Mobility scooters

[Lymolass]

does anyone here use a mobility scooter? Am finding it hard to walk even 100 yards but the market for scooters is massive. Any advice on make/model? New or used?

[helenlw7]

I bought a mobility scooter last year. I can only walk 3 very wobbly steps independently, the rest of the time I’m on crutches, even in the house. Long term the crutches are damaging my already damaged shoulders. I did quite a bit of research and decided, for what I need the scooter should be light weight and folding because it would need to go in my car. I decided on one from Muick Sandy and it’s brilliant. I can get it in and out of the car on my own, and assemble it. Its battery only lasts for about 4 miles which is ok for me. It’s apparently not good on grass or sand, but that wasn’t an issue for me either. Good luck with your research.

[2Sn00py in reply to helenlw7]

I have had for the past 4 years a mobility scooter by Monarch Air which ways 14.5kg and assembles in one easy manoeuvre. It has been so good and gives me so much more independence. As both I and my husband however are no longer so strong now, we may start tolook for one that comes in 2 pieces that would be lighter to get in & out of car. One thing I always wish I had is a reversing mirror!

[Ergendl]

A big consideration is storage and charging, and whether you have to negotiate steps where you live.

My first mobility scooter (before my knee replacement op 2004) was a large heavy one that could go quite a distance. Sadly, it was second-hand and didn't like the rain at all. If I had needed to transport it anywhere, I would have had to use a specially adapted bus or taxi, or get a good-sized car or van with a hoist adaptation.

My second mobility scooter was a lighter one that broke into four pieces for transporting in a car. Two of the four pieces (battery, back axle and motor) were quite heavy. It couldn't go as far as the first, but it was great for getting around flat places once it had been assembled.

Fortunately, I haven't needed to use one since.

Consider visiting a store like Ableworld, where they'll be able to help you work out your requirements.

[Biker88]

as mentioned find a local Ableworld or CareCo and go and talk to the team, it’s very easy to see something you might like and then find it’s not suitable. Lightweight folding ones are fine around supermarkets not so comfortable on normal pavements and even the lightest can be a struggle to put in a hatchback, easier with an estate back.

[MoyB]

I've had a second hand Kymco Mini for three years and love it!

It comes apart in 5 pieces to go in the boot of our Honda Jazz. The battery and rear wheel motor sections are heavy but I can manage the battery and my husband does the rear wheels. The front section with the tiller, front wheels and foot rest takes both of us to lift into the boot. My husband can manage to lift the seat in but I struggle with it as it's awkward and my grip is not good.

Bear in mind that my husband is 82 and I'm nearly 74. Neither of us is that fit!

We looked at new scooters first of all and almost bought one in Care Co but it was a lot of money and they couldn't deliver it in time for us to take on holiday, which was what we wanted it for. Checking the out the new ones did give us a good idea of what to look for.

One thing I love about mine is that it has a 'Delta' tiller control which allows me to use either hand to control it. When you have arthritis in your hands, one sometimes works better than the other! If this is an issue for you, be aware that some LOOK as though they have a control both sides but you may find that the right hand will go forwards and the left will take you backwards. Mine will take me forward or backwards with either control.

My friend has one that folds into a suitcase shape but she finds it very heavy to put into her car as everything is in the one 'parcel', so to speak, whereas my 'boot scooter' comes apart, making it a bit easier.

The batteries are all quite heavy but the weight depends on the size of them and whether or not they are Lithium (dearer but lighter). My scooter is supposed to have a factory tested distance of 26k but I've never gone more than five miles so haven't tested it to the max.

Good luck with getting one!

xx Moy

[Brikel]

I have. A Careco neon light 15 it is very light and fits in the boot of my Fiesta

I bought it second hand off EBay after trying it at Careco Warrington

The cost new is expensive.

Whichever you decide, try it first, then look out for it second hand. It will save you a lot.

[PaperQueen]

I wouldn't be without mine now. I was given one a couple of years ago by a friend who found one that was being dumped. He did it up for me and got it working. It was a large one which could cope with the grass and gravel in our park so that I was able to go foraging again (what joy) for my jam and gin making 😄. However, I couldn't get it in my garden easily so it had to be left in the car park and became such a problem in those high winds with the wind constantly blowing the cover off and charging it was a real performance involving lots of trailing cables.. This new year I treated myself to a new one, a Monach Air. It seems to be the lightest on the market and is really easy to fold down and up again. I did look at the ones that will fold/unfold automatically, but they re incredibly heavy to lift. The large ones have a longer range and are generally more comfortable and able to cope with different terrains, but they are not portable, the small ones can be packed in the boot but are less stable and have less of a range. Consider carefully what you need it for most and where you can keep and charge it. Most companies will bring them to your home to demonstrate and try. Mine is easily maneuvered through my front door and down the threshold and pavement. x

[PaperQueen]

By the way, did everyone realise that most National Trust properties have mobility scooters for hire if you want to look around their gardens? They cost little or nothing but have to be booked in advance. Brilliant for those of us who love nosing around gardens for a day out! x

[Karenanne61 in reply to PaperQueen]

And Batsford arbouretum and Twycross zoo. I have also hired one occasionally from our local mobility shop.

[PaperQueen in reply to Karenanne61]

Yes, and our local museum does too and a lot of cities have them available to hire for shopping. I've also noticed that a number of larger shops and garden centres have wheelchairs for customer use these days. It's always worth asking if you're planning a trip anywhere. x

[younginmind]

When purchasing a mobility scooter, you first have to think of what type you need - basically there are 2, one is the 4/8mph larger type, the other 4mph smaller pavement, or boot (for your car). If you pick the 8mph, where are you keeping it? Do you have a garage/shed, or you can buy covers. If it is a small one, do you need to use it indoors? (size matters!) - also if you live alone and want a boot scooter, will you be able to lift it into your car? It is essential that you try before you buy! I have a Shoprider Cordoba, which has suspension, a good range, also I can get my shopping on the footplate + in bags (you can purchase for the rear seat, also to put on the seat handles, in addition to the front basket). I can use this to go to local towns/parks etc and is my lifesaver which I couldn't live without now. You are allowed to take these on trains, but do book assistance when travelling. I also have a boot scooter which for me was a complete waste of money, although only weighing 15kg I can't lift it into a car, it's only use is for flying or coach holidays, and then using for on the flat on arrival. Prices vary, originally we bought from a mobility shop used scooters but they didn't last long! So bought new. Always charge your scooter after every use to make the batteries last, if you don't they die and are not cheap to replace - also never let your tiller electrics get wet, you can buy tiller waterproof covers. Be careful as scooters are not cheap, you can pay up to £6,000 for a 'big' one but a decent one £3,000, and boot scooters are from £2,500. Also go on-line to check prices after you have tried and decided which one you want, as prices vary - Mobility Plus we have found good. Good luck and enjoy your new scooter life.

[Lymolass in reply to younginmind]

Thanks, John, that is very helpful. I suspected the boot scooters might be too feeble for any rough terrain or gravel or slopes. Am going to try some out this spring and see how I get on. Need it to be able to get out, take walks along the coast, around gardens etc.