Best Folding Mobility Scooters
Best Folding Mobility Scooters
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Mobility and independence is key to aging in place. Folding mobility scooters are an ideal choice for seniors who like to travel and live an active lifestyle. This type of scooter is easy to transport in a passenger vehicle since it either folds completely or allows for quick and easy disassembly.
We explored an array of these scooters to narrow down the choices for you and came up with three of the best folding mobility scooters.
How We Found the Best Folding Mobility Scooters
Folding Mobility Scooters We Reviewed:
- Pride Go-Go Folding Scooter
- MiniRider Folding Compact Mobility Scooter
- EV Rider Transport Folding Travel Electric Mobility Scooter
Features & Specs
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Top speed: Four miles per hour
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Drive range: 9.3 miles
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Weight capacity: 250 pounds
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Turning radius: 32 inches
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Ground clearance: 2.3 inches
Pros
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Rotates easily in small spaces
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Seniors can learn to operate the scooter quickly
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The scooter folds easily and goes into most vehicles for transport
Cons
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Limited leg room for taller people
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The standard seat is not very comfortable
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Not suitable for a bariatric senior
The Pride Go-Go Folding Scooter folds up quickly without any need to disassemble the parts. Seniors can choose between battery options: the standard included battery will travel up to just over 9 miles per charge, while the optional Lithium battery (additional fee) travels up to 12.5 miles per charge. You charge them off board, and both are light-weight.
This scooter is ideal for most environments due to its tight turning radius and relatively small size. It drives over most surfaces smoothly. Seniors can easily steer and operate the controls, even if they have arthritis or neuropathy in their hands.
The sides of the Pride Go-Go features anti-tippers, providing additional stability to the scooter when in motion.
Our Verdict
This scooter has taillights and headlights, folds up to be very compact, and offers a high level of stability.
MiniRider Folding Mobility Scooter
EV Rider MiniRider Folding is a compact mobility scooter, Indoor/Outdoor use, Easy Pull Throttle, Key Ignition and Battery Gauge- Blue, Bundled with Outdoors Equipments 1-Year Extended Warranty
Price not available
Features and Specifications
Pros
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Easily fits into most car trunks
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You can replace the armrests for greater comfort
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Seniors can learn to operate this scooter quickly
Cons
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May not accommodate tall seniors
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May become uncomfortable on long rides
The MiniRider Folding Mobility Scooter is a solid choice for seniors who want a lightweight scooter. It comes with a removable battery pack and offers roughly 9 miles per charge. It can be driven on multiple surface types, from smooth pavement to thick carpeting without issue.
The electromagnetic brakes are relatively easy for seniors to use, even if they have arthritis in their hands. There is a control level that presses and releases with little effort to control the speed.
The frame is aluminum. This material prevents rusting with extended use. The anti-tip wheels add extra safety and stability to this scooter when you are driving. The rear wheels propel the scooter due to the drive system.
Our Verdict
This scooter folds fully, it has an automatic braking system and has puncture-proof tires.
EV Rider Transport Folding Travel Electric Mobility Scooter
EV Rider Transport Plus – Manual Folding Scooter Power Mobility (SeaFoam Blue)
Features and Specifications
- Armrests are not included but can be purchased separately.
- Ready for transport and easily folded, the Transport Scooter is perfect for the active traveller. Disassembly is a snap, this foldable scooter was designed for your active lifestyle
- Easy to lug around at home, hotels or airports, Can be stowed upright in any closet or corner, powered by SLA Batteries making it airline safe.
- Powerful 270 Watt 4-pole motor, Articulated front end adds to greater stability, LED Headlight; Height adjustable tiller; Key ignition; Dual hand two way throttle control
- It features a 10 to 15-mile range per full charge, with a lighting package that includes front and rear lights.
Pros
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The scooter folds easily and fits into most cars
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Relatively narrow making it easy to move around small spaces
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May become uncomfortable on long rides
Cons
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Battery life appears shorter than the manufacturer states
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Rougher surfaces may take more battery life
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Might be too heavy for some seniors to lift into a vehicle
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Not suitable for tall or bariatric seniors
The EV Rider Transport Folding Travel Electric Mobility Scooter folds up to a very compact size which allows seniors to fit the scooter into most cars without an issue.
The seat features a high-density foam cushion to help absorb shock as you are driving the scooter. The backrest offers additional support.
It takes approximately four to six hours to charge the batteries and is reported to offer a 10 to 15 mile travel range per charge. The scooter is rear-wheel drive. This feature helps the scooter to move easily even on small inclines.
Seniors typically find the electromagnetic brake easy to operate even if they have limited hand dexterity.
Our Verdict
This scooter folds fully, it disassembles easily, and the design is ideal for very active seniors.
Get Help From Home Care Professionals
Remove the stress of learning how to use new mobility equipment. Professional home care providers will keep you moving with ease.
What to Consider When Buying Folding Mobility Scooters
Before buying a folding mobility scooter, there are several factors to consider. Keeping these in mind helps to ensure that seniors make the best choice for their mobility and independence.
Weight Capacity
This type of scooter typically accommodates 250 to 350 pounds on average. The design is for portability, so they usually are best for those who are lighter. Weigh yourself before buying a scooter to ensure that you make the right weight capacity choice.
Traveling Distance
These scooters are ideal for those who want to take their scooter with them for errands, shopping, and other similar tasks. These generally have a traveling distance of about nine miles on a single battery charge.
If you are going somewhere that will require extensive traveling you might consider getting a backup battery. You can have someone carry this for you, or if the battery is small enough, it may tuck into a basket on your scooter.
Maneuverability
You want to make sure that your scooter can easily maneuver around the environments where you will use the scooter. For example, if your home is relatively small, look for a scooter that has a tight turning radius. This ability makes it possible to get through doorways and around tight corners with ease.
Seating Options
If you rely on your scooter to get around most of the time, you need a seat that is going to be comfortable. You may consider upgrading to one that has more padding. You might also look into padding accessories, such as pillows that tie onto the seat, for additional comfort.
Assembly And Portability
Seniors should make sure that they can fold and unfold this scooter easily. This feature is especially important if you are mostly independent and will not have help to tackle this for you when you are leaving your home.
You also want to ensure that you can lift your scooter when you fold it. This ability is essential for you to be able to get the scooter in and out of your vehicle.
Driving Environment
This type of scooter is best for environments with smooth surfaces. The wheels that come on folding scooters will not scratch the floors in your home or leave marks. They also glide over click carpet with ease so that you do not get stuck.
If you drive outdoors frequently, you might consider looking for a folding scooter with bigger wheels. This feature will make it easier to traverse bumpy terrain with less bumpiness.
Wheels
This type of scooter usually has smaller wheels. This feature makes them a better choice for smooth surfaces, such as those at home or in a store.
When you are riding around outside, you may find that the wheels do not absorb shock well. This issue could result in a bumpy ride for seniors.
Accessories And Options
You can often add additional options and accessories to your scooter to make it more personalized and convenient. For example, some scooters allow you to upgrade to a battery that has a longer life.
If you spend a lot of time in your scooter, or you often drive it outdoors, you may consider upgrading to a seat with more padding. This feature will provide more comfort as you move around on your scooter. Other common options and accessories include:
- Crutch or cane holders
- Sidearm bags for extra storage
- Cup holders
- Oxygen tank holders
Summary
Take advantage of this information to get all of the knowledge you need to find the perfect folding mobility scooter. Seniors who have a scooter can maintain their independence and enjoy traveling more.
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