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What is a foldable/travel scooter & who is it for?

  • By
  • 25 October 2024

A mobility scooter can be a life-changing tool, helping you regain your independence and stay connected to the world around you. More than just a means of transportation, it offers freedom, flexibility and peace of mind. 

When you're looking to purchase a mobility scooter, it’s important to know which type will best suit your needs. There are several categories of scooters, each designed for different lifestyles, abilities and environments. 

At Mobility Giant, we offer a wide range of models, including: 

This guide is all about foldable and travel scooters - what they are, where to use them and who will benefit most from owning or renting one. 

What is a foldable/travel scooter? 

A foldable or travel scooter is a compact, lightweight mobility aid designed with portability and convenience in mind. These scooters are often referred to as "car boot scooters" because of their ability to be easily stored in the boot of a car, making them the perfect companion for anyone on the go.  

Whether you're running errands around town, visiting friends, or planning a holiday, these scooters allow for effortless travel, thanks to their easy-fold features.  

Unlike larger, more robust scooters that can be tricker to transport, foldable scooters can collapse into a single piece or disassembled into smaller, manageable parts. This means you don’t need a large vehicle or additional equipment like ramps or lifts to transport them. Many of these scooters are designed to be lightweight enough for most people to lift or fit comfortably in public transport, like buses or trains.

Take the Pride GoGo Elite Traveller Sport; this customer favourite can be dismantled into 4 manageable parts, the largest of which is the weight of a large holiday suitcase.    

Another benefit is that many foldable scooters feature airline-friendly batteries, meaning you can even take them on a plane. Just be sure to check your specific airline's policies in advance. You can view more information via the CAA here. These scooters give you the freedom to explore beyond your local area, offering the flexibility to enjoy the best of both worlds – home and away!  

Foldable and travel scooters are an excellent choice for people who maintain a level of mobility but may need some additional support for longer distances or specific outings. If you like to join your friends on a leisurely walk but have noticed that you have to stop regularly to rest your legs, this scooter might be for you. 

A foldable scooter is a low effort, but highly convenient solution to everyday movement, made to give you the independence you need and deserve to enjoy a more active lifestyle. 

Key specifications to look for: 

Max User Weight: Typically supports up to 18 stone (114 kg) 

Top Speed: 4mph, perfect for pedestrianised areas 

Scooter Size: Small and neat – perfect for navigating indoor and tight spaces  

Where to use them 

Foldable and travel scooters are made for the everyday, so you can enjoy using them in a huge variety of settings. Whether you're navigating narrow supermarket aisles, weaving through a busy high street, or enjoying your local park, these scooters offer the maneuverability you need.  

Their compact design makes them particularly useful in busy urban areas where space is tight. Planning to use public transport? A foldable or travel scooter is ideal for train stations and airports, where portability is essential. 

If you're a frequent traveler these scooters can be the perfect companion. Many foldable scooters fit effortlessly into the boot of your car, allowing for fuss-free day trips and holidays. Plus, if you're flying abroad, some models are airline-friendly, allowing you to take your scooter along for the ride – whether it’s for paella in Porto or baguettes in Bordeaux! 

Who are they for? 

Foldable and travel scooters are perfect for those who have a fair level of mobility but want a little help for longer distances or busy days out. You might need to stop for breaks often or pause to catch your breath. Often, many customers are able to enjoy a long leisurely stroll but would like to add a little speed for their everyday trips – like a supermarket visit or a GP appointment.   

If you're new to mobility scooters and want something easy to operate, yet efficient for everyday use, these models are for you. Not only are they lightweight and practical, but they're also straightforward to operate and an excellent, low-maintenance option for people of all ages. 

Customer Story: Meet Jean, a long-term mobility scooter owner who traded her larger scooter in for a foldable version. Jean wanted to use her scooter for more of the everyday journeys – she was after something lightweight and nimble – perfect for high street strolling.  

After exchanging her old model for a foldable scooter from Mobility Giant, Jean says, "I’ve had it for eight months now and I use it whenever and wherever I want to go. I've been in and around the shops, in the parks and on all-day excursions on my scooter. I go to the cinema and I can stay in the comfort of my own seat and recline back to enjoy the film. I go to restaurants and swivel my seat and can sit at the table in my own chair. Seafront, who needs a deckchair now? I have my own more comfortable recliner. If I park near a low wall or the railings I can swivel around, recline, feet up and catch some rays!”

Our Top 3 Foldable Scooters 

Foldable scooters typically retail between £750 and £2000, but at Mobility Giant you can find top brands refurbished to showroom standard from just £595.  

Even better, prices start from just £16.95 a week if you choose to hire a foldable or travel mobility scooter with us. 

Here are our top 3 picks for foldable and travel scooters: 

Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller 

The world’s most popular portable scooter, and for very good reason! With its lightweight design and quick-collapse feature, this scooter is perfect for shopping trips, holidays, or just getting around town. 

Our hire price: from £16.95/week  

Our buy price: from £595 

Motion Healthcare Evolite

This revolutionary scooter is one of the lightest portable mobility scooters in the world. Thanks to an ultra-modern aluminium chassis and exceptional lithium battery technology, this scooter is the ultimate travelling companion – whether it’s on public transport or en-route to warmer climates!  

Our hire price: from £16.95/week 

Our buy price: from £995 

One Rehab Illusion

This mobility scooter is one of our most popular portable options. The One Rehab has a quick-release mechanism that allows the user to dismantle it into 5 manageable parts within seconds. Pack it down and be on your way quicker than you can say ”2 tickets for the London Eye”! 

Our buy price: £1,195 

Expert Overview 

As one of our most compact and convenient mobility solutions, foldable scooters are perfect for those who need flexibility and portability. Here’s a quick summary of the things you need to know from our in-house expert, William:  

Best for: Indoor and pedestrianised areas 

Battery life: Suitable for shorter journeys ranging from 10-15 miles 

Technology: Simple, easy-to-use features with minimal fuss 

Weight capacity: Lower than larger scooters, typically up to 20 stone 

Top speed: Up to 4mph 

Still unsure which model to choose? Try our online Scooter Finder™ Tool. It’s a quick and easy way to find the perfect scooter based on your lifestyle and mobility needs. Just answer a few simple questions, and we’ll recommend the best options for you. 

Or, if you’d prefer to speak to someone, give our friendly team of experts a call—we’re always happy to help.