A mobility scooter is probably the right choice for you if you can travel relatively independently, get on and off the scooter on your own, and are able to use a bicycle-style steering column or tiller. Disability scooters usually come in three different sizes – small, medium and large, it’s important that you choose the mobility scooter most appropriate to your needs and lifestyle.
Small Scooters
Light and easy to transport, these scooters usually dismantle into a few parts to allow you to stow it in a car boot. You’ll need to make sure that any small scooter you lease can fit easily into your car, and that you, or your carer, are physically able to lift it into the boot easily. These scooters are often made with a lighter frame to make them easier to transport, but this means there is a limit to the amount of passenger weight they can carry and the distance they can travel before the battery needs to be recharged.
Medium Scooters
Generally sturdier and able to transport more weight than small scooters, medium scooters can travel at speeds of up to 6mph. They are not as easy to fold or dismantle so may be more difficult to transport in a car. Speak to your dealer to find out which models you can dismantle. A Class 3 medium scooter can be used on the road if they are registered.
Large Scooters
Suitable for longer distances and rougher surfaces, these scooters can carry between 20 to 30 stone (up to a maximum of 250kg) in passenger weight. Due to the size of these scooters, you’ll need to have space to store them in a secure, locked area. All Motability large scooters are classified as Class 3 products by the Department for Transport so they must be registered with the DVLA; this can be arranged for you by your dealer. They can travel up to 8mph on the road (4mph limit on pavements).