When choosing your scooter it is important to choose one that will provide you with enough power and battery capacity to serve the purposes you need it for so you must take into consideration issues such as convenience, comfort, seat adjust-ability, the amount you will use it and its ability to suit your daily needs if you have a specific disability or need to travel a certain distance each time you use it. If you wish to use it in an off road situation you will also need to check issues such as ground clearance to make sure it is able to do this. It may also be a good idea to try out several makes and models before making your final choice as well as checking the supplier’s insurance procedures and warranty options.

There are a large number of Electric Mobility Scooter Manufacturers with many providing a wide range of scooters that have differing functions and characteristics with some having three wheels and others four. Typically most scooters have rotating adjustable seats and carry baskets to keep various items and belongings in.

As a result of the huge variety and ranges of mobility scooters available today prices do vary quite substantially. There are a number of different functions that can be performed by a scooter which may affect the price range.

When choosing the correct scooter you must take into account issues such as battery capacity, weight capacity, speed, seat adjust-ability and comfort and find a suitable model that falls within your budget and provides the best possible value for money whilst caring for your individual needs and requirements.

When choosing your scooter you should take the following into consideration:

·         Know all of your needs and requirements and how they can be satisfied by your choice of scooter.

·         Purchase one designed for indoor or outdoor use depending on where you intend to use it.

·         Check the adjust-ability/height of the seat on the scooter to ensure you are able to get on-board it in an easy and pain free manner and that it is comfortable when in use.

·         Check the dimensions of the doorways and ramps in and around your house and the ability to turn around in the space you have to make sure all areas are accessible on the scooter you purchase.

·         Check the battery capacity and whether the scooter has enough power to cover the distances required.

·         Check that the scooters weight capacity is greater than your own weight to ensure that you are able to use it without causing damage.

·         Make sure you have a suitably sized area to store your scooter away from damp, cold and dusty conditions to avoid any damage to the electrical components and batteries.

Simpler electric power chairs operate simply using just a pair of standard deep cycle batteries and a joystick and are usually priced at the bottom end of the market (>£1500). More technical models use microprocessors and robotic circuitry which allow them to elevate themselves and travel up stairs. These more technical models with more sophisticated motors are usually priced towards the top end of the market due to their ability to perform more functions and requirements for the user (Up to £20.000).

Typical prices from a respected dealer for an average power chair are usually between £4,000-£5,000. Be sure to ask questions and compare prices before purchasing.

You must again be careful when purchasing a power chair to make sure you do plenty of research to find the correct model for you and if buying second hand you must check for potential problems such as old, worn out motors and faulty batteries. It is a good idea to buy a power chair from a licensed dealer who will offer you a warranty and or insurance cover.

Electric wheelchairs come in rear or mid wheel drive varieties.

Rear wheel drive chairs have good speeds but sometimes changing direction may be difficult whereas mid wheel drive chairs are easier to turn but may be more unsteady if subjected to sudden stops and starts as well as being slower.

Shoprider Altea 3 Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Altea 3 is the 3 wheel version of the Altea 4, it gives you the same compact design and easy to dismantle, the diffence with this scooter is that with only having one wheel t the front gives you extra legroom to stretch your legs out.

Shoprider Capri Mobility Scooter| Comfortable seat with armrests. Detachable battery pack. Adjustable angle footrests. Large basket. Easy to dismantle. Available in two colours. Adjustable tiller (2 options).

Shoprider Whisper Mobility Scooter| Fits into the smallest car boot. Removable battery pack. Puncture proof tyres. Choice of colours.

Shoprider Cameo 3 Mobility Scooter| Twin front wheels for improved manoeuverability. Detachable battery pack. Easy to remove detachable panels. Swivel seat and flip-up arms. Separates easily.

Shoprider Cameo 4 Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Cameo comes with a detachable battery pack, with this being a small scooter is makes it easy to dismantle. Revolutionary easy to remove detachable panels, which comes with the scooter,so you have the choice of 3 different colours. With a swivel seat and flip-up arms, its perfect for those shopping trips.

Shoprider Napoli Mobility Scooter|  Comfortable seat with armrests. Detachable battery pack. Angle adjustable footrests. Large carrying basket. Easy to dismantle. 230mm front pneumatic tyre. 280mm rear pneumatic tyres. Adjustable tiller. Battery Charger. Frame in Metallic blue or red Specifications. Length 940-1020mm. Width 430mm. Height 870mm. Seat height 460-510mm. Safe Climbing Angle 8 Degrees. Max User Weight 90kgs/200lbs. Battery Size 2x12v 12AH sealed. Range 12 Miles (Max). Weight with Batteries 33kgs. Weight less battery pack and seat 18kgs. Heaviest Part 11.2kgs. Max Speed 6.5kph (4mph)

Shoprider Sovereign Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Sovereign 4 is one of our most popular models providing excellent all-round ability, if you are looking for a reliable scooter that will never let you down then this is the best 4 mph on the market. The 10″ (25.4cm) pneumatic tyres provide extra cushioning from rough surfaces, also for extra comfort you can upgrade the seat to a full captains seat which gives you the full back support you need. It can be dismantled occasionally without tools for transportation. Also this scooter benefits from a detachable fold down lockable 4 position swivel seat with forward, back and height adjustment. With a range of 20 miles and speed of 4 mph this scooter offers everything you need to keep moving.

Shoprider Monaco Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Monaco is regarded to be the big sister of the Wispa, with a more luxurious seat and wider stance for increased stability. The Monaco has excellent manoeuvrability and once dismantled can fit into the smallest of storage spaces.

Shoprider Paris Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Paris is an excellant car boot scooter which has the benefit of 16 miles to a full charger which makes it different from other car boot scooters, with a maximum user weight of 21st and 4mph this is a fantastic scooter with a full seat – lockable four position swivel, which does 360 degrees and fold down back rest. Available in two colours – Burgundy and Charcoal. Multi-adjustable tiller angle. Height and width adjustable arms. Dismantles for storage and transportation. What more could you ask for.

Shoprider Superlite 4 Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Super Lite 4 offers a degree of stability not available with other lightweight scooters. It has 4 wheels, is easy to handle, and is easily transported or stored. It comes with twin front baskets for those who love to shop! Weight when disassembled is 24kgs(53lbs or 3.7 stone)

Shoprider Lyon Mobility Scooter| The New Shoprider scooter the Lyon is a good all round scooter that will give you everything you are looking for in a scooter.

Shoprider Sovereign 3 Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Sovereign 3 as the same excellant rating as the Sovereign 4, both these scooters will take some beating, having been around for a long time they just keep going, with an excellant turning radius making them small tight spaces very easy to get through, an ideal scooter for those shopping aisles then this is the scooter for you, also can be dismantled to take with you on all those shopping trips.

Shoprider Valencia Mobility Scooter| The NEW Shoprider Valencia is the latest of the Shoprider scooters to be added to the range of there scooters. This scooter is the new model for 2009, with easy way to dismatle it without tools, and it comes with an extra padded seat for comfort.

Shoprider Deluxe Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Deluxe is the larger version of the Shoprider Sovereign with a bit more room for your legs and a abit bigger scooter, it will dismantle for storage and transportation if required. it comes with full lighting package of front and rear lights. With a large comfortable sliding/swivel seat, and a tiller with 5 position adjustment so you get the best and comfortable ride, with large profile tyres also helps on terrain that you might face.

Shoprider Perez Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Perez is the little brother of the Cadiz. With 10? (25.4cm)pneumatic tyred wheels and its own suspension you get a very comfortable ride. It has indicator lights and is limited to 4mph.

Shoprider Cadiz Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Cadiz is with out a shadow of doubt the best around 8 mph scooter on the market, it is a very properly scooter with the comfort of all round suspension and a nice big captains seat it offers everything you need, with a range of 25miles to a full charge makes any journey very pleasant. With large wheels front and rear going over any terrain that you might come across makes it a breeze. This scooter is highly recommended by Factory Outlet Scooters has a very very outstanding scooter. This scooter also comes in black which is an extra £ 125.00 on the advertised price.

Shoprider Perrero Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Perrero is a 6mph scooter, it is very stylish and compact also with a very impression captain seat and full suspension that makes them long journey a real pleasure, it benefits from narrow alloy wheels making it stand out from any other 6mph scooter on the market, with any Shoprider scooter you get absolute quality and this is no exception.

Shoprider Torino Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Torino scooter was designed in response to many requests from persons who are larger in statue than average and this attractive and heavy duty scooter was the result of the many hours of research and testing by Shoprider. This very manoeuvrable three wheeled scooter has a two horse power motor enabling it to propel greater weights with ease. It is fitted with a very comfortable 22in wide Captain Seat. In addition to having 13in pneumatic tyred wheels the Torino is fitted with suspension to ensure that a comfortable ride is available. To conform to class 3 regulations it is supplied with a full light set, including indicators and hazard flashers. A horn and brake are also fitted as standard equipment, with out a shadow of doubt the is the ultimate 3 wheel scooter on the market.

Shoprider Cordoba Mobility Scooter| The latest luxury scooter from Shoprider offers many extra refinements not found on other models; 14in Mag Wheels, Buttoned Back Fully Adjustable Captain Seat, Wood Effect Delta Handle with Handbrake and Full Lighting Package This scooter is a class above and you wont be disappointed. With a range of 35 miles to a full charger this is luxury at the maximum with suspension all round what a joy to ride for them summer days.

Shoprider Monza Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Monza has been the leading class 3 scooter in the UK for many years. It is fitted with a full lights set, indicators and horn. It has variable speeds of 4mph or 8mph. It comes with a front basket and is excellent value for money.

Shoprider Milan Mobility Scooter| The Shoprider Milan has speed settings of 4 mph or 8 mph which can be selected by the flick of a switch. It has a full set of lights and indicators, full suspension and with 13? tyred wheels it provides the user with a superb ride.

Shoprider Traveso Mobility Scooter| This Shoprider Traveso looks like a scooter which could be classed as a car, and thats what it is, comes with sleek body work and stylish curves this is the only scooter on the market like it.

Test the scooter and make sure there are no jerky movements or any other issues. The major concern when buying a used scooter is the batteries. If batteries have been left uncharged and in a discharged state for a long period of time they may well be damaged and will need to be replaced it may even pay you to ask the supplier for a quote to fit new batteries or do some research with various companies into how much replacement batteries are liable to cost and what the best procedures are for looking after batteries as far as charging and maintenance are concerned to ensure that they last as long as possible before you need to replace them again.(You should always charge a deep cycle lead acid or GEL battery after every use (Even if you have only popped down to the shop 2 minutes away) and never run them totally flat as this will severely damage them and shorten their lifespan.  Also make sure that the scooter has been stored in a dry environment and preferably indoors as damp and moisture can really cause problems with internal electrics in the scooter.

The Electric mobility scooter allows you to join friends and family members on walks and outdoor activities or to go independently to your local shops and shopping centres enabling freedom of choice and movement without having to rely on others.

Your scooter will provide you with pain free mobility and preserve your energy while on visits to friends, grandchildren or whilst on shopping trips whilst providing space to store and transport essential items needed by you.

You will need to take proper care and attention as well as carrying out detailed research when choosing the correct scooter for you. You may research various companies via the internet or by telephoning them directly to get a feel for the company and to see if they can offer you any help and advice and what they offer you in terms of warranty’s, insurance and battery guarantees.  Mobility scooters come in a number of shapes and sizes, some are front wheel drive, some are rear wheel drive and there are many different types of batteries in terms of size and capacity used to power the wide range of Electric mobility scooters available today so be sure to choose a make and model that is best suited to you and your requirements.

Be sure to take into consideration issues such as seat height and adjustability, battery power and capacity and how far the scooter can travel and at what speed. You may also need to check that the scooter has the weight capacity to carry a person of your weight. Be sure to make sure that the product you are considering is comfortable and do not be afraid to ask about testing it before you buy.

As an example a smaller, more lightweight scooter may be better suited for elderly persons as these are often able to be folded up and transported in the back of cars, vans etc to allow you to travel longer distances to places with friends and family and allow you to retain your own independence and mobility when you get there.

It is wise to check with the supplier which companies and which insurance policies are best suited to your scooter and whether they provide their own insurance policy. You must also check that your insurance policy covers you for every possible event or mishap so be sure to research various companies and the policies they offer to find the correct one to suit your needs.

As a general rule, if you are going to use your scooter outside and in public places it is a good idea to invest in insurance so that if you have an accident involving yourself or another member of the public you are protected and have sufficient cover if they were to pursue legal action.

Other options include holders for umbrellas’ walking sticks, oxygen tanks, sun shades, shopping baskets, lightweight aluminium ramps for access to vehicles and buildings etc all of which can be provided by the manufacturer or specialist suppliers.

If your scooter is uncomfortable when travelling over rutted, bumpy ground you are now able to purchase pneumatic tyres which are filled with air similar to car tyres which allow for a much smoother ride than a solid rubber tyre.

The more heavy duty accessories include ramps to allow easy access for most areas and lifts and hoists that can be built into the back of vans or minibuses to allow larger, heavier duty scooters to be transported by a person on day trips and other outings.

There are a great many suppliers of accessories for mobility scooters whether you are looking to add new batteries or a shopping basket or even purchasing ramps to custom fit your home. Make sure that you search around either over the internet or contact retailers directly by telephone to find the correct items for you at the best price whilst also checking out the respectability of the supplier and where you will stand if you encounter a problem and need to claim under warranty or through your insurance.

Again there are several options to consider when choosing a scooter. Some are light and fold-able with smaller batteries for mobility solutions indoors or over shorter distances whereas others are much larger, cover much longer distances at greater speed and have larger, higher capacity batteries to allow this to happen.

Most scooters have carry baskets either fitted or available for purchase as an accessory for a student’s books, files and folders and other necessary items.

Issues such as weight capacity, Battery capacity, and size of the scooter itself must again be taken into consideration by a student. The scooter you choose must have the battery capacity and weight capacity to allow you to move between classrooms, canteens etc. for the entire period you are at school or college each day before being recharged whilst being of a size that is able to fit through doorways into classrooms and up and down access ramps into buildings.

When selecting the correct scooter for you the student it is advisable for you to choose one that has a carry basket for books etc. and has a seat that is comfortable and easy to adjust as you will be on board your scooter for long periods of time. You will also have to consider the distance you will be travelling each day to allow you to select a scooter with enough battery capacity to do this comfortably.

Often the mobility scooters that are best suited for a student are from the medium to heavy duty ranges in order to provide the battery life and speed and frequency of movement over longer periods of time and distances. A suitable insurance policy is also advisable as you are likely to be using your scooter for field trips outside and away from campus and sometimes in busy/crowded areas.

In the current financial climate price may also be an issue for you so do not be afraid to shop around to find a scooter that suits all of your needs and is within your allocated budget. Second hand scooters may be worth investigating further so you do not feel like you have to go for a smaller cheaper model that may not meet all of your requirements.

When choosing your scooter you should:

·         Know all of your needs and requirements and how they can be satisfied by your choice of scooter.

·         Purchase one designed for indoor or outdoor use depending on where you intend to use it.

·         Check the adjustability/height of the seat on the scooter to ensure you are able to get onboard it in an easy and pain free manner and that it is comfortable when in use.

·         Check the dimensions of the doorways and ramps in and around your house and the ability to turn around in the space you have to make sure all areas are accessible on the scooter you purchase.

·         Check the battery capacity and whether the scooter has enough power to cover the distances required.

·         Check that the scooters weight capacity is greater than your own weight to ensure that you are able to use it without causing damage.

·         Make sure you have a suitably sized area to store your scooter away from damp, cold and dusty conditions to avoid any damage to the electrical components and batteries.

Many scooters have padded swivel seats to allow comfort and easy access when the handlebars restrict the ability to easily board it and also have a flat comfortable area for the user to rest their feet during use. A tiller allows for easy control of speed and switches, thumb paddles or finger controls allow for excellent manoeuvrability in all directions.

Electric Mobility Scooters come in both 3 and 4 wheel varieties and many have rotating and adjustable seats as well as carry baskets for shopping and other necessary items.

Rear wheel drive scooters (RD) allow use in both internal and external areas and usually the load capacity ranges between 300-500 pounds.

Front wheel drive scooters (FD) are usually smaller than RD models and are ideal for indoor use usually with a maximum capacity of 250 pounds.

If you are unable to afford a mobility scooter of your own there are a great many shopping centres and tourist centres with scooters available for hire for your convenience.

Electric mobility scooters can also be used by those who are temporarily disabled as a result of operations or illness allowing them to remain mobile for this period and able to do any jobs or chores they wish to.

As Electric Scooters require a pair of rechargeable batteries to operate they are significantly heavier than their manual equivalent but on a positive note provide easier movement over longer distances and hillier terrain.

The degree of complexity in an electric mobility scooter is often reflected in the price. Scooters can range from anywhere between £1,500 – £15,000 brand new.

Mobility scooters are a great way of improving a person’s quality of life. The huge variation in designs, makes and models means that there is always something available to suit a person’s specific needs whether they are being able to join in on outings with family or friends or able to make a shopping trip or some other form or journey independently.