Mobility Scooters Buyer’s Guide | Choose the best scooter for you

Australia's Favourite Mobility Equipment Retailer

Australia's Favourite Mobility Equipment Retailer

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A step-by-step guide to choosing the right mobility scooter for you

Mobility scooters have changed the lives of millions of people with health issues and disabilities. They allow people who may not have previously been able to travel far without assistance, to gain a significant level of independence.

They can also help to combat the social isolation and health implications of the elderly or someone living with a disability. With a mobility scooter, it’s easier to partake in daily activities and excursions. No longer does a trip to the shops or to meet a friend for coffee require a high-level of planning. Simply jump onto your scooter and away you go.

If you’re considering a mobility scooter for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things to consider. In this guide, we go over the questions to ask before deciding on a scooter. We also outline the different types of mobility scooters and the features to help find the right scooter for you.

Quick Links:
What is a Mobility Scooter? Can a Mobility Scooter help you? What to consider when purchasing a Mobility Scooter What type of scooter do you need? Mobility Scooter Models Using your Mobility Scooter Charging your Mobility Scooter Servicing your Mobility Scooter Staying Safe Getting Around Shop Mobility Scooters 

What is a Mobility Scooter?

Mobility scooters are designed for people who are mobile enough to operate a small vehicle, but who find it difficult to walk long distances due to a disability or health issue.

Mobility scooters have become an increasingly popular mobility aid and a common sight in shopping centres and on pavements.

There is a wide range of mobility scooters available, from smaller models that can fit into the boot of your car, through to heavy duty models that are able to navigate inclines and travel distances of up to 50km on a single charge.
Can a Mobility Scooter help you?

If you, or a loved one are having difficulty walking for extended periods of time, a mobility scooter can be the perfect answer to keep you moving, without needing to rely on a motor vehicle. The ease of use and low speeds allow users to navigate their mobility scooter with confidence and share walking spaces with family, friends and the general public.

A mobility scooter can also be used in conjunction with other forms of transport. Many mobility scooters can fit in the boot of a car and can be taken out for use around a shopping centre, or on short trips where using a car is not possible.

Mobility scooters can also provide temporary assistance to someone recovering from an injury or operation. This allows for continued independence, while not having to rely on motor vehicles or others for their daily outings.
What to consider when purchasing a Mobility Scooter

The most important factor in purchasing a mobility scooter is user confidence. The user must feel comfortable operating the mobility scooter amongst pedestrians, as well as being able to get and leave the mobility scooter safely.

Speak with an Occupational Therapist who will be able to suggest if a mobility scooter is suitable for your needs.

Some key considerations to think of when using a mobility scooter is the ability to:
- Manoeuvre the mobility scooter using the steering controls
- Utilise the mobility scooter’s safety controls
- Having adequate vision and hearing to be aware of surrounding traffic, pedestrians and potential hazards
- Concentrate for the duration of the trip
- Balance if travelling on slopes and uneven terrain
What type of scooter do you need?

Some key questions need to be answered when deciding your perfect mobility scooter.

Please consider these questions before purchasing your mobility scooter.
- What do you need a mobility scooter for?
- How far will you need your mobility scooter to travel on one charge?
- What surfaces will be travelling on?
- Will you need to travel up steep terrain?
- Do you require larger seating or leg room?
- Do you have the awareness to safely use a mobility scooter?
Mobility Scooter Models

With all of the above in mind, below are the general categories of mobility scooters that are available at MobilityHQ.

Small Mobility Scooters

Range - up to 20km

Offering manoeuvrability and convenience, these mobility scooters are ideal for getting around indoors and can fit in the back of a car. Their small turning circle comes in handy when navigating a crowded shopping centre.

A downside is their smaller battery size and capacity, which is often 20km per charge. Their smaller size often reduces power capacity and there are less surfaces that they can handle.

MobilityHQ Small Mobility Scooter Range

Mid-Sized Mobility Scooters

Range 20km - 40km

These mobility scooters feature extra power to tackle small inclines and outdoor terrain, as well as increased battery range. Mid-sized mobility scooters are ideal for making local trips to the shops or a nearby friend’s house.

MobilityHQ Mid-Sized Mobility Scooters

Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters

Range 40 km+

Heavy duty or large mobility scooters are better suited to handling difficult terrain and long distances. You’ll get a smoother ride thanks to the pneumatic rubber wheels and suspension. Models in this range also tend to have more supportive seats, suspension for a more comfortable ride over uneven terrain and padded arm and headrests.

MobilityHQ Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters

Portable / Folding / Disassembling Mobility Scooters

These mobility scooters are designed to allow the use of a mobility scooter whilst living life to the fullest. Lightweight portable and folding mobility scooters easily disassemble to allow for manageable transport on planes, or land based public transport in some states of Australia. These mobility scooters are designed to be as light as possible for easy transport, so keep in mind that power and battery life can be less than heavier duty models.

Portable / Folding Disassembling Mobility Scooters

Mobility Scooter Accessories

Specially designed, purpose built accessories will help you to add to the comfort and features of your mobility scooter. These accessories include seat covers, bags for extra storage, phone and cup holders, and even weather shades to keep the sun or unwanted rain from ruining your journey!

Mobility Scooter Accessories
Using your Mobility Scooter

Upon receiving your chosen mobility scooter, get some practice in to ensure that you can confidently use it to its full potential. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the mobility scooter’s features and practice starting, turning and braking.

It is important to check that your new investment is covered by your insurance provider. Check with your current home and contents policy provider to ensure that any damage or theft is covered with minimal financial loss. Roadside assistance and personal liability insurance is also available, once again make enquiries with your insurance provider for specific details.
Charging your Mobility Scooter

Another consideration for your new mobility scooter will be its storage location. No matter where you decide to leave your mobility scooter, ensure that it is close to a powerpoint so you can charge the battery in between journeys. It is also of utmost importance that your mobility scooter is stored in a dry location. Consider storing your mobility scooter with a cover to guard against dust exposure.

It is important to ensure the battery is fully charged before each outing. Follow your mobility scooter’s simple instruction guidelines to manage your battery correctly.
Servicing your Mobility Scooter

Keep in mind that just like any other motor vehicle, your mobility scooter will need an annual service. This will ensure that your mobility scooter performs with reliability and safety. When having your mobility scooter serviced, technicians will service;
- Front End Steering System
- Rear Wheel performance
- Motor and Components
- Battery health, charger and electrics
- General checks including suspension, switches, speed sensors.
These services can be conducted by Aidacare, simply call 1300 133 120 to organise a hassle free service.
Staying Safe

A little planning will go a long way to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Know how far and how long you want to use your mobility scooter for, and ensure that you will have enough battery life to cover this. If planning a shopping trip, familiarise yourself with your mobility scooter’s ‘safe working load’ to avoid overloading and weighing it down.

Read our guide to using your mobility scooter in retail spaces, which gives handy tips to making your journey to the shops hassle free. These tips are also great for general use of your mobility scooter.
Getting Around

Mobility Scooters are designed to travel on footpaths and alongside pedestrians. They are not considered motor vehicles and should not be used on a road.

Check with your relevant state road authority for specific rules, as some states in Australia require mobility scooters to be registered.

If you have any questions about purchasing a new mobility scooter, please call 1300 123 130 and our team will gladly assist you and endeavour to answer any of your inquiries related to mobility scooters or any other piece of healthcare equipment.