wh rating of about 250 Wh. Lead-acid batteries are more affordable, but they are much heavier, have shorter lifespans, and slower charging times.
Three wheels or four wheels
A four wheeled mobility scooter will have a turning circle of at least two metres. A three wheeled mobility scooter which will have a smaller turning circle of about a metre but it is less stable. The manoeuvrability or turning circle is really important if you regularly use public transport.
Buying a mobility scooter
I was incredibly lucky to see a mobility scooter in 2010 that happened to tick so many boxes the majority of which I had not thought about. Riding the Trike was so enjoyable and so many people liked it. Now I need a stabler solution and I have opted for an Atto. I admit it is not so much fun to ride. Its a bit clunky, but much more stable and easier to get on and off. Yup the MS must come first and don’t forget I am now retired.
July 2024
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Associated posts
Di Blasi R30 Folding Mobility Scooter
Kymco Mini Comfort Compact Mobility Scooter
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