Not all scooters are created equal and for that matter, not all are created for the same reason. Consider for a moment a scooter made for someone in San Francisco and someone in Boston. Each city offers vastly different types of terrain. Consider someone who needs a scooter in a small town where sidewalks may not be prevalent or there are more side roads than side walks. What about the person who uses the scooter to travel long distances and the one that wants to go a couple blocks or just for a "scoot" around a park or simply wants to use the scooter in their home.
Some scooters are made for comfort, some for power and speed, some for maneuverability and some are made just to look good. We would love to hear your thoughts about your scooter.
Scooters For "in-home" Use
Scooters that are primarily going to be used in your home need to be easily manueverable. You need to get around furniture, navigate hallways and generally take up as little space as possible. Our recommendation is to look at the 3-wheel scooter. These scooters turn easier with much tighter turning radiuses, they generally weigh less and they are usually smaller in size than a 4 wheel scooter. These scooters can also be run outside on even surfaces so it can tick all the boxes for someone looking for a multi-purpose electric scooter whose primary use will be indoors.
Scooters For "neighbourhood" Use
If you're looking at getting out and about with your scooter and you plan on riding the sidewalks, crossing curbs and generally going almost anywhere, the 4-wheel scooter is generally your best option. The 4-wheel scooter offers much greater stability for curb descents. 4-wheel scooters are often made for recreational use so they are built to tolerate rugged, uneven terrain by offering higher clearance, enhanced suspension and the stability that only 4 wheels can provide.
Scooters For "travel"
There are specific scooters that are built for mobile travellers. These are portable, light-weight and can be folded or disassembled to fit into a car trunk. These "travel" scooters are ideal for people who are event goers or those who plan to be out and about and need to go somewhere before using their scooter. 4-wheel scooters are often very robust and would apply to these types of use but if the location you are attending is a distance from where you live and "driving" your scooter there is not an option, then consider the "travel scooter" as a better option for you... that is, unless your transportation can accommodate your scooter with a ramp, trailer or some sort of carrying device than enables you to bring you scooter with you. Public transportation offered in most cities can accommodate scooters of specific dimensions for travel. Be sure to check with your local public transportation provider about their dimension specification requirements if you plan to use them... they won't take all scooters so be sure to plan ahead before you buy your scooter.
Scooter Power Sources - Gas or Electric
Yes you can get gas or petrol powered scooters though these are generally being replaced by more efficient, quieter electric scooters. A time ago the electric powered scooters didn't have the speed or distance capacities that seniors wanted with their scooters so gas powered scootered seemed the only option. Today technology has progressed so that electric scooters are pretty much all you can find nowadays. Newer electric scooters have much greater range and speed capacities. If you're looking to buy a used model, be aware that you may likely need to replace the battery and that the internal workings of the scooter will likley result in increased battery consumption for operation which ultimately means less range --- depending on where you go, this may not be a problem for you considering with the electric scooters all you need to re-charge is a regular house-hold outlet.
Major Considerations When Buying Your Scooter
- Check to see if your medical insurance will assist you in covering some or all of the cost
- Make sure there is a warranty and return policy and UNDERSTAND the terms. Get the seller to give you a cup of coffee and get them to explain LINE BY LINE
- Check the consumer ratings on the scooter as well as the consumer complaints on the scooter prior to buying it.
- Make certain that the weight capacity of the scooter is appropriate
- If you're going to use it outdoors make sure if comes with the appropriate accessories - flag, lights, even signals if required.