When trekking over long distances is tough, a mobility scooter can help you get around. These support aids can help provide a sense of freedom, making it easy to travel from point A to point B.
Today's mobility scooters boast a longer battery life, more cushioning and superior support compared to their previous counterparts, making them a worthwhile investment if you want a mobility aid that offers more than a cane, walker or standard wheelchair. "Mobility scooters can improve quality of life by providing more independence and making it easier to participate more actively in life," says Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging. They can also help a wide range of people, including older adults, those with disabilities, people dealing with chronic pain and people recovering from surgery, says John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy.
But there are a lot of choices beyond just deciding to invest in a mobility scooter, and the process of choosing the right one can get overwhelming quickly.
Drawing from my experience as an intensive care nurse along with advice from three occupation therapists and a physical therapist, I've thoroughly reviewed the best mobility scooters available. These are the essential features to consider, along with a few preferred options to get you started.
A mobility scooter is a significant investment. You might buy a mobility scooter independently, or, in some cases, Medicare and insurance plans may cover at least some of the cost.
If you opt for the latter, your medical team will assess your needs and prescribe an appropriate device. Selecting from options covered by your health plan can streamline the decision-making process, but it's crucial to understand the differences between various models.
To find out the key factors to consider, we spoke to expert occupational therapists Karen Jacobs, program director of the post-professional doctorate in OT program & clinical professor at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, John Rider, associate professor, Touro University Nevada School of Occupational Therapy, Henderson NV, and Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging, along with John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, for their advice.
Here's what to consider when shopping for a mobility scooter.
There are two basic options:
3-wheel scooters: These scooters tend to be more compact and offer superior maneuverability and a tighter turning radius, making them ideal for indoor use. But these scooters may not perform as well outdoors and may struggle on uneven terrain.
4-wheel scooters: These scooters tend to be more stable than their three-wheeled counterparts, making them better suited for covering gravel, grass and trickier ground. The base usually offers better balance, lowering the odds it will tip over.
It’s important to consider the size of your scooter as well as where you'll use it. If you purchase one that's too wide — in either its operational state or when folded — you won't be able to get as much use out of it.
Our experts note that it's critical to measure the dimensions of doorways and hallways in your home and other frequently visited places to confirm the scooter's suitability. Make sure to account for hinged doors by measuring their inner openings.
Consider not just your weight but the weight of additional belongings you'll want to haul, like groceries or other bags. Many standard scooters support close to 300 pounds, but heavy-duty models can handle up to 550 pounds.
There are vast differences between various scooters' battery lives and ranges, going anywhere from 8 to 55 miles on a single charge. Consider how far you travel on any given day and then tack on a few extra miles, just in case.
If you plan to transport your scooter frequently, look for lightweight models that are easy to disassemble or fold. For scooters that can be disassembled into smaller pieces, make sure you'll be able to lift and transfer the heavier pieces.
Comfort is a critical factor when choosing a mobility scooter. "A comfortable seat is needed for frequent or long-term use," Ferri says. Look for elements like padding, adjustable seats, armrests and backrests. Consider legroom carefully, especially if you have a health condition that makes it uncomfortable to bend your knees.
You can find models with various maximum speeds, usually between 4-8 mph. Consider how fast you need to travel and ensure the scooter has easy-to-use controls.
Look for essential safety features such as anti-tip wheels, lights for visibility, reflectors and reliable braking systems.
Some scooters come with extra bells and whistles like baskets, cane holders, oxygen tank holders or weather covers. These can enhance the functionality of your scooter, and just keep you comfortable on the road.
To find the best mobility scooters, we sought the advice of a panel of experts, including three leading occupational therapists and a physical therapist. They provided valuable insights into mobility, potential issues to consider when selecting a scooter and the critical attributes everyone should take into account before making a purchase. I also drew on my personal nursing expertise to evaluate numerous models from popular brands.
Our assessment focused on several key factors to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. We prioritized build quality, manufacturer reputation, comfort and durability. We also considered customer reviews to ensure our recommendations cater to diverse needs and preferences. Beyond these essential criteria, we evaluated cost and value for money.
It depends. Medicare may cover the cost of a mobility scooter, but you'll need to have a medical condition that necessitates the use of a powered mobility device, and a valid prescription from a healthcare professional. The device must also meet specific criteria and be issued under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Medicare benefit.
Private health plans can have different perks, though. This can be tricky to navigate, so it's helpful to contact your insurance provider for more information.
Should I choose a three- or four-wheeled mobility scooter?
When choosing a mobility scooter, one of the primary decisions is whether to opt for a three- or four-wheel model. Which one's best? Well, that depends on your needs.
"Three-wheeled scooters are easier to maneuver and better for using indoors because of their smaller turning radius," Ferri says. "Four-wheeled scooters are more stable and better for outdoor use, especially on uneven terrain. To decide which to get, think about where you will use it most."
A lot depends on your usage, environment and maintenance. While warranties differ by manufacturer, most scooters are designed to last around 5 years.
This time frame is also the period after which you can typically request a replacement through Medicare's DME program.
Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging
John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy
Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA, Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, program director of the post-professional doctorate in OT program and clinical professor at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, Mass.
John Rider, PhD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR MSCS, CEAS, ATP, associate professor, Touro University Nevada School of Occupational Therapy, Henderson, Nev.
