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Whether you have a disability, need a little extra help while out doing chores like grocery shopping, or want to keep up with the grandkids on a theme park vacation, there’s a mobility scooter out there for almost every need and body size.
But with so many variables in indoor or outdoor use, turning radius, battery type, how the vehicle can be charged, whether it’s foldable for portability—and, of course, price—there’s a lot to consider. With these facts in mind, here are the 10 best motor scooters you can buy right now according to reviewers.
Editor's Note:The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Best Ergonomics
Pride Mobility Go Go Sport 4-Wheel
The Go-Go Sport’s adjustable, ergonomic wraparound tiller (steering column) gets a high-five from those with arthritis or limited hand dexterity. There’s also LED lighting and a charging port on the tiller to reduce awkward bending and reaching.
Amazon reviewers give the Pride Mobility high marks for its long-lasting, rechargeable, and low-maintenance battery (12V 18AH sealed lead acid) that provides up to 14 miles per recharge. It also has a comfortable swivel seat that can hold up to 325 pounds.
Thanks to its adjustable and removable armrests, the Sport fits easily through most standard doorways. The model is also praised for its versatility as an indoor and outdoor scooter. Four solid 9-inch wheels provide stability with a 3-inch ground clearance for packed gravel, grass, and mildly uneven ground.
If you need a lightweight scooter, the iLiving i3 is among the very best.
Best Lightweight Design
iLiving i3
Weighing just 53 pounds—with one included battery—the iLiving i3 is as lightweight as it is durable thanks to aircraft-grade aluminum. The four-wheeled model folds easily in three steps and its collapsible frame makes the scooter TSA-approved and ready for gate check or carry-on (depending on the plane and/or airline).
The iLiving i3 gets 14 miles per rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a second can be ordered and stowed for a total of 28 miles in one charge. While the vehicle’s 2 to 4 mph speed may not exactly be Mario Andretti-approved, its comprehensive list of features for the price is worthy of recognition. Amenities include a 17-inch-wide seat enhanced for comfort in newer models, LED headlights, taillights and brake lights, a USB charging port, easy-to-read battery panel, and adjustable height for the tiller console.
The Shoprider Echo is perfect for short-term travel and small errands.
Best Foldable
Shoprider Echo Folding Scooter
People generally lose a few inches with age, meaning those who were already buying pants in the petites may find it difficult to find a scooter small enough to comfortably fit their compact frame. Enter the compact Echo Light, which weighs only 59 pounds and can be folded down in four easy steps. There are no armrests on this model, but for shorter riders whose shoulders may hunch up on traditional chair armrests, that might be a plus.
The user weight capacity on the Echo Light is a bit lower than that of many other models—200 pounds max—and the maximum speed is just 4 mph with a travel distance per charge of 10 miles. That means this Shoprider, as its name suggests, is great for grocery store runs and getting into and out of high-traffic and smaller areas. This is especially true since three-wheeled scooters have a tighter turning radius (just 32 inches in this case).
The Lagtom mobility scooter has a high weight capacity, but that durability comes at the cost of portability.
Best Heavy-Duty Design
Lagtom 800W 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
Lagtom doesn’t compromise function for form in its snazzy Vespa-like, four-wheel mobility scooter (also available in a three-wheel version with mostly the same specifications). The electric-powered long-range ride has three variable speeds and can travel 1 to 18 mph—with a 25-to-31-mile range on one battery charge.
While the Lagtom weighs in at 366 pounds, making it basically an option for non-portable use only, its heavy-duty construction means it can hold up to 500 pounds. The ride is smooth, too, and this model gets two thumbs up for stability thanks to two large front tires and rear anti-tip wheels with shock absorbers to navigate through terrain. (One of the few drawbacks users mention is the wide turning radius due to its 20-inch width.)
For those looking for a scooter experience similar to driving a car, this one offers it. The Lagtom has a locking glove compartment, an anti-theft alarm system, high and low-beam headlights, turn signals, back-up lights, brake lights, a trunk, horn, and side view mirrors. This scooter’s 800-watt transaxle brushless electric motor and 60-volt 20Ah (amp hours) long-range extended battery make it capable of traveling farther and faster than most other mobility scooters.
The Vive Mobility Scooter is TSA approved, making it the perfect companion to bring on flights.
Best For Travel
Vive Health 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter
Having a scooter is all about getting around, and this indoor-outdoor model is meant for ultimate mobility. Not only is the Vive 4-wheel lightweight and easy to break down into five separate pieces—each 29 pounds or less—it’s TSA-approved for airplane travel.
The two 12-volt, long-lasting batteries hold up to 12.4 miles (6.2 miles per battery) per charge for those on the go, and the Vive has options to charge the batteries both on the move and at home. The intuitive control panel on the tiller console, which includes a battery life indicator, has just enough bells and whistles (and a horn!) to be useful but not overwhelming in the technology department.
The Vive’s cushioned, height-adjustable 15.75-inch seat and backrest hold up to 265 pounds, with a swivel function to easily step on and off. Padded armrests are also height-adjustable and flip upward for easy onboarding and offboarding.
The SuperHandy Passport is light, versatile, and value-priced.
Best Value
SuperHandy GUT112
The SuperHandy Passport doesn’t come with the most robust selection of features, but it’s easy to maneuver and break down, with a price point that makes it great for a mobility scooter beginner or supplementary on-the-go model. It’s also a handy option for couples who may want to share but vary widely in height. This model can accommodate anyone 5 feet tall up to 6-foot-3-inches thanks to its seat height options and 10-inch handlebar adjustment range.
The streamlined three-wheeled design makes the SuperHandy easy to break down for travel and makes maneuverability in tight spaces easy thanks to a sharp 31-inch turning radius (although the smaller wheels are best for smoother surfaces). The handlebar controls are as easy as riding a bike: The left is forward, reverse, and on/off, and the right is a battery indicator with a thumb drive accelerator to propel the scooter easily for those with wrist and grip challenges.
This is also one of the lightest models for users with strength issues, since the SuperHandy is only 35 pounds thanks to its aluminum frame. The scooter comes with two easily swappable SuperHandy 48v rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, with 6 miles of range on each.
The Revo 2.0 is easy to put together and handles many types of terrain.
Best Easy-Assembly
Pride Mobility Revo 2.0 4-Wheel
The Revo 2.0 earns praise in multiple clutch categories. Not only does it arrive mostly assembled—and can be easily disassembled and put back together—but the Revo 2.0 can now hold an additional 75 pounds (up to 400). The model also has fold-away, under-seat, and front bins for plentiful storage. And for different types of terrain, the Revo 2.0’s suspension system offers a smooth ride.
This model’s 70-amp controller is midrange for most mobility scooter models, but it can take the scooter up to speeds of 5 mph (the average is 4 mph). (Controllers are like the brain of mobility scooters, linking all electronic components including the battery, motor, electric brakes, throttle, display panel, and more.) While some users say they have to supplement its LED lighting, the Revo 2.0 is easy to accessorize with a bicycle light. Accessorizing also comes in handy for those who need to ride with an oxygen tank, and Pride offers several E-tank holders.
It comes with interchangeable controls to cater to both left- and right-handed drivers, and has a USB charging point to juice up devices on the go. Typically, a three-wheeled scooter versus a four-wheeled scooter is lighter and offers a tighter turning radius, but this is largely a personal preference. Riders who prefer to feel more stable usually opt for four-wheeled versions.
Revo 2.0 models take two 12-volt, 35 Ah batteries, a universal size that’s not overly expensive to replace and is designed for constant voltage input and repeated use.
The Buzzaround LX mobility scooter prioritizes comfort, legroom, and accessories.
Best for Comfort
Golden Buzzaround LX GB149
Golden Technologies’ Buzzaround gets a gold star when it comes to comfort. Suspension springs and a high seat back offer support and a smooth ride for weights up to 375 pounds.
But the model is as practical as it is cushy, as the tiller can be ordered for either left- or right-handed drivers. The tiller also has a USB port to keep phones charged on the go (accessories like a nifty handlebar phone holder, or cane holder, are sold online as well).
Those seeking extra leg room will be pleased with the Buzzaround’s large foot deck. The model has a tight turn radius compared to four-wheel scooters—40.5 inches—and can travel up to 18 miles using two included U1 batteries (the same type used by most lawn mowers).
The Drive Medical Panther scooter has a tall seat and is tailored for comfort and long-term use.
Best Big-and-Tall Design
Drive Medical Panther
Taller or heavier scooter users may find themselves challenged by weight limits that typically max out around 300 pounds, but Drive Medical’s Panther has a capacity of up to 425 pounds. Pound for pound, it’s not only about checking a box for a user’s size, as the Panther gets kudos for comfort and stability, too.
The adjustable seat height reaches up to 22 inches tall (about the highest on the market), and the headrest adds not only comfort but a few more inches. A reclinable backrest with a width of 22 inches offers more room to wiggle—and more space than the standard width of approximately 16 inches. Anti-tip wheels add more stability for broader users as well.
A pair of 50AH batteries facilitate an impressive 20 miles on a single charge.
Given it’s best used by larger users, the Panther is a beast when it comes to transport, with a weight of 264 pounds. That requires a vehicle with a lift to move the chair.
If all-terrain trips are a regular occurrence for you, the Golden Eagle HD mobility scooter may be a smart purchase.
Best Battery Life
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle HD is considered the gold standard for off-roading scooters, while still being considered a class II medical device. The four-wheeled vehicle can climb steep inclines and tackle rugged terrain, with a smooth ride thanks to its front and rear suspension coil-overs for each tire.
The Eagle can also spread its wings longer than most scooters, with a distance of up to 32 miles on a full charge. A top speed of 8 mph means it doesn’t exactly fly, but it is faster than most other mobility scooters on the market—especially given that this model is a sturdy 300 pounds.
The powerful headlights get a thumbs up from users, with other unique features like a tall reclining seat pulling in equal praise. Armrests are adjustable and flip up, making it easy to get in and out of the seat.
Music lovers take note: The Golden Eagle HD has a loudspeaker powered by Bluetooth or an SD card.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Mobility Scooters?
Credit:
Reviewed / Drive Medical / Shoprider
Mobility scooters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Selecting the right one for you is a very personal process.
Electric mobility scooters are classified as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B coverage. This requires a prescription from a doctor explaining how your condition delays your movement and hinders daily tasks. The prescription must suggest the user is able to operate the scooter at home. If covered by Medicare, 80% of the cost is taken care of by insurance.
As is often the case with Medicaid, your possible level of coverage varies from state to state. The needs and basic income thresholds one must meet to qualify often vary depending on where one lives.
If you’re also collecting supplemental social security payments (SSI), you may be more likely to get coverage. Those living in Medicaid-funded facilities may also be privy to more coverage opportunities as well. Unfortunately, you’ll have to look into your state Medicaid plan for the full details.
How To Replace The Battery In a Mobility Scooter
Once you’ve purchased a new mobility scooter, its batteries should be replaced after about two and a half years of use. While the method is slightly different depending on the scooter you have, most of the basic principles remain the same and are well demonstrated in this video from Mobility Direct.
Here are the basic steps:
Take the scooter seat off to reveal the battery box
If you see two battery boxes in containers with screws in them, take those screws off with a long screwdriver. Keep removing layers of the battery box till the batteries and connectors are fully exposed. For larger chairs, there may be no boxes at all, with a fully accessible battery sitting under a seat compartment. If you can gain access to the battery connectors, you’re doing it right.
Once you see what the setup of your battery looks like, take a picture of it so you can see exactly how each of the connectors connect. Typically red connects to red and black connects to black, but make very sure of this arrangement before disconnecting anything.
Next, you’ll likely need help from a socket wrench to remove the bolts around the battery connectors.
With the connectors unscrewed, you should now be able to take the batteries out and slot the new ones in. Note that there may be Velcro strips holding the batteries in place, but this is easy to overcome. The strips can also be reattached to the bottom of your new batteries too, if you like.
The idea is essentially to just slot the new batteries in then reconnect and rescrew them the exact same way you see in the previous pair.
If any of that sounds too scary to you, you may want to contact your scooter’s manufacturer to see if they can walk you through the process. It goes without saying you should never attempt a task you’re not fully comfortable with, especially one involving volts of dangerous electricity.
If you’re unsure of the health of your batteries, they can be tested by attaching the connectors of a battery voltage meter to the left and right sides of the scooter’s charging port. If the reading is low or fluctuates when the scooter is in use, it’s time to get new batteries.
To keep your batteries in tip-top shape, it’s advised that users avoid letting the battery approach very low levels and keep it sheltered from extreme temperatures.
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Carley Thornell is an award-winning journalist and health-tech writer whose first job was in an occupational therapy office. Her father was a disabled Army veteran, which made her passionate about all things healthcare and accessibility. Carley also covers DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) topics for many other publications.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.