Mobility Scooter Test Drive Tips for Choosing the Right Model

You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it first, and the same applies to mobility scooters. They’re a significant investment in your future freedom, so ensuring you buy the right one to fit your lifestyle is essential.

Whether it’s your very first scooter or you’re upgrading through the Motability Scheme, the only way to know if your chosen model suits your needs is to try it for yourself. That’s why, if you’ve picked out a scooter or powered wheelchair you like the look of, taking it for a test drive is a must.

With that in mind, this guide gives you everything you need to know about test-driving a mobility scooter safely and confidently so you can make an informed decision before parting with your hard-earned money.

Why You Should Test Drive a Mobility Scooter Before Buying

Buying a mobility scooter is a personal investment in your independence, so you have to think carefully about how you live your life and what you’ll actually be using your scooter for before buying one.

Do you love getting out into the countryside with your four-legged friend, or riding along the pavement into town to have lunch with your two-legged friends before doing some shopping?

Whatever your lifestyle, you’ll find that mobility scooters aren’t one-size-fits-all. They vary in:

• Power and speed (4 mph or 8 mph)
• All-terrain capabilities and ground clearance
• Size, especially if you’re close to the 23-stone weight limit
• Turning circle and how easy they are to steer
• Comfort, like how the seat or tiller feels over long periods of time

Trying a scooter in person shows you how it handles in real life, not just how it looks online.

Found a model you like? The team at TGA Mobility are standing by to book a demo of your chosen scooter at our welcoming showrooms in Sudbury and Farnham.

What You Should Check Before Driving a Mobility Scooter

So you’ve arrived at the showroom for your personal demonstration. Before you even start driving, sit on the scooter and assess the following:

User Fit and Comfort

• Is the seat wide enough, height adjustable and padded for extra comfort?
• Does the seat swivel so you can get on and off easily?
• Are the armrests adjustable to your size and preferred seating position?
• Are the handlebars height-adjustable and the controls within easy reach?
• Are the tiller and footplates in a comfortable position for your legs and feet?
• Can you rest your arms, back and feet comfortably for long periods of time?

Control and Steering

• Try the handlebars/tiller – is it easy to turn?
• Check the control panel. Are the buttons clear, simple to read, and reachable?
• Test the brakes – how quickly do they respond?

Battery and Usage

• Ask about the battery life, charging times, and average range per charge.
• Think about your typical usage. Do you need your scooter for daily errands or just weekly trips?

Once you’re happy with all these issues, it’s time to actually take your scooter for a spin to see how it handles. This is the exciting part, but remember not to zoom off like Lewis Hamilton!

What You Should Focus On During the Test Drive

During your test drive, remember those lifestyle needs we mentioned earlier. The scooter needs to match these closely, so try and cover as many real-world scenarios as possible:

• Can it handle pavement use without jolting or losing traction?
• Try both speed settings – 4 mph for pavement, 8 mph if it’s a Class 3 mobility scooter allowed on roads. How does it handle at the different speeds?
• Use the indicators and mirrors to check visibility.
• Can you steer smoothly and turn tightly in small spaces?
• Test the scooter on small slopes or uneven surfaces to feel how the suspension and tyres cope.
• If it comes with a solid canopy or weather protection, is it practical and not blocking your view?

If you’re testing one of TGA’s range of mobility scooters, our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you have during your test drive.

How Class 2 and Class 3 Scooters Compare on a Test Drive

Knowing the difference between a Class 2 and Class 3 mobility scooter is important, so you can test drive the one that will best suit your requirements.

Try both if you’re unsure, as one might feel far more natural based on your usual routes (and it will be great fun getting a go on multiple models!).

Class 2 Scooters

• Max speed: 4 mph
• Pavement use only
• Lighter and easier to store or transport – often foldable
• Better for indoor use or short local trips

Standout models: WHILL R – the urban scooter with a tight turning circle, the Minimo – lightweight, compact and collapsible, and the Maximo – collapsible but with full-size comfort.

Class 3 Scooters

• Max speed: 8 mph (but can be set to 4 mph for pavements)
• Can be used on the road
• Larger and heavier, often with better suspension, indicators, and mirrors
• Ideal for longer distances and comes with knobbly tyres for all-terrain use

Standout models: Breeze X – total comfort even on rugged terrain, the Supersport – classic motorcycle styling, highly capable both on and off road, and the Breeze S3 – take life outdoors in comfort.

What the Motability Scheme Offers for Test Drives

If you’re eligible for the Motability Scheme (via a qualifying mobility allowance), test driving is just the start of your autonomous adventures.

When you join, you get:

• A brand new scooter every 3 years
• Full insurance and servicing
• Breakdown cover
• Annual safety checks

You can learn more and apply for the scheme here. TGA also offers a full range of scooters suitable for Motability, from compact pavement models to the best road legal Class 3 options.

How to Know If the Scooter Is the Right Fit for You

A quality mobility scooter should feel easy to drive, powerful yet stable, and reliable. So after your test drive, ask yourself:

• Did it feel comfortable for long periods?
• Could you control it without straining?
• Did it suit your journey type, speed needs, and local paths?
• Does it fit your storage or transport situation?
• Will it keep you safe in bad weather or poor visibility?

If the answer is yes across the board, then congratulations – you’ve found your perfect scooter.

FAQs About Test Driving a Mobility Scooter

Do I need a licence to drive a mobility scooter in the UK?

No licence is required, but only Class 3 mobility scooters are allowed on the road and must have lights, indicators, and mirrors.

Can I test drive more than one scooter?

Yes, most dealers encourage it (we definitely do at TGA), especially if you’re not sure what features you’ll need.

Is there a maximum weight limit?

Yes. Many scooters support up to 23 stone, but always check the model specs to be safe.

Can powered wheelchairs be test-driven too?

Absolutely. You can test scooter and powered wheelchair models, especially if you’re unsure which gives you better support and control. At TGA, we have a superb hybrid model called the Scoozy, which combines all the best features of a mobility scooter and a powered wheelchair. Come and try it out.

How You Can Arrange a Test Drive in the UK

The easiest way to arrange a mobility scooter test drive is through a reputable dealer or manufacturer, so just give them a call.

If you’re thinking about joining the Motability Scheme, they’ll often include a home demo or test drive as part of the booking process.

To schedule a test drive with TGA Mobility to try any model in our range, simply call us today on 0800 107 5349, and our friendly team will be happy to book you in at a convenient time.

As mentioned, we have welcoming showrooms in Sudbury, Suffolk and Farnham, Surrey, and can arrange demo riding conditions similar to what you might find in your local area.