So you've finally decided to invest in a mobility scooter - amazing news. The next step is to match you up with your ideal scooter. 

Before we do that, think about the below questions. Having these considerations front of mind will really help when it comes to picking your perfect ride:

- Where you'll be using it
- How often will you use it
- What budget do you have 

If you need more help on these wider thoughts, see our previous post here.

Which scooter is right for me?

Ok, now you've worked out the fundamentals, it's time to move on to the scooter itself. This part is a lot more interesting and is where you can indulge in the finer details like style, technology and overall comfort.

Don't forget that it's still important to remember your ‘why’. It can be easy to get carried away with ‘Magpie Syndrome’ - being dazzled by a scooter’s metallic finish or fancy LED screen - when you actually need it to be transportable and simple to use. The features that you do need will be dictated by your level of mobility and personal lifestyle.

Onto the checklist - let's start with pavement scooters.

Pavement scooters - what to look for 

If you've chosen to go with a pavement mobility scooter, you might be looking at a car boot, 4mph or 6pmh model. These scooters are brilliant for pottering around and ticking off your to-do list.

Lighter and smaller in size, a pavement scooter is a great place to start if you've not owned a scooter before. Specs and tech are simple and straightforward - anyone can become a confident driver within a matter of minutes! 

Pavement scooters: key features

Small but mighty 

Pavement scooters are some of the best-selling models here at Mobility Giant. Our customers love these scooters for their convenience - they are smaller, lighter and very user-friendly. Pavement scooters are really easy to transport - some models can be completely collapsed down or taken apart into smaller pieces for stress-free storage or travel. If you use public transport or have a holiday in the diary, a pavement scooter could be just what you've been looking for! 

Checkpoint: if you want a pavement scooter that is transportable - either in your car boot or on public transport - make sure the specs list this on the scooter’s product page. Heading out and unsure whether or not your scooter will be able to navigate coffee shops, tourist destinations or a music venue? Euan’s Guide is the ultimate destination for accessibility advice and reviews.  

Gizmos & (no!) gadgets 

If you're easily overwhelmed by tech, or have no time for fussy accessories, then a pavement scooter is for you. These scooters are built with a lot less technology than their on-road counterparts - they simply don't need it. They're designed to get you from A to B - you don't need suspension, brake lights or a USB dock for your sat nav when you're popping out for a pint of milk! Pavement scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph, the legal limit for using a scooter in pedestrianised areas. They're no-nonsense and that's why we love them.  

Checkpoint: Does lighter-touch tech sound good to you? If you need extra accessories or speed functions, look to the larger models.

Social butterflies 

If you have a busy social life, a jam-packed calendar, or simply have an errands list the length of your arm, a pavement scooter can be your perfect companion. These scooters have a shorter range than a larger model - if you take short journeys frequently, they'll slot into your life effortlessly. They're great for nipping out for a coffee, catching up with family, or attending your monthly book club. Be sure to stick to pedestrianised areas only - pavements, shopping malls and your local high street. 

Checkpoint: check that your scooter’s maximum range is able to cover the distance of your typical daily journeys. If you make a few trips out every day, consider whether you'll need to allow time to top up the charge on your scooter batteries. We advise using Google Maps to view the length and time each journey will take so you can check this against your scooter’s range. 

On-road scooters - what to look for 

On-road scooters are amazing. These larger, more powerful models can travel up to 8 mph - that's a surprisingly fast speed when you're in the driving seat! These scooters can take on the changing terrains with ease - they're just as capable going up an uneven hill as they are along a smooth pavement. 

As the name suggests, these scooters can be driven on the road. There are some rules to follow and you must adhere to The Highway Code. For more information, see the official government guidelines here. 

Within the category of ‘on-road scooters’ you will also find ‘all-terrain’ scooters. These models have an added layer of toughness and agility - they are specifically designed to go further than your local park. 

Both on-road and all-terrain mobility scooters are made to tackle more than your everyday newspaper pick-up. So you'll find a lot more specs and a higher level of safety features. This can mean a bit more technology to get to grips with, but nothing that you can't easily pick up during a demo with our helpful engineers. 

Getting to grips with technology might seem daunting at first, but it’s never too late to learn, and it’s always so much easier than you might think. Careline has some fantastic advice to give you a bit of encouragement and to swap any fears for excitement. 

On-road scooters: key features

Dream big

Bigger batteries, larger wheels, wider frame. These scooters are designed to take on challenging terrains, so expect a bigger scooter overall. The plus side is that you can enjoy a much comfier captain's seat, as well as plenty of legroom and on-board storage.

Checkpoint: Do you have space to safely store a larger scooter when it is not in use? Though scooter thefts are rare, it’s always a good idea to keep them under lock and key where possible. Robert Dyas have an excellent selection of purse-friendly padlocks and security chains that work a treat. 

Tough cookie 

An on-road scooter is a tough, robust scooter. It's perfect for exploring the great outdoors - take it through mud, gravel and whatever you typically find on the forest floor! With that, expect your scooter to need a bit more TLC than its smaller counterparts. Keeping your scooter clean and free of debris, mud, and rust is absolutely vital. Look after your scooter and it will always look after you!  

Checkpoint: Are you able to clean and maintain your scooter after use, either independently or with help? Need some cleaning tips? We always learn something new from The Kitchn’s greatest hack list.  

Explore beyond your front door 

Whether it's a day out along the coast or a ramble further afield, these scooters let you see more of the great outdoors. They have a longer range, which means they can travel further for longer on a single charge. Come rain or shine, on-road scooters are well-equipped to take on the elements. 

Checkpoint: Do you need a scooter with a canopy or additional features to help you navigate the terrains you currently, or would like to, travel across? Some of our favourite scooter brands, like TGA and Pride, have some great ideas for handy accessories. 

Roadrunner

If you live off the beaten track or slightly further out from local conveniences, an on-road scooter could be for you. It's the perfect solution if you need to cross a few roads to get to your final destination. With a maximum speed of 8mph, an on-road scooter can travel at double the speed of a pavement scooter - you'll feel right at home amongst the smaller cars on your journey!

Checkpoint: Are you aware of, and happy with, all of the extra safety features that come with an on-road scooter? Check that the mirrors, breaks and lights are where you'd like them to be. 

How do you know if it's the perfect match?

On-road or pavement? 8mph or 4mph? Canopy or open top?

Regardless of the tech and specs, the perfect scooter for you has to work with your current lifestyle, needs and level of mobility. It's a personal choice - what works for your next door neighbour won't automatically be a good fit for you. 

Our advice? Make sure your chosen scooter is comfortable. Why? When you are comfortable, you don't just drive with confidence, you drive with control and safety. With this in mind, ask yourself:
 
- Are the scooter chair’s dimensions & maximum user weight suitable for you?
- Is the seat adjustable? 
- Can you reach the tiller and controls comfortably?
- Do you have or need a backrest, armrest and headrest?
- Do you have adequate legroom?


Our top picks 

Pavement/off-road scooter 

The Freerider Mayfair 4 is a fantastic 4mph mobility scooter. This efficient, mid-sized model is a the perfect shopping companion - it's designed to navigate narrow supermarket aisles with total ease. With a conveniently generous range of up to 18 miles, this scooter is an all-rounder for those with an extensive to-do list and a busy social calendar. 

On-road scooter 

The Rascal Vector Sport is a hard-working, high-quality mobility scooter that could easily be mistaken for an on-road motorcycle. Style meets performance with this powerful scooter, which can travel at speeds of up to 8 mph on-road. Visiting somewhere new? This scooter is fitted with a handy USB port for charging your sat nav or phone.