Mobility Scooters - Power Scooters

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The powered mobility scooter has become the alternative to the electric wheelchair. Early scooters were small, front-wheel drive models designed primarily for indoor use, with little power and limited range. Newer models, however, offer greater range and the ability to transverse outdoor terrain. Most mobility scooters have a range of options, check with our recommended suppliers for the different options available with different models.

Three Wheel Four Wheel

Types of Mobility Scooters

3 Wheeled Mobility Scooters - These types of power scooters are the most maneuverable. They are ideal for riders who must operate in tight spaces. Their high turning radii allow them to make turns most 4 wheeled scooters cant.

4 Wheeled Mobility Scooters - Designed more for stability and less for maneuverability. Not as good for tighter quarters but great for outdoor use.

Fold Up Mobility Scooters - Designed to help individuals take their scooters with them on trips. Other non-folding models may need the use of a lift mechanism to travel with.

Pride Mobility Scooters

Buying Guide for Mobility Scooters - From Spinlife

The modern mobility scooter has developed over the years. Many features have changed and improved but most models have a common framework and characteristics.

Power Scooter Base

The base generally consists of aluminum, steel, or a composite material. The floor of the base usually is made with fiberglass which supports the feet and batteries. Ultimately the base unit will establish the comfort and safety of the rider. When evaluating an electric scooter, it's essential to be sure that the base can accommodate the user's requirements. The floor should offer adequate space to comfortably support the feet at a natural angle, and the overall dimensions should allow the controls to be easily operated.. Anti-tip wheels should be integrated as part of the frame to help stabilize the scooter. With front-wheel drive units, the anti-tips are usually located just behind the front wheel because they usually lack the power for larger vertical inclines. Since most rear-wheel drive mobility scooters are intended to negotiate harsher terrain, they are regularly outfitted with rear anti-tips to maintain the scooter on hills. Side anti-tip wheels are also a popular add-on but may create difficulties on curbs and ramps.

Front Wheel Drive Scooters vs. Rear Wheel Drive Scooters

The drive train on any mobility scooter is a vital part of the base unit and allows for either front or rear wheel drive. Smaller scooters are often designed with front wheel drive and are designed largely to be used on flat surfaces. The motor on these front-wheelers is located over the front wheel and primarily drives the wheels independently. Because of the motor and wheel setup, front wheel drive scooters are typically direct drive units, thus eliminating any chains and/or belts. And since front wheel powered disability scooters pull the weight of the unit and the rider, they have a harder time transporting heavier. Due to these factors they are less capable of climbing hills, curbs, and other harsh terrain. Their capabilities are also hindered by their smaller motors, causing a shorter range, power and speed loss, and a smaller weight limit. These factors do however have there advantages and allow for greater maneuverability. Rear wheel drive scooters, on the other hand, are powered by motors connected to the axle with a chain, belt, or transaxle. These types of heavy duty mobility scooters push the driver instead of pull and allow for a larger sized load with greater traction. This increase in power also allows for a boost in climbing ability and maximum speed but a decrease in maneuverability. Their large size will often times make the scooter harder to use indoors and harder to transport. In both types of scooters the determining factor of power is the torque of the motor. Lower torque motors frequently provide greater speed on flat, smooth surfaces, while higher torque models offer more power for climbing hills and negotiating other outdoor terrain. A scooters principal use should be the determining factor when selecting a model.

Power Scooter Brakes

Many, if not all, rear wheel drive scooters utilize an electronic regenerative braking system. The breaking system works in tandem with the motor. First allowing it to slow and then ultimately stopping the scooter when pressure on the break controller is released. The breaking system is also used in tandem with the battery, moving excess energy to the power reserves. Disc brakes are often used with front wheel drive models.

Mobility Scooter Batteries

Most disability scooters utilize a 12 to 24-volt motor and utilize 2 – 12 volt batteries to power the controls and drive train. The twelve-volt systems are most often found on front-wheelers. Many manufacturers offer add-on batteries that extend the scooter's range between charges while keeping the speed and power constant. Rear-wheel drive systems generally require twice the power of a front wheel drive. The batteries used in mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are “deep cycle” and generally last between 12 to 18 months. Deep cycle batteries provide a steady supply of power and can be discharged and recharged on a regular basis.

Electric Scooter Battery Types

The three types of batteries used in electric scooters and wheelchairs are lead acid (wet cell), sealed lead-acid, and gel cell batteries.

Lead Acid (Wet Cell) Scooter Batteries

Being the least expensive of the 3, lead acid batteries also require the most maintenance. Water levels and power must be checked on a regular basis to make sure they are in their optimum ranges. There is also a danger of acid seepage and explosion since the battery isn't sealed. Even with these drawbacks, lead acid batteries offer at least a 2-6 month longer battery life and 10% more running time.

Sealed Lead Acid Scooter Batteries

Maintenance free versions of the wet cell batteries but because they are sealed, the drawbacks of the unsealed version is reduced or eliminated. The battery casing is vented to avoid gas build-up that can lead to an explosion.

Gel Cell Scooter Batteries

Gel cell scooter batteries are the most common scooter/wheelchair battery. They are sealed in cases and require almost no maintenance other than regular charging. Gel cells are also the safest of the battery types, with no danger of spillage and limited risk of explosion. But you guessed right, they are the most expensive and have a somewhat shorter battery life.

Power Scooter Wheels and Tires

The wheel and tire size on a mobility scooter has a direct affect on the scooter's capacity to conquer obstacles and its overall stability. Most scooters come with either 6, 8, or 10 inch wheels. Additional smaller wheels may also be added depending on its use. Some models use the same size wheels for both the front and rear and smaller wheels will often be added to scooters intended for indoor use. In most cases, the larger the wheels, the more stable the scooter. There are several types of scooter tires that can be added for extra maneuverability and stability. For instance, pneumatic tires (air-filled) can be added if the scooter is mostly intended for outdoor use. Foam filled tires utilize foam inserts and require less maintenance. They are usually recommended for indoor use only. The least expensive tire alternative is the solid rubber tire. This type of tire requires the least maintenance but is also considered the least versatile. Color and tread depth should also be considered. Most scooter tires are available in black or grey rubber. Black tires are generally less expensive but may cause marking and scuffing. The tread of the tire will ultimately determine the traction and the scooters intended use.

Electric Scooter Seating

The most frequent seat found on mobility scooters is a chair-style seat comparable to the captain's chair on a boat. It is often made with hard plastic or fiberglass and covered with vinyl or cloth in the color of your choice. Vinyl covered seating, which is often less stable due to its slippery surface, should be avoided for users that lack balance. Most electric scooter seats swivel up to 360 degrees and may have other options such as power tilt, pivot, and a raising and lowering mechanism. In addition, some scooters are outfitted with folding seats and/or removable seat posts for transport and storage.

Electric Scooter Controls

The controls or steering mechanism of a mobility scooter is often called the tiller. The tiller is the cockpit of your ride and has everything needed to control your scooter. Most scooters offer one type of customary tiller with other controls offered as options. Thumb levers, loop handles, and joysticks, can be added to assist the user.

Scooter Accessories and Customization

Most of today's mobility scooters offer hundreds of addition accessories allowing you to customize and get everything you could ever need. Options like baskets, crutch/cane holders, portable oxygen carriers, trailers, headlights, tail lights, and even horns give you limitless customization options. A few manufacturers even offer sidecars allowing you to bring along an additional passenger.

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