Mobility scooters are one of four types of mobility aid to help elderly parents or relatives retain their independence, freedom to get out and about, or just potter more safely at home.
A mobility scooter is likely to be the right choice for someone who can get about relatively independently, has the manual dexterity to use a bicycle-style handlebar or tiller, and can get on and off it by themselves.
To decide if a mobility scooter is the right choice read more about other types of mobility aid – wheelchairs, rollators and walking frames/sticks here.
Disability scooters are battery powered and come in three sizes, small, medium and large, each with different features for different needs. VAT exempt, Scooters can be hired, leased or bought, both new or reconditioned.
A driving licence or medical examination is not required to use a scooter.
Choosing the best mobility scooter
There will be lots of factors to influence the final decision both about the individual needs of the person using the scooter, and the scooters features itself. You don’t need to go all-out for a roadworthy 8mph gas-guzzling ride!
Small mobility scooters
As their name might suggest, these are the smallest – and lightest of scooters – which usually dismantle or fold up to fit into the boot of a car; this is also why they’re known as boot scooters.
Classified by the DVLA as Class 2 they do not need to be registered with the DVLA. They are not to be used on roads, pavements only with a maximum speed of 4 mph.
They can be used indoors such as in shops or around the home so definitely check the size and turning circle to be sure they will actually fit inside if that is a key requirement.
Because of their size and frame to make them easier to transport – make sure whoever will be lifting it and putting it into the boot of the car is able to do so. Their size may also mean the weight of the passenger needs to be considered, possibly up to 135kg or 21 stone. And will also mean they have a smaller distance range – up to 10 miles – before needing to be recharged.
Consideration of a small class 2 mobility scooter
- Some of the smaller mobility scooters can be a little less steady
- Smaller mobility scooters may have a smaller footplate
- Small mobility scooters usually have less weight capacity for it’s passenger
Medium size scooters
The mid-size range will be a bit sturdier and able to transport more weight, and travel further before re-charging (up to 20 miles). They also go faster, up to 6mph.
Some medium scooters will be Class 3 and will need to be registered with the DVLA and will be road-legal. Not all will be able to be dismantled or folded. They will likely have a bigger turning circle.
Consideration of medium class 3 mobility scooters
- May need an outdoor charging point (unless battery can be removed)
- Most medium mobility scooters will need a larger turning circle
Large road-legal scooters
The ‘Daddy’ of mobility scooters! Most are Class 3 which means they must be registered with the DVLA to be road-legal. However, you don’t need a driving licence or to tax it.
Large scooters have more speed (up to 8mph) and a greater range up to 30 miles before re-charging. They come with lights, indicators and a horn. Definitely not easily transportable or for the boot of the car, they will need secure storage.
Consideration of large 3 mobility scooters
- The large mobility scooters will need an outdoor charging point (unless the battery can be removed)
- Most large mobility scooters will need a larger turning circle due to it being a larger vehicle
- You will need a place to store your large mobility scooter
Pimp your ride - scooter accessories
Scooters come as standard from the manufacturer but there are modifications that can be made such as adding a crutch holder or installing a horn.
Walking stick / crutch holder
These can be mounted behind the seat. On some of the smaller scooters clips can be mounted underneath the arm pads to carry the stick horizontally underneath the arms. Often you can get crutch holders that double as bags for the back of your mobility scooter too.
Storage Covers
A cover may also be included in the original price, or an extra worth considering if it is being kept outside. The basic covers will be a universal fit. More expensive covers tend to be matched to the size of the scooter and have tightening belts.
You can also get a hybrid scooter cover / scooter store where the cover has a rigid frame and will stand up to being left out. These shelters also have security features so that you can keep your scooter safe.
Mobility Scooter Bags
If you find that the normal basket at the front of the scooter is not sufficient to carry shopping there are a range of additional bags that you can buy which are attached to the back of the seat. But beware of placing too much weight at the back of the scooter as the risk of the front wheels lifting off the ground increases.
Waterproof Capes / Ponchos
You'll find that because of the seated position, a regular coat is not going to suffice in the rain, and you won't have a hand free for an umbrella. A waterproof cape or poncho that you can drape over you and the handlebars is almost a necessity if you plan to go outside to make sure you stay dry and warm.
You can get ponchos that only cover you and not the handles, or you can get ones, like the one pictured, that are see-through, enabling you to stay dry while being able to see what you're doing.
Mobility scooter prices for buying vs hiring
You can pay £400 for a new portable mobility scooter or as much as £4,000 for a top of the range Class 3 road-legal scooter; the mid-range prices go from £800 – £2,000 plus, with a premium for portability/foldability. There is also a big market in re-conditioned scooters which is well worth considering, particularly if you think that needs may change over time.
Schemes such as Motability are well worth investigating – a leasing scheme for those with a mobility allowance (claimed from DWP as part of their personal independent payments – PIPs). Hiring a scooter can cost around £35/week for a cheaper boot scooter and up to £55/ week for a 8mph road scooter. You can find out more about hiring a mobility scooter here.
Questions to ask before you take the plunge
These questions will help you decide the best option:
- What is it needed for?
Mobility around the home, shopping trips or longer trips further afield will help dictate the option.
- Where will it be kept?
Do you have space to store it inside/outside? Does it need to fit into the boot of a car?
- Weight of the passenger?
The smaller the model, the lighter the passenger….
- Price range, and might it need to be changed over time?
There are options to buy, lease or rent; also new or pre-loved/re-conditioned
- Comfort vs speed/agility -it’s all about the seat
The seat is one of the more important aspects for comfort but also for the best possible posture. Seat features, designs and comfort levels can vary greatly between models.
The basic seat will comprise a padded base and back rest and will normally have width adjustable armrests. Large scooters will have a ‘Captain’s Seat’ which are bigger, and more adjustable and have a head rest. Most scooter seats swivel through 90°, 180° or 360° to enable you to get on and off more easily. The arms normally flip up as well to allow a sideways transfer if needed.
Common questions about mobility scooters
Can we test drive before we buy?
You should most certainly test out different models before you buy. A local mobility centre/showroom will be able to give you a demonstration, and should explain different models and features, as well as help you with purchase options. Often the one you go into a showroom thinking you need is not the one you end up leaving with.
How long do the batteries last?
How long a mobility scooter battery lasts will depend on the size of the battery and how much you use the scooter. If you travel a fair bit on the scooter everyday, then you could plug the battery into charge overnight, or every 2/3 nights if you don't use it too excessively.
Will a mobility scooter need servicing?
An annual service is recommended however keep an eye on the tyres throughout the year.
Do mobility scooters get punctures?
Some models do have 'no puncture' tyres but many will have inner tubes - just like a bike. You can replace them yourselves, or return to the centre from which it was bought. Both new and re-conditioned scooters will come with a warranty, that may include tyre repair.
How do you recharge a mobility scooter?
All scooters are battery powered vehicles, usually using two 12 volt rechargeable batteries. The size of these batteries is directly proportional to the range and weight of the scooter. Depending on the type of scooter that you get, you may be able to remove the battery to charge it, or the batteries will be unremovable, and you will have to bring the whole scooter to an outlet. A charging cable will come with scooter that you can plug into any UK plug socket.
Can a mobility scooter be driven on the road?
Only class 3 large mobility scooters are classified as road-legal by the DVLA. They should not be driven in bus or cycle lanes, or on pavements. And of course, pedestrians take precedent!
Should a mobility scooter be insured?
There is no legal requirement to insure a scooter, but it is highly recommended. The type of risks that the insurance will cover includes: third party liability such as bumping a parked car, driving over someone's toes, and theft or accidental damage to the scooter.
Can a mobility scooter go on a train/plane?
Smaller, lighter scooters that fold up will go into the hold of plane or the storage compartment of a train. You will need to pre-arrange this for a flight.
Can anyone drive a mobility scooter?
No. You can only drive a mobility scooter if you have a declared physical disability or limited mobility due to an accident or mental/physical disability.
Do mobility scooters need number plates?
For class 3 scooters - i.e. those legal on the roads - you will need to register with the DVLA. They will give you a registration number, but there is no legal requirement to have a set of number plates.
