Mobility Scooters For Sale - Everything You Need To Know To Make An Educated Purchase

There's so much information out there to get confused when purchasing a mobility scooter. This article gives you organized information that is very easy to understand and will help you make a well-educated purchase. This article will cover the various types of scooters, the features to look for, how to choose a scooter, and more.

What is a Mobility Scooter?

A mobility scooter helps people with mobility difficulties regain their independence and freedom by increasing their mobility. Due to their popular medical use, people often refer to them as handicap scooters or medical scooters. These scooters are equipped with an electric motor and controls, typically including handlebars and a tiller for steering. Mobility scooters come in various sizes and styles, from compact and portable models to larger and more robust ones.

The Different Types 

Portable

People purchase these for their convenience, flexibility, and ease of transport. Portable mobility scooters are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easily foldable or disassembled, making them ideal for individuals who need mobility assistance on the go. These handle great in tight spaces and are easy to maneuver. These are also more affordable when compared to full sized scooters.

These generally have a lower weight capacity and less battery range than the other types. Portable scooters are also known as Travel scooters and Foldable scooters.

3-Wheel

People purchase three-wheel mobility scooters for the maneuverability in tight spaces. These have a tight turning radius making it easy to maneuver indoors. For people who taller than 6 feet, these provide more comfort as you have more feet and leg room than most models.

They may provide slightly less stability compared to 4-wheel or 5-wheel models, especially on uneven or rugged terrain. 

4-Wheel

People purchase four-wheel mobility scooters because of their added stability when compared to three-wheel models. Four-Wheel scooter scooters are more suited for outdoor terrain because of their stability and lengthy turning radius. Since they have a lengthy turning radius, these are harder to maneuver indoor when compared to 3 wheel scooters. 

There are four-wheel scooters specifically designed for indoor uses and four-wheel scooters specifically designed for outdoor uses. People often choose the indoor models for added stability while people choose the outdoor models because of the higher ground clearance and ability to navigate in difficult terrain.

5-Wheel

People purchase five-wheel mobility scooters because of their unmatched stability and maneuverability. If you had to take the best features from the 4-Wheel and 3-Wheel models and combine them into one, the five-wheel is what you get. These have a tight turning radius, unmatched stability, and one of our models has a self-loading feature for cars.

These are newer to the market with high-quality features.

Heavy Duty

People purchase heavy duty mobility scooters because of their high weight capacity, long battery range, and outdoor capabilities. These models have up to a 55 mile battery range with a high ground clearance and high top speeds ensuring a great outdoor experience.

These are more expensive because of their outstanding capabilities but yet a popular choice. 

Enclosed Mobility Scooters

Enclosed Mobility Scooters is a state-of-the-art mobility solution designed to provide seniors with a safe, comfortable, and stylish means of transportation. With its enclosed cabin, this scooter offers protection from the elements, making it an ideal choice for year-round use.

Features To Look For 

There are some key features you need to be aware of when purchasing a scooter if you want to ensure you can get around as comfortably as possible.  

Weight Capacity: This specifies the maximum amount of weight your scooter can hold. Portable scooters usually have around a 300lb weight capacity while Heavy Duty scooters usually have around a 450lb weight capacity. 

Net Weight: This is the amount of weight the scooter weighs. If your traveling frequently, the lighter the net weight, the better.

Battery Range: People often worry about being stranded on their mobility device due to their battery running dead. The battery range specifies how long your scooter can drive until its time for a recharge. This ranges per type of scooter. Portable scooters generally have a range of 6-12 miles. While some Heavy Duty Scooters have a range of up to 55-65 miles. 

Turning Radius: This massively impacts your maneuverability. The turning radius of a scooter is the minimum space required for a vehicle to make a circular turn. The smaller the radius, the less room the scooter needs to make a U-Turn. For example, a 3-Wheel scooter with a turning radius of 35" requires less room to make a U-Turn when you compare it to a 4-Wheel Scooter with a turning radius of 50".

Having a smaller turning radius means your scooter can make tighter turns in small spaces. This makes it easier to navigate when you don't have much room to move around.

Ground Clearance: This is measured as the space between the ground and the undercarriage. For outdoor use, higher clearance is best to avoid any potential damage to the undercarriage and makes it easier to navigate over obstacles like uneven terrain, bumps, or small curbs. Lower clearance provides a stable ride since the rider has a lower center of gravity.

Maximum Rated Incline: This indicates the maximum incline at which the scooters can safely climb. Wheelchair ramps and other ramps you may encounter don't have incline any higher than 4 degrees. This is a feature to take note of as your situation may require a higher maximum rated incline. 

Speed: this is simply how fast your scooter can go. You can determine whether you'd like to go fast or slow easily on each scooter. Most scooters have a top speed between 4mph-12mph.

You can find these key features on the top of our descriptions on all of our scooter pages and you may find even more features on the "specifications" tab.   

Choosing a Mobility Scooter Based Off Of Your Wants And Needs

Take into consideration your wants and needs by asking yourself these questions:

• Will I be using this mainly indoors, outdoors, or both?If using indoors, 3-Wheel scooters may be suitable for your situation. If mainly outdoors, then a 4-Wheel, 5-Wheel, or Heavy Duty scooter may be a suitable. If both indoors and outdoors, a 3-wheel or a 4-wheel, 5-wheel, or heavy duty scooter may be suitable.  
• What weight capacity do I need?
• What battery range do I desire?
• What unique features do I want? Example of this is: seat lifts, self loading, a basket, a scooter cover etc.
• What is my budget?
• Do I want a fast scooter? 

After asking these questions to yourself, you can narrow down your mobility scooter options. Once answering these questions, examine your options and see which features on each scooter would be ideal for your situation.

Example: If you want an outdoor scooter with a weight capacity of 400 pounds, 25+ mile battery range, a seat lift, $2600 budget, with a speed of at least 8mph, then a heavy duty mobility scooter would be great for you.

We know choosing a scooter can be a long and difficult process. If you'd like for us to give you free expert advice within 24 hours (no phone call required), consider looking into our dream mobility matchmaker by clicking the banner below. If you'd like to talk to a non-commission based customer service representative for assistance in choosing the best mobility scooter, then call +1 844-465-6956.

Benefits of Mobility Scooters

1. Enhanced Independence: Scooters offer you the freedom to move around on your terms. You won't have to rely on others for transportation, giving you a greater sense of independence.

2. Stay Active: Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital as we age. Scooters enable you to stay engaged in outdoor activities, visit friends and family, and enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about fatigue or discomfort.

3. Social Engagement: Owning a scooter makes it easier to stay socially connected. You can attend gatherings, events, and outings with friends and loved ones, fostering a sense of community and happiness.

4. Improved Quality of Life: Scooters can significantly improve your overall quality of life. They allow you to access essential services, run errands, and engage in hobbies and interests you might have thought were out of reach.

5. Safety and Stability: Many Scooters are designed with safety in mind. They offer stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries that can occur when walking long distances.

6. Comfortable Travel: Scooters provide a comfortable seated position, reducing the strain on your legs and joints. You can explore new places and enjoy outings without the discomfort of prolonged walking.

7. Access to Shopping: Grocery shopping, retail therapy, or simply browsing stores becomes more accessible with a Scooter. You can easily navigate shopping malls and stores.

8. Outdoor Exploration: If you enjoy the outdoors, a Scooter allows you to explore parks, nature trails, and scenic areas. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh air.

9. Travel Opportunities: Many scooters are portable and can be easily transported in vehicles or on public transport, opening up travel opportunities and allowing you to see new places and revisit old favorites.

10. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a reliable means of getting around can provide peace of mind. You won't have to worry about getting stranded or feeling limited by your mobility.

11. Customization: Scooters come in various models, allowing you to choose one that suits your specific needs and preferences. You can find scooters that fit your size, lifestyle, and intended use.

Remember that owning a scooter is about maintaining your autonomy and enjoying life to the fullest. It's an investment in your well-being and an opportunity to continue doing the things you love, even as you age gracefully.

Can You Purchase A Scooter With Medicare?

Yes, you can, but restrictions apply.

Medicare provides coverage for 80% of the expenses associated with a wheelchair, assuming you meet their criteria for "medical necessity." Following the payment of your annual Part B Medicare deductible, you'll be responsible for covering the remaining 20%. It's important to note that Medicare's approval for a mobility scooter is relatively rare because most individuals do not meet their specific eligibility requirements, which include:

• Obtaining a written order from a physician confirming your medical condition, which hampers your ability to move within your residence.

• Demonstrating a health condition that significantly impedes your mobility in and around your home or apartment.

• Proving that, even with the aid of a cane, walker, or rollator, you are incapable of performing daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and getting in and out of bed or a chair without relying on a mobility scooter.

• Ensuring that you can safely operate a mobility scooter on your own or have constant assistance available for its use.

• Confirming that both your attending physician, who is treating your medical condition, and your mobility scooter supplier are enrolled in Medicare.

• Ensuring that the electric mobility scooter can navigate freely within your home, including the ability to easily pass through all doorways.

You can view the requirements under Medicare Part B

When your approved for a scooter, you have a very limited amount of options. You can call1800MEDICARE to see if you are eligible for Medicare to reimburse your scooter. At this time The Mobility Home can not accept payments from Medicare.