Buying Mobility Scooter in 2021 can be a challenging task, especially for first time users. After the warm season starts, many look forward to enjoying the fresh air and sun again. The choice isn’t easy though as in the current market, there are so many brands available. It takes lots of research to grab this best deal for a product that will satisfy customer desire for freedom.
This is why at Velobike, we have decided to write an extensive guide to buying mobility scooter in 2021. It is our hope that when you finish reading it, you will be equipped with full knowledge to make the best purchase. How about it? Let’s get on with the reading!
What are the benefits of mobility scooters for you?
It is easy to list multiple reasons why such mobility aid is great to have. There are many, and they all depend on personal preferences. One of such might be that if you have difficulty driving, then a mobility scooter might be an ideal replacement for a car.
People who aren’t able to operate a motor vehicle might find them safer to use. In this case, a mobility scooter is a better choice as they are easy to use by anyone as they don’t reach too high speeds.
Some class-2 mobility scooters can be folded down. This makes them easy to store, and they are great for daily shopping trips or park visits.
People who are recovering from injury or a surgery find them perfect for temporary assistance. In this way they can maintain their independent living.
What kind of mobility scooter do you require?
With the multitude of mobility scooters for sale available on today’s market, it is easy to find the one just for you. Of course all online stores will market their products in best terms possible, but that doesn’t really answer the main question: what do you need the scooter for?
A small electric scooter which you can use inside your home or shopping mall? Maybe you need a vehicle that is more robust, useful for longer trips.
One of the most important considerations is the area you live in. Hills or difficult terrain can be tackled only by a more powerful vehicle with higher suspension. A flat pavement area? A simple shopper will be able to buy enough!
There is of course the physical build as well. Similarly to clothes, picking a nice looking vehicle is a great idea. Who says a 90+ years old grandpa cannot be stylish, travelling in a way that will make others envious?
How will you use your mobility scooter?
This questions always appears with every customer that considers buying mobility scooter in 2021. The best way to answer it would be by providing you a great way to narrow your choices. Once you settle on the type, the rest is just a matter of features that are to your liking.
Mobility scooters for sale in 2021
If you are looking for cheap and affordable transport then this would be your pick. A class-2 mobility scooter like ZT16 is perfect for daily trips to shop or park. If you live in an area where you will be riding on pavement, then this is a perfect choice. People who first start to search for a scooter, just want something to help them get their mobility back, be easy to operate and won’t cost too much.
Class-2 scooters are great, because they can be usually folded in some way or have some pieces removed without usage of any tools. This makes them easier to store or transport. If you want to use this kind of vehicle somewhere far away, you can usually assemble them back at the desired location and go about your way.
Perfect if you look for something more heavy duty. A full-size Class-3 mobility scooter is a great choice for everyone. While they aren’t possible to disassemble, there is no need to do so. With full homologation, they can go on both pavement and road. This makes them a perfect replacement for cars.
It’s not uncommon for some of those to be considered mini-cars as on average, they can easily reach 45 miles per charge. With storage under the seat and a lockbox or basket in the back, they can carry lots of things for the user.
Some people who have hidden disabilities or just worry about how others might view them, make this choice. A stylish mobility scooter’s purpose is to not look like a mobility aid, while still being one. With a valid medical certificate, they are usually an object of envy from many pedestrians.
Anyone worried about their own public presence, will find this choice the best one. Of course, it is not all about looks, as those scooters usually come with all great features. You should definitely consider this option if you are buying mobility scooter in 2021.
Using the electric scooter
First thing to do when the scooter is delivered
Try it first, on a flat surface and in areas free of traffic. Getting a proper feel for the controls and gaining confidence is the first step. Switch it on, practice acceleration, deceleration, braking and turning. A good way is to test how the scooter deals with curbs as well.
Make sure that the vehicle doesn’t hold any secrets and that you know how to fully operate it. Learn how to adjust the mobility scooter seat and how to get on and off without assistance.
That out of the way, it is vital to find a suitable place to store this vehicle when it’s not in use. A small scooter might be easy to keep indoors, but otherwise a garage or shed might be more convenient. Always make sure that you have a power outlet because you might need to recharge it.
Do not forget servicing as this allows you to keep the scooter at optimum level. The manufacturer might also have great tips and tricks on how to maintain the mobility scooter longevity, so don’t be shy to ask or check their blog!
Charging the electric scooter
Always make sure to check the battery level before going out. If you think a recharge is needed, do as follows:
- Turn the power switch to the OFF position
- Connect charger to charging port off the scooter and the other end to power outlet.
- When you see the orange or red LED light, it is a n indication that the charging ins in progress
- The LED will turn into green colour once the battery is fully charged.
- Do not leave the vehicle charging if the battery is full. Disconnect the vehicle from the port and then from the power outlet.
Stay on the safe side when using a mobility scooter
As mentioned before, make sure the battery is fully charged. Afterwards, look if all storages and seats are properly secured in place. As with any vehicle, avoid using a mobility scooter if you are feeling sick or tired.
Stay visible to other cars and pedestrians when you are riding. All scooters have lights so never forget to use them.
Try not to overload your vehicle with bags and accessories. It might seem cool, but too many items might obstruct view or ability to control the vehicle.
Before going on a journey, always plan a route to know where you are going. It’s best to avoid busy roads or too narrow pavements.
How to research the best brands offer mobility scooters for sale?
At this time, you can find numerous brands that offer to you an option of buying mobility scooter in 2021. However, the best stand out there from the crowd. It is a good practice to consider things like warranties, return policies and shipping policies.
We believe that if you are making research, always make sure the brand is clear on where the product and its parts are manufactured. If you are unable to get proper information, it might point to products being manufactured in places that cannot guarantee good quality.
Another thing to consider is to check if the brand you want to purchase is part of a bigger seller network. Obviously, a local seller with no named manufacturer and no connection to other companies won’t be very trustworthy. For example, Velobike is a part of the Veleco Authorized Reseller Network and apart from us, many other companies can vouch for the Polish manufacturer of our products and their parts. This is the best confirmation of quality.
In short: Always check if external companies can vouch for credibility of the place you wish to purchase from. If a company seems shady or doesn’t want to provide clear information where their products come from, avoid it.
Three vs four wheel scooter?
So, you know what type and brand of mobility scooter you wish to purchase? Great job, now you need to decide for the most vital aspect. Based on your height or weight, you might decide between maneuverability and stability. Obviously, a four wheel model will feel more secure to you than a three wheeler. However, no need to worry. Both are from a medical aid which means that neither will topple over. A three wheel scooter will be able to manage more difficult curves while a four wheel will offer higher ease of mind, especially for first time users.
Available options and accessories
Once you narrow down models that you feel are the best mobility scooters, you should definitely check options and accessories. Many mobility scooters will have upgrades, which will personalize the vehicle further for you.
The most common option to be found in stores is choice of a battery type. Lead-Acid or Lithium-Ion are comparable, with the difference that a lithium-ion can be removed and charged at home. A word of caution though, as those who wish to travel on a plane might face difficulties if their scooter comes with lithium-ion option. Some airlines don’t allow those on their aircrafts.
Lots of mobility scooters have also different accessories, such as canopies, phone holders, cup holders, oxygen tank holders, cane or walking stick holders. Some scooters that might seem cheap in stores can only be upgraded with dedicated accessories which cost a lot.
If you have found a mobility scooter that you like, always check the page for accessories and available options. Even if you don’t see what you would like though, always ask the seller as they might have something just for you.
Before you decide buying mobility scooter in 2021
The last thing to do is to make sure that your source of mobility scooter deals directly with the manufacturer and offers secure payment options. This way you can be sure that you get a good warranty and that technical support at a good and affordable price. Since such products can be considered luxury goods, many opt to purchase mobility scooters on finance. Smart sellers will usually work with a popular and well known company like Klarna, that will handle finance option securely for you. Of course to make sure you will pass the credit score check, it is best to set up a higher first deposit. What to do in case you won’t get a possibility to purchase on finance? Get in touch with the seller, as most of them will do everything in their might to help you get their product!
You are ready to purchase now
We have shared what we could with you and really hope this will make a purchase easier and more secure for you! If this guide helps you find the right choice, it means we did something awesome! If you consider one of our vehicles, feel free to contact us as we can answer all of your remaining questions and offer professional aid. Here you will find more specialist’s advices.
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At velobike, we always recommend pneumatic air tyres. They are more reliable and offer greater amortization when riding on uneven roads. There is a single exception to this though. For someone who lives in a bigger town with lots of flat surfaces and loves to frequent bars? Definitely solid tyres, as riding on a broken glass isn’t a good choice for any vehicle.
Speaking of charging, a type of battery for a mobility scooter will also be important. There is a recent popular trend in picking the lithium-ion batteries. Sure, their main selling point is that they can be removed and charged at home. Is it worth it though? Only if your garage or the shed where you store the vehicle doesn’t have the electric output. Otherwise, this is just an additional cost for a fancy option that would be highly redundant.
