Your Mobility Scooter Buying Guide

Are you or a loved one in need of a mobility scooter to regain independence and enhance daily mobility?

Navigating the world of mobility scooters can be overwhelming for some, with the array of options available. That’s why we’ve created this mobility scooter buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, join us as we explore key considerations, features, and tips to find your perfect ride.

Get ready to embark on a journey towards enhanced mobility and newfound freedom with the ultimate mobility scooter buying guide.

Mobility Scooter classes

Class 2 - Pavement Scooters

All pavement scooters are Class 2 vehicles and can be operated on all pavement and footpaths. You may also cross the road using pedestrian and zebra crossings; however, you are not authorized to travel along the road (except where there is no pavement).

The primary advantage of a Class 2 scooter over a bigger Class 3 scooter is the storage space. Numerous Class 2 mobility scooters are classified as “portable” owing to their ease of disassembly for transit.

Class 2 scooters are ideal for people who want a scooter for moderately long days out but are not looking to spend every day on lengthy excursions.

Class 3 - Road legal Scooter

A scooter must meet several specific requirements to be recognized as a Class 3 vehicle.

Class 3 vehicles have a maximum speed of 8mph but must have a mechanism to restrict their speed to 4mph on the pavement. This can be accomplished with a switch which enables 4mph travel.

Class 3 scooters have a greater range of distance (on a single charge) and a higher maximum weight restriction. Due to the increased speed, they’re generally often bigger and more robust than Class 2 scooters.

The good news is that since a Class 3 vehicle isn’t legally classified as a motor vehicle, it is exempt from road tax (and does not need an MOT). There is no necessity to get insurance; however, we strongly advise you to do so.

What you need to know about Mobility Scooters

Choosing the right Scooter for you

When and where are you going to use your scooter? This is the most critical question to ask yourself. If you’re considering purchasing a scooter, you presumably have a decent notion of how you want to use it.

Several of the most frequent circumstances include:

Independent shopping excursion
Paying visits to friends and relatives
Taking the scooter on vacation or day outings

Do you need your mobility scooter to be portable?

Mobility scooters are large equipment with large batteries, engines and axles, they are not ideal for transporting in vehicles or on public transport due to their size. Unless you have an adapted or large vehicle of course.

Portable scooters are compact and low in weight. They disassemble to make loading the scooter into the trunk of a vehicle easier. Due to the lightweight nature of portable scooters, however they’re often less comfortable when seated for longer periods than the bigger non-portable scooters.

Travel scooter chairs often have less cushioning and are fastened or fixed in place. Therefore, unless you want a portable scooter, you’re better off with a mid-size or road-legal scooter as these are generally more comfortable for longer days out.

You must verify that the scooter you choose fulfils your unique needs. For instance, if you suffer from back pain, you should select a scooter with suspension and a comfortable back cushion, if you find it difficult to twist or turn your body, then a mobility scooter which features a swivel seat would be a sensible decision as this will assist getting on and off the device.

It is important to consider the weight of the user.

This is a critical factor to consider while shopping for scooters; each scooter has a maximum rider weight restriction. Staying below the set maximum weight limit is critical since heavier weight may void the warranty and reduce the scooter’s motor life. If you believe your weight may change, you should buy a scooter that allows for weight gain.

Where will you use your Scooter?

You should assess the area in which you will be riding your scooter. If you’re negotiating a lot of curbs (and there aren’t many lowered curbs), you’ll want a scooter with a respectable riding height. This enables you to scale curbs if appropriate.

If you live in a hilly location, you should think about how well the scooter can climb, and what is the maximum gradient it can climb. Most manufacturers state a maximum gradient which the scooter can handle at maximum rider weight. This limit is not to be exceeded.

The battery’s range will be reduced if you continually ascend and descend hills. Bigger scooters can handle steeper climbs.

Your surroundings also include where you plan to keep the scooter. Consider the space available to keep your scooter and if it will pose a hindrance (e.g., if you need to evacuate your home in the dark). You need a safe, weatherproof location near a power source to charge the scooter’s batteries. A garage is ideal for this. If you don’t have outdoor storage, you may need to bring the scooter inside.

To do so, consider if you’ll need ramps to cross the threshold and the maximum width of your scooter to fit through the door.

Dubai Mobility offers an excellent range of mobility scooters for your needs as well as portable ramps to aid getting larger mobility scooters into a vehicle.

Visit us online, contact us or call us at +971 4 3709893 for more information.

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