If your balance isn’t what it was, you find yourself getting out of breath while walking or experiencing pain afterwards, then it may be time to invest in one of those mobility scooters you’ve been considering. Your family and friends may have mentioned the idea to you, and you’ve probably seen some of your neighbours using various models around town, but with a wide range of options available, what would be the best mobility scooter for your unique circumstances?
Buying a new or used mobility scooter means restoring your freedom, so choosing the right features to suit your lifestyle and exact requirements is important.
Whether you need a folding mobility scooter that fits in the boot of your car, a lightweight pavement scooter for popping out to the shops, or a more heavy duty model for those park trips with the dog – this guide should help you make an informed decision and get you back on the road to independence.
Types of Mobility Scooters
1. Folding Mobility Scooters
If you want the freedom to go on holiday, enjoy weekends away and day trips, then a folding mobility scooter is a must.
Compact, easy to store and with a simple folding mechanism so it stows away neatly in the boot of your car, a folding model is the ideal choice for those who both love to travel and embrace everyday life.
Featuring stylish, lightweight designs, anti-tip wheels and a maximum speed of 4 mph, folding mobility scooters promise complete independence for people of all ages who won’t compromise on their self-reliance.
Top Models to Consider:
- WHILL R – 3 Wheel & 4 Wheel: Lightweight, modern styling combined with versatile suspension mean these models can turn on a sixpence and comfortably tackle grass, gravel and even kerbs.
- Minimo: Compact and transportable, the Minimo folds in one easy movement and has a lightweight lithium battery you’re allowed to take on flights.
- Minimo Plus: Features larger pneumatic tyres for a smoother ride over challenging terrain, plus front and rear LED lights if darkness falls on the way back home.
- Minimo Autofold: Fold this model automatically with a foot pedal while travelling; also includes a lightweight, airline-compliant lithium battery and LED lights.
- Maximo: A comfortable full-sized scooter that folds with a simple lever action, includes an adjustable tiller, folding armrests, large pneumatic tyres, and great suspension.
- Maximo Plus: Combines all features of the Maximo with added extras for legal road use, including indicators, rear view mirrors and LED lights – and it still fits in the boot of your car.
2. Class 2 Mobility Scooters
Designed for ultimate freedom around town when you want to visit the shops or go out for a bite to eat, Class 2 mobility scooters are designed for pavement use and max out at 4 mph.
Smaller frames and turning circles make these models perfect for navigating tight spaces, while durable pneumatic tyres give you a smooth ride. The comfy seats are also ideal if you stop for a chat outside M&S.
Standout Models:
All the folding models mentioned above are class 2 mobility scooters designed for pavement use.
You could also consider these lightweight models as well, which are easy to split into a few parts that fit nicely in the boot of your car if you fancy a day out.
- Zest: With features not usually found on scooters of this size, you’ll get ergonomic handlebars with easy-to-control buttons, an adjustable padded seat, and a front basket for that ricotta ravioli and white wine you bought for supper. Delicious!
- Zest Plus: Everything you get with Zest, plus advanced front and rear suspension for a smooth ride over various terrains, making you more comfortable if you’re out and about for longer.
- Zest S: Want a USB charging point and a mobile phone holder? You’ve got it with the Zest S. Stay connected while you’re on the move and enjoy all the features of the other Zest models too.
3. Class 3 Mobility Scooters
Class 3 mobility scooters are designed for both pavement and road use, and come with extra safety features like mirrors, lights and indicators as they can reach speeds of 8 mph.
If you live in a semi-rural area and need to go down the road or over rougher terrain to reach the supermarket, then these larger scooters are ideal as they’ve got stronger batteries which provide more range and reliability.
This gives you great peace of mind if you fancy a pint in your local pub, or are going over to a friend’s house in town.
Featured Models:
- Vita X: If you love off-road adventures, then this is the scooter for you. Featuring a powerful motor, long-lasting and reliable batteries, comfortable suspension, and chunky tyres for ultimate autonomy.
- Supersport: Our classic model, with a proven track record of over 30 years, the Supersport offers unique styling and is built to take on all terrains.
- Breeze S3: The award-winning Breeze S3 combines comfort and capability, with all-round suspension and large alloy wheels to keep you stable on rough terrain.
- Breeze Midi 3: With a compact design, great turning circle and all-round suspension, the Breeze Midi 3 also has a rotating seat and adjustable tiller for your driving comfort.
- Breeze S4: Similar to the S3 but with four large wheels, this highly comfortable model has pneumatic tyres for great clearance over kerbs and rough ground – plus a whole scooter load of advanced features.
- Scoozy: A modern fusion of all the best features of a mobility scooter and a powered wheelchair, Scoozy uses innovative technology to help you win back your freedom and keep you comfy on and off road.
Key Features to Consider in a Mobility Scooter
Battery Life and Range
Before deciding upon which mobility scooter is best for you, it’s important to really think about your daily and weekly routines and consider what you’ll actually be using it for.
If you love a long browse around the local shopping centre, followed by lunch with friends, then you need to choose a model with a more powerful, long-lasting battery to give you more range and time.
Top speed is also worth considering, as some of the larger models that go 8 mph would be useful if you have to go down the road for a bit before getting onto the pavement in town.
Comfort and Adjustability
If you’re going to be sitting for a long time, then comfort is a prerequisite (especially if you bump into some old friends at the market). This means cushioned seats, ergonomic handlebars and adjustable armrests as standard.
Suspension and pneumatic tyres are also must-haves so you can handle rough paths and potholes whilst staying stable and comfortable, and we all know how many potholes there are at the moment.
Storage and Portability
Storage and portability are also crucial for most modern lifestyles. You need to be able to collapse or take apart your scooter quickly and easily so it pops in the boot of your car or can be stored out of the way at home.
If your model can’t do this, then you’ll be compromising much of the freedom your new scooter is supposed to be giving you.
Terrain Handling
Love taking the dog to the park, or enjoy a trip around the lake or down the old railway track?
You can’t do any of these things if your chosen scooter doesn’t have decent ground clearance, chunky tyres and sturdy suspension, guaranteeing you a smooth ride whatever the terrain.
Top Mobility Scooter Brands
Depending on your life circumstances and precise needs, there are many different mobility scooter brands in the UK that can help you find the most suitable model.
However, when it comes to companies that aren’t merely suppliers and develop their own open proprietary technology, building their own mobility scooters based on years of research and experience, then the market shrinks to just a handful of key companies.
Topping this list is TGA Mobility in Suffolk, who bring over 30 years of product development to the table, manufacturing stylish mobility scooters and associated products that give their customers real freedom and independence.
With a product range featuring transportable, folding, lightweight, and off-road mobility scooters, TGA Mobility is renowned for its innovative technology, build quality, ease of product use and customer service.
Best Mobility Scooters For Your Specific Needs
1. Best for Travel: Compact Folding Scooters
A folding scooter with anti-tip technology is your best bet if you’re always on the move and love to travel, or simply if you want a lighter model for everyday use.
Comfortable and easy to fold up for storage or to fit in the boot of your car, these models are ideal for day trips, weekend away or holidays – with lightweight batteries approved by airlines.
So, whether you travel by planes, trains or automobiles, choose a model such as the WHILL R, Minimo or Maximo to achieve maximum autonomy.
2. Best for Off-Road Use: Heavy-Duty Scooters
If you love getting out into the countryside or want to walk the dog around the local lake, then an off-road mobility scooter should be your first choice.
With durable pneumatic tyres, strong motors, heavy-duty frames and higher top speeds, these models are built for comfort on rough ground and rural paths.
Look no further than the TGA Supersport if your lifestyle means you’ll be regularly heading off-road.
3. Best All-Rounder: Class 3 Road Mobility Scooters
If you’re just outside town and need a scooter for both pavement and road use, choose a class 3 mobility scooter with an 8 mph top speed.
These models have extra safety features like horns, mirrors, indicators and powerful lights and are suitable for longer and more varied trips. They also have ample storage for shopping.
Think Vita X, Scoozy or one of the Breeze models if this is the road you want to go down (literally).
Important Tips for Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter
- Evaluate Your Needs: Think about how often you’ll use your mobility scooter and where.
- If it’s mainly for pavement use, a class 2 scooter may be enough.
- Enjoy days out, weekends away and holidays? Try a folding model that stows neatly in your car boot.
- For mixed use or long journeys, go for a more versatile class 3.
- Love getting out with the dog? Consider an off-road model.
- Check the Range: A strong, long-lasting battery is essential for extended use.
- Use our website search function to compare different models based on battery range, price, and style (among other specs). You can also chat with us online at any time.
- Comfort Features: Adjustable seats, ergonomic handlebars, padded armrests, and easy-to-use controls can all improve your riding experience, and come as standard on all TGA Mobility models.
- Storage: If space is an issue, pick a simple, lightweight folding model that’s easy to put away in the cupboard at home or can fit snugly in the boot of your car.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, visit your nearest quality mobility scooter centre to sit on a few models to try them out and see how they feel.
TGA Mobility has showrooms in Farnham and Sudbury in Suffolk, and we’d be happy to let you try any models in our impressive range and answer all of your questions before you make a purchase.
Final Thoughts: Choosing The Best Mobility Scooter
If you’ve been thinking it may be time to invest in a mobility scooter, or you’ve been discussing the options with friends and family, then the experienced team at TGA Mobility are here to help.
Over the last 30 years, we’ve worked with 1000s of customers like you, tailoring the ideal mobility scooter to your lifestyle and helping restore your independence and freedom.
Offering a great service goes hand-in-hand with our excellent product range, so we’ll listen to what you need and fully assess your unique circumstances before suggesting the right mobility solution for your requirements.
And with flexible finance options and free delivery available on all our products, owning a new or refurbished mobility scooter may well be more cost-effective than you thought.
For a free brochure or for help making a decision on which mobility product you should choose, call us today on 0800 107 5349 or email info@tgamobility.co.uk.
Trust TGA’s wide range of mobility scooters to get you back on the road to independence.
