Mobility scooters are for people with limited ability when it comes to walking or standing. However, some movement, coordination and flexibility are needed in order to board, drive and dismount a mobility scooter.

An Occupational Therapist is able to assess whether a mobility scooter will be beneficial to you and enhance your quality of life. Our experienced and qualified team at Additional Aids Mobility in Whitton, West London are also able to carry out a friendly and comprehensive assessment for you and guide you to the right scooter for your ability, intended use and personal circumstances.

Mobility scooters come in a range of sizes and classes. Bigger scooters are typically considered as a class 3 and can reach speeds of up to 8mph. These larger scooters are able to be used on roads and are required to have road tax. Due to their size and heavier construction, they are perfect for longer distances or rough surfaces, but they cannot be folded down to be stowed in the boot of a car.

Smaller scooters are lighter and easier to transport. Some may even be dismantled into several parts so they can be stowed in the boot of a car. As these have a lighter frame, they have weight restrictions and can usually only carry loads of up to 21 stone (135kg).

Medium scooters can be classified as class two or three – depending on the size and speed that they can reach. Some medium scooters can still be folded or dismantled for transport, but not all are able to do this. They have a longer travel range than smaller scooters but are also bulkier and have wider turning circles than smaller scooters so many not be appropriate for use around the home or in smaller shops.

The space to store and recharge your mobility scooter should be considered when deciding on the size and class of scooter that is right for you. Do you have room to store a mobility scooter and recharge its battery when it’s not in use? Is there space to park the scooter out of inclement weather? Do you need a mobility scooter for outdoor use only, or do you plan to use it for moving around your home also?

Ensuring you have a safe and secure space to store your scooter, with access to a reliable power source is important not only to ensure it is not stolen, but also to keep your scooter dry and well maintained.

Considering where and what kind of distances you will be using a mobility scooter for is also important. If you need a mobility scooter for both indoor and outdoor use, a small to medium sized scooter is likely to be the right choice. Smaller scooters have a tighter turning circle which makes them ideal for use around the home or for shopping. However, smaller scooters also have a smaller range due to their modest battery size, so if you plan to use a mobility scooter for longer distances a medium sized scooter may suit your needs better.

If you plan to use a mobility scooter for longer distances, or for extended periods of time, a larger model may be the right choice. Larger scooters have bigger load capacities, can reach higher speeds and can also legally be driven on roads if they have road tax. The DVLA have clear guidelines for mobility scooter users, so it is wise to check these before selecting the type of mobility scooter you wish to purchase.