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The best mobility scooter for 2024, according to experts
When trekking over long distances is tough, a mobility scooter can help you get around. These support aids can help provide a sense of freedom, making it easy to travel from point A to point B.
Today's mobility scooters boast a longer battery life, more cushioning and superior support compared to their previous counterparts, making them a worthwhile investment if you want a mobility aid that offers more than a cane, walker or standard wheelchair. "Mobility scooters can improve quality of life by providing more independence and making it easier to participate more actively in life," says Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging. They can also help a wide range of people, including older adults, those with disabilities, people dealing with chronic pain and people recovering from surgery, says John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy.
But there are a lot of choices beyond just deciding to invest in a mobility scooter, and the process of choosing the right one can get overwhelming quickly.
Drawing from my experience as an intensive care nurse along with advice from three occupation therapists and a physical therapist, I've thoroughly reviewed the best mobility scooters available. These are the essential features to consider, along with a few preferred options to get you started.
Table of contents
Best overall mobility scooter
Cost: $699 | Weight limit: 275 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 6.3 miles | Weight of scooter: 92 lbs. (with battery pack) | Folding design: No | Max speed: 4 mph
If you’re looking for a scooter that can do it all, consider the Pride Mobility Travel Pro Premium 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter. This mobility aid steers like a dream and is surprisingly affordable, as far as mobility scooters go. More importantly, it's reliable.
The scooter has a 4.5-star average rating on Amazon, with fantastic feedback. One reviewer called this a "little workhorse," adding, "It scoots right along wherever I need to go. It's very comfortable. I use it as a seat for other teachers in my classroom and they have all commented about how comfortable the chair is." Another fan noted that the chair is fast. "The manual says the top speed is 4 mph. That sounds slow, but my wife, who is a fast walker, had to ask me to slow down," they said.
The Pride Mobility Travel pro boasts a three-wheel design for stability. It also gives you a tight turning radius, so you can zip around aisles or around narrow doorways. The scooter's seat is adjustable and fully padded, and there's a basket in front for your convenience. Keep in mind that some owners have noted that the scooter is compact, so it may not be the right choice if you're big or tall.
Again, we can't stress the affordability enough. While it's made by well-known American brand Pride Mobility, this model is also one of the most inexpensive mobility scooters on the market. It comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty for the scooter itself, along with a 6-month warranty on batteries to protect your investment.
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Tight turning radius
- Doesn't fold but can be disassembled into five pieces
- Two-handed operation
Other mobility scooters we like
Cost: $500 | Weight limit: 265 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 12.4 miles | Weight of scooter: 90 lbs. | Folding design: Yes | Max speed: 3.7 mph
Mobility scooters can cause a serious dent in your wallet, but the Zipr Roo 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter is affordable — and packed with excellent features.
"The ride is smooth and comfy. Works well on pavement, carpet and tile,” shared one happy customer. A fellow five-star fan said the scooter “runs great,” adding, “So easy to put in trunk of car for trips! Goes up hill no problem! Pretty good speed as well.”
This scooter costs just under $500 but doesn’t shirk on features. It can support up to 265 pounds safely and can travel up to 12.4 miles on a single charge, allowing you to cover plenty of ground in a day. Another great perk? You can fold this up and put it in a car's trunk when you're on the go.
Of course, nothing is perfect. Although it has many great qualities, some reviewers feel the scooter's seat isn't super comfortable, and others mention that it can be tougher to steer on trickier terrain.
- Inexpensive
- Long battery life
- Folds up
- Padded seat
- Lower weight limit than larger models
- May be outperformed by higher-end models
Cost: $2,987 | Weight limit: 400 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 22 miles | Weight of scooter: 58 lbs. | Folding design: No | Max speed: 8 mph
Some mobility scooters can be admittedly delicate while trying to power through on tougher ground, like rocks and grass. But the Gladiator High-Performance 4-Wheel Scooter is one of the best all-terrain options out there.
This scooter has an ATV-quality suspension system for a smooth feel, no matter what you're trekking over. The motor is high torque to allow you to climb steep inclines, ramps and hills without worrying if you'll actually make it. This scooter also features rear anti-tip wheels to torpedo the odds you'll topple over.
Still, this isn't a behemoth — it's only 24 inches wide. While it doesn't fold down, it does disassemble to fit into a car trunk. This model also features contactless batteries that you can remove and replace easily. The Gladiator looks sleek, too, with a design that mimics a modified golf cart.
- ATV-quality suspension
- Range of 22 miles
- Available in a 3- or 4-wheel model
- Fold-down captain's seat with memory foam
- Optional swivel seat, cargo bin and carrier
- Expensive
- Doesn't fold
Cost: $5,338 | Weight limit: 450 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 55 miles | Weight of scooter: 291 lbs. | Folding design: No | Max speed: 9.6 mph
All scooters are limited by their battery life, but some will tap out on you sooner than others. If you opt for the Merit Silverado Extreme, however, you're unlikely to run into problems. This scooter allows you to travel for up to 55 miles between charges, which is more than double the mileage of some of the competition.
The Silverado Extreme features a 2,200-watt motor to help power you through all those miles, consistently allowing you to keep pace with those around you.
The scooter is also a great option for larger individuals (it has a weight limit of 450 pounds), and features a full suspension system with shock absorbers to ensure a smooth ride. Enjoy an LED lighting system to brighten your path, along with an LCD dashboard display to give you full view of your battery life and other important metrics.
- 55-mile travel range
- 16-inch all-terrain tires
- 5-inch ground clearance
- Speed adjusting for downhill travel
- 2,200-watt motor
- Large size may be tricky indoors
- Very expensive
Cost: $5,399 | Weight limit: 550 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 37 miles | Weight of scooter: 342 lbs. | Folding design: No | Max speed: 11.2 mph
The Afiscooter S4 has a 550-pound weight capacity, making it one of the most rugged options you'll find. This scooter can accommodate a range of users without losing performance, with options for standard or wide orthopedic seats to maximize your comfort.
Afikim is designed with high ground clearance and durable construction, so you can tackle different terrain and weather conditions. One happy customer said that it's "comfortable" and has "great suspension on- or off-road and fast, too."
Enjoy powerful LED headlights and shock-absorbing front bumper, along with seat belts, double seats, canopies and even golf bag holders, so you really can use it out on the golf course. Keep in mind, though, that this scooter doesn't fold up.
While it's on the pricier end of mobility scooters, its superior build and reliability make the S4 a solid choice.
- 550-lb. weight limit
- Wider rear wheels for added stability
- Extra wide seat and bariatric upgrade options
- Adjustable orthopedic seat and controls for added comfort
- Heavy scooter does not fold
- Cost and size
Cost: $1,499 | Weight limit: 300 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 15 miles | Weight of scooter: 35 lbs. (with battery pack) | Folding design: Yes | Max speed: 6 mph
Having a mobility scooter that folds up opens up more possibilities for travel. The SNAPnGO Deluxe is designed with the traveler in mind, with a petite package and folding design to help you hit the road.
This scooter weighs just 38 pounds without the battery and can be easily stashed in a car trunk or taken on public transportation, as needed. It even has a quick-fold mechanism to help you get from one form of transportation to another fast.
"This thing is rugged, well designed and pretty quick when you open it up," said a fan. "The tires on this thing have substantial tread, so I feel in many normal conditions it will have great traction."
While it's lightweight and compact, the SNAPnGO has a powerful 250-watt brushless motor for a quiet operation. It allows you to cruise for up to 15 miles on a single charge, giving you plenty of options for getting around.
Keep in mind this has a more petite frame, and some say that it doesn't feel as stable as others. But if you want something highly transportable, this is worth your time.
- One of the most lightweight options on the market
- Folds quickly with compact design
- Longer distance range, ideal for airport travel
- Three speed options
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Not sturdy enough for some
- Three-wheel lightweight design not ideal for outdoor use
Cost: $750 | Weight limit: 265 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 12.4 miles | Weight of scooter: 88 lbs. (with battery pack) | Folding design: No | Max speed: 3.7 mph
Not everyone wants to cruise around in a tank. The Vive 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter is an Amazon bestseller that's compact thanks to its 38x19.5x33 inch frame. This scooter supports up to 265 pounds with four grippy tires to help you navigate a range of surfaces.
This isn't the fastest scooter out there — it tops out at 3.7 mph — but it's fast enough for most uses. The Vive 4 is also a relatively affordable $750. This scooter can travel up to 12.4 miles before needing a recharge, which suits most needs.
One five-star reviewer said that the scooter is "exactly what I wanted." They added, "Both myself and my husband have health issues and this is a great help to be able to go more places and all of our doctor appointments." Another said that they "absolutely love" this scooter, writing, "It enables me to have my life back."
The Vive 4 boasts a 15.75-inch cushioned seat that swivels, making it easy to get in and out of your scooter. The seat is also height adjustable to maximize your comfort.
While this scooter doesn't fold up, it can be disassembled into four parts for portability. The heaviest part is the rear section, which weighs under 30 lbs.
- Smaller size
- Good tire grip
- Solid battery life
- Disassembled for portability
- Not the fastest option out there
- Won't support larger adults
Cost: $1,300 | Weight limit: 265 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 25 miles | Weight of scooter: 70.5 lbs. (with battery pack) | Folding design: Yes | Max speed: 6.2 mph
The Glashow Foldable Mobility Scooter allows you to cruise along at three speeds, reaching a max speed of 6.2 mph. While you're flying by, you'll appreciate features to keep you safe, including automatic speed adjustments on slopes and turns, a seat sensor to make sure you're secure before driving and smart voice alerts to guide you along as needed.
This scooter has a 250-watt brushless motor that can carry you up to 25 miles before needing a recharge. The scooter is foldable, too, with a fast-folding mechanism to help you segue between vehicles fast.
Owners swear this scooter can handle nearly everything. "Navigates small steps, curbs and door thresholds with no problem. Parks against the wall in the house or folds up," said one fan. Another shared that it "folds neatly for storage [and] works on coarse gravel driveway as well as fairly rough terrain."
Enjoy safe acceleration handles and a dashboard to give you information on your battery life and speed status. The seat is also well padded with raisable armrests to help you get in and out as needed.
- Long battery life
- 3 speeds
- Multiple safety features
- Foldable design
- Some say it's heavy to lift
- Smart voice alerts aren't for everyone
What to consider when buying a mobility scooter
A mobility scooter is a significant investment. You might buy a mobility scooter independently, or, in some cases, Medicare and insurance plans may cover at least some of the cost.
If you opt for the latter, your medical team will assess your needs and prescribe an appropriate device. Selecting from options covered by your health plan can streamline the decision-making process, but it's crucial to understand the differences between various models.
To find out the key factors to consider, we spoke to expert occupational therapists Karen Jacobs, program director of the post-professional doctorate in OT program & clinical professor at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, John Rider, associate professor, Touro University Nevada School of Occupational Therapy, Henderson NV, and Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging, along with John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, for their advice.
Here's what to consider when shopping for a mobility scooter.
Type of scooter
There are two basic options:
3-wheel scooters: These scooters tend to be more compact and offer superior maneuverability and a tighter turning radius, making them ideal for indoor use. But these scooters may not perform as well outdoors and may struggle on uneven terrain.
4-wheel scooters: These scooters tend to be more stable than their three-wheeled counterparts, making them better suited for covering gravel, grass and trickier ground. The base usually offers better balance, lowering the odds it will tip over.
Dimensions
It’s important to consider the size of your scooter as well as where you'll use it. If you purchase one that's too wide — in either its operational state or when folded — you won't be able to get as much use out of it.
Our experts note that it's critical to measure the dimensions of doorways and hallways in your home and other frequently visited places to confirm the scooter's suitability. Make sure to account for hinged doors by measuring their inner openings.
Weight capacity
Consider not just your weight but the weight of additional belongings you'll want to haul, like groceries or other bags. Many standard scooters support close to 300 pounds, but heavy-duty models can handle up to 550 pounds.
Battery life and range
There are vast differences between various scooters' battery lives and ranges, going anywhere from 8 to 55 miles on a single charge. Consider how far you travel on any given day and then tack on a few extra miles, just in case.
Portability
If you plan to transport your scooter frequently, look for lightweight models that are easy to disassemble or fold. For scooters that can be disassembled into smaller pieces, make sure you'll be able to lift and transfer the heavier pieces.
Comfort
Comfort is a critical factor when choosing a mobility scooter. "A comfortable seat is needed for frequent or long-term use," Ferri says. Look for elements like padding, adjustable seats, armrests and backrests. Consider legroom carefully, especially if you have a health condition that makes it uncomfortable to bend your knees.
Speed and control
You can find models with various maximum speeds, usually between 4-8 mph. Consider how fast you need to travel and ensure the scooter has easy-to-use controls.
Safety features
Look for essential safety features such as anti-tip wheels, lights for visibility, reflectors and reliable braking systems.
Additional accessories
Some scooters come with extra bells and whistles like baskets, cane holders, oxygen tank holders or weather covers. These can enhance the functionality of your scooter, and just keep you comfortable on the road.
How we chose the best mobility scooters
To find the best mobility scooters, we sought the advice of a panel of experts, including three leading occupational therapists and a physical therapist. They provided valuable insights into mobility, potential issues to consider when selecting a scooter and the critical attributes everyone should take into account before making a purchase. I also drew on my personal nursing expertise to evaluate numerous models from popular brands.
Our assessment focused on several key factors to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. We prioritized build quality, manufacturer reputation, comfort and durability. We also considered customer reviews to ensure our recommendations cater to diverse needs and preferences. Beyond these essential criteria, we evaluated cost and value for money.
FAQs
Will insurance or Medicare cover the cost of a mobility scooter?
It depends. Medicare may cover the cost of a mobility scooter, but you'll need to have a medical condition that necessitates the use of a powered mobility device, and a valid prescription from a healthcare professional. The device must also meet specific criteria and be issued under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Medicare benefit.
Private health plans can have different perks, though. This can be tricky to navigate, so it's helpful to contact your insurance provider for more information.
Should I choose a three- or four-wheeled mobility scooter?
When choosing a mobility scooter, one of the primary decisions is whether to opt for a three- or four-wheel model. Which one's best? Well, that depends on your needs.
"Three-wheeled scooters are easier to maneuver and better for using indoors because of their smaller turning radius," Ferri says. "Four-wheeled scooters are more stable and better for outdoor use, especially on uneven terrain. To decide which to get, think about where you will use it most."
What's the lifespan of a mobility scooter?
A lot depends on your usage, environment and maintenance. While warranties differ by manufacturer, most scooters are designed to last around 5 years.
This time frame is also the period after which you can typically request a replacement through Medicare's DME program.
Meet the experts
Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging
John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy
Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA, Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, program director of the post-professional doctorate in OT program and clinical professor at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, Mass.
John Rider, PhD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR MSCS, CEAS, ATP, associate professor, Touro University Nevada School of Occupational Therapy, Henderson, Nev.
