How Much Do Mobility Scooters Weigh?
How much does a mobility scooter weigh? This question becomes extremely important when you consider traveling around and maintaining your scooter as part of an active lifestyle.
The good news is that many travel scooters are available that are light enough to carry (30-70 lbs) or can be taken apart so that the heaviest piece weighs no more than 60 lbs. However, for long-term use, there are several factors aside from weight that should be taken into account when choosing the best mobility scooter for your needs.
Lightweight Mobility Scooter Options
Knowing that many users want a mobility scooter for shopping trips, travel, or a day out at the park with family, manufacturers have created lightweight folding scooters that can be easily stored in a vehicle trunk or even carried by hand. Some of the lightest folding mobility scooters on the market weigh a mere 35 lbs and still have a weight capacity of 200 or 250 lbs. Others weigh 50, 60, or 70 lbs.
While a folding scooter may not go as fast or as far as a heavy-duty mobility scooter, it can be ideal for light, infrequent use. Some foldable scooters come with a remote control with a button that makes them fold up automatically for easy storage. Others have a compact design that allows them to be folded manually with a minimum of fuss.
Mobility Scooters That Are Designed to Be Disassembled
For heavier use, many models are available on the market today that can still be taken apart for easy transport in vehicle trunks. While the overall weight of take-apart scooters is higher than that of foldable scooters—80-180 lbs, the heaviest piece when disassembled can be as little as 32 lbs for a basic model, 44 lbs for a mid-level model, or 57 lbs for a top-tier heavy-duty mobility scooter. These models usually come with a basket or carry-on bag for your belongings.
Standard Scooters
Standard scooters are designed for light, infrequent use and come with lower weight capacities than mid-level or heavy-duty mobility scooters. The standard rental mobility scooters at Mobility Plus Colorado in Denver weigh 86 lbs when fully assembled, and the heaviest piece when disassembled weighs 32 lbs. Even though they have lighter parts, these scooters still offer weight capacities of 200 lbs and sometimes more.
Mid-Level Scooters
Mid-level scooters offer higher weight capacities, higher speeds, and a higher mileage compared to standard models. Due to their sturdier construction and often heavier batteries, the mid-level rental mobility scooters at Mobility Plus weigh 125 lbs when fully assembled, and the heaviest piece weighs 44 lbs. These mobility scooters have a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Heavy-Duty Scooters
Heavy-duty mobility scooters have larger, more cushioned seats and often come with suspension for a smoother ride. These models have longer battery ranges, reach higher speeds, and have weight capacities ranging from 325 lbs to 400 lbs and more. When fully assembled, the total weight of a top-tier mobility scooter rental from Mobility Plus is 174 lbs, and the heaviest piece weighs 57 lbs.
All-Terrain Mobility Scooters
All-terrain mobility scooters are generally larger scooters that are designed to reach top speeds and handle uneven terrain, including gravel, sand, and plush carpets with ease. These mobility scooter models typically have larger batteries, air-filled tires, suspension on all four wheels to handle uneven ground, and a cushioned seat for the smoothest possible ride.
Depending on the model and any customized add-ons, all-terrain mobility scooters can weigh hundreds of pounds and may not come apart. If you want an all-terrain mobility scooter with customized add-ons, it might be best to buy a mobility scooter with the exact features you need.
Airline-Approved Mobility Scooters
For interstate or global travel, a lightweight airline-approved take-apart or folding mobility scooter is the perfect solution. The airplane should have space to stow one wheelchair or collapsible mobility device. Alternatively, you can transport a mobility scooter in your checked luggage in the hold of the airplane as long as the batteries are dry or sealed.
If you want to travel with a mobility scooter, it’s important to check with the airline in advance regarding approved battery types for safe air travel and weight and dimension limitations. Small, collapsible mobility scooters may fit in the overhead storage compartment or a designated wheelchair storage compartment. Larger mobility scooters will usually need to be registered as checked luggage.
Tips for Transporting Mobility Scooters
The question of how much a mobility scooter weighs is important if you will be traveling with the scooter and need a device that can fit in small spaces. In contrast, if you are looking at purchasing a mobility scooter for long-term use, it may be worth considering a heavier model (potentially weighing several hundred pounds) that will offer the smoothest ride, top speed, and top mileage—even if it doesn't fold up or come apart.
For transporting heavier models, users typically invest in equipment to help them transport their mobility scooters easily and safely. This could include wheelchair ramps and a vehicle lift or vertical platform lift. To transport the mobility scooter fully assembled, you would usually need a modified minivan, pick-up truck, or SUV.
3-Wheel vs. 4-Wheel Scooter
There is often little weight difference between 3-wheel and 4-wheel mobility scooters. However, it can be helpful for customers to understand what each of these designs has to offer.
Three-Wheel Scooters
Three-wheel mobility scooters are designed for use indoors and in small spaces where a tight turning radius is an advantage. These models have a much better turning radius than four-wheel scooters—sometimes as small as 40” or less. The downside is that they are less stable than four-wheel scooters, making them better for experienced users.
Four-Wheel Scooters
Four-wheel mobility scooters offer maximum stability for outdoor use and new mobility scooter users. They are also the safest choice for uneven terrain where having four wheels in contact with the ground offers an advantage. If you will mostly be using the electric scooter outdoors, a four-wheel scooter is best.
Alternatives to Mobility Scooters
In some cases, there might be a different device that is more appropriate for the user than an electric scooter:
Manual wheelchair. If the user doesn't have full use of their legs but still has strong arms, a manual wheelchair could be a great solution. Manual wheelchairs are available that weigh as little as 36 lbs and will easily fit in any car.
Electric wheelchair. An electric or power wheelchair is a great option for users who need to steer with one hand rather than two. The weight of a power wheelchair ranges from 125 lbs weight for an entry-level model to hundreds of pounds for a heavy-duty model—similar to mobility scooters.
Knee scooter. After an operation or accident, knee scooters allow the user to get around quickly while supporting the weak leg at the knee. Knee scooters typically weigh 20-30 lbs and can be folded up for easy transportation.
Try Before You Buy
If you want to buy a mobility scooter but still have doubts about the model that would be most appropriate for your intended use—whether a folding scooter, heavy-duty scooter, or even an electric wheelchair—it can be a good idea to rent the device for a week before making your final decision. Some mobility equipment retailers will credit a portion of your first week's rental towards the cost of purchase, so it's worth asking about this option before you purchase or rent.
You might find that a portable, lightweight mobility scooter offers the easy transport and weight capacity you need for an upcoming trip, or that a heavier, sturdier machine with unique features would be more satisfying for long-term use. While the question of how much a mobility scooter weighs has an impact on transportation, it's also important to think about your comfort, scooter speed, drive range, and accessories when choosing a mobility scooter.