Mobility Scooters – Buyers Guide

Thinking about buying a Mobility Scooter?

There are places you want to go, things you need to do and people you’d like to see. Like most of us you might need a little help. A Mobility Scooter might be a good solution for you but where to start when there’s so much choice and variety, and so many websites, shops and sellers?

You’ll need a Scooter to be comfortable and easy to handle. It has to be a match for the terrain, the environment and be as maintenance-free as possible.

Bringing these things together will probably mean doing a bit of research, asking some questions and maybe making a compromise or two. To be honest it’s rare to find a Scooter which ticks all the boxes. A Scooter might be perfect for you in terms of comfort but it’s too large and heavy to lift into a car boot. It might be great for straight runs but the wide turning circle makes it difficult to handle in shops. You don’t want to find these things out after your purchase so it’s worth taking the time to weigh up every aspect of what’s out there in the market.

Bear in mind there’s a lot more to researching a Scooter than finding the best price. A Scooter which comes in at the cheapest price but doesn’t suit your needs could end up being an expensive mistake.

So let’s have a look at some of the basics…

The Basics

The Rules

You don’t need a licence to drive a Mobility Scooter (or Powered Wheelchair), but you may have to register it. Mobility Scooters (and Powered Wheelchairs) come in 2 categories legally defined by law:

• Class 2: these cannot be used on the road (except where there is not a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph
• Class 3: these can be used on the road and have a maximum speed of 4mph off the road and 8mph on the road

You don’t need to register a Class 2 Mobility Scooter but you must register Class 3 Mobility Scooters with the DVLA.

You don’t have to pay vehicle tax for any Mobility Scooter (or Powered Wheelchair) if it’s registered as Class 3.

You must be a disabled person aged 14 or over to drive a Class 3 Mobility Scooter.

Class 3 Scooters can be used:

• On footpaths, pavements, bridleways and pedestrian areas at a maximum speed of 4 mph; and
• On most roads at a maximum speed of 8 mph.

They cannot be used on motorways, cycle lanes or in bus lanes (when in operation). Nor is it advisable to use them on unrestricted dual carriageways (i.e. those with a speed limit of over 50 mph).

If they are 4-wheeled vehicles, then they must use an amber flashing light to ensure you’re visible to others when used on a dual carriageways.

The Scooter must have certain construction features, including:

• a maximum unladen weight of 150 kg (330 lbs);
• a maximum width of 0.85 metres (2’9″);
• a device to limit its speed to 6.4 km/h (4 mph);
• a maximum speed of 12.8 km/h (8 mph);
• an efficient braking system;
• front and rear lights and reflectors, and direction indicator which are able to operate as a hazard warning signal;
• an audible warning instrument (a horn);
• a rear-view mirror; and
• an amber flashing light if a 4-wheeled Scooter is used on a dual carriageway.

Visit the UK government website here  Mobility Scooter Legal Requirements for more details.

Basically, for short, local journeys on the pavements (and crossing roads) or taking your scooter in the car or on public transport, a portable Class 2 Mobility Scooter may be the best option. If you want something larger and faster with the option of driving on the roads then you’ll need a Class 3 scooter.

Speed

4 mph is a sensible limit for pavement use, so a Class 2 Scooter is often the obvious choice but remember a Class 3 is allowed on the pavement too as long as it doesn’t exceed 4 mph.

When travelling uphill the extra torque of a Class 3 Scooter may help you along as long as you keep within the 4 mph restriction. So, if you’re planning on using the Scooter regularly on pavements in hilly terrains don’t discount the Class 3 types.

Range

The market provides Scooters (both Class 2 and 3) with all sorts of range options so there’s plenty of choice. Consider your most frequent needs. If the majority of your trips will be covered by the stated range but you might have to travel further on occasion, then consider buying a spare battery. These often don’t come cheap so maybe it’s something you could buy at some later point after purchasing the Scooter but be sure to check the battery price before investing in the Scooter.

Also, it’s likely that your weight and riding up and down hills and slopes will cause some variance in the specified range so factor this into your plans before setting out.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to take the battery charger with you should you come unstuck and need to give the battery a charge (say in a café or shopping centre) to ensure a safe return.
Brakes

Most Scooters models operate with the brakes permanently on. The brakes are electrically released when you pull or push the throttle lever to get the scooter to move in any chosen direction. Once you release the throttle, the brake then re-applies. This system is often described as an automatic or electro-magnetic braking system.

Often Scooters also have a lever or button that will mechanically disengage the brake so the scooter can be pushed a short distance. This could be useful if, for example, your battery runs out or you’re going through a shop doorway and the scooter is a tight fit so you need to lever it through.

Some scooters have a lever brake on the tiller. This is used as a handbrake would be used on a car and is also used as a fail-safe should the electric brakes fail.
Weight

A key consideration for many. Think carefully about the regular routes you intend to take. You might need to lift it on occasion, for example, to cross a threshold, lift it over a kerb, up or down a step or into a car boot. Ramps might help but make sure they can they are robust enough to take the weight (of the Scooter and you!). You might even to need professional advice in this area.

Consider Travel Scooters (which fold or disassemble) which can be pulled like a suitcase and are designed for portability to overcome the multitude of challenges presented with travelling on public transport or even flying (see more on this in the Portability section below).

Battery Type

Scooters will use one or two 12 volt rechargeable batteries. Generally, the larger size of the battery the greater the range, although, lithium-ion batteries are reducing dramatically in size without having to compromise power and range. Power output of a battery is measured in Ah (amp-hour). The amp-hour rating indicates the amount of energy a battery can store and deliver at a constant rate of discharge over a period of 20 hours before it reaches a voltage at which it is stone dead for all practical purposes. A 12-volt battery, the most common nominal voltage, is fully discharged at 10 volts.

In the main, the larger and heavier the batteries the greater the output capacity. Small portable scooters will typically have 12Ah batteries whilst some luxury Class 3 scooters may have batteries as large as 75Ah.

Mobility Scooter Model Types

Class 2 Scooters comprise Pavement Mobility Scooters and Travel Mobility Scooters.

Travel Mobility Scooters are also known as Portable Scooters, Boot Scooters, Folding Scooters and Lightweight Scooters. The idea is that they are suitable for use in shops, can be lifted or pulled if needed and even used around the home. If you plan on travelling on planes, trains and automobiles, setting off on coach trips or cruises then this type of Scooter might be the one for you. They will have either 3 or 4 wheels taking you no more than 4mph with a smaller battery meaning the range will often be shorter than your average Pavement Scooter.

Pavement Mobility Scooters are more suited to local trips with more range capacity and comfort than the Travel Mobility Scooters. They’re also heavier and more bulky and whilst it’s possible to lift them this is often difficult for your average person to achieve singlehandedly.

Class 3 Mobility Scooters are also known as 6-8mph Scooters. Ideal for use on both the pavement and the road – they are often much heavier than their Class 2 cousins. But with that comes more stability and capacity for speed and range. They will have lights and indicators making them road-ready and often come with a host of other bells and whistles.

So now let’s look at things to consider regarding sitting in and operating a Scooter.

Comfort & Handling

You’ll want to be sat comfortably, feeling stable and secure and able to ride and handle the Scooter with ease.

Seating

For either short or long trips being seated comfortably is vital. Adding a cushion can often make a difference if a Scooter’s default setup doesn’t quite get there for you. You’ll need to be able to reach the handles and operate them comfortably without fully stretching out your arms (otherwise tight corners will be a problem) and you’ll not want to exacerbate any existing aches and pains so the correct posture with enough leg room will be important – don’t compromise on this aspect.

Generally, seats come in two types – the fixed (padded seat with a backrest – more prevalent in smaller Travel Scooters) and the ‘Captains Seat’ (bigger with more adjustability options and a headrest). Many seats will be swivel seats to ease getting on and alighting. Scooter listings will often specify seat height and position and headrest angle and height but people come in different shapes and sizes so look out for adjustability options (and extra cushioning) as it can be a key aspect for a comfortable and safe ride.

Suspension

Obviously, the terrain will to a large extent dictate the comfort your experience. You might encounter cobblestones, grass, gravel and uneven surfaces (particularly on pavements). Some models have suspension on seats to make the ride more comfortable. Inflatable rather than solid tyres will also provide a smoother ride.

 Armrests

Many Scooters will have armrests although Travel Scooters often lack these to keep them compact and lighter. Aside from providing the obvious comfort element they might also make the rider feel more stable and secure. Look out for adjustability options raising them for comfort and flipping them up (and out of the way) making it easier to get on and off the Scooter

Tiller

The ‘tiller’ is the front part of the Scooter which includes handlebars and the controls at the top (forming a ‘T’ shape) to start and drive. It’s important the controls are within easy reach to avoid bad posture and ensure safe riding. They are sometimes adjustable which allow the Scooter handle and controls to be moved closer to the body, making it easier to operate.

Controls

The controls on a Scooter have either a conventional handle-bar arrangement or they have what is called a delta-bar configuration. This is a wrap-around style handle that minimizes strain on the hands and allows the wrists to rest on the handle. This type of tiller allows for both left or right-handed operation.

In general, the delta-bar is preferred if the user has limited strength and dexterity in their hands and arms. Additionally it allows the user to either push or pull the throttle lever to drive the scooter.

Maximum Weight Capacity

Make sure you are comfortably within the maximum user weight capacity recommendation. If your weight is close to the manufacturer’ recommended limit have a good think about weight fluctuations and any bags you might intend to carry. Adding excess weight is likely to damage the frame, battery life, speed and increase tire wear.

Turning Circle

A 3-Wheel Scooter tends to have a tight turning circle making it more manoeuvrable. Some users prefer this as it makes certain tasks like shopping much easier.

Class 3 Scooters usually have 4 wheels and have a bigger turning circle and are therefore less manoeuvrable requiring you to reverse or make 3-point turns.

Reverse Gear

Most Scooter models have the forward control paddle on the right-hand side and the reverse controls on the left. If you’re left-handed or have restricted movement in your right-hand bear in mind some mobility shop dealers can swap these controls around if needed.

Keep in mind your comfort and safety is paramount. Don’t compromise on these elements. Now let’s look at what you’ll need to think about when using a Scooter in varying terrains.

Terrain

All Scooters will handle firm and flat surfaces in equal measure but it’s varying terrains like grass, gravel, uneven paving, cobblestones etc where you’re looking for very different capabilities in Scooters. This points mostly to stability. Scooters have generally 3 or 4 wheels although some 3-Wheel Scooters have additional small stabilizing wheels to prevent tipping over. Some other 3-Wheel Scooters have 2 wheels very close together at the front.

The common perception is that 4 wheels are more stable than 3. This is true to a certain extent but there are other factors to consider when it comes to stability like the size of the tyres, whether they are solid or pneumatic, the turning circle, suspension and most crucially – handling.

The larger the tyres the more stable and less wobbly the Scooter is likely to be. Solid tyres will not puncture but the ride can feel firm and sometimes bumpy. Pneumatic tyres will offer more suspension, giving a smoother ride but as with any air-filled tyres, are at risk of puncture. It may be worth choosing puncture proof tyres or a tyre sealant if you know you will be covering stony ground regularly.

A 3-Wheel Scooter tends to have a far tighter turning circle, making it more manoeuvrable. Some people believe that a 3-Wheel Scooter is more liable to tip over than a 4 Wheeler. This is not exactly true, because if you handle any Scooter in a sensible manner (slowing down when turning, approaching kerbs head on at a slow speed) then you should have few stability problems.

Think about the terrain where you’ll be using the Scooter and your portability needs. There’s every chance you’ll encounter kerbs, steps and stairs, thresholds, lifts, pavements, cobblestones, grass and gravel at some point on your travels. You might need to consider accessibility to local amenities and local transport.

For many there’s a compromise to be had somewhere (everywhere is not always accessible in all Scooters) so there’s no substitute for trying one out before committing to buying it.

Motor

Most Mobility Scooters use either 12 volt or 24 volt motor. Usually if there are two motors, they will be 12 volt in series. If there is just one motor it’s usually 24 volts.

In general, most Scooters draw between 300 and 600 watts of continuous power. One horsepower is approximately 746 watts. The more watts drawn – i.e. power used – the less distance the Scooter will travel on a given battery rating. There is a growing trend, however, for manufacturers to rate electric scooters with the “maximum” rating rather than the continuous method because it looks better on the specifications sheets.

Class 3 Mobility Scooters generally have more powerful motors and batteries than Class 2, so they’re better suited to longer journeys and steeper hills.

Ground Clearance

Think about the areas you will be going on your Scooter, will there be a lot of kerbs, and if so, are there dropped kerbs? If the answer is yes, then a Scooter with good ground clearance and a larger battery capacity would be a good option.

Pay particular attention to the ground clearance on Portable Scooters – typically they will have a minimal ground clearance making it harder to ride over dropped kerbs.

Slopes

Most Scooter manufacturers will provide information on the maximum gradient which the Scooter can cope with along with the maximum weight in which it can be handled. This should not be exceeded.

Check your intended routes. It may be that not all routes are possible and you’ll have to avoid certain areas which might not be satisfactory to you. If you don’t have a clear idea of the gradients on your intended routes perhaps ask for a demonstration but generally the bigger the Scooter, the greater the gradient capability.

Water Resistance

Simply put, Mobility Scooters (unless they come with a canopy) are not designed to handle rain for more than a few minutes.

They are driven by electronics and so they are prone to failure when in contact with water, moisture or even oxidation that occurs from high levels of humidity over time.

You should always do the best you can to get under shelter when you happen to unexpectedly encounter rain in your Scooter. But there are accessory options you might want to consider like detachable canopies, ponchos and handle-bar covers.

Storage covers allow your Scooter to be kept outside while keeping the dust and rain off your Scooter to prevent any sort of water damage which might occur. Basic Mobility Scooter covers will be elasticated around the bottom allowing them to have a universal fit (higher end covers also exist to suit specific models).

Lights

Class 3 Scooters which have a top speed of 8mph must be fitted with headlights, indicators and rear reflectors. Class 2 Scooters are not required to have these as they are not considered vital for riding on the pavement.

If lights are a must and the Scooter you have in mind doesn’t carry them, consider accessory lines at mobility shops and bicycle shops – where detachable lights and reflectors are easily available.

Maintenance & Storage

Mobility Scooters usually require little maintenance. Keep the Scooter clean and store in a dry place away from rain. Check the tyre pressures regularly (refer to the user manual for the pressure setting).

Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on battery maintenance carefully – usually batteries need to be kept fully charged to maintain them and prolong their life.

Some manufacturers advise that when the Scooter is not being used it is kept on charge all the time to help keep the batteries in the best condition possible. Should you leave the batteries without charge they could be damaged beyond repair. Just like a car your Scooter will need to be serviced on an annual basis, whilst it’s not mandatory, failure to do so could invalidate your warranty and/or insurance. Many mobility shops offer this service and even some bicycle shops.

Bells & Whistles

You’ll doubtless know by now that there are a multitude of Scooter models – some may look similar but in fact they vary to some degree in terms of range, speed etc. If you see a functionality on one model but it’s missing on the Scooter you want either ask the seller or look for it as an accessory. The accessory market is huge so there’s every chance you’ll find what you’re looking for.

A few things you might want to look into:

• A fast charger for your battery
• A USB Socket
• A Horn (not mandatory on a Class 2 Scooter)
• Ways to secure the Scooter like a bicycle lock (D-frame)
• Accessories like a bag, cushion (a good one can transform your posture and comfort), basket, stick holder, storage covers/canopy and other waterproofing solutions

Portability

Often people are looking for something as lightweight and compact as possible. Portability is key when travelling, be it on planes trains and automobiles. Storage is often an issue for people who, for example, live in a block of flats and space is at a premium. Travel Scooters come as folding solutions or in a form which disassembles. You might want to pull it along like a suitcase. There are a multitude of benefits to these models like lifting it into a car boot or taking it onto a bus or train.

Check the weight carefully to see if you can lift it (should you need to). Often a key need is to be able to lift it over the lip of a boot and into the car. If the weight is too much for you, consider whether perhaps you’d have some ready help. Many people are reluctant to ask for help but you’d be surprised how many people are there are out there who would be very happy to do you a quick favour.

For the folding variety see if the battery or any other component part (like the wheels or seat) is detachable to reduce the weight when lifting it.

Check the Scooter’s specification to see if the Scooter is airline-friendly. This commonly means you would take the battery out and carry it in your hand luggage whilst the Scooter is kept in the hold for the flight ready for you to pick up when you alight the cabin on landing.

Often the portability advantage trumps the comfort and higher functionality of the larger Scooters. This is something you’ll have to decide upon and choose what’s best for you and your needs. Commonly the user spends less time in a Portable Scooter than a normal Pavement Scooter so you might decide to live with the minimal the functionality of a Portable model for short trips but remember not to compromise on comfort and safety.

Delivery & Paperwork

You’ll need to look beyond the Scooter itself to use it with peace of mind. Let’s begin with delivery and setup of your Scooter.

Delivery and Setup

Make sure you get a clear idea of when the Scooter you’ve ordered is coming. Your seller will let you know the delivery date and often couriers will send you a text to confirm the hour of delivery on the delivery day itself. Make sure your diary is free on that day or that you’ve made some provision for the Scooter to be received if you’re not at home. Some sellers provide a White Glove Service where someone not only delivers the Scooter but also sets it up ready to ride and provides you with a full demonstration and guidance on how to ride and store it safely. Make sure the Scooter comes with a User’s Handbook or Manual for general guidance and problem solving.

Servicing

Check the seller’s options on servicing. Often an annual service is required to maintain the warranty and insurance. If your seller doesn’t provide servicing you could take it to other dealers (mobility shops) who would be happy to service it even if they didn’t sell it to you. Most Scooters come with 12-24 months Warranty. It’s always worth enquiring about Extended Warranties. Free insurance will sometimes be offered for a limited period as an incentive to buy. Again, there will be many other vendors beyond your seller in this sector – use the free insurance period to shop around.

Registering with the DVLA

A Class 3 Scooter will need to be registered with the DVLA if it is to be used on the road. It’s a simple process and some sellers provide the requisite form when you buy the Scooter. Check with the seller if that’s included, if not see here for guidance

Returns and Refunds for faulty and non-faulty Scooters

It’s a good idea to know something about your rights before buying a Scooter from a retailer. Usually, a Scooter is no small investment so it’s sensible to get as much information as possible before making a commitment.

For starters you should know a high street shop has no legal obligation to accept returns unless an item is faulty. The good news is that most high street retailers choose to provide a ‘goodwill’ returns policy offering an exchange, refund or credit note for most returns.

You can only return non-faulty goods bought in a shop for an exchange or refund if the retailer has a Returns Policy. 

Returns Policies (sometimes referred to as Refund Policies) are usually displayed or referred to on receipts, on signs in the shop and online. You can also ring the shop’s customer services line to find out its Returns Policy. If a store has Returns Policy they have to stick to it and it’s a good idea to check this before you commit to buying. If you can’t find the Policy simply ask a sales representative for a copy.

If the Scooter you bought in a shop is not faulty but you’ve simply changed your mind (and the Scooter is not faulty), the retailer has no legal obligation to give you your money back, should you want to return an item without a receipt. However, many stores will offer an exchange or credit note, so it’s always worth asking about the Policy.

If you bought the Scooter in a shop and it’s faulty

The Consumer Rights Act gives you the statutory right to return something and get your money back within 30 days and get all of your money back if it’s faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose. If you request a return after 30 days from purchase, the retailer can give you a repair or fair replacement, but you’re not entitled to a refund.

If the Scooter is faulty and you don’t have the receipt, you still have the right to a repair, refund or replacement as under the Consumer Rights Act. You just need to show proof of payment, such as a bank statement with the transaction on it.

If you bought the Scooter online, over the phone or by mail order

Online, mail and telephone order customers have the right to cancel their order for a limited time even if the goods are not faulty.

If your Scooter was bought online, over the phone or by mail order, as a customer you have consumer returns rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. 

The Consumer Contracts Regulations gives you a cancellation period that starts the moment you place your order and ends 14 days from the day you receive your goods. 

You then have a further 14 days to return the goods after having notified the retailer you’d like to cancel.

You have the legal right to a refund if you return a faulty Scooter within 30 days of receiving it, regardless of what the store’s Return Policy says. 

If you don’t reject the goods within the first 30 days, and find a fault within the first six months of possessing your faulty goods, you’ll need to give the retailer a chance to make a repair or replacement. If that’s unsuccessful, you can then ask for a refund.

After the first six months, the burden of proof switches to you to prove the fault you’ve found was present at the time you purchased the goods in store or first took ownership of it if you bought it online or by phone or mail order. 

Handling a Return

Depending on a retailer’s Returns Policy some will only exchange or give you a credit note, while others will give you a refund. But all shops usually require a few key things – a receipt, the card you paid with and the original packaging.

Complaints about Poor Service

If you’re not satisfied with the service, the Consumer Rights Act gives you the right to demand a reduction for substandard work. This applies even after you’ve paid.

The above are highlights of the most common returns/refund scenarios, for further information please see resources below.

Resources

Which magazine provides pretty clear and concise guidance in relation to your rights here. https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/i-want-to-return-my-goods-what-are-my-rights-ams3G2z9V7lW

Citizens Advice provides straightforward advice on your options if you have a change of heart here. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/changing-your-mind-about-something-youve-bought/

Hampshire County Council has produced a great in-depth piece about buying mobility products here. https://www.hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards/consumeradvice/goodsandservices/mobility