How to Choose the Best Mobility Scooter for the Outdoors
All mobility scooters are effective for helping people with limited mobility get around, however, outdoor mobility scooters offer certain features that make them more suited to outdoor use. If you're looking for the best mobility scooter for outdoors, key features to look for include:
A longer battery life
Higher speeds
Higher weight capacity
Padded seat and adjustable tiller
Higher ground clearance
All-terrain tires
A full suspension system
A carrying basket and other accessories
Key Features to Look For in an Outdoor Mobility Scooter
Longer Battery Life
Outdoor mobility scooters feature a longer driving range than indoor mobility scooters, simply because it would be impractical to keep stopping and recharging your mobility scooter while you're out and about.
While basic rental mobility scooters typically come with a driving range of 8 miles, the best outdoor mobility scooter offered by Mobility Plus in Denver lasts for an average of 15-18 miles on a single charge. For most mobility scooter users, that is enough for a full day of driving.
Higher Speeds
Outdoor mobility scooters need to be able to reach a higher speed compared to indoor scooters for three reasons:
You are more likely to have clear stretches of path or road on which to drive.
You may be sharing the path or road with faster vehicles like bicycles.
You will need to cover greater distances to get from place to place.
While 4.5 mph is plenty for indoor use, the best outdoor mobility scooters can travel at a much higher top speed. When you multiply the difference over hours of driving, this speed can significantly reduce the time it takes to get from A to B.
Higher Weight Capacity
Thanks to a stronger motor and sturdier construction, outdoor scooters offer a higher weight capacity than basic indoor models. Think about it. If your mobility scooter is your primary mode of transport, you'll need it to be able to carry the weight of your shopping plus anything else you might need during the course of the day, such as a laptop computer, cane, walker, water bottle—and in some cases, oxygen tanks. If you're going to spend the night with friends or relatives, you'll also need to take a trunk or suitcase.
When choosing a mobility scooter for outdoors, make sure that the maximum weight capacity is sufficient for your own weight as well as anything you might need to take with you when you drive.
Padded Seat and Adjustable Tiller
A comfortable ride is essential if you'll be driving your mobility scooter for several hours each day. Look for models with a padded contoured seat, a headrest, an adjustable tiller, armrests, and a seat that can be properly adjusted so that your knees and elbows are at right angles while you drive.
When you look at the “ideal person” specifications for each machine, it's important to choose an outdoor mobility scooter that's designed for someone of your height—even if you are under the weight capacity for that particular machine. Being hunched over on a mobility scooter is not only uncomfortable but could also lead to back and neck injuries.
Higher Ground Clearance
The best mobility scooter for the outdoors needs to have a higher ground clearance compared to an indoor scooter. This helps to prevent bumps and allows you to drive more smoothly over stones and small lips between the sidewalk and the road.
The minimum ground clearance on a mobility scooter is around 1.5 inches, which is fine for driving on a smooth surface or up wheelchair ramps. However, for rough terrain, look for a mobility scooter with a higher ground clearance.
All-Terrain Tires
If you intend to drive your mobility scooter over rough terrain like grass, dirt, stones, gravel, sand, and thick carpets, look for an all-terrain mobility scooter fitted with all-terrain tires. All-terrain scooter tires are bulkier and designed with superior traction to prevent slips and cushion against bumps in the driving surface.
In general, you should be able to find all-terrain mobility scooter models starting from mid-range models up to top-tier or heavy-duty models. While these mobility scooter models come at a higher price than basic scooters, the features that come with an all-terrain design will give you a much more comfortable ride.
Full Suspension System
Aside from all-terrain tires for cushioning, look for a mobility scooter with front and rear suspension for outdoor use. A suspension system works to keep the wheels in contact with the ground at all times—preventing the mobility scooter from tipping and reducing bumps for a smooth ride.
Along with front and rear suspensions, top-tier outdoor mobility scooters come with an all-wheel-drive design so that each of the four wheels gains traction independently. This is an important advantage if you'll be driving backward and forwards over unmade roads, grass, and other rough terrains that could otherwise be dangerous.
Carry Basket and Other Accessories
It really goes without saying, but you need a carry basket if you're going to drive your mobility scooter outdoors. Most scooters come with a front basket, but a rear basket might also be an option depending on the mobility scooter model that you choose.
Keep in mind that you can often request modifications to any mobility scooter model if you're going to purchase it outright, including the addition of baskets, cane holders, crutch holders, a USB charging port, and any other accessories you might need.
Additional Factors for Choosing an Outdoor Mobility Scooter
Folding Mobility Scooter vs. Full-Size Mobility Scooter
Individuals looking for an outdoor mobility scooter for use while traveling often go for a folding mobility scooter. These models are made to fold or disassemble for easy transport in the trunk or back seat of a car or the overhead compartment of an airplane cabin and are a great option if you'll be driving over smooth surfaces like pavement or cement.
For heavy, long-term use, a full-sized electric mobility scooter is often preferred because of its higher weight capacity, higher speeds, and longer driving range. These models often come with full-sized, contoured seats similar to the bariatric or "captain's seat" on top electric wheelchair models and can be transported in the back of a van with the help of a vehicle lift or wheelchair ramp.
Three-Wheel vs. Four-Wheel Scooters
Most outdoor scooters are four-wheel models, simply because four-wheel scooters offer greater stability on rough terrain. However, if you want a tighter turning radius than a four-wheel scooter can provide—or need the extra legroom—an all-terrain three-wheel scooter might be a good solution.
While they aren't as stable as four-wheel scooters, all-terrain three-wheel scooters come with anti-tip wheels and some models even feature a double front wheel for added stability. If you're interested in this option, consult with a mobility store specialist to see which outdoor mobility scooter they recommend.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use
The final decision when looking for the best mobility scooter for outdoors is whether to rent a mobility scooter or purchase one outright. There are pros and cons to each option, so it's important to make the decision carefully.
Rental Mobility Scooter
It’s more cost-effective if you will be using the mobility scooter for less than 12 weeks
Maintenance and repairs are included in the rental price
The scooter can be delivered to your hotel or even directly to a theme park
Some of the rental costs can often be credited toward the purchase
Mobility Scooter Purchase
More cost-effective if you will be using the mobility scooter for more than 12 weeks
Greater range of models from which to choose
Possibility of full customization
Maintenance plans available
Can be delivered to your residence or another location
If you're still not sure, it might be a good idea to rent an outdoor mobility scooter for a week to "test-drive" the scooter before going ahead with the purchase. Many vendors, like Mobility Plus, will credit back some of the first week's rental cost towards the cost of a mobility scooter. Please note that customized mobility scooters are only available for purchase and can't be returned if you change your mind.
The Best Outdoor Scooters Can Change Your Life
Whether you choose a three-wheel or four-wheel, foldable or heavy-duty, rental or permanent mobility scooter, the best mobility scooters for outdoors will give you a new level of freedom and independence than you could have ever imagined.
If you need further guidance on choosing an outdoor mobility scooter, consulting with a physical therapist and visiting a mobility scooter showroom will help you find the right scooter for your needs.