When choosing the scooter that is right for you, there are a few things that are important to get right, as well as certain features your scooter must-have. We have included a PDF of these questions below for you to keep handy while making your decision. We hope this is helpful.

Dimensions – questions to consider:

1. Is the scooter the right size and will it go the places you want to take it?

2. What is the maximum weight the mobility scooter can carry?

3. Does the motor support and meet your needs?

4. Can the mobility scooter climb the gradients you intend to drive it up? What is the maximum climbing gradient that the scooter is capable of?

5. What is the mobility scooter’s maximum speed? Does the scooter have a double speed adjustment option? What is the scooter’s maximum power?

6. What distances will the mobility scooter travel for before the battery needs recharging?

7. Can the mobility scooter be disassembled for transportation in a car? If so, how easy is the mobility scooter to disassemble and reassemble?

8. Can it fit through doors easily?

9. Where will it be stored? Where will it be charged?

Personal features – questions to consider

1. Seat: Do you need a seat that swivels, rotates or moves up and down, forwards and backwards? If it swivels, do you need it to lock in place? Is the seat comfortable and padded? Is it easy to get in and out of the seat?

Does your seat lock on the 90° position offering your safety while getting on and off your scooter.

2. Armrests: Are the armrests comfortable? Are they moveable? Do they allow you to get on and off your scooter easily?

3. Wheels: Three-wheelers are lighter and more manoeuvrable, but DANGEROUS.
Four-wheelers are more stable on uneven terrain and safer. Can the scooter be free-wheeled, which is useful if it breaks down or runs out of power and you need someone to push it?

4. Hand controls: Can you adjust the steering control so it is easy to reach? What sort of controls does the scooter have, and do they suit you? Are they easy to use for extended periods of time without discomfort?

Do they have anti fatigue hand rests?

5. Is the key/ignition in an easy location to find and is it accessible?

Must haves – features to check

1. Lights: All scooters must have headlights and rear lights, including brake lights, indicators and hazard lights. How good are the lights?

2. Brakes: What sort of brakes does the scooter have? How well do they work? (Compare braking distances between scooters). Can the scooter brake down any steep gradients that you intend to drive down?

3. Horn: Does the scooter have a horn? Is it situated somewhere easy to use?

4. Reversing Beeper: Does the mobility scooter have a reversing beeper?

5. Bumpers: Does the mobility scooter have front and rear bumpers to protect it from small knocks?

6. Mirrors: Does the scooter have side twin mirrors?

Other considerations – questions to consider

1. Battery type: What sort of battery does the mobility scooter come with and what will it take? AGM or GEL? GEL is best for most mobility scooters.

2. Battery amps: What rating does the battery have? Is it a battery with higher amp hours (better suited to steep gradients and rough terrain)

3. Battery indicator: Does the mobility scooter have a battery indicator?

4. Battery life and charging: How long is the battery expected to last and how easy is it to charge? Is there a risk to the battery if charged incorrectly? What sort of charger does it have?

5. Accessories: What accessories are available for the mobility scooter? These can include a flag and flag holder, a walking stick or crutches holder, front and rear baskets, an oxygen bottle holder, an awning, a lap belt and a storage cover.

6. Manuals: How informative are the manufacturer’s instruction manuals?

7. Service: What post-purchase service is offered, including warranty and repairs? Do they offer any roadside assistance?

8. Finance: Does the manufacturer accept financed purchases?