The best mobility scooters

Drive Medical’s Scout Spitfire scooter has a number of practical features that set it apart from other four-wheel scooters. Its ergonomic Delta-tiller handle adjusts easily, and both the armrests and backrest have comfortable foam padding. It has a 300 lb weight capacity, which is remarkable given its light frame. And with a shipping weight of 120 lbs, this is a truly portable option that can be easily disassembled to fit into the trunk of an average sedan.

The non-marking tires and no-tip wheels provide a stable traveling experience both indoors and outdoors. It doesn’t have any sort of suspension, and the manufacturer recommends a maximum climbing angle of 6 degrees (a 10% grade), which might be slightly optimistic—regular users note that it has trouble with serious inclines.

Key Features

• 300 lb weight capacity
• Maximum range of nine miles
• Runs on a 24 V battery (charger included)
• Max speed of 4.25 mph
• Height-adjustable swivel seat with fold-down backrest and padded armrests
• Includes large carry basket
• 4700 RPM motor
• 53.75 in turning radius
• Non-marking tires with anti-tip wheels

The Travel Pro Premium can navigate easily around obstacles, as its three-wheel design affords it an outstanding 32.5 in turning radius. Full padding on the armrests and faux-leather seat make it a comfortable option for everyday use, and it breaks down into five pieces for portability (the heaviest of those five pieces is 27.5 lbs).

A few things to keep in mind: this option has a 6.3 mile drive range, which is significantly less than other motorized scooters. Regular riders also note that the battery can come loose easily, but the problem can be easily fixed with some electrical tape.

Key Features

• 275 lb weight capacity
• 6.3 mile drive range
• Runs on two 12 V batteries (charger included)
• Max speed of four mph
• 32.5 in turning radius
• Can be quickly disassembled to fit into a vehicle
• Includes free cup holder, saddlebag, and front basket

This is the only non-motorized entry on this list, and as such, it’s not ideal for people with certain mobility issues. It’s specifically designed for users who have lost full use of a single leg, knee, or foot. With that said, it’s more affordable than motorized scooters and potentially a better option for older adults who want to remain active following a surgery or injury.

The lightweight, durable materials support weights of up to 300 lbs, and the memory foam knee pad evenly distributes pressure for comfortable everyday use. A quick-release fold switch allows for easy storage and portability. Locking brakes and an integrated basket add some functionality, but this is a niche product—most older adults will want to stick with a motorized scooter.

Key Features

• 300 lb weight capacity
• Quick-release mechanism allows walker to fold for easy storage
• Two colors (black, blue and white) available
• Appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use
• Handlebars have brakes on both sides

The Go-Go Ultra X is another three-wheel model designed for portability. An auto-latching mechanism allows the user to disassemble the lightweight frame into five pieces; when disassembled, the heaviest piece weighs 28 lbs, which is on par with most of the other scooters on this list. However, the scooter’s total weight is a mere 92 lbs, which is outstanding given its 260 lb capacity.

The dual-voltage charger allows the scooter’s two 12 V batteries to be charged in place (the battery box is also removable, which is useful if you’d prefer to keep the charging apparatus apart from the scooter). The batteries can be replaced inexpensively and they provide a decent range of up to 6.9 miles at a full charge.

Key Features

• 260 lb weight capacity
• 6.9 mile drive range
• Runs off two 12 V SLA batteries (charger included)
• Maximum speed of four mph
• Disassembles into five lightweight pieces for easy transport
• Front frame-mounted seat post for improved stability

Before purchasing a powered mobility scooter, determine a budget and consider the user’s mobility challenges. Some older adults might simply need a knee walker or wheelchair—and some might strongly prefer those options. If you’re buying for another person, discuss the purchase with them before making a commitment.

With that said, if you decide on a powered scooter, here are some important factors to consider:

3-wheel versus 4-wheel models

While three-wheel mobility scooters have a tighter turning radius, there’s a predictable trade off: They’re slightly harder to keep balanced, which can be an issue for older adults with high fall risks.

Well-coordinated users won’t have much of an issue, but if you’re purchasing a mobility scooter for use on uneven terrain, a four-wheel option might be a safer choice.

Range and maximum speed

Range is an especially important consideration for older adults who intend to use mobility scooters on an everyday basis. All powered mobility scooter manufacturers list an approximate maximum range, but understand that these ranges are estimates; factors that affect range include the user’s body weight, the age of the battery, and the speed of the scooter during operation.

Likewise, the scooter’s maximum speed will depend on the user’s weight and the operating conditions (all mobility scooters will slow down slightly when going up an incline, for instance). Don’t worry too much about maximum speed unless you have a specific reason to do so—the average human walking pace is somewhere around 1.8 to 2.25 mph, so a scooter moving at 4 mph will easily outpace a healthy adult.

Most powered mobility scooters use 12 V batteries, but that’s not always the case. Be sure to research the unit’s power source prior to buying, as you may eventually need to replace the included batteries as they degrade over time. Always charge batteries indoors in a dry, room-temperature environment.

Comfort features

Many mobility scooters have bells, headlights, padded seats, and other features intended to improve comfort and functionality. While these can be helpful, remember that you can always purchase accessories after the fact. Focus on the scooter’s battery, motor, and other core components first.

After purchasing a mobility scooter, read its documentation carefully and make sure you’ve fully charged the battery. The user should practice driving the scooter before heading into public, as scooters require some coordination to use safely. When used properly, scooters can provide peace of mind, and they’re a great investment for older adults living independently.