Mobility Scooters: An Introduction

Mobility scooters are designed for people who have some mobility but are challenged by slopes or distances. A wide variety of mobility scooters, in various price ranges, are available to fit your needs from leading manufacturers such as Invacare, Pride, Sunrise Medical and Drive Medical. Mobility scooters come in a number of styles which can accommodate a wide range of user needs. When selecting a mobility scooter one should consider where the scooter will primarily be used (indoor, outdoor or both), how often the scooter be transported in a car and any specific seating/accessory needs.

Most mobility scooters are defined by four features which separate them from power wheelchairs: Scooters are directed by a tiller at the front of the base that can steers the front wheel. This arm can be tilted and locked allowing a safe and comfortable ride for all users. Forward and reverse motion is controlled by two thumb levers. The seat of scooters is usually mounted on a stem, allowing many scooter seats to rotate from side to side. Finally, scooters have a base board instead of footrests. Scooters are steered using a tiller, you need sufficient arm strength to drive it and thumb mobility to use the controls.

Below is a brief outline of the three types of mobility scooters generally available. If you are not sure where to begin or if you need help picking the right scooter for you, please consult a mobility professional.

Foldable Mobility Scooters: Easily folded and ready for transport, these scooters are perfect for the active person who likes to travel. Additionally, foldable scooters, often called travel scooters, disassemble into light parts that are easy to lift into the trunk of most cars. Sealed batteries make these travel scooters airline safe; make sure to check with your carrier booking your flight.

3 Wheel Mobility Scooters: Looking for a full featured scooter with excellent maneuverability? You should consider a three wheel mobility scooters. Three wheeled scooters offer full-size comfort and are ideal for both indoor maneuverability and outdoor durability. Scooters in this category offer a wide array of features including: swivel seats, arms rests, storage baskets and more. And, with a maximum weight capacity of 300 to 400 lbs even larger framed users can be accommodated.

4 Wheel Mobility Scooters: A fourth wheel and a wider wheel base create the most stable platform within the mobility scooter category. Four wheel mobility scooters are designed for maximum stability and built specifically for outdoor use. Some larger models have knobby tires and high ground clearance; these scooters are a great choice for even rugged terrain. Some models offer a range of 25+ miles per charge and a top speed of 10 mph! The wide wheel base, which makes the 4 wheel mobility scooters great for outdoor use, often makes the turning radius wide as well. Indoor users with tight living spaces should keep this in mind.

Make sure to a mobility scooter is right for you. Consult with a doctor and mobility professional prior to purchase

In business since 1997, 1-800-Wheelchair.com is a leading dealer and distributor of mobility scooters, wheelchairs and more.

Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs, Walkers, Lift Chairs & More

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Benefits of Online Fitness Programs

There are many benefits of choosing an online fitness program... Read More

Octane Elliptical - Product Review

When buying a trainer it's important to first figure out... Read More

Save Money on Treadmills by Avoiding These 5 Marketing Traps

There are lots of great marketing people in the treadmill... Read More

What To Do Before Buying A Treadmill

Considering buying a treadmill? There are several factors to consider... Read More

Cardio Zone Elliptical Trainers

CardioZone makes a number of similar elliptical trainers, falling into... Read More

What?s The Big Deal About Treadmill Ratings?

If you're contemplating buying a treadmill and you don't know... Read More

Finding The Best Home Gyms - Which Is Right For You?

There are many brands and styles of home gyms available... Read More

Ironman Treadmills

Ironman Treadmills - For The Guy Who Does The IroningIronman... Read More

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a... Read More

Aerobic Equipment - Find The Best Deals On The Best Equipment

The benefits of aerobic exercise are well documented. Aerobic exercise... Read More

Heart Rate Monitors - an Overview

A heart rate monitor is a device that allows users... Read More

What Are The Main Benefits Of Trampoline Exercise?

Many people might look at someone bouncing on a trampoline... Read More

Sheep Treadmills

The term sheep treadmills refers nowadays to the exercise devices... Read More

Burn Calories On The Nautilus Elliptical Trainer

The Nautilus elliptical trainer is made by Nautilus which is... Read More

The Benefits of Home Gyms

If it's a struggle for you to get to the... Read More

Is A Treadmill The Best Exercise Equipment For You?

The #1 fear people have when buying a treadmill is... Read More

Home Treadmills ? No More Excuses!

No more excuses! Treadmills can be used in the comfort... Read More

Treadmill Reviews - Top 3 Things to Keep in Mind When Reading Treadmill Reviews

So you're excited about buying a treadmill. You're looking forward... Read More

5 Big Reasons to Buy Adjustable Dumbbells

Just imagine if you could replace a room full of... Read More

5 Sure-Fire Tips To Save You $1000s On Your Home Gym

It always amazes me when people say "Home Gyms are... Read More

Have Fun With The Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer

The Nordic Track elliptical is a lower end priced machine.... Read More

Workout Shoes - Shoes for Strength Training

I've always worked out in just a plain pair of... Read More

Horizon Elite Treadmills

Horizon Elite treadmills, a series of high quality fitness products,... Read More

Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps

Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairmentsCurb ramps... Read More

Exercise Bikes ? Discover The Magic

There are two types of exercise bikes available. The upright... Read More

Mobility Scooters: An Introduction

Mobility scooters are designed for people who have some mobility... Read More

Proform - The Highly Recognized Name in Treadmills

Proform is a highly recognized name in treadmills. Proform has... Read More

Whats The Best Way To Care For Your Trampoline?

Your trampoline can be an expensive item, so it's important... Read More

Manual Vs. Motorized Treadmills

When people go to purchase a treadmill, one of the... Read More

Remanufactured Elliptical Trainers ? Are They a Good Deal?

There are on-line distributors of fitness equipment who offer both... Read More

Treadmill Exercise - 3 More Benefits of Treadmill Workouts

Chances are that you already know your treadmill can help... Read More

Whirlpool Baths: The Way To Good Health

For hundreds of years, mankind has recognised the soothing, remedial... Read More

Daily Treadmill Workouts are a Great Way to Keep in Shape

Serious runners and walkers eventually turn to treadmill workouts so... Read More