Mobility scooters can offer more than convenience. A mobility scooter is a great option if your mobility issues are affecting your daily life. They can also make a significant difference in the quality of life for seniors who otherwise would not be able to leave their home. If you or your aging parents are finding difficult to balance throughout the day and don’t feel as if a walker will provide improvement, a mobility scooter could be the best solution.
Mobility scooters come in many different styles and can be distinguished by their speed, comfort, mobility, and transportability. Not all mobility scooters are the same; Some are good at handling rough outdoor terrain while others are easy to manoeuvre. It is important to match your needs with the features of mobility scooters. It is crucial to do your research before you buy. This will make the difference between making a good investment and buyer’s remorse.
We reviewed the top 5 models in UK, which features both three and four wheeled models, as well as mobility scooters specifically designed to be easily transportable.
Best Mobility Scooters for Elderly in UK 2023 – Reviews
Veleco 4 wheeled mobility scooter is an extremely stylish and easy to use. The four-wheeled option is ideal for seniors who feel more comfortable riding on four wheels than three. This vehicle is able to climb steep hills in a graceful and perfect manner. This mobility scooter is surprisingly durable and offers variety of features. It has a powerful motor of 1000W and can run at maximum speed of 16mph. But in UK the speed is locked at 8mph. There are three speed limiter controls, where you can adjust the driving speed according to your need.
This scooter has a remarkable range, you can go up to 35 miles before you need to recharge the battery again. The 20Ah/60V lead-acid gel battery takes 4-8 hours to charge. The lighting system is very comprehensive with turn signals, low beam and high beam lights as well as emergency lights. Four wheels with inflated tires will ensure stability on uneven terrain. Comfortable seating and adjustable armrests will make long trips more enjoyable.
This mobility scooter is also great for shopping trips, as they have compartment under the seat and also a box in the rear where you can put all your groceries and shopping items.
Specifications
Motor: 1000W
Top Speed: 16 mph (Locked at 8mph in UK)
Weight Capacity: 160 kg
Front Wheels: 20.3 cm (8″)
Rear Wheels: 25.4 cm (10″)
Battery: 100 Ah, 60 V
Charge Time: 4-8 hours
Range: 35 miles
Seat Height: 69 cm (27.2″)
Tyres: Pneumatic tubeless
Suspension: Full
Maximum Slope: 30% (17°)
Scooter Weight: 126 kg
Pros
- Powerful 1000W motor
- Good speed with 3 level speed limiter switch
- Good lighting system
- Powerful front disc brakes
- Huge operating range of 35 miles
- Good suspension for comfortable ride
- 4-Wheel gives lot of stability
Cons
- Expensive
- Big turning radius
- Heavy
If you’re looking for the best mobility scooters that’s affordable yet doesn’t compromise on quality and safety, then Pride GoGo Elite is the best option for you. It is a compact, well-designed mobility scooter with a Delta tiller. Pride GoGo Elite is easy to maneuver around corners and control. The scooter can be disassembled into five pieces, making it quiet portable. This mobility scooter can travel at the maximum sped of 4 mph. The journeys are made more enjoyable by the comfortable seating and vinyl-padded swivel seat with foldable armsrests.
You can also customize and switch between blue and red with the removable panels on this mobility scooter. It comes with a standard 12 Amp battery and in one charge you can travel up to 16km (10 miles). There is an optional larger battery, if you want to go for a larger distance and worried about the mobility scooter running out of power. The maximum user weight for this scooter is 23.2 Stone (147Kg).
Specifications
Maximum range: 6 miles
Maximum speed: 4 mph
Weight Capacity: 147 kgs
Ground clearance: 3.8 cm (1.5″) at motor
Overall Length: 109.2 cm (43″)
Overall Width: 54 cm (21.25″)
Turning Radius: 128.3 cm (50.5″)
Tyres: Front: 7.62 cm x 22.9 cm (3” x 9”) solid Rear: 7.62cm x 22.9 cm (3” x 9”) solid
Scooter weight: 57Kg
Pros
- Affordable, lightweight and travel friendly
- Simple frame separation to easily disassembles into 5 lightweight pieces for convenient transport and storage
- Foldable compact black vinyl swivel seat
- Transferring on and off the chair is quick and simple with the flip up armrests
- Ergonomic wraparound handles
- Adjustable headlight
Cons
- Not suitable for unstable terrain
- Does not have a long range
The Boot Scooter ST1 mobility scooter is among the most affordable on the market. For the price of less than £700, It does all the same things as many premium mobility scooters does, but at less cost.
This scooter is compact and lightweight which makes them easy to transport or store. The frame of this mobility scooter can be easily divided into two parts, which can then be further broken into five pieces. The scooter is equipped with wireless connectors that allow for easy assembly and dismantling. The ST1 Portable Mobility Scooter is lightweight and can travel up to 6 miles on a single charge. It has a top speed at 4 mph (6 kmh). The seat is well padded and easy to move around on.
The seat height can be adjusted to three heights, while the angle of the tiller can be adjusted. This allows for a completely customized driving position. The Boot Scooter ST1 comes standard with many safety features, including a Delta handlebar, anti roll back system, integrated bumper, reflectors and puncture-proof tyres.
Specifications
Maximum range: 6 miles
Maximum speed: 4 mph
Weight Capacity: 115 kgs
Ground clearance: 30mm (1.5″)
Seat width: 400mm (16″)
Seat depth: 310mm (12″)
Seat height from the ground: 520mm – 540mm – 560mm (20.5″ – 21.25″ – 22″)
Backrest height: 230mm (9″)
Battery: 2 x 12V. 12Ah
Motor size: 250W
Scooter weight: 40 kgs
Pros
- Affordable, lightweight and travel friendly
- Easy to disassemble, store and transport
- Foldable compact black vinyl swivel seat
- Can be used for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Not suitable for unstable terrain
- Does not have a long range
Although it is slightly less powerful than 4-wheeled model we reviewed above, this VELECO 3 Wheeled ZT15 still delivers impressive performance. This is extremely comfortable and easy to use, designed for elderly and people with limited mobility. The seat is very soft and can be adjusted to your liking. The armrests are also adjustable.
This 3 wheeled electric mobility scooter comes with full suspension to make your driving on uneven road pleasant. It also comes with a bottle holder, so you don’t have to worry about thirst when going for a long journey. ZT15 mobility scooter is equipped with lead-acid gel battery, which allows you to drive up to 37 miles from a single charge.
The ZT15 scooter is more stable than other 3-wheel scooters and is one of the most innovative, advanced and modern of all time. It is equipped with:
- Front and rear suspensions ensure a safe driving experience and safe parking.
- Hazard lights and Automatic magnetic motor brake system
- Reverse gear and parking brake of high quality.
- Comprehensive lighting includes turn lights, low beams, brake lights, emergency lights and high beam lights.
ZT15 also comes with two small inner rear wheels which increase comfort on steeper climbs and descents. This provides additional stability for both the vehicle and the user.
Specifications
Motor: 900W
Top Speed: 16 mph (Locked at 8mph in UK)
Weight Capacity: 160 kg
Wheels: 25.4 cm (10″)
Battery: 4x 20 Ah/48 V
Charge Time: 4-8 hours
Range: 30-40 miles
Brake: front/rear – drum
Tyres: Pneumatic tubeless
Suspension: Full
Maximum Slope: 30% (17°)
Scooter Weight: 193 kg
Pros
- Value for money
- Powerful 900W motor
- Good lighting system
- Huge operating range of about 37 miles
- Good suspension for comfortable ride
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Less stable compare to 4-wheeled models
- Little jerky to start
Whether you want to take a trip around town or want to travel abroad on a plane or using public transport, the DeVilBliss Auto Fold Mobility Scooter will be your ideal choice. You can fold the mobility scooter in 20 seconds using the buttons or remote. This scooter’s compact design makes it easy for you to store in small places such as your car boot.
To provide additional security, it has safety features like speed reduction when cornering, an automatic stop function, and anti-slip footwell flooring. This Auto Folding Scooter is available in three colours – purple, red, and copper – and comes with a padded bag for protection while in transit. The scooter can travel up to 6 miles, has a height-adjustable tiller and an auto-electromagnetic brake system. It also has a maximum weight of 115kh (18st). It is compatible with airline-friendly batteries and has a 28mm ground clearance.
Specifications
Top speed: 4mph
Max. range: 6 miles
Weight capacity: 115Kg
Front Wheel: 6″
Rear Wheel: 8″
Ground clearance: 28mm
Seat Width: 40cm (16″)
Seat Depth: 32cm (12.5″)
Maximum Stability Angle: 6º (static) / 3º (dynamic)
Pros
- Folds to compact size within 20 seconds
- Lightweight and compact, can easily fit in car boots
- Can be folded using remote control
- Auto speed reduction on bends
- Anti-rollback system
Cons
- Not suitable for rough terrain
- Smaller wheels and less wheel clearance, means its best only for flat and smooth surface
How to Choose the Best Mobility Scooters For Elderly
To find the best mobility scooter, narrow down your choices by choosing the scooter that best suits your needs. Consider the budget before you purchase a powered mobility scooter. Some seniors may only need a wheelchair or a walker, while others might prefer mobility scooter. If you are buying for someone else, discuss the features before making a decision. Here are some of the important factors that you need to consider.
Types of mobility scooters
3-Wheeled scooters
This type of mobility scooters have 2 wheels located in the rear and one centered in the front. They are best suited for smooth, level terrain. They are adept at maneuvering in tight spaces and indoors due to their narrow turning radius. They have more leg room compare to 4-wheeled scooters, making them a great choice for taller people or those with knee problems. They are also lighter and more affordable than 4-wheeled scooters. One of the major drawback of 3-wheeled scooter is that they are not very stable, making it difficult to drive on grass or rough terrain.
4-Wheeled scooters
They have four wheels, two in the front and two in the back. They look more like a mini jeep. They offer a more even weight distribution and good stability on all terrains, including dirt, grass, hills, and curbs. Most elderly people feel safer when they use 4-wheel scooters rather than 3-wheels. This is because you are less likely to tip when driving on uneven terrain. 4-wheeled scooters require more space to turn which makes them less maneuverable. They tend to be heavier compare to 3-wheeled scooters and are more expensive.
Travel scooters
You can also call them portable scooters. These scooters are a great investment for those who travel long distances frequently. The scooters are light and easy to disassemble, so they can be easily transported on a bus, trunk, or plane. Many come with a swiveling chair and a basket. Many can be folded and unfolded automatically, so you don’t have to do any manual assembly.
Long-Range Travel Scooters
Long-range scooters allow you to travel safely and without worrying about having to charge or change your battery at the wrong time. If you enjoy commuting to work and running errands from your scooter, long-range scooters are the right choice. The best long-range scooters can travel between 20 and 45 miles when fully charged.
Full-Size Scooters
Full-size scooters offer the best of both worlds: they can be used indoors, but are also sturdy enough to go out on rough terrain. They are full-sized and offer comfort with high seat backs, reclining chairs, and elevating seating. They can also support a maximum weight of 500 pounds.
Because of the larger batteries, they can travel longer distances with a single charge. If you plan to transport your car, however, you will need to arrange for a lift. While some seats can be folded down, others won’t allow you to disassemble your mobility scooters completely.
Important Mobility Scooter Features
Different mobility scooters are designed for different uses. There are many features to consider, depending upon your need.
Comfort
Most mobility scooters comes with many features to provide comfort and ease of use. The come with bells, headlights, and padded seats. These features are designed to increase comfort and function. The mobility scooter will not be of any use if the seat is too difficult, your legs are too cramped or the controls are difficult to reach. Comfort is especially important for those with back problems, joint problems, or other disabilities. You can adjust the height of your scooter, and some models have wider seats, extra padding or adjustable backs. Higher-end models have recliner seats and headrests.
Weight Capacity
The maximum weight that mobility scooter can carry is an important factor that need to be consider. Mobility scooters can carry weight in the range of 250lbs to 400lbs. These weight capacity include any baggage or things you carry along with your body weight. ]So, even if your weight is less than its maximum weight capacity, you need to consider what all things you will be carrying along.
Safety
Safety is a major concern when looking at mobility scooters, particularly those designed for outdoor use.
Seat belt: A few scooters include a seat belt that can give you some security. But according to many experts: if you need a seat belt to stay safely in your place, then a mobility scooter may not be a good choice for you.
Lights: A mobility scooter should have a bright head lights to make it easy for seniors to drive even when the light is dim.
Indicator signals: It is not advised to ride a mobility scooter on the streets. However, indicators signals are useful features when you are driving in parks and on outdoor pathways. There are mobility scooters that comes with a flag, to make it more visible for others.
Rear view mirrors: It is important to have a rear view mirror, or one on each side, in order to make safe turns.
Battery Life and Operating Range
What distance do you want to travel before your scooter needs to recharge? The scooters typically can travel between 10 and 15 miles before they run out of power. However, some scooters can only go seven miles while others can go as far as 25 miles. A limited range of operation may be okay if you are just using the scooter around your home or on short trips outside. If you intend to take it on long trips, make sure that the battery is fully charged.
Maneuverability
It is essential to be able to move around comfortably and easily. Consider the following features for easy maneuverability when choosing a mobility scooter:
Tire Type: Air Filled, Foam Filled, or Solid Filled.
Assembled weight: The scooter’s weight when assembled varies widely, ranging from 50 to 200 lbs. From 50 lbs. to 200 lbs. Lightweight scooters are easier to transport and assemble.
Turning Radius: The turning radius means the minimum diameter of available space required for the mobility scooter to make a circular turn. The larger the value of turning circle radius, the more is the space you need to make a turn. The small turning radius makes it easy to maneuver around tight corners and allows for smooth operation.
Ground Clearance: The distance between the tire’s base and the undercarriage. A low clearance ensures a stable ride. Outdoor use requires a higher clearance to prevent damage to the bottom of your scooter.
Speed
Generally average mobility scooters can travel between 4 and 5 mph at their top speed. Speedier models can travel up to 10 mph, which may be more convenient for outdoor travel. You might not want to go too fast if you have balance problems or fear losing control. You can set a maximum speed to ensure safety.