December 4, 2024 | Terry Smith

New vs second-hand mobility scooters: what you should know before you buy

A question we sometimes get asked is: can I buy a second-hand mobility scooter from Felgains? The answer is no, you can buy new mobility scooters from Felgains, but not second-hand. So, if you’ve searched for second-hand mobility scooters near me and found us, we’ll sadly have to disappoint you.

We don’t begrudge you for asking, though. It’s a legitimate part of any buying decision to see if you can save money and get the same product, or an acceptable alternative, for less. After all, we all like to get a good deal!

The pros and cons of new vs second-hand are similar for many products but, in this guide, we want to highlight them as they relate to mobility scooters. We don’t intend to teach common sense or to persuade you to buy a new mobility scooter but to provide you with the facts so you can make an informed decision.

Pros of second-hand mobility scooters

1. Price

This is first because it’s by far the biggest appeal of buying 2nd-hand mobility scooters. You can buy good quality products, from renowned brands, for less in the second-hand market. In the case of mobility scooters, you may be able to save several hundred pounds off the price of a new model. More on price below, so read on.

2. Eco-friendly

Buying and selling second-hand mobility scooters reduces waste and gives products that are still in good working order a new lease of life. It’s fair to say the argument here is weaker than with fast fashion, say! Nonetheless, this appeals to our waste not, want not sensibilities.

Cons of second-hand mobility scooters

1. Reliability

This is perhaps the biggest risk of second-hand mobility scooters: how long will they last? And what happens if they break down? A used mobility scooter may appear to be in full working order when you purchase but may have hidden damage or electrical faults. Many mechanical and electrical components in a mobility scooter are subject to wear and tear over time. So, could the used mobility scooter you’re looking at have hidden costs?

2. Warranty

Obviously, you will not get the full warranty period as you would with a new mobility scooter. In fact, many manufacturers and/or retailers do not permit the transfer of mobility scooter warranties to subsequent owners.

There may be limited or no availability of spare parts if a 2nd hand mobility scooter is out of warranty and is several years old.

3. Size/specification

Getting the perfect size and specification mobility scooter may not seem important to you if you’re after a bargain. There are, however, safety implications to remember. For example, if the mobility scooter is too large, you may have difficulty getting on and off and operating the scooter, which could lead to risks when driving the scooter.

4. Speed of purchase and delivery

You might get lucky and find the perfect used mobility scooter you can buy and collect in short order. In reality, you may need to spend several weeks keeping an eye on used advert listings to find a suitable model. How much of a problem this may be depends on how quickly you need a mobility scooter.

Price vs value of mobility scooter

The starting price of a new mobility scooter is between £1000-“2000. For this, you get a proper assessment of your needs, a quality mobility scooter, and good (old-fashioned!) customer service from enquiry, to purchase and after-care – all with love from a team with 45 years of experience!

Now, you may be searching for mobility scooters for the elderly second-hand, thinking you may pick up a bargain and make Dad’s or Mum’s life a bit more mobile. And if you’re just after a basic mobility scooter for short trips and/or you can snap up the right thing, this might represent a good deal.

Where you have other needs or want to make sure you get it right, it’s worth asking yourself: it may be initially cheaper to purchase, but is it the best value for money for me?

3 top tips if you’re going to buy a second-hand mobility scooter

If you have read this far, and think a pre-owned mobility scooter is the best option, here’s our advice to help you get a good buy.

1. Make sure it’s made by a reputable, established brand and purchased from UK stockist

2. Test all functions and inspect the frame and electrics for any obvious wear & tear or damage, and ask for servicing history

3. Ask for relevant paperwork such as an invoice, warranty card and user manual, so you know a) how old it is and b) whether you’re paying a fair price