Top 4 disadvantages of mobility scooters, with solutions
If you’re considering purchasing, you may have heard or read about the disadvantages of mobility scooters, and have some concerns about whether
you can manage them.
Questions around weighing up the pros and cons of a mobility scooter are something we help potential customers work through every day, so they can ultimately decide whether it’s the right choice for themselves.
In this article, we’re going to completely honest and explain what we see as the top 4 disadvantages of mobility scooters. We never like to leave things as a problem, so we’ll also suggest ways you might be able to overcome them.
The 4 top disadvantages of mobility scooters are:
- Portability vs performance trade offs
- Maintenance requirements
- Indoor manoeuvrability
- Storage space
1. Portability vs performance trade-offs
With all the types, styles and models of mobility scooter available, it probably goes without saying that none of them combine all possible features and functionality into one! And while you probably don’t expect that anyway, it does lead to what can be frustrating trade-offs.
For example, most potential customers these days want a mobility scooter that is ultra lightweight and portable, so it can easily be lifted by one person into the boot of a car. Many of these potential customers are also looking for a mobility scooter that has a long battery range and has features which make it super comfortable to ride, like a supportive seat and suspension. However, it’s usually these latter features which are removed or reduced to make it ultra lightweight and portable!
Solutions:
- With portable mobility scooters like the Mirage, consider carrying a spare battery (which weighs less than 2kg).
- If there’s a mobility scooter you like the look of, but it’s too heavy to lift into a car boot, consider whether you could use a car boot hoist to do the lifting for you.
- If you can’t get everything you want, decide on the most important factor, e.g. weight, and your decision is usually easy from here. Getting professional advice will also help you make the best decision.
2. Maintenance requirements
To get the maximum life possible out of your mobility scooter, you’ll need to keep it well-maintained.
In particular, the battery must be kept in good condition with regular charging according to manufacturer instructions. This can be inconvenient during winter, for example, when you may not be using your mobility scooter on a regular basis, but you need to keep your battery healthy ready for summer.
Solutions:
- Choose a mobility scooter with off-boarding charging, so you can remove the battery and store it indoors, where it’s easier to remember to regularly charge.
- Choose a reputable mobility scooter supplier, who has proper aftercare services to draw on for low-hassle regular maintenance and servicing. We have at least one company, by the name of Felgains, in mind!
3. Indoor manoeuvrability
Mobility scooters are primarily designed to be used outdoors, so they are designed with a large chassis for stability in outdoor environments. However, there are lots of indoor places where potential customers would like to take a mobility scooter, e.g. local shops, restaurants or garden centres. The physical dimensions of a mobility scooter, as well as its turning circle, can rule out their use in some of these indoor environments.
Solutions:
- If you’re regularly going to indoor environments, consider an electric wheelchair rather than a mobility scooter.
- If you really want a mobility scooter, look carefully at the technical specifications to find a model with a suitably narrow width and the smallest possible turning circle.
4. Storage space
Many mobility scooters are relatively big and bulky and consequently take up a large amount of space to store, in a garage, for example. Needless to say, creating some space can present a challenge!
Solutions:
- Consider whether the folding mobility scooters available, such as the Novus and Vitus Elite, meet your needs, as they’re as compact as a suitcase to store.
- Larger mobility scooters may have features like a folding seat and/or tiller, so you can reduce its size for storage.
Related articles
Top 5 lightest folding mobility scooters in the UK (August 2024)
Can you buy a mobility scooter VAT free?
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