Buying A Mobility Scooter - A Comprehensive Guide

We believe choosing a wheelchair should not only be made simple, but should be an informed, personal choice. This is why we have created this: the ultimate guide to buying your mobility scooter.

Learn more below about the classes of wheelchairs, legislation, features to look out for when buying a mobility scooter, and much more, so you can make the best decision for your needs and preferences.

Is A Mobility Scooter Right For You?

There is no official medical examination to determine who is eligible to use a mobility scooter. If you need a mobility aid or have mobility issues and are over the age of 14, you can have one.

In the UK, it is illegal for a fully able-bodied person to use a mobility scooter unless they are:

• Giving a demonstration before selling
• Training a user
• Moving the mobility scooter to or from maintenance and repair

Mobility scooters may not be appropriate for those with sight or hearing impairments, as these problems can affect your ability to manoeuvre safely.

They also may not be appropriate for use inside the home due to their larger designs - lightweight electric powerchairs are the better option in this case.

If you follow these criteria, then a mobility scooter may be the right choice for you. The real question is - which one to get?

How To Choose A Mobility Scooter

Classes of Mobility Scooter

There are three classes to categorise the abilities of each type of wheelchair:

Class 1 Wheelchairs

Class 1 wheelchairs are any wheelchair without an electric motor. The simplest, classic wheelchairs which are operated completely manually.

Class 2 Mobility Scooters - Pavement Mobility Scooters

Class 2 mobility scooters are only permitted for pavement use, with a maximum speed of 4 mph. You cannot use them on roads, but you can use them on zebra crossings and such.

Although mechanically propelled, class 2 power scooters are often lightweight and compact, and can fit into a vehicle with ease when travelling.

Class 3 Mobility Scooters - Road Legal Scooters

Class 3 scooters can have a maximum speed of 8mph, and must have a few features to be considered “road legal”:

• Headlights and indicators
• Rear view mirrors
• Emergency handbrakes
• Horn

Other Types of Mobility Scooter

If more independence is what you’re looking for, then a battery-powered class 2 or class 3 mobility scooter might be what you need. There are a few types of mobility scooters to consider:

Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooters

A space-saving, portable option that can easily fit your car boot, lightweight folding mobility scooters are the ideal choice for when doing your daily shopping or going on holiday.

Lightweight foldable scooters come with a range of features such as removable batteries, adjustable floor pans, and easy disassembly, even with restricted mobility, helping you regain your independence.

Auto-Folding Lightweight Scooters

Auto-folding mobility scooters are just as lightweight and convenient as manual ones, except you get to save time and energy by simply pressing a button for automatic disassembly. It’s the perfect choice for when you just want to get on with your day without the hassle of manual set-up.

Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters

If you need high-weight support, this type of mobility scooter should be your top choice. With a capacity of up to 35 stone, heavy-duty mobility scooters come with features like robust frames, integrated suspension, and powerful motors, designed with durability and comfort in mind.

Travel Mobility Scooters

If you’re big on exploration, a travel mobility scooter designed with multi-day trips and holidays in mind might be the right choice. Travel scooters usually come with a user-friendly foldable design and a battery that can last a whole day on a single charge.

All-Terrain Mobility Scooter

Just like the name suggests, all-terrain mobility scooters come with extensive off-road capabilities and can handle anything from bumpy pavements and cobblestone roads to dirt trails and sandy beaches.

Mobility Scooter Legislation

Once you choose your ideal mobility scooter, it’s important to familiarise yourself with all the rules and regulations. Let’s have a look:

Who Can Use A Mobility Scooter?

• People aged 14+
• People who struggle to walk due to injury, physical disability, or medical condition
• Able-bodied people who are demonstrating the wheelchair before it is sold
• Able-bodied people training a disabled user
• Able-bodied people who are taking the vehicle to or from maintenance or repair

Licence And Registration

You do not need a licence or a medical examination to use a mobility scooter. You must, however, register any class 3, road-legal mobility scooter. Class 2’s do not require registration. You also do not pay vehicle tax.

Riding On Roads

You can only drive on roads with a road-legal mobility scooter. You must not drive in bus lanes, cycle lanes, or motorways, and you should avoid driving on roads with a speed limit of 50mph+.

When riding your mobility scooter on a road, you must use an amber flashing light for visibility, to protect yourself and those around you.

What To Consider Before Buying A Mobility Scooter

Types Of Journeys

Will you be taking short journeys to and from the shops using pavements? Or will you be travelling for longer using roads? Will you be using your electric wheelchair both inside and outside? These are questions to ask yourself before you decide which model you need.

For longer journeys on roads, you will need a Class 3 road-legal scooter, or a heavy-duty mobility scooter, whereas for shorter journeys, you will likely look at more lightweight or automatic folding scooters.

Storing a Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooter storage is another thing to bear in mind. It needs to be stored, fully covered, in a secure and waterproof place.

The space you keep your mobility scooter in, of course, requires a power outlet to keep the batteries charged, but you should also consider whether your storage place will need ramps installed to allow you to enter and exit with absolute ease.

Your Weight And Size

All mobility scooters have a weight limit. This is so the motors are not working too hard, and so the battery can last as long as possible.

By a general rule, lightweight mobility scooters have a lower weight capacity of around 15-21 stone, whereas larger mobility scooters have larger seats and 25+ stone weight limits. Read our guide on mobility scooter size and weight for more details.

Every person of any shape and size is entitled to comfortable mobility, so electric scooters are built with inclusivity in mind. This is why there are many scooters with larger weight capacities.

Features

USB chargers, LED screen displays, and docking stations are only some of the exciting features you can have on a modern mobility scooter! You can also go for accessibility features like holders for walking sticks and storage baskets.

Be sure to read product specifications not only for the technical information you require, but for the features you want.

Always feel free to contact your mobility scooter retailer to discuss the features you would like, but also to learn more about the features that are available to you!

Mobility Scooter Prices

The mobility scooter market can be confusing, as there are so many differing types of wheelchairs at so many different prices. As a general guideline:

• Class 2 pavement scooters will often be found at a price of £1000 - £2000.
• Class 3 road scooters are pricier, at around £1500 - £3000.
• A lightweight folding scooter can be purchased for anywhere from £800 to £2500
• Heavy-duty mobility scooters can cost between £1500 all the way up to £11,000.
• Electric wheelchairs with automatic folding mechanisms can range from £1000 to £3000, which is a similar price range to lightweight powerchairs.

Should You Buy A Second-Hand Mobility Scooter?

It may also be worth considering second-hand, reconditioned electric disability scooters, as you can get a high-quality mobility scooter for a lower price than its brand-new counterpart.

When purchasing a used mobility scooter from a reputable retailer, you can get an amazing deal for a mobility scooter that feels like new. The shop or retailer will have fully serviced the wheelchair, doing all the checks to make sure it’s in the best possible condition.

Before purchasing a second-hand mobility scooter, you should check for any wear and tear, and ask about the warranty. You should always ask about the age of the powerchair, as well as the age of the lithium-ion battery and how long it lasts on a full charge.

Try Before You Buy

Before you make any purchases, you should make sure to test drive your chosen electric mobility scooter.

With a test drive, you can find out how comfortable the seat is, whether it has enough leg room for you, or if the controls are in a good place for you to reach. Contact your mobility scooter provider and ask for a home demonstration.

What to Ask Before You Buy A Mobility Scooter

A mobility scooter is an investment, and you need to know everything you possibly can before making the purchase.

You should also ask questions such as:

• Do I need to buy any additional accessories for the scooter?
• How long is the delivery period?
• Will the scooter require assembly, or will it arrive fully assembled?
• Will the scooter come with an instruction manual?
• What is the after-care service policy?
• What is the guarantee or warranty information?
• Are spare parts readily available and easy to acquire?

VAT Relief for Mobility Scooters

If you are disabled or suffering from a long-term illness, you may be eligible for VAT relief on your mobility scooter. This is because you should not be charged VAT on products designed for your personal or domestic use.

As long as your product and disability qualify for VAT relief, you will also not be charged VAT on the installation or any extra work needed, repairs or maintenance, or for spare parts or accessories.

You can find more information on the government’s financial help for disabilities page.

Pros and Cons of Using a Mobility Scooter

Mobility scooters can improve the independence and quality of life for individuals with limited mobility. However, like any assistive device, they come with a set of pros and cons.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Pros of Using a Mobility Scooter

• Increased independence - A mobility scooter allows users to go out, run errands, visit friends and family, and participate in social activities without relying on others.
• Improved mobility and accessibility - with a scooter, you can navigate various terrains, from sidewalks and shopping centres to parks and even some rougher outdoor surfaces (especially with 4-wheel or off-road models).
• Reduced physical strain - a mobility scooter conserves energy that would otherwise be spent on physical exertion. This allows users to allocate their energy to other important activities or simply enjoy their outing more.
• Convenience and practicality - many scooters offer features like adjustable seats, easy-to-use controls, and storage compartments (baskets, under-seat storage) for personal belongings or shopping.
• Safety features - modern mobility scooters often include safety features such as lights, horns, stability mechanisms, and speed settings to minimise the risk of accidents.
• No driver's license required - in the UK, you don't need a driver's license to operate a mobility scooter.

Cons of Using a Mobility Scooter

• Portability vs. performance trade-offs - many mobility scooters can be heavy and bulky, making them challenging to transport in a car or on public transport. While foldable models exist, they often compromise on features like battery range or comfort to achieve portability.
• Storage space - scooters can take up a significant amount of space, which can be an issue for individuals living in smaller homes or apartments without designated storage.
• Limited battery life and range - most scooters have a limited range on a single charge (typically 10-20 miles), which might not be sufficient for all-day use or longer trips. Running out of battery far from home can be a significant inconvenience.
• Maintenance requirements - mobility scooters have batteries, tires, and electronic components that require regular maintenance and occasional repairs.
• Cost - mobility scooters can be a significant financial investment, with prices varying widely based on features and model.
• Accessibility challenges - not all public spaces or establishments are fully equipped for mobility scooter access, which can still limit where users can go.

Find The Best Mobility Scooter For Your Needs With Mobility Solutions Direct

At Mobility Solutions Direct, we understand that choosing the right mobility scooter is a personal journey. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality mobility scooters, carefully selected to cater to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a compact model for easy transport, a sturdy scooter for outdoor adventures, or a comfortable option for everyday use around Stretford and beyond, we have something for everyone.

Ready to reclaim your freedom and explore the world with confidence? Browse our extensive collection of mobility scooters and find the perfect one for you.