The right mobility scooter depends on three things: where you'll ride it, how you'll store or carry it, and how far you need to go. Get those right and the rest is personal choice. These are the questions we ask every customer.
Pavement or road scooter?
- Class 2 (pavement) scooters go up to 4mph on pavements and in shops. They're lighter and easier to turn indoors.
- Class 3 (road) scooters go up to 8mph on the road and 4mph on the pavement. They have lights, indicators and mirrors, and must be registered with the DVLA, which is free.
If you mostly go to local shops, a Class 2 is usually enough. If you want to reach a town centre a few miles away, or ride on country lanes, choose a Class 3.
Which type of scooter suits you?
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Boot (portable) scooter | Splits into light pieces for the car. Days out and holidays. |
| Folding scooter | Folds in one movement; carbon models can weigh under 20kg. Frequent travel and small homes. |
| Mid-size pavement scooter | Bigger wheels and better suspension for longer trips. |
| Road scooter | The most comfort, range and stability for regular longer journeys. |
| All-terrain or cabin scooter | Rough ground, or staying dry in bad weather. |
For prices of each type, see How much does a mobility scooter cost?
Kerbs, hills and surfaces
Think about your usual route. Small wheels on a boot scooter manage dropped kerbs but not high ones. Larger pavement and road scooters usually climb kerbs of 7 to 10cm. Check the kerb height and slope figures for any scooter you look at, and tell us about steep hills near you.
Will it fit in your car and your home?
- Car boot: measure it. The heaviest piece of a boot scooter is often 12 to 18kg, so check who will be lifting it.
- Doors and hallways: if the scooter will live indoors, measure your narrowest door and any tight turns.
- Storage and charging: you'll need a dry, secure space near a socket. Many scooters let you take the battery out to charge it indoors.
How far do you need to go?
Boot scooters usually go 6 to 10 miles on a charge. Road scooters can do 20 to 30 miles or more. Choose more range than you think you need, because hills, cold weather and heavier loads all shorten it. Check the seat, armrests and suspension too, as you may sit on it for an hour or more.
Scooter or electric wheelchair?
A scooter needs you to sit upright, steer with a tiller and get on and off safely. If your hands or arms are weak, or you need to get round tight spaces indoors, an electric wheelchair may suit you better. See How do I choose an electric wheelchair?
Try one first
We'll bring suitable scooters to you with a free home assessment, within 75 miles of our Stratford-upon-Avon showroom, so you can try them on your own paths and kerbs. When you buy, our engineer delivers your scooter and sets it up fully at home, a service worth £150.
Please call before visiting the showroom so we can have the right scooters ready. Call 01789 339 738. Open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm, Saturday 9:30am to 1pm.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence for a mobility scooter?
No. Class 3 road scooters must be registered with the DVLA, which is free, but you don't need a driving licence.
Can I get a scooter on Motability?
Yes. See this quarter's Motability prices or call us.
Can I hire one before I buy?
Yes, through Stratford Shopmobility.
Can my family deal with you for me?
Yes, we're happy to talk to a family member or carer you've named.
