Which scooter is right for me?

Choosing the right Mobility Scooter

With are hundreds of mobility scooters on the market, each with their own unique set of features and benefits, knowing what you need and narrowing the field can be little overwhelming.

The information below will help step you through the questions you can ask yourself to identify which scooter best meets your needs.

1. What do you want to do?

It may seem like the obvious place to start, but identifying what you want to do and how you’ll be using the scooter will help point you in the right direction.

With today’s technological advances there are only a few places that a scooter can’t go. You can even take them on a plane at no additional cost (costs may apply when traveling on budget airlines).

Some of the main uses are:

• Running errands
• Joining the family for a walk in the Park
• Use on public transport such as the train or bus
• Inside use in public places such as shopping centres
• Inside use in the home
• For Travel
• Putting it in the boot of the car to take to the shops
• Taking it with you when travelling overseas or interstate

2. Key Considerations When Choosing a Scooter

Once you have decided what your main intended uses are you need to look at some other factors that will narrow your choices down.

The terrain you live in: Are there hills? If yes, does the scooter have sufficient power to use on them? How are the footpaths? eg: smooth or rough. If there are many potholes or high kerbs, make sure you choose a model with good suspension and large tyres. 

Weight Capacity: Ensure the scooter can support your weight comfortably. Keep in mind that you may be carrying groceries with you, always allow a spare 10kg or so on top of your weight. Some medium scooters have weight limits around 100kg – 130kg. You may need a large scooter if your weight exceeds this.

Your Height and body proportions: Are you very tall or have long legs? You may feel cramped on a regular 4-wheeled mobility scooter and should look at the Quingo 5-wheel mobility scooter range. 

Travel Range: Consider how far you need to travel on a single charge, keep in mind that you need to not only get to your destination but also return safely. Always allow an additional few km especially if you are close to the weight capacity of the product or there are many hills. These conditions will make the scooter work harder, using more battery power and reducing your travel range. Different scooters have different battery life, with some models offering up to 88km range per charge.

Your Capabilities: If you struggle with your balance and transferring in and out of your scooter we recommend choosing a 4-wheel or 5-wheel option over a 3-wheel option.

Your budget: If your main concern is price, you may want to look into a second-hand option. You can often save a lot of money by opting to buy a pre-loved scooter or asking about any specials or ex-demo sales.

We do also offer assistance with the grants and subsidies available to you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or find out more in our Motobility Government Grants (Digital) Guide.

Additional Features: Think about features like adjustable seats, lights, and storage options. Most of these can be added to the scooter by the use of accessories, however, it is good to think about this and make sure the required accessories are compatible with the scooter you are considering.