When you’re looking to buy a mobility scooter, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer variety of features and designs available. Do you want a three-wheel mobility scooter or a four-wheel mobility scooter? Are you interested in plenty of space for your shopping? Would a Class 2 or a Class 3 model best suit your needs?
All important questions, but don’t let them distract you from the three following specs – it’s absolutely vital you check these out before you buy.
- Speed
Speed often comes down to class; a Class 2 mobility scooter generally sticks to 4mph, while a Class 3 will be able to take you up to 8mph. Unfortunately, people often forget to consider the speed of their prospective scooter. If you’re going to be making longer journeys, a higher speed will be useful. If you’re mostly going to be heading through crowded areas, a higher speed won’t be necessary. Ask yourself just how you imagine using your mobility scooter on a daily basis.
- Range
Even more important than speed is range. After all, it’s no good being able to get somewhere fast if you’re stuck with a flat battery by the time you arrive. Some mobility scooters are only made for short trips to the shops – they’ll tend to operate on lower maximum ranges. If you’ll be travelling longer distances or using your mobility scooter multiple times throughout the day with little chance to charge up, it’s well worth seeking out a mobility scooter with a generous maximum range.
- Charge Time
Finally, consider charging times. Regardless of the mobility scooter you choose, you’ll need to plug it in at the end of the day to make sure you’re ready to go in the morning. Most manufacturers aim for overnight charging, with 12 hours common for a maximum charge time. Some newer models offer fast-charge features or multi-stage batteries – they tend to cost a little more, but the cost can be more than worth it if you anticipate needing to charge up your scooter in a hurry.