For a long period of time, people with disabilities were sidelines, and they were afraid of coming into the mainstream limelight. They were not just afraid of how they would commute and travel across to places, but they could not take up the fear of being shunned and scathed for their differing abilities. Therefore, for the longest of time, you would never have imagined, people with problems of mobility coming to the forefront and acting as confident and composed as they have become recently. This is because of the technology that has been provided to them to help them get rid of this disability. Mobility scooters in this regard have helped create a bridge between the demand for such products and the actual manufacturing and availability procedure. It is growing increasingly common due to people’s acceptance and increased interest in pursuing products that can help mainstream and bring to the limelight, such people of great potential, albeit alongside certain differently designed abilities.
Quick Answer: Best Top-Rated Folding Mobility Scooters In 2020
- Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter
- EV Rider Transport Plus – Manual Folding Mobility Scooter
- Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
- EV Rider MiniRider Folding Mobility Scooter
- Transformer Automatic Folding Travel Scooter
In this article, we will talk about things to consider before you purchase a mobility scooter as well as the top products which have emerged in the market insight of their features and reviews. The purpose is to help you reach a conclusive decision in buying a product that you will not regret later on.
Contents
Best Folding Mobility Scooter
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Folding Mobility Scooter Reviews
#1. Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Seat Height: 17 to 19 inches
- Wheels: Front and back, 8 x 2 inches
- Seat width: 16.5 inches
- Maximum Speed: 4.25 mph
- Maximum Range: 9 miles
Stability
One of the greatest concerns of any user when buying a mobility scooter is how great its stability is. This is because a lot of times, people who are undergoing some sort of injury are the ones using it, or people who cannot sustain the impact or hard movements of different sorts of surfaces. In this regard, it is very important that stability is put to the forefront of the checklist and made something which is not compromised upon, so as to make sure that the injuries are not further advanced into becoming perhaps long life injuries. This scooter makes sure that it facilitates you in the advent of stability, and helps you travel across different surfaces regardless of what the surface accounts for.
Tires
Similarly, people tend to get antsy about their flooring and how wheels of these scooters may create a stream of pathways or perhaps a heavy impact that could tarnish the appearance of the floors, the tires on this mobility scooter are designed such that it eliminates that risk, to the extent that they use flat-free tires, as well as promising to be anti-top so that the mobility scooter does not skid or slip over any sort of slippery surfaces, and instead of aiding the user, add to their deterioration.
Assembly
A great feature that is given on this mobility scooter is the fact that it is very easy to assemble and disassemble. For any person who is making use of this product, it is pertinent that he or she travels with it. Therefore its folding capabilities are a must if it has to be fastened into a car. Of course, it cannot be fitted into the car without having to disassemble it, and it is important that this process is made extremely easy because the user will most probably not be the one doing it. Therefore, the user would feel slightly shy in asking another person to take up such a rigorous task. This scooter helps in declining that fear of growing too dependent on someone because of the complex state of assembling that this mobility scooter requires.
Comfort
Another great specification of this mobility scooter is the fact that it gives equal importance to comfort, to the extent that it has special padding and cushioning for the seats and armrests. Sometimes, when the person has to travel a significant distance, he or she may get sore if the scooter is not linked with the right kind of paddings or cushioning. Therefore, this scooter has tried to provide this facility too. On top of that, a basket is included into the entire package so that it can be used for storage purposes for the user who may have a purse, or a bag, or certain belongings that he or she may want to always travel with.
Bottom Line
This is a scooter which is usually ranked quite high in the mobility scooter list because it tends to tick mark most of the demands that users may have. It is an incredibly popular item to purchase, which is why it stands amongst the top picks provided above.
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#2. EV Rider Transport Plus – Manual Folding Mobility Scooter
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Total weight: 70 pounds
- Motor: 270 Watt 4 pole motor
- Mile range: 10 to 15 miles
- Lights: Front and back
Portability
When getting a mobility scooter on board, it is very significant that you consider the fact that the user may want to lunge it around wherever he or she decides to go. This is because he or she is using it for a reason, meaning that they cannot commute easily because of certain disabilities or different abilities which may be creating such obstacles. Hence, it is important that the feature of portability be integrated into the system if it is to be made convenient for the user. This scooter dominates in this regard, such that it is extremely easy to fold back in and assemble back together.
Access
Sometimes, mobility scooters are created so broadly that they take up quite a lot of space, to the extent that they may not even fit through some doors. Whilst it is essential that mobility scooters be made wide enough for the comfort of the user, and not necessarily nudging at the user from each corner, they should also be manufactured keeping in mind that the user might want greater access into narrower spaces, and having a wide scooter may actually create hindrances in this regard. Therefore, the EV rider eliminates that query because it is designed such that it allows access into very narrow spaces, whilst making sure that it does not compromise on its other features.
Battery
This is a great concern of users and very much important in this regard because the batteries are basically the main drivers of this mobility scooter and it becomes a great problem for users during somewhat longer rides. Unfortunately, this mobility scooter does not account for the battery such that it is stated, henceforth, is something that should be considered beforehand, when buying the mobility scooter.
Bottom Line
If you are someone who is particularly older and heavier in nature, this is probably not the best fit for you. Similarly, you may need to consider the drawbacks of its batteries before deciding to purchase this product. However, if you are young and more inclined towards going into narrower spaces, it is a very good option to have when choosing a mobility scooter.
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#3. Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Colours: Red, Blue
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 4 mph
- Battery: 12 Ah pack
- Shipping weight: 117 pounds
Design
The design of this folding mobility scooter is something which is quite attractive for the users. Even if you are on a mobility scooter, there is no need to compromise on how you want to style yourself and appear in front of the world. Gone are the days when people would assume differently-abled people were not stylish. This world has emerged into a place where there are actually wheelchair borne models, and that is how it should be. In this context, this mobility scooter is designed so perfectly to make you feel like a style icon when you are using it.
Warranty
Best things about this scooter are the fact that it comes with a two-year warranty on its frame as well as 18 months on the controller. This is a very key feature because of a lot of times, you get into unfortunate instances when your frame or controller falls apart or breaks up, and your mobility scooter is rendered completely useless. In this regard, it is important to have a safety cushioning so you can still make use of the mobility scooter after getting it refurbished and repaired.
Lighting
Another great feature that this mobility scooter displays are the lights, both at the front and back of the scooter. This can be very important because of the fact that these scooters are not driven only during day time, and if headlights and rear lights are not provided, there is a greater risk of having cars or even other scooters or bikes crashing into you. For casual traffic, this is something which can inform the person in front or behind you that you are in the way too.
Durability
The material that this mobility scooter is made with is incredible, which is one of the major specifications of this mobility scooter. This helps enhance the durability of the scooter, and it makes sure that with the facilitation of the warranty provided, you do not have to keep purchasing a mobility scooter for your use because its durability will allow you to make use of it for quite a considerable period of time. Alongside that, it is also lightweight so you do not have to worry about someone else having to carry it from one place to another and having them burdened because it will be quite easy to fold up and carry.
Bottom Line
This is one of the best models of the mobility scooter because of the various aligning specifications and features it provides. However, if you are above the weight of 250 pounds, then you might not be able to fit into this scooter, and even if you do, the scooter will not be able to sustain your weight. So it will be best to move to an option that can cater to the demands that you have, in terms of your weight. Overall, it is definitely a great option to have when deciding to purchase a folding mobility scooter.
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#4. EV Rider MiniRider Folding Mobility Scooter
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Weight Capacity: 253 pounds or 115 kilograms
- Range: Up to 9 miles on a single charge
- Brakes: Automatic system
- Shipping Weight: 85 pounds
- Additional information: reverse switch, clutch throttle
Portability
As mentioned earlier, for any mobility scooter to be completely effective, it is important that it is easy to fold up and put into the back of your car trunk, or into a storage space meant to commute from one place to the other. After having folded it nicely and compactly into space you are provided, you would need to assemble it back together. Sometimes, people who are facilitating those who are differently-abled fear this assembly process because they feel like it will take up a lot of instructions and guidelines into gathering together the pieces and building something for someone else. Therefore, a sleek and easy procedure is always beneficial for any user.
Comfort
Comfort is something which is essential to help mobilize someone who is not exactly able to partake in activities due to varying level of disabilities. In this regard, the armrest can be replaced to accommodate greater comfort and assist the process of commuting from one place to the other. However, it is pertinent to note that longer rides can become a source of great discomfort for the rider.
Access
Its access is limited when it comes to taller people. Since it does not accommodate tall people and clearly states so, it is worth mentioning that it would not be wise to risk it and have the user suffer from it malfunctioning or breaking apart. It is important that the user takes care of all the limits and capacities provided. Otherwise, they could get into further trouble by injuring or harming themselves, which is of course not something which you would be looking for.
User-friendly
A lot of times, these mobility scooters are meant for people who are slightly older or very older in comparison to the technology that is being advanced. In this regard, sometimes, the user interface is designed such that it accommodates senior citizens quite well, and it is pretty easy to learn and operate. It is so user-friendly that even people who may otherwise be frightened by the technological updates that are being incorporated into the system can also adjust to it easily without even having to go through with rigorous training.
Bottom Line
This is a great model of the mobility scooter if you are someone who is not adjustable to new versions of technology and are easily bewildered. You will not only be able to secure a journey of excellence, especially in terms of the comfort levels it provides. However, if you are someone who will be looking to ride longer in this scooter, then, you might not exactly be suited for this option of the mobility scooter, and it is advisable that you move towards other alternatives, more appropriate for you.
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#5. Transformer Automatic Folding Travel Scooter
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Product weight: 11.02 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Maximum speed: 3.75 mph
- Miles range: 13.7 miles
- Warranty: Limited lifetime on frame, two years on Electronics, one year on batteries
Portability
One of the best features of this mobility scooter is the fact that automatically folds and unfolds. A lot of times, users are unable to perform these tasks because of how differently-abled they are, and it is not necessary that there will always be someone accompanying them who they can ask to assist them in the folding and unfolding process. Similarly, several times, people do not want to be dependent on others, so they look for products which can help them achieve this purpose. It is worth mentioning that this mobility scooter looks to provide the user with the autonomy that he or she may have felt been taken from him or her throughout his or life of disability. Therefore, users tend to show fondles and likeness for this product because of the independence it instils amidst them, which is a laudable feature in any sort of mobility scooter.
Comfort
Along with the comfort measures that it takes, it is perfect for people who wish to carry their mugs of coffee, tea or milk or any other belonging that they may want to take with them. It provides a cup and can holder, which is a comfortable additional facility to have especially when going on a short walk during your tea time, or early morning when people would normally go for a jug. You can bring your black coffee whilst you manoeuvre through the park or your neighbourhood to get some fresh air. You will not be afraid of nasty spills or creating messes because you will have something to latch it onto once you are done with your drink.
Bottom Line
This is a great mobility scooter, electronically built to create independence and autonomy amidst the user. This will give him or her the sense of achievement that they may want following a trip to the market or a ride around the local park or neighbourhood because the user will not be dependent on anyone. It has a sizable weight limit and will even be able to accommodate slightly weighted people because very few people will actually cross the threshold provided. Therefore, this should definitely pop up in your list of options when you wish to make the purchase.
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Comparison Table: Best Foldable Mobility Scooter
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NAME | Drive Medical | EV Rider Plus | Pride Go-Go | EV Rider Mini | Transformer Auto |
SPEED | 4.25 mph | 4 mph | 4 mph | 4 mph | 3.75 mph |
RANGE | 9 miles | 10-15 miles | 8.5 miles | 9 miles | 13.7 miles |
WEIGHT CAPACITY | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 253 lbs | 300 lbs |
EDITOR RATING | 4.4 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
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Buyer’s Guide: Things To Consider When Buying a Foldable Mobility Scooter
If you are looking to purchase a mobility scooter, you are probably not doing it for the fun of it, and you actually do need it. Therefore, it is important that you know what each feature and specification means for the product. In this essence, for any person who is differently-abled, there may be some things which they must really want and cannot compromise upon. If you are looking to purchase this mobility scooter for someone, be sure to get them on board, so you can know beforehand what things are required for that specific person. This is because if you are not disabled or differently able, however much empathy you try to exercise, it is impossible to know exactly what and how he or she wants and feels. Hence, it is always a safer bet to let the other person know so they can choose the item to their own liking.
Weight Capacity
First and foremost, weight capacity sometimes becomes a huge cause of concern because of a lot of times; people consider this as a very unlikely prospect that the mobility scooter may buckle under the user’s weight or may not even be able to function properly if the weight is above the capacity. Most scooters usually range between the weighing capacities of 250 and 300 pounds on a standard basis. If you exceed this limit, you may want to look towards products which are customized in a manner that they can accommodate heavier people. You need the operation to be smooth and stable, regardless of what level of weight you are on.
Assembly
Most people who are looking to purchase a mobility scooter are doing it because they are differently-abled in a way that they cannot exactly properly function in a manner that can allow them to assemble or disassemble the scooter easily. They are not physically able to do that so to make up a rigorous process that will force them to grow dependent on someone is not fair to them, because what they are trying to avoid is being imposed onto them, which is unfair for the parties involved. Therefore, it is always best that an assembly procedure is made, which is free from hassle and rigour so that such people can be accommodated without putting in extra people and extra energy into it.
Portability
Another feature that you should always look into when purchasing a mobility scooter is if it can be folded and if it is portable enough to be carried in the trunk of the car. This is because all such mobility scooters are designed for people who are suffering from disabilities and will need their scooters everywhere since it is to be utilized at all times. Imagine, going somewhere and discovering that your mobility scooter was not portable enough to be carried in the seat of your car or your car trunk, and are rendered invalid and useless because there is no other way to commute for you, or move from one place to another. Imagine the hassle, the discomfort and the loss of autonomy and independence, you will feel. Therefore, it is always best to look into these matters beforehand, and know what you are buying before you get into a contract, and finding out that the product was just not meant for you.
Wheels
Wheels can be a great breaking point for the scooters that are used in case of mobility. Such scooters usually need smaller wheels so that they can be used over surfaces inside the house, or in indoor spaces like your office, or coffee houses etc. If you are more inclined towards riding this scooter outdoors, it would be better for you to look for mobility scooters with relatively bigger wheels, so that they can help you deal with the bumps and rockiness that outdoor surfaces may have. It majorly depends on what sort of environment you will be driving in and the matter upon which you are treading. At the end of the day, you are the only person who knows where, when, and what you will be riding on, so it is best to look into each terrain and wheel type accordingly.
Distance of Travel
These scooters have a built-in travel distance which can be utilized upon a single charge. It would be a great hassle to discover that you are out running an errand, and in the midst of your travels, you discover that you have surpassed the said travel limit on a single charge. And in the middle of nowhere, when you have no place to go to for a quick charge, you might get stuck. This is because there is yet to be car parks or scooter battery stations where you can recharge your facilities. And if you are generally immobile without the mobility scooter, you would have to call up someone, bother them and eventually have to take that favour that you were trying to avoid.
Manoeuvring
You need to be well aware of what sort of space you will be using your mobility scooter in. For instance, if you have a large house with broader spaces insight, it is relatively easier for the scooter to move from one place to another. However, if you have a smaller space to move around, you would need to move at a smaller angle too, with a tighter turning radius. This will allow it to go through narrow spaces, doors and tight corners. The fact of the matter is that you should purchase a mobility scooter programmed in a way that it can move through any space because you are bound to go to one place or the other where you will come across such narrow spaces. Therefore, it is better safe than to be sorry and have to invest once more in a new product.
Seating
As mentioned several times above, comfort is crucial for any user of this mobility scooter. This is because pains are more impactful when it comes to relatively disabled people, and even slight movements will come out a lot stronger. Therefore, you would need something that can ensure that sharp movements can be softened to the extent that you are able to benefit from a smooth ride. There are various kinds of seating options available; some come with extra padding and cushioning to help you become comfortable in your ride. This is specifically important when using your mobility scooter for generally longer rides because otherwise, the rides can become a source of great pain and unease.
Additional Accessories
Sometimes, you have a list of things that you would want to add into your demand chart because although they may not be as important as some crucial features and specifications, they are actually small things that can aid you in your journey, like a cup holder or can holder so that you can bring your tea or coffee along with you on your rides. Similarly, sidearms are provided to help you enhance the capacity of storage. If you are someone who suffers from low oxygen levels, it is always encouraged that you look for a mobility scooter that either comes with an oxygen tank inserted into the system, or at least has a holder for the oxygen tank so that in case of emergency, you have access to oxygen within seconds or moments, and are not left to choke up. Sometimes, people will not be there to come to your aid so you should have the little things that help you function, like your tablets, inhalers, or anything that assists and facilitates you in your movements and daily operations. Such things are accommodated by some mobility scooters, so it is important that you look for such models.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Fold-Up Mobility Scooters
Q: Can you take a fold-up mobility scooter on a plane?
A: If you are someone who usually goes to places on a mobility scooter, then you should not be afraid of taking it on a plane. Officials at the airport are required to help you check-in along with your scooter regardless, and they are specifically directed to do this free of charge, because it is the right of the disabled people just like any other people to be given access onto the plane, and if you unable to move without a scooter, you are given the appropriate facility accordingly.
Q: Can I get a free mobility scooter?
A: There are always options available to facilitate people who cannot afford to buy their own mobility scooters. After all, these mobility scooters can be incredibly expensive, and not everyone is wealthy enough to carve out a proportion of their income so as to save up enough to invest in such a big product. Therefore, to help disabled or differently-abled people, there are several schemes available so that you can still be accommodated with such a scooter regardless of your piled up wealth, or current financial status. However, some schemes thoroughly consider whether you are even needy enough to acquire a scooter through their program and will evaluate based on your financial wellbeing.
Q: Does insurance pay for a mobility scooter?
A: There are different packages when it comes to insurance. Some packages that you may take might not have this facility embedded in their standard manual. However, if you raise your insurance to the level of Part B, you will be able to acquire a mobility scooter. Before applying for an insurance package, you should be well aware of the facilities and assistance that they are offering so you can align your demands with it, and secure a package that can best accommodate your needs.
Q: Can you hire mobility scooters?
A: Like any other item that you may wish to purchase, there is always a hiring option. For instance, if you are in another city or country and did not have the time or capacity to bring your own mobility scooter, you can always hire a mobility scooter in the area you are in. Not only can you get hold of such scooters in the local market, but can also access the disability centre to help you or facilitate you in acquiring a scooter for a couple of days. If you do not have the finances to purchase a scooter, you can access the same facility to help you get hold of a scooter to hire until you are able to buy one for yourself. If you look in the right places, you will definitely find the right option.
Q: How far can a mobility scooter go?
A: It basically depends on what sort of mobility scooter you purchase. If you buy a good quality one with a higher range when it comes to miles, you can even go as far as 25 miles, which is a pretty reasonable distance on a single charge. The speed can go up to the point of 4 mph, which is considered an impressive speed when it comes to such mobility scooters. The thing with these scooters is the fact that they cannot be too fast because they could cause damage to the user when moving over some specific hardened, rough terrains. Therefore, it is always safer to keep them fixed at a reasonable speed and have the user revel in that glory.
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The Bottom Line
Immobility is something that people are trying to eliminate in the world. This is because mobility helps you overcome various kinds of adversities, be it through social or political mobility or physical mobility. With the advent of technology, a lot has changed and continues to change over the years because of how technology is being integrated into medicine and allowing people to fight their hardships by providing them avenues that can help eliminate their problems. In this context, mobility scooters are essential in helping and bringing disabled or differently-abled people to the forefront.
It was back in the days when such people were fearful of being socially judged and kept at differing standards than that of other normally physical people. But now, not only are they treated normally, but they are also given leverage higher so as to accommodate them for the physical disabilities that they may have, so that they never grow weary of these hardships, but are instead encouraged to remain steadfast, poised and independent in all that they do. In this day and age, if you are someone who is differently-abled, you need not worry because of all the different facilities and benefits you will get.
The key to acquiring the right kind of treatment is to know what you need and what you want. A lot of times, doctors or specialists who are looking at you may prescribe you of something lesser because they do not know the exact pain and hardships you are going through. Therefore, it is always better to be open about how you are feeling, where exactly it hurts, and what kinds of things best suit your comfort level. If something appears to be out of your comfort zone, there is no need to shy away, just be open about it and you will be surprised by how many people will come to your aid.
Before you purchase a mobility scooter, if you have done adequate research, you will be able to benefit from some of the best products available in the market. Otherwise, if your research has not been adequately done, you may find yourself getting yourself into an unspoken contract with a mobility scooter that may not exactly suit your needs. It is essential that you chart out a list of demands, the things you must have, the things which you just cannot stand, the things which you can compromise upon and the additional things that could further accentuate and enhance your scooter travels. Do not fall for people and salespersons especially, do your own research.
If you are not financially ready to be able to save up such a big amount of money, then it would be wise to look for a suitable place that could either grant you a loan or facilitate you with the appropriate amount of funds so that you are able to benefit from the mobility scooter like everyone else. At the end of the day, it is important that you realize that your disability is not your weakness, rather your greatest strength which you must don with pride.
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