Getting a mobility scooter can be a liberating experience from my experience.

This device however should not be considered a wheelchair alternative, as it requires the user to be able to walk on their own.

In this article, we present the best power mobility scooters for the elderly.

We also go through some important considerations that need to be clarified before making your purchase.

Best Mobility Scooter

Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter

The Drive Medical Scout scooter was made to offer convenience above all. It can be dismantled into 5 pieces making it easy to load into a van or a car.

The 16.5’’ wide seat is comfy and can be adjusted for height from 17’’ to 19’’ tall, plus it swivels making it easier for the user to get in and out.

The adjustable armrests can be flipped back and you can also fold the backrest if needed.

Performance

This power scooter will perform well indoors, but it was named Scout for a good reason, as it works well on asphalt, sidewalks, and hiking paths.

You’ll be able to travel 15 miles on a single battery charge with a speed of 4.25 mph. The only concern we had was rough surfaces as the Scout lacks suspension.

Convenience

The elderly that use this power scooter truly like the delta tiller that can be operated with one hand, can go in reverse.

They also enjoy the large plastic basket in the front which is convenient for grocery shopping or to carry stuff on their trip.

Overall, this is a stable and safe device, and its battery life is much longer than most models on the market.

What We Like

• Easy to maneuver.
• Safe and stable.
• Adjustable.
• Long battery life.

What We Don’t Like

• Lack of suspension.

Ideal Scooter For Folding

Transformer Automatic Folding Travel Scooter

If you’re concerned about disassembling your power scooter every time you need to travel, why not fold it with a remote?

The Transformer will fold & unfold in seconds, just push the button and watch it transform into a carry on suitcase that can roll behind you.

Performance

Once unfolded you get 13.7 miles of drive with a 3.75 mph of speed, before the batteries run out.

The battery is lightweight and fits into a backpack. Still, most customers report driving this power scooter for 2-3 days on a single battery charge.

Design & Adjustability

The seat is comfortable and 17’’ wide but it’s not height adjustable.

Also the backrest can be folded, but after multiple folding it becomes loose, so make sure you’ve got an Alan wrench with you if you plan on traveling.

The weight of the Transformer without the battery is around 50 lbs, and it fits in the trunk of most vehicles (even Uber).

What We Like

• Easy to fold.
• Fits most trunks.
• Good battery life.

What We Don’t Like

• The backrest needs regular tightening.
• The seat doesn’t swivel.

Best Scooter For Outdoors

Pride Mobility Sport 4-Wheel Electric Mobility Scooter

People that need a well built electric scooter for running their daily errands might find the Sport 4-wheel quite handy. It runs at 4.7 mph and will take you up to 14.5 miles on a single charge.

The battery can be charged both onboard and off-board. You’ll find the onboard charging port in the front, next to the LED light.

Performance

This scooter performs excellent outdoors with its 9’’ sold tires, it easily goes across rough terrains, grass or even dirt.

We have to mention that this scooter is also ideal for indoors. The tires have a non-scuff feature that won’t leave marks on your floor.

The sports delta tiller is comfortable to hold and won’t exert too much strength from your hands. You also get a basket in the front, to stash all your groceries.

Portability

Transporting this scooter will be easy as it disassembles into 5 easy to lift pieces. The heaviest piece weighs 44 lbs.

The armrests are adjustable and can be moved out of the way.

The only thing to be mindful of; it is delivered in one big and heavy box, so make sure it is placed where you can easily unpack. Also, have someone help you get it out of the box.

What We Like

• Great outdoor performance.
• Indoor friendly.
• Long-lasting battery.

What We Don’t Like

• Delivered in one heavy box.

Favorite Budget Scooter

Travel Pro Premium 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter

The Travel Pro Premium will be a good choice for people that need a lightweight mobility scooter but don’t want to break the bank.

Unlike the other models, this one has 3 wheels so it won’t be as stable, but its maneuverability is pretty amazing. You still get 4 mph of speed, but the distance range is 6.3 miles.

Portable & Adjustable

This one also disassembles in 5 pieces and the heaviest piece is 27.5 lbs. The seat is made of faux leather and it can be adjusted for height.

It is 17’’ wide which should be comfortable for most adults that weigh up to 275 lbs. The armrests are padded and can be flipped up for easier access.

Convenience

You still get the additional accessories that are included in the higher-end models, a basket in the front and a cup holder for your convenience.

This scooter performs well on flat surfaces, and fairly well on grass. The only thing you need to be careful of is your speed when making turns.

Also some users didn’t like the horn, as it has a pretty low sound.

What We Like

• Budget-friendly price.
• Great maneuverability.
• Comfortable seat.

What We Don’t Like

• Less stable when making turns.
• Quiet horn.

Best Scooter For Steep Hills

BUZZAROUND Extreme 4-Wheel Heavy Duty Travel Scooter

The Buzzaround was made in the US for people that wish to get the most out of their scooter.  At 5 mph, it goes faster than most models, and will also take you the furthest at 18 miles of distance range.

What’s really amazing about this scooter is the front and rear suspension that will provide a truly smooth ride and the ability to go uphill and downhill with ease.

Adjustability

The seat is 18’’ wide, it swivels, and the armrests can be widened a bit or lifted if you need some more room.

With its whopping 330 lbs of weight capacity, it acts and feels like a heavy-duty scooter, yet the assembly happens in minutes.

What you get is the best of both worlds: stability and ease of transport. The steering wheel can be tilted to accommodate people of different heights, and customer service for this company is excellent.

Users often get a call from this company inquiring if they’re happy with their purchase.

Convenience

The Buzzaround scooter breaks down into 4 pieces that can be assembled without tools.

In a way this is a hybrid model giving you the best of both worlds: Stability and safety, paired with easy to manoeuvre features.

The only downside to this model would be its high price range, but we’ve seen models that are more expensive and don’t provide this much for the user.

What We Like

• Stable and fast
• Easy to transport
• Good customer service

What We Don’t Like

• Price not as affordable

Other Recommended Scooters

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Ewheels is truly a monster ride and would be recommended for users that can handle speeds of 18 mph.

Once you charge this mobility scooter you’ll be able to cross 45 miles of distance without any worry.

This model resembles a regular scooter in the front, and it has a lot of storage room. You get a rear basket, under-seat storage and glove compartment storage, all protected with an anti-theft alarm.

Portability & Adjustability

This model is on the heavier side and weighs 200 lbs so you would need a rack and a camper to transport it.

The seat is 18’’ wide, the weight capacity is set at 350 lbs and the backrest reclines.

An important thing to note is that you will need a licence to operate your Ewheels scooter.

Drive Medical Phoenix 4 Wheel Heavy Duty Scooter

The Drive Medical Phoenix HD4 was made for users that have limited strength in their hands.

It comes with a finger-pull throttle control for easier handling on the road and you’ll be able to drive it at 4 mph and cover a distance of 15 miles.

The Phoenix can be broken down into 4 pieces that can be transported with ease. It performs well outdoors as long as you’re not rolling through the mud.

This model comes with a headlight and flat-free tires. Judging by user experience it is a durable and long-lasting scooter. The weight capacity is set at 350 lbs.

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The Drive Medical Pilot is a stylish looking power scooter that has a 22 mile distance range and will carry passengers up to 350 lbs of weight.

The Pilot model is fully adjustable: with a 20” wide seat, and comfortable deep contoured cushions.

It also comes with 4 height adjustments and can be pulled from 20’’ to 23’’ of height. You’ll be able to slide it forward or backward as well.

The backrest is also height adjustable and reclines. Just like the Buzzaround, the Pilot’s delta tiller can be adjusted for angle.

This model has ergonomic controls which is great for people with limited strength in their hands.

Drive Medical Spitfire Scout 4 Wheel Travel Power Scooter

The Spitfire power scooter will take you up to 15 miles on a single charge. It performs well on flat surfaces like asphalt, tiles or carpet, but won’t hold up on rough terrain.

The delta tiller can be operated with ease, and you also get a quick connect battery charging option for people on the go.

You’ll be able to maneuver tight spaces with ease, and judging by customer experience you can drive it for 3 hours with the battery still full.

If you’re looking for the power scooter with the longest warranty, this is the one. Drive Medical must have a lot of faith in this model, since they’re giving you a 5-year warranty, even for the batteries.

One thing worth mentioning; you’ll need to make your purchase through VidaCura/Living Well stores to be eligible for those 5 years.

Choosing A Mobility Scooter

A power scooter can be a hefty investment, so ensure you are well-educated on your purchase before-hand.

Here are the questions that you’ll need answered before deciding which power scooter is best for you.

Type of usage

What will be the purpose of your mobility scooter?

If you need it for daily grocery shopping make sure you’ve got ample storage space.

Maybe you wish to use it for vacations? In that case a compact model that is easy to fold and transport would be a convenient option.

If you live on a hill make sure you get a power scooter with suspension.

If your streets are rough you would need bigger wheels.

Let’s explore further.

Type of power scooter

All power scooters are not made alike. Some will be more stable but won’t maneuver as well. Others will have an ergonomic seat that is comfortable for prolonged usage.

Depending on your needs you’ll be able to choose in terms of power, speed, size, weight, and other factors. The main difference between scooters is the number of wheels they possess:

3 wheel scooter

The 3 wheel scooter is generally easier to maneuver and will perform better in tight spaces.

Keep in mind that they are not as stable as the 4 wheeled ones, so if seating stability is an issue for you this might not be a good option.

The 3 wheel scooters are usually lighter and have less power and less distance range. The upside is that you won’t need a license to operate them.

4 wheel scooter

The 4 wheel scooter gives you a lot more stability, but won’t be as easy to maneuver. Also, they are usually heavier than their 3 wheel counterparts so have that in mind.

They are also more powerful and will go longer distances at a higher speed.

Going faster means you would require a license for most models. Plus the increased speed could be a safety concern for a person that is impaired in some way, and the pedestrians around.

Foldable

Being able to transport a power scooter when you travel is crucial, unless you have some sort of a lift and a caravan vehicle.

Regular users that own a car or SUV should choose models that can be broken down into smaller pieces that could fit in the trunk.

If you can’t bother with assembly and disassembly check out the wireless remote option on the Transformer model in our list.

Heavy duty category

Heavy duty scooters weigh the most but are also very stable, durable and versatile. They are also much larger than the other two categories and usually more difficult to transport.

If all-terrain performance is important to you, this would be the most reasonable category. They come with larger wheels and can be driven over most types of surfaces making them ideal for outdoor use.

Health Considerations & Ergonomics

To be sure you’ll be safe while operating a power scooter, consider the following health factors:

Balance

You should be able to remain steady while operating a power scooter. People with balance problems would have a difficult time driving a power scooter.

Posture

Make sure you are able to sit up straight on your own if you’re considering this purchase. The models on our list have ergonomic seats that will keep your spine aligned, but you still need to do most of the work.

Body Weight

Each model has a weight capacity that you need to consider. Also, the closer you get to the weight limit the less power you’ll get out of your scooter. Make sure you are at least 20 lbs lighter than the weight limit.

Cognitive ability

In order to be safe on your scooter your brain needs to work properly.

You’ll be operating a type of electric vehicle that requires you to be aware of your surroundings and mindful of the people around you as well as different obstacles on the road.

Otherwise, you could end up hurting yourself and other people.

Mobility

Unlike the electric wheelchair that was made for people that have difficulty walking, or can’t walk at all, a power scooter was made for people that can walk but have trouble walking long distances.

That’s the main difference.

Best Mobility Scooter Brands

Drive Medical

Drive Medical is a multi-national organization that was founded in 2000 under the name Drive DeVilbiss.

Soon after the opening, they rebranded to ‘Drive’ wishing to capture the true essence of their work within their name.

In 2015 the company was acquired under new leadership, receiving their final name Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare. They strive to improve the quality of life for people in need.

Their company is fully devoted to manufacturing durable medical equipment and their warehouses are situated all around the world.

You’ll find their HQ in New York, but they also have multiple offices in Europe. In 2016 they won a Digital Health Award for their SmartLink App.

Pride Mobility

Pride Mobility is a European corporation that was founded in 1986 and its main office is situated in the Netherlands.

They pride themselves on being a world leader in innovation. Pride mobility specializes in the manufacture of compact scooters, power chairs, and power lift recliners.

Since October 2016 they have expanded their manufacture to the US and are now making power scooters in their own plant in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

They also have operations in Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand and the UK. Their mission is to provide users with the highest quality of life.

Golden Technologies

Golden Technologies is an American manufacturer that specializes in lift chairs. It was founded in 1985 with the pledge to ‘build it right the first time.’

Their HQ can be found in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, and currently employs 400 locals.

The founders, Golden and Kiwak had begun their journey in a car-garage in West Pittson, a small coal-mining town. They soon hired the best craftsmen in the region and worked together to build durable lift chairs.

Soon it became a family business that expanded gradually over time. They started building power scooters in 1996 and in 2003 Golden Technologies was awarded the US veterans contract.

Their latest model the Buzzaround was created in 2016 and is considered a hybrid giving users the portability of a lightweight model and the durability and stability of a full-sized scooter.