General Interest

Advantages of 3 Wheel Scooters vs 4 Wheel Scooters

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When in the market for a medical mobility scooter it soon becomes apparent that there are many to choose from. Like any product there are a number of different brands to choose from but you will likely base your decision on factors such as maximum speed, cost, weight capacity or maybe looks.  However, there is another criteria that needs to be considered and that is whether a three wheel scooter or four wheel scooter is best for you.


There are basically three advantages of 3 wheel scooters over 4 wheel scooters. The design of 3 wheel scooters results in more legroom, they have a better turning radius making them better in tight situations like inside the home and most people just find them to be more appealing to look at.  So, as a general rule, if you are looking to take advantage of the inherent advantages of a 3 wheel scooter you are better off looking at smaller lighter models. Also, while not a great reason, it should also be mentioned that three wheel models tend to be slightly cheaper than the equivalent four wheel models.

When it comes to four wheel scooters the primary advantage is stability. Taking this a step further one could ask, when is stability important? A few different scenarios come to mind such as high speed scooters capable of reaching speeds over 10 mph, heavy duty scooters with weight capacities up to 500lbs, or simply when the majority of use will be outside where rough terrain, hills and curbs will need to be dealt with.

From the points above hopefully you can see that whether a 3 wheel or 4 wheel scooter is best depends upon your particular situation. Also, while not an option for many people, you could consider buying one of each - a three wheel scooter for indoor use and a four wheel for outdoor use.

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Lighter Pride Mobility models such as the Go Go Scooter, Revo Scooter or Victory Scooter are excellent choices for 3 wheel scooters while the Legend Scooter, Maxima Scooter and Pursuit Scooter would benefit from the additional stability provide by a 4 wheel model.

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Travel Scooter vs Portable Scooter – Is There a Difference?

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The use of the terms travel scooter and portable scooter sometimes causes confusion.

In the strictest sense travel scooters are the smallest scooters available with portable scooters next in line however the terms are virtually interchangeable and simply refer to mobility scooters that are lightweight, agile and easy to disassemble.

Take a few seconds to view the video below and you will see exactly what is meant by a travel scooter / portable scooter.

As you can see it is a very simple process to disassemble these lightweight scooters if you are planning a trip or simply if you wish to minimize the clutter around your home.

Pride Mobility makes a few different medical mobility scooters which fall into the category of travel scooter / portable scooter.  For additional information on these please follow the links below. Note they appear in ascending order of size, i.e. the lightest/smallest is the Go Go Ultra X weighing in at only 92lbs (including the battery).

Pride Go Go Ultra X Mobility Scooter

Pride Go Go Elite Traveller Mobility Scooter

Pride Revo Mobility Scooter

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Make Your Home Mobility Scooter-Friendly

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Accessibility around the home means different things to different people depending on their dependence on a medical mobility scooter. This article will therefore only discuss the topic in general terms.One way to look at this issue is to consider accessibility approaching the house, entering the house and within the house..


Approaching the House

While a paved or concrete driveway or sidewalk is ideal a walkway of wooden construction is usually serviceable for most people. Different products like abrasive strips, special paint products or even heated concrete surfaces are available to make the area surrounding your home safe in wet or cold weather.

Entering the House

Ideally the entrance to your home will be at gound level.  If not then either a ramp or a vertical platform lift commonly known as a porch lift will be needed. To make entering the home easier a power door opener can be used. This will also enable you to lock or unlock the door using a remote.Finally, it may be necessary to purchase or build a simple threshold ramp to deal with a raised door threshold.

Within the House

This is certainly the most difficult aspect to deal with in most cases. Some points to be aware of are:

  • three wheel scooters have a smaller turning radius than four wheel and are therefore more maneuverable
  • hardwood floors are better than carpet (the thicker the pile the more difficult to maneuver)
  • the wider the doorway or hallway the more accessible especially where 90 degree turns are involved
  • even with an open design layout care must be given to the amount, size and placement of furniture
  • stair lifts or inclined platform lifts (or elevators if feasible) may be necessary where there is more than one living level

If you are able to address some of the issues presented here you should be able to more fully benefit from your medical mobility scooter in and around your home.

What You Should Know About Medical Mobility Scooter Maintenance

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You may have had your medical mobility scooter for some time now and are wondering exactly what you need to do to keep it in good working order. Your scooter has likely become an indispensable part of your life so it only makes sense to look after it..


The first thing to be aware of is that regular servicing will prolong the life of the scooter. It may be possible for the technician to undertake the service at your home to ensure you will not be without your mobility scooter for a long period of time.

If you do only one other thing in addition to regular servicing make sure to regularly and fully charge your battery.  Upon returning home or before going to bed make sure to plug in the battery and get a full charge.  This will not only extend the life of the battery but will ensure that the scooter is ready to go when you are.  Not fully charging the battery will make the scooter sluggish and could leave you moving at a crawl or perhaps even stranded far from home. Certainly if you are always on the go and own a portable scooter ensuring you charge the battery fully at every opportunity becomes even more important.

It is also a good idea to frequently check the tires on your medical mobility scooter. Of course a flat tire can leave you stranded.  It is a good idea to check for punctures or anything wedged into the grooves of the tires. Also, with time tires can become discolored or cracked which can be a sign that the tires have begun to degrade due to exposure to the elements and regular wear and tear. A number of scooters have solid tires which eliminates the risk a flat tire presents.

If ever in doubt do not be afraid to discuss scooter maintenance with the company from which you purchased the scooter.  As well, it is a good idea to spend some time carefully reading the owners manual which will often have useful tips and advice on how to maintain your scooter.

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Popular Accessories For Your New Scooter

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Now that you are the proud owner of a new mobility scooter there are a few accessories that you might want to consider investing in.Some not only make your scooter more comfortable and easy-to-use, but also help in protecting it from the rain or the harsh rays of the sun..


Simply investing in a few accessories may be the difference between just using a scooter to get from point A to B and actually making it a fully functional part of your life.

Scooter canopies are intended to protect the user from weather. While being fairly effective for sun protection scooter canopies are only moderately effective for protection from rain, snow and wind.

For people who intend on storing their scooter where it may be exposed to the elements or will be using a scooter carrier on the back of their vehicle for transport a scooter cover is really a necessity. Certainly if you are investing in a high-end luxury scooter it really wouldn’t make sense not to do what you can to protect it.

There are users who cannot be without a portable supply of medical oxygen when traveling by scooter and for safety and convenience an oxygen carrier is a great option.For those who need to bring a cane or walking aid with them should they plan on leaving their scooter for any length of time it is a good idea to purchase a cane carrier rather than try to drive while holding a walking aid.

Some scooters do not come with any sort of standard lighting. If this is the case and most definitely if you intend on using your scooter at night you should make sure to order a lighting package option. Safety flags are not something most people purchase when purchasing a scooter but anyone who is going to drive their scooter in parking lots or areas where there may be vehicular traffic should have one.  Remember you have to take responsibility for your safety when driving a motorized vehicle.

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How To Stay Safe When Riding Your Medical Mobility Scooter

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Most people use their scooters outside and for that reason there are several safety issues that everyone should be aware of. Now most people immediately think of the nature and design of the scooter and this is certainly one aspect; the other though has to do with the behaviour of the driver..


First a few design issues:

1) The first thing to be aware of is that medical mobility scooters have a high center of gravity and can be tippy.  The three wheeled models more so than four wheeled. You should make certain to always drive up and down hills and ramps and not drive across them.  As well it is prudent to stay well back from any sort of drop off that might present itself.  Many scooters comes in different trim levels and both three and four wheeled models making it easier to find the model that’s best for you.

2) Scooters behave like cars when on slippery surfaces. If the user tries to travel across a terrain that’s too snowy, or too soft such as sand, it’s likely to get stuck.  Do not race down a hill in the middle of winter and expect to be able to stop at an intersection.

3) Most scooters have air filled tires and will go flat if driven across a nail, tack or broken glass.The good thing is that most can be repaired using a simple bicycle repair kit.Also be sure to monitor tire pressure as this will ensure that both the tires and battery life do not wear out prematurely.

Next a couple driver issues:

4) A medical mobility scooter is not a car and some users don’t always realize that. Scooters should be driven on sidewalks whenever possible and drivers should behave like pedestrians.  It is worth remembering that due to their compact size scooters are not always easily spotted by drivers on the road.

5) Some people believe their scooter, or their ability to drive their scooter, is better than it is.  Others drive aggressively or even under the influence of alcohol.  These are all situations where people, property or even pets may be injured and definitely cases where the drivers themselves may be hurt.

Questions To Ask Before Buying A Mobility Scooter

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For elderly people looking to lead a more independent life purchasing an electric mobility scooter could be the best decision you ever make. The most important thing is to make sure that the medical scooter you end up buying is the right one for you.  There is a large selection available these days so it pays to take your time and research what is out there..


The following factors should be looked at prior to purchasing a mobility scooter.

1. Indoor or outdoor travel?

If you plane on using the scooter primarily inside you will want to get a compact model that is agile and has a tight turning radius.

For travel outdoors, you will want to have a more solid model that can handle rough ground and uneven pavements gracefully. Stability and speed will be important considerations, a four wheel model could be your best bet.

2. Will you be navigating curbs or steep hills?

If so you may need one with extra power. A 4 wheel model often has the power and the stability to handle such obstacles.

3. Will you be driving on roads?

If so, you need to find out what the local laws have to say on the subject of mobility scooters.  In general, they must be capable of attaining a speed of 8 mph and be equipped with both headlights and taillights.

4. Consider any restrictions you may have at home.

How wide is your front gate or door?  Are there any steps that need to be negotiated?  Sometimes storage space can also be an issue.  If so then perhaps a fold and go model would be ideal.

5. Ensure the mobility scooter will be comfortable?

How much legroom and support do you need?  Some products offer a swiveling seat which can make it easier to get on and off.

6. Does it need to be transportable?

Transportable mobility scooters are designed for convenient travel. Some makes for sale models can fold down to fit into the rear of a car, or be assembled and disassembled without requiring tools.

Consider these factors when shopping for an electric mobility scooter and you will be well on your way to finding the model that is best for you.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Owning a Medical Scooter?

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If you are someone who tires easily and has trouble walking for even a short distance, you may want to consider purchasing a medical scooter. Far from being an admission of defeat, investing in an electric mobility scooter can make a huge improvement in your quality of life providing many with new found independence..


Three-wheeled mobility systems, also known as scooters, are becoming increasingly popular among the elderly. Many elderly patients like scooters since they provide a very comfortable ride because they absorb shock.  Scooters have come a long way and many are indeed quite comfortable with molded seats that adjust to different heights and also come in different widths.

Certainly one benefit of owning a scooter is the increased energy you will have because you won’t be using all your energy in trying to walk, or push a traditional wheelchair. You will experience a much greater sense of freedom.Rather than being limited by the distance you can push yourself in a wheelchair you will now be able to travel much further at one time.   Some scooters are capable of travelling up to 35 miles on just one battery charge.

What about spending time with your family?  How about going for a “walk” with your grandchildren? It all becomes a reality when you have a scooter at your disposal.You can go up and down steep hills in comfort and without fear of rolling down the hill, and without being worn out for days afterward. As well it goes without saying that having a medical scooter is far more convenient than relying on public transportation.

Most medical mobility scooters have a key to start them, and so if the key is removed the scooter cannot be driven. So essentially, your scooter can be “locked” just like a car if you want to leave it to venture into a shop or have a doctor’s appointment.

It is important to realize that big improvements in style, comfort and performance have been made in recent years and it is certainly worth checking-out today’s selection of scooters.