In this article we provide you with all the information you need to help you choose a mobility scooter as well as highlighting the cheapest and best value mobility scooters that we can find.
A mobility scooter can provide much-needed freedom, ease and independence for elderly or disabled individuals. Yet choosing a mobility scooter can often be a confusing and complicated task.
At UK Care Guide we’re passionate about providing clear, comprehensive information for elderly and disabled people in Great Britain and beyond.
On this page we explain everything you need to know when considering purchasing a cheap mobility scooter, from eligibility and makes and models to maintenance and accessories.
Watch this short video that gives you loads of good tips on buying a cheap mobility scooters around today.
There are many transportable, compact mobility scooters available today. However, you won’t find many as lightweight and easy to use as the CareCo Airlite.
The Airlite’s next-generation splitting mechanism lets you dismantle this scooter down into 5 parts, designed to fit into the boot or back seat of most cars as well as into tight storage spaces. The heaviest part weighs just 14kg (2st 3lbs), which is much lighter than most competitors and designed to be manageable for those with limited mobility.
There’s also no need to be converned about a lack of performance with the Airlite. The 12Ah battery provides a maximum travel range of almost 13km (which is about 8 miles), which makes it ideal for visiting nearby friends and family as well as running your day to day errands. The sturdy frame supports a weight of up to 114kg (18 stone) too, so it is suitable for the vast makority of people.
In busy areas you will really appreciate the Airlite’s intuitive control system, while puncture-proof tyres and an anti-roll-back system lend reassurance wherever you travel. There’s even a useful spacious basket to keep your essentials close at hand! All in all a really good mobility scooter for the price!
– Lightweight, which makes it easier to move around
– Very slim and can easily be used in the house or when going to the shops
– Fold really easily which means it fits neatly in to to the boot of your car
– Very good value for money, especially when compared against more expensive models
– Modern looking which is bound to draw some positive comments
– No significant suspension which can make the ride a little hard
– It can have a wide turning circle which means you may need a bit of room to turn it around
The key points about this scooter include:
– Really easy to assemble and take apart to use away from your home
– Putting it together is very straightforward
– Slim design makes it easy to use on narrow pavements
– Fitted with reverse horn and beep
– Lightweight
– Has a wide turning circle
– Battery charge doesn’t always last the longest
– May not appear sturdy enough for larger users
Key aspects of this scooter are:
– Over £700 in some specialist shops
– Easy to disassemble and put in to the boot of a care
– Easy to take abroad
– Good on steep hills
– Battery is heavy and can be difficult to lift
– Battery may not last as long as you may like
– May be a little tight if you are over 6 foot tall
Key pieces of information about the scooter are:
– Affordable and feels like a more expensive scooter
– Dismantles really easily to make it easy to take away with you
– Wide seat which helps make it comfortable
– Lightweight
– It is heavy which can make it difficult to lift
– The battery is heavy which just adds to the weight
– It does not come with any accessories, so these need to be bought separately
Key things to know about this scooter are:
– Only 19 inches wide, which makes it wasy to navigate on tight pavements
– Fits easily in to the boot of most mid sized cars
– Comes with many features you find on larger scooters, such as Delta bars as standard
Here is a video showing you the scooter.
– Limited in being nimble and avoiding obstacles
– Battery is heavy
– Good on stony terrain
– Lightweight and comfortable to move around
– Lights on the front
– Battery cannot be removed to allow you to charge it
– Some users have said it is uncomfortable to ride
The Go Go Elite Traveller 4 easily comes apart into 5 super lightweight pieces. This makes it easy for convenient transport and storage.
It also comes complete with 2 sets of easily changeable coloured panels as well as the added benefit of a front tiller mounted basket. Features include auto latching lock up mechanism. This allows for easy frame separation with only one hand. It also has an auto connecting cable that runs from the front to the rear cable.
– Easy assembly
– Lightweight which makes it easy to move around
– Easy disassembly makes it comfortable to get in and out of the car
– Looks like a more expensive model
– Good on steep inclines
– Battery charge issues from some users#
Mobility scooters can be handy or essential forms of transportation for individuals with a wide range of needs.
These small motorised vehicles are suitable for use in a wide variety of environments and scenarios – from popping down to the shops to making your way around a museum or town centre.
Many different types of people invest in mobility scooters. Some are permanently disabled and are in need of a wheelchair at all times, whilst others have limited mobility due to old age.
Your motivation for purchasing a mobility scooter is very important – as this plays a key role in the type of model you choose.
Mobility scooters generally run on electricity, powered either by an internal battery or motor.
They are simple vehicles with very few moving parts – therefore they require little maintenance and are easy to operate. Usually you can stop, move, reverse and steer your mobility scooter using your hands and a simple dashboard of controls.
Mobility scooters are primarily designed for use on footpaths and therefore they have a very low top speed (normally under 5mph). You can find out more about mobility scooter batteries here, as these power the scooters.
Choosing a mobility scooter can feel overwhelming at first, because there are so many different makes and models available.
Yet just like buying a car, there are different types that vary depending on requirement and budget. It’s useful to use this comparison, as it’s one that is familiar to many people.
So when searching for a mobility scooter, you first need to consider your budget as well as personal and medical criteria before matching them up with the specifications of the models you’re considering.
Some models promise to be nippy, others say they are the most reliable, others are designed for comfort and ease.
Here is a great video giving you some buying tips when buying a scooter.
Questions to ask yourself when buying a scooter include:
Do I need my scooter to be portable? – Some models can be broken down and easily transported in a car boot.
Is it easy to use? – It’s really important that you are able to clearly understand the controls and easily operate your scooter.
Is the scooter the right size for me? – If your scooter is too large or too small for you it can be problematic and difficult to use.
Can the scooter be driven on a pavement? – If you plan to predominantly drive your scooter on a pavement you’ll need to make sure that it is small enough and appropriate for this use.
Can the scooter be used on a road? – If you’ll be using your scooter on a road occasionally or need it to be road worthy you will need to purchase a special type of scooter that it suitable and legal for road use.
Is this a reliable, high quality model? – Although it’s tempting to go with your favourite, make sure that this model is reliable by going online and checking out reviews, or asking other mobility scooter users for recommendations.
Is this scooter within my budget? – Budget is really important. Set a budget and try to stick to it, purchasing the best value scooter possible in line with your requirements. You will be able to find the cheapest mobility scooters on sale in the UK below.
Your weight may also dictate the model of mobility scooter you can purchase. Normally there are different sizes to choose from, all with maximum payloads (the amount of weight they can bear).
As above, only certain mobility scooters are suitable for use on the road – if this is a concern for you, then you’ll need to make sure that you purchase a scooter that is certified for road use.
The price of a mobility scooter will vary massively depending on the make and model and you can find a range of cheap mobility scooters below.
There is now a huge industry dedicated to producing and marketing mobility scooters – and each manufacturer has pros and cons. In general you can expect to pay between £400 and £5,000 for a mobility scooter.
Some companies offer payment plans that enable you to spread the cost of your mobility scooter with or without interest over an extended period of time. You may also be eligible for financial support, or could use benefits towards the cost of your mobility scooter.
If your budget is fairly low, it may be worth considering purchasing a second hand or reconditioned mobility scooter when you are looking for a cheap mobility scooter.
These can be purchased from reputable mobility shops or directly from the manufacturers themselves, and they’re a great option for individuals who will only need a mobility scooter for a limited period of time, or can’t afford to buy a new model.
Bear in mind that just because a mobility scooter is expensive, that doesn’t mean that it will be a perfect fit for you. Remember when purchasing a mobility scooter to consider both your budget and your individual requirements as it may not always be the best thing to do to buy a cheap mobility scooter.
Mobility scooters can be expensive to buy, but after the initial purchase they are incredibly cheap to run.
It will cost around 10p to charge the battery overnight. There are other costs associated – such as maintenance, mobility scooter accessories and replacement batteries. You can find details of these below.
Insurance isn’t a necessary requirement, but if you need peace of mind you can take out public liability cover to protect you in case you have an accident or mishap.
Yes. Mobility scooters are subject to a specific set of rules, which are set out in a special Highway Code.
You don’t need to possess a driving license or take a test to operate a mobility scooter, but if you have never driven before your dealer should take time to familiarise you with the scooter before you head out on your own.
You may also like to practice in a safe, private place with a family member or friend for support and assistance before your first trip independently.
Class 3 mobility scooters must be registered with the DVLA – but others are not subject to registration. The dealer you purchase your mobility scooter from should take care of this on your behalf.
Safety is very important – and although most mobility scooters don’t have the ability to go very fast, they can still be dangerous, especially for pedestrians and users who already suffer from a range of health issues.
By law you must not go faster than 4mph on a pavement, and must always be mindful and aware of any pedestrians around you, who will have right of way.
Mobility scooters may still be subject to parking regulations – so be sure to check before you park your scooter on a pavement, on the road or in a parking space. To protect against theft use the scooter’s in-built security features and always leave it in a safe place. Be vigilant at all times.
Some mobility scooters can be driven on the road – but only those with full lights, mirrors and indicators. Mobility scooters are not permitted to be driven on motorways or dual carriageways.
Just like a car, your mobility scooter will need a full service every now and then to ensure that it is working properly.
A fair price for a mobility scooter service is anywhere between £60 and £90, including transport and travel and any repair work that may need to be undertaken. Make sure that you choose a reputable service provider to avoid being ripped off.
It should also be a company who understands your needs – for example if your scooter breaks down and is in need of emergency repair work, they should be able to give you a solid timescale for the job or provide a replacement and transport in the interim.
Some mobility scooter companies include a warranty or regular service as standard for their customers.
It’s also advisable to regularly clean your mobility scooter, or ask a family member or friend to do so for you. Keeping grime, dust and dirt at bay will increase the lifespan of your mobility scooter considerably.
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