Mobility Scooter Buying Guide
Use of mobility scooters is on the rise across Australia. Electric mobility vehicles allow people to experience new mobility, every day.
Why are these devices increasing in popularity?
- They are an easy-to-use product for people of all ages.
- They offer an affordable substitute for cars.
- They’ll get you to most of the places you need to go.
- They can be used in conjunction with accessible public transport.
- They are available within a varying price range.
This means that if you or a loved one have declining mobility due to age or a disability, mobility scooters offer a safe and financially viable way to regain your independence.
And, if satisfying your sense of adventure isn’t easily achieved because of your declining health, we also have a range of off-road scooters to fit the bill. These mobility scooters have enough power and speed to take you off the beaten track while still prioritising safety.
Our guide will help you decide what features you should look for in mobility scooters, taking into account your personal health requirements. We’ll also offer some insight as to the practical elements that you may not have considered up until now.
Just to let you know, we offer quick delivery across our entire product range, so you won’t have to wait too long to regain your independence.
What Is a Mobility Scooter?
A mobility scooter is an electric vehicle designed to assist users who are experiencing reduced mobility. They may also be known as electric scooters, motorised scooters, electric mobility aids or travel scooters.
Used by an array of individuals, mobility scooters are widely available and offer those with mobility issues or certain disabilities a way to get around, without having to strain.
Mobility scooters can be purchased across Australia and are also available for rent. You may have spotted electric mobility scooters in public places like supermarkets, shopping centres, tourist attractions and visitor centres – where they are often provided as a shop mobility aid for customers.
The freedom and independence provided with the use of an electric mobility scooter can significantly improve quality of life for those who ride them. Perhaps it’s not surprising that recent studies found using mobility scooters have been shown to improve a person’s social participation and life satisfaction.
At the very least, scooters offer a new means by which you can travel around – but more than that, they are a life-altering product for so many of our customers.
Take it from one of our long-standing customers, Jeff:
I don’t experience any limitations. I haven’t lost my independence. Because, wherever I want to go, the scooter will take me. I love my mobility scooter, it’s a great product.
We have many scooters available, so choosing the right one comes down to the user’s needs. We offer a wide range across the following four categories:
- Travel scooters
- Mid-size scooters
- Travel scooters
- Mid-size scooters
Every scooter can be tailored to fit your individual needs.
There are scooters available for price-conscious users and more luxury designs for those who are looking to invest: we have a scooter for every price range.
With new mobility scooters being introduced all the time across Australia, we now have products to assist users affected by a wide range of health issues.
Who Uses a Mobility Scooter?
There is no single profile of a person who can benefit from using electric mobility scooters, although they’re usually associated with elderly individuals who have mobility issues. Mobility scooters are good for:
- People who may be able to walk short distances but have a condition that affects their overall strength (like a heart condition or chronic illness).
- People who have limited mobility, due to age or disability.
- People who have enough physical and mental capacity to operate them safely.
Children can sometimes use mobility scooters also, but age restrictions apply. You will have to check your local state guidelines as they differ across Australia.
Am I Permitted To Use a Mobility Scooter?
Electric scooters are considered motorised mobility devices, but users of scooters are legally viewed as pedestrians.
Blue Badge Insurance says there are some basic rules that apply across Australia in regards to the use of mobility scooters. These include:
- Only people who have a disability or experience difficulty walking should use mobility scooters.
- Scooters should be limited to 10km per hour on ground level.
- People using mobility scooters are classified as pedestrians and must therefore follow the same road rules as other pedestrians.
- Mobility scooters and equipment must not be driven on the road if there is a footpath or nature strip available.
- It is illegal to ride electric mobility scooters while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- If you plan to use scooters on private property that is not owned by yourself (e.g. a retirement village), you should seek approval from the manager before purchasing.
Along with the rules that apply across Australia, each state and territory has its own stipulations in relation to how scooters should be used in that location.
For the rules applicable to your state, see the following resources:
It’s important to get the right operating information for whichever state you call home.
Is a Mobility Scooter Right for Me?
You may find that your ability to walk reasonable distances is deteriorating, which has led you to sort through your options.
Or your ability to travel is not as good as it used to be, so you want a travel scooter to take along with you.
However, even if you’re permitted to use a mobility scooter, it’s not guaranteed to be suitable for you.
So before obtaining a mobility scooter, it’s important to consider several factors. Ask yourself:
- Would I feel confident driving a mobility scooter?
- Am I able to turn my head to look for pedestrians and traffic?
- Am I able to react quickly and effectively?
Though scooter accidents are rare, they can be dangerous for both the user and others – so you should carefully consider your capabilities of operating one.
If you decide that a mobility scooter is a manageable product for you to use, you can begin to look in more detail at some of the elements you should think about.
Personal Considerations When Buying a Mobility Scooter?
A mobility scooter can be a transformational piece of equipment, enabling people to move around their home and as a travel scooter, not everyone is suitable for one.
When assessing your suitability, these are some important factors:
Eyesight & Hearing
In order to drive a mobility scooter safely, you must have sufficient vision to be able to see, react to and avoid people and obstacles in your path.
If you have any level of vision loss, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that you can:
- Easily identify both stationary and moving objects (like people and bicycles).
- See contrasts in colour and depth (people have been seriously injured by driving down stairwells after mistaking them for shadows on the ground).
- Accurately judge speed and distances, both for yourself and moving objects around you.
- See the power gauges on the equipment.
You should not drive a mobility vehicle if you are severely visually impaired, as the use of a scooter under these circumstances would put yourself and others at risk.
The same applies in some measure to your hearing, as you need a good level of hearing to ensure you are aware of any potential hazards around you.
If you do find that your hearing is deteriorating, you may need to consider hearing accessories to mitigate risk when using mobility equipment.
Your Mobility
Generally speaking, mobility scooters aren’t suitable for people who don’t have the strength or balance to transfer from one position to another or to sit upright unaided. That may include people who need help transferring from a bed to a chair, for example.
This is because you need to have a certain amount of movement and dexterity to operate a mobility scooter safely and effectively.
- Will you be able to get on and off of your mobility scooter safely?
- Are you able to reach out to power the equipment and use the hand controls easily and comfortably?
- Can you sit upright on your scooter, without external supports, and maintain and shift your balance, even over rough terrain?
- Will you be able to confidently travel at speed whilst coming into close contact with passersby?
If you have poor upper body strength and control, you’ll need to think about whether product adaptations are available to support your specific needs.
There are some circumstances where the use of mobility scooters is not possible, which we will provide more information on as we continue.
Mental Capacity and Mobility Scooter Use
While mobility scooters are generally easy to operate, you must be able to learn some new skills and comprehend training information, such as how to power the equipment or service the product, before you begin use.
You must also have the capacity to stay focused while driving, to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Scooters are heavy machines with quite a bit of power and driving them can be dangerous if they are misused.
Before purchasing a mobility scooter you need to make sure that you can:
- Concentrate for extended periods of time.
- React quickly in case of emergency (such as a child running into your path).
- Take on training and service information.
- Be responsible for additional equipment or accessories.
People with reduced mental functioning may not be able to make a realistic judgment about their ability to use mobility equipment safely.
If you have any doubt at all about whether you can safely operate a mobility scooter, you should consult a doctor or specialist before buying any electric mobility products.
Here we outline four examples of when the use of mobility scooters and products must come into question:
Mental Capacity and Mobility Scooter Use
Mobility Scooter Training
Every scooter is slightly different. Whether you’re buying your first one or upgrading to a newer model, it’s vital to know how to use your scooter safely.
Training includes:
- Turning and managing inclines safely
- Emergency stopping
- Safe charging and storage
- Basic maintenance
- Scooter assembly (if you have a portable model)
If you’ll be relying on a carer or family member to help move, store or maintain your scooter, it’s important to bring that person with you to the training.
At Out and About Healthcare, our customer service team would be delighted to help book a demo.
Practical Considerations When Buying A Mobility Scooter
Once you’ve decided that a new mobility scooter is just what you need in your life, there are additional practical factors you need to account for, such as arranging delivery, price and where you will store it.
Proper consideration will ensure that you choose the right products. Not just for your current situation, but also into the future.
Are Mobility Scooters In Your Price Range?
The price of mobility scooters can range from anywhere between $4,000 – $20,000 AUD.
Then there are price variations, depending on the brand, the accessories you choose and any product upgrades you may need.
Price may determine whether you can afford to buy a new mobility product or whether you will get one second hand.
Scooters within certain categories also come with features that may increase price, such as travel scooters which offer compact folding capabilities, or off-roaders that have special suspension options.
It’s best to talk to a professional if you have a budget to assess what features you can afford within your budget.
What Sort Of Funding Options Are Available?
If a mobility scooter is not within your price range, we provide information on several funding options available across Australia.
You can find out about these options under our website FAQ’s: MASS, CAEATI, VOSS, NDIS and SWEP.
Each funding option has their own eligibility requirements but all of them require you to be:
- An Australian citizen.
- A permanent resident with a suitable visa.
What Will You Use Your Mobility Scooter For?
Across Australia, mobility scooters are used for a whole host of reasons.
Taking into account the location where you’ll use the scooter, along with the types of journeys and terrains you will encounter will help you narrow down scooter choices.
Think about how you will use your scooter, as this will help you whittle your choices down to the most suitable products for your needs.
Our specialist fitting team can offer advice on our full range of products.
- Will your scooter be used mainly in and around your home?
- What sort of journeys will you go on? Will they be everyday journeys on mainly smooth terrain, such as trips to the local supermarket or to visit a nearby friend or relative?
- Or will you be using the scooter for days out with (perhaps able-bodied) friends or family?
- Are you hoping to make longer journeys off road, which may require travelling on rougher terrain?
Storing Your Mobility Scooter
You’re going to need somewhere to securely store your scooter so that is safe when you’re not using it. Keeping it locked indoors is your best protection from weather and potential thieves.
Here are some potential storage issues you need to account for:
- If you live in an apartment block or communal living such as a care home, you will need to seek advice from the manager. Mobility scooters can cause obstructions if they are not kept in a sensible place.
- Mobility scooters should ideally be kept inside, but If you need to store your scooter outside, you should consider purchasing a cover for it.
- It is ideal if you can store your scooter in a place that has a power source for battery charging. Although most scooters allow you to remove the battery to charge elsewhere, batteries can be heavy, so this is something you need to think about when and if you dismantle the scooter for transport or storage.
Maintenance Requirements and Costs
Along with the upfront cost for the scooter, you will also need to consider the price associated with maintenance and repairs.
As a good rule of thumb, you should service your scooter once a year. If you use it every day, service once every six months is recommended (in addition to your annual service, it’s probably worthwhile to get your travel scooter serviced before taking it on holidays or long trips).
The price you pay for a service should include:
- Checking and repairing or replacing batteries and battery chargers
- Testing brakes and steering
- Monitoring and, if necessary, replacing tyres.
- Checking and maintaining wheel bearings
- Replacing screws, bolts, fuses and any moving parts as necessary
A regular product service is particularly helpful because it will help to sort any issues before they become major problems
With that being said, no matter how well you maintain your scooter, there will be times when product parts need replacing due to wear and tear or an accident.
All repairs should be conducted by a qualified technician who has experience working with mobility scooters.
Mobility Scooter Batteries
Electric mobility scooters require batteries to operate. They will need to be charged using a standard electric socket.
Mobility scooters will generally have one of three types of battery: lead acid, *lithium batteries, gel cell and AGM.
Generally speaking, mobility scooters need replacement batteries after 12 to 18 months, depending on their type and use.
*Not all lithium batteries are safe for plane travel.
Go here if you want to find out more about battery categories.
Your Future Mobility Scooter Needs
Scooters can last many years, and you want to make sure that you get the most out of your purchase.
To do that, it’s important to consider your needs both today and in the future.
Before purchasing your scooter, think about how your medical condition and lifestyle might change over the next five years.
Future changes to consider include:
- Are you likely to gain or lose weight?
- Will you need to start carrying heavy equipment, such as oxygen bottles?
- Is your mobility, eyesight or cognitive function likely to improve, deteriorate or stay the same?
- Are you planning to move house?
- Are you likely to have lifestyle changes such as starting university, getting a new job or retiring?
- Will you want a travel scooter to take with you on holiday?
What Types of Mobility Scooters Are Available?
There are lots of categories of mobility scooters available for delivery across Australia.
Mobility scooters are therapeutic devices so there’s a lot more to consider than just the way they look or their price.
You need to think about other points such as your weight, height and whether you’ll be needing assistance to assemble it. That will determine what category of scooter you choose.
Let’s get into our extensive range of mobility scooters.
We’ve broken it down into four categories. The products within each category are designed to suit specific requirements.
Portable Mobility Scooter
Ideal for: Travel
Travel distance: Up to 15km
Weight: Between 17kg – 24kg
Terrain suitability: Varies – predominantly smooth
Within the category of portable mobility scooters, you’ll find our scooters that are perfect for travel.
The Heartway brand makes scooters that are compact, lightweight and very easy to use.
With the ability to fold neatly into a compact size, these scooters fit easily into the boot of a car. They can also be taken on a boat, a plane, and public transport. They can come with extra accessories or products too.
General product features:
- Weight: between 115kg - 125kg
- Lightweight
- Very compact
- Folds automatically or manually in seconds
- Easily removable battery
- Swivel seat options
Our Wide Range Of Portable Mobility Scooters — Ideal For Travel
Mid-size Mobility Scooter
Ideal for: Quick trips
Travel distance: Up to 30km
Terrain suitability: Diverse
Within the category of portable mobility scooters, you’ll find our scooters that are perfect for travel.
The Heartway brand makes scooters that are compact, lightweight and very easy to use.
With the ability to fold neatly into a compact size, these scooters fit easily into the boot of a car. They can also be taken on a boat, a plane, and public transport. They can come with extra accessories or products too.
General product features:
- Swivel seat
- Pneumatic tyres
- Rear suspension
- Front & rear basket options
Our Mid-Size Mobility Scooters — Ideal For Quick Trips
Large Mobility Scooter
Ideal for: Travelling long distances
Travel distance: Up to 50km
Weight max: Up to 200kg
Terrain suitability: Semi-all terrain
With a scooter from the large range category, you can easily travel to the shopping centre, take your dog for a walk, or head to your local waterfront.
These mobility scooters have been designed for comfort over longer distances and they have a variety of accessories to make the trip even better.
In this range, you will find several products that offer different results, including a golf mobility scooter – perfect for long days on the golf course.
General product features:
- Captain seats for comfort
- Large rear tyres for semi terrain travel
- Double A-Arm suspension
- Digital display panel
Our Large Mobility Scooters — Ideal For Longer Distances
Off-Road Mobility Scooter
Ideal for: Beach or bush, travelling long distances
Travel distance: Up to 50km
Weight max: Up to 200kg
Terrain suitability: Heavy duty, semi-all terrain
Our off-road range is for those who won’t let their health affect their dare-devil attitude. Buying one of these three mobility scooters means you don’t have to miss out on days at the beach or exploring the bush.
They have been designed for comfort over rough terrain distances, and have a variety of accessories to maximise the ride. Users rave about the results they see with the suspension options that come with these products too.
General product features:
- Captain seats for comfort
- Large rear tyres for semi terrain travel
- Special suspension
Our Off-Road Mobility Scooters — Ideal For Adventures
The three off-road mobility scooters we have are our most heavy-duty products.
If you would like to find out more about the products within these categories, including the brand and price, get in touch.
We can arrange fast delivery of our full range of scooters and products across all categories to most areas in Australia, with options for overseas delivery too.
Features of Mobility Scooters
There are many features available on our wide range of mobility scooters, all designed to increase comfort and safety when using the scooter.
Let’s highlight some of the specific features you will find across our product range:
Swivel Seat
This seat option makes for easy transfer on and off electric mobility scooters. It offers several benefits:
- Locks into position so it's secure when you get on and off
- Swivels in 45 degree increments for supportive turning movement
- Allows the user to get closer to tables and shopping carts (without having to leave the seat)
- Comes with a deluxe option for extra comfort
The swivel seat is available for the Zen, Brio and Verve ranges.
Auto Fold
With the press of a button, the scooter will fold quickly and neatly into a compact size.
- Easy to store as it folds so compactly
- Quick and effortless transfer to the car for storage
- Great for people with limited movement in the back and hips
- Particularly helpful for travel scooters
- Available for the Easy Move, Brio and Verve ranges
Pneumatic Tyres
Airtight inner core so the air pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure, meaning the tyre remains fully inflated despite the weight it carries. This feature:
- Provides resistance against impact.
- Offers cushioning whilst driving.
- Provides traction from the thicker tread so that it performs well on uneven surfaces.
- Is available for the Verve, Aviator and Vita ranges.
Automatic Speed Reduction
- Scooter slows down when driving around corners
- Reduces the risk of tipping
- Available for the Verve, Brio and Easy Move ranges
Anti-Rollback Safety System
- Prevents you from rolling back on a slope
- Works both in motion and when stopped
- Stabilises scooter when coming on and off
- Works on both small slopes and steep inclines
- Available for the Verve, Brio and Easy Move ranges
Indigo Suspension
- Designed for optimum stability on all of the portable designs
- Keeps all 4 wheels on the ground, over all terrain
- Available for the Verve, Brio and Easy Move ranges
Double Wishbone Suspension
- Shocks are isolated to the contacted wheel so that the wheel alignment is not affected
- Responsive to all different surfaces
- Absorbs force from driving, improving comfort as a consequence
Electromagnetic Braking System
- Fast breaking even at fast speeds
- Less wear on the brakes
- Easy to activate
Fold-up Armrests
- Armrests that can be raised or turned in order to provide easier access
Tilting Steering Column
- The tiller (or steering column) can tilt forward to provide more space
- Can be lowered or heightened to your desired level
Extra Seat Support
- A padded and contoured seat and backrest will provide comfort and help you to maintain a good posture when in motion
- An adjustable backrest means you have the ability to vary seat height
If you’re looking for some advice on scooter features, our customer service team will be very happy to help you.
Mobility Scooter Accessories
Once you’ve decided on the features you’d like your mobility scooter to have, you can add some optional extras. We have a range of products available, with the intention of optimising your user experience and preparing you for the safest and most comfortable scooter rides.
These include:
- Can holder
- Front and rear baskets
- Shopping cart
- Oxygen tank holder
- Travel cover
- Safety flag
- Sun canopy
- USB charger
Get In Touch Today
Across our four scooter categories, we’re sure there is a product suited to your personal needs.
If you’re still not sure, we can help you decide.
Whichever scooter you decide on, we offer fast delivery options and dedicated customer service.
