You have already decided that using a scooter will improve the quality of your life.  You may have decided to purchase a scooter because you want to be able to do the things you want to do independently.  You may want to use the scooter to keep up with other people in your life because you do not want to be left out.  Whatever your reasons, you want to purchase a scooter an want to make this important purchase wisely.

Here is a list of the important factors to consider when choosing a mobility scooter:

1.  Weight or Carrying Capacity of the Scooter

We list this first because it will eliminate some choices right away.  You must consider the weight of the rider plus any of the items they need to carry on the scooter.  These items may include groceries, oxygen tanks, walkers, laundry, purchases or anything else that may be carried on the scooter.  Additionally, our manufacturers have warned us that, statistically, people woh use scooters gain weight because they do not walk as much.  I t is important to choose an appropriate weight capacity because it will affect the way the scooter functions, for example, over rough ground or up hills.  Also, if you are over the manufacturer's listed weight capacity, the warranty will be voided and repairs will not be covered.  If  your weight and the weight of the things you need to carry on the scooter is close to the weight  capacity of the scooter you are considering, it is a good idea to go to a scooter with a higher weight capacity.

2.  Where you are using the scooter

a.  Do you want to use the scooter inside your home or inside a grocery store?  If so, you should consider a scooter with a small turning radius, most often a 3 wheel scooter.  You may need to choose a smaller scooter to fit through doorways.  Also, something to consider is that some people feel 3 wheel scooters are less stable than 4 wheel scooters.  If you are using the scooter over smooth ground, a 3 wheel scooter should  be as stable as a 4 wheel scooter.  The truth is, the best electric mobility equipment for inside your home is a Power Wheelchair.  Power Wheelchairs have a smaller turning radius than any scooter.

b.  Will you be using your scooter outside only to get you to places you want to go and then when you are there you will be walking on your own or using something else to aid your walking such as a walker, rollator, crutches, or a cane?  You can consider a 4 wheel scooter for stability particularly if you are going to use it over a variety of terrains such as hills, grass, etc.  You might also want to consider a mid or full sized scooter for a more powerful motor to cover a larger distance at a faster speed.

c.  Will you be using your scooter both inside and outside?  If this is the case, you might want to  consider a 3 wheel scooter.  In order to get around obstacles you might find inside, you will maneuver more easily with a 3 wheel scooter.

3.  Will you need to transport or store your scooter?

If you need to transport your scooter in your car or other vehicle to destinations, you must consider the space available for this and the strength required to lift the parts of the scooter when disassembled.  Some scooters are considered to be Travel Scooters and were designed to be easier to transport in a vehicle or airplane without needing great strength or additional equipment such as a lift or a ramp.  Other scooters like Golden Technologies' Companion Scooter Series I, II 3 Wheel, and II 4 Wheel, come apart easily and into relatively light weight components to be transported or stored.  If you do not need to transport or are not worried about how much space is needed to store your scooter, disregard this.

4.  Other considerations include

How rough the terrain is, for example, in you are driving over tall grass, you will need a higher ground clearance. 

If you want a smoother ride, you might consider a scooter with built in suspension.

If you are tall you may need to consider a scooter with more leg room.

If you are petite, you might not feel comfortable on a heavy duty, very large scooter.