Electric scooters, also
known as mobility scooters, have become a common site at malls, amusement
parks, and practically any public area. They are the choice mode of
transportation for those who have difficulty standing or walking long
distances. If you are shopping for a new electric scooter, then you
have no doubt seen the variety of different types and models that
are on the market today. From portable travel
that fit in the trunk of a car, to larger heavy duty that resemble golf carts, there is a scooter that will fit almost any situation. A good understanding of the different types of mobility available will insure that you purchase the one that will best meet your needs.
Travel are the most affordable type of mobility scooter and are available in both 3 and 4 wheel models, however most come in 3 wheel configurations to make them lighter. Travel electric are perfect for the person that is on the road a lot and needs to take their scooter with them. They can also be disassembled into smaller, lighter pieces to aid in transport. The biggest disadvantage in purchasing a travel scooter is that they generally have a lower weight capacity, and do not come with as many features and options. Battery life may also be significantly lower than that of a full size model.
3 wheel electric are perfect for indoor maneuvering and are the most common type of mobility scooters. They have a tighter turning radius so they are able to turn sharper and get around corners much easier. This makes them well suited for indoor environments such as shopping malls. Unlike their smaller cousin the travel scooter, they are equipped with more powerful batteries capable of staying charged for longer periods of time.
4 wheel mobility can be used both indoors and outdoors but do not have the turning
radius of a 3 wheel scooter. 4 wheel are perfect for outdoor maneuverability where the terrain is not smooth and because it has 4 wheels instead of 3, there is increased stability and traction over the 3 wheel model. Most of the time 4 wheel will also feature larger wheels and a better suspension system just for that purpose. If you will be spending more time driving your electric scooter outdoors then a 4 wheel scooter will definitely benefit you more.
Heavy duty electric generally have higher weight capacities than their counterparts. The weight capacities are usually around 400-500lbs for most HD scooters. On top of having higher weight capacities, heavy duty electric also have wider seats and have a longer chassis to give more leg room. If you are a heavier user, then it will benefit you to pay the extra money up front for a heavy duty model. When considering the weight capacity of a scooter, always make sure that your own weight is at least 20% less than the factory recommended maximum. This will insure that you get the longest possible life out of both the batteries and the electric motor that powers the scooter.
Now that you have an idea of the types of electric
available, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing your next scooter.