Last Updated: September 23, 2021
The first crucial step of owning a mobility scooter is identifying how you plan to drive it, like where and how far you intend to go. These are vital factors you need to determine to know which features matter the most to you.
For that reason...
You probably wonder how far can a mobility scooter go and if it's indispensable for you to have one. If that's what bothers you, I suggest you read through this article and find out the usability features of assistive devices like a mobility scooter.
What Is A Mobility Scooter?
Like a wheelchair, a mobility scooter is a well-known and commonly used mobility aid nowadays, except that it is a power-operated vehicle. Its operation does not require the manual strength necessary for wheelchairs.
It supports these people in maintaining their freedom and self-confidence in performing day-to-day pursuits without assistance from others.
These are only some of the features a mobility scooter has; there could be more than that for some. Nevertheless, these attributes come in handy in giving the user more convenience and comfort.
Different Types Of Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters come in various types to meet the needs of most of their users. Each has its distinct features that would be beneficial for users to know to help them find which one suits their needs best.
Knowing the different types and features will also help potential users understand if a mobility scooter is ideal for them. Not all elderly individuals have excellent seated balance, while some have weak hands to use for driving.
Here are some of the types of mobility scooters:
Full-Sized Scooter
This scooter type is best for outdoor use and well-suited for sizable individuals since such a device has a more spacious seat and a taller backrest. Further, such a scooter can offer more stability for a considerable weight, although it may not be portable enough for traveling.
Four-Wheel Scooter
Such scooters with four wheels offer the most stability, especially for those having balance problems. This type of scooter has two front wheels and another two at the back, so your chances of toppling over while using it are meager. It's also suitable for uneven terrains.
Three-Wheel Scooter
This scooter type is more befitting for an indoor application like when shopping or when at home. If its four-wheeled counterpart features a more substantial turning radius, this scooter is more well-known for having a tighter turn radius. You also can't drive it any faster than four mph.
Travel Scooters
This scooter is smaller than the other types since its design is best suited for portability. Active people will find this device as an ideal choice worth the investment. They come with characteristics like disassembling and there's the best folding mobility scooter for a compact size, perfect for traveling needs.
How Far Can You Go On A Mobility Scooter
How far can a mobility scooter go is another crucial feature you should consider when planning to have one. While speed is something you shouldn't miss, learning about the device's driving range is also as essential as any other feature.
Mobility vehicles provide so much help in allowing senior adults to move around and continue doing their tasks without assistance from others. Thus, identifying how far you travel and the maximum distance you require is of utmost importance.
Electric scooters utilize two kinds of battery: the lead-acid battery and the cell battery.
Between the two batteries mentioned, the cell battery has a longer lifespan but is pretty costly. A battery's charge capacity generally ranges somewhere between five and thirty miles, depending on scooter type. Let's see how ranges vary depending on each scooter type:
Lightweight Mobility Scooter Range
Mobility scooters with a lightweight construction would mostly have the driving range of 5 to 15 miles on a single charge. Since these types of scooters have a shorter range, they are most suitable for individuals who don't intend to travel long distances.
Nevertheless, the best thing about lightweight scooters is they're either foldable or one you could disassemble, making them perfect for the frequent traveler. They are highly portable and offer more convenient storage options.
Mid-Range Mobility Scooter
Mid-range scooters have the optimal speed ranging from 5 to 7 mph and travel between 10 to 25 miles per single charge.
Many users opt for this kind of scooter since it works so well for all-around use. Aside from having a good battery range, it's also suitable to use on various terrains and steep hills.
Road-Legal And Heavy Duty Mobility Scooter Range
If you need a more extended mobility scooter range, you should go for the road-legal, best heavy duty mobility scooter. These are larger than most types of scooters, offering long-lasting performance, thanks to their robust construction.
Although this scooter type is more expensive and pretty challenging to transport, it has a battery range of 35 miles with a single charge. Thus, if you're planning to travel long distances, the best option to meet your needs is a road-legal scooter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you increase the scooter’s driving range?
Given the importance of a mobility scooter's driving range, you probably wonder if there are ways to improve it. The following are some of the practical methods in place on how you can make the most of your scooter's range:
Traveling Light
Remember that the more weight your scooter has to support, the more power it also requires in a shorter time frame. The best way to begin improving your device's range is to consider its maximum weight capacity by traveling light as much as possible.
Giving Your Battery An Upgrade
As is the case with most electrical components, your scooter's battery performance will start declining over time. Changing to a new battery will increase the speed of your scooter and improve the range.
Here's how to change the battery of a mobility scooter:
Consider The Terrain
Driving on bumpy and demanding roads would mean more work for your scooter, hence affecting its performance. As a result, it will require more battery power.
Avoid driving on roads with less favorable conditions like terrains with grass, ice, and gravel. Stay away from the hills, too, because a steep incline will likewise reduce its range and, even worst, wear out your wheels.
How to check for the most suitable range of a mobility scooter?
Choosing the most suitable range for your scooter depends on several factors like the following:
- Intended use
- Where you will typically drive
- Driving extent; either a long-distance or a short-distance ride
Consider all your needs and restrictions when deciding on what a suitable range is for you. Mobility scooters are effective means of transit for older adults and those with disabilities. Therefore, it's only practical to go for a reliable one to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
How far can you go on a mobility scooter? It's a quintessential question many people have, especially those who consider having a mobility vehicle.
Addressing that question doesn't come with a straightforward answer. As earlier discussed, such devices' range could depend on many different factors, including the model type and its features.
Regardless of what scooter type you opt to go for, you'll be thankful for how much your life can get more comfortable with a mobility scooter. I hope you find all the information beneficial to help you decide whether you need the scooter for traveling shorter or longer distances.