The comfort spring suspension will smooth out the ride even when you start hitting bumpy roads. The 4-inch clearance and the 9-inch wheels will even make sizable curbs an acceptable target.
The machine is quite heavy.
Mobility scooters are seldom as mobile as the name implies but that has nothing to do with the Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX. No, this is the most mobile machine in its price bracket, with a huge turning radius, 18-mile maximum travel range, and 330-pound weight capacity to boot.
Class 3 (roads/highways)
5 mph
18 miles
9" flat-free tires
56"
~ 9°
4"
330 lbs
Disassemblable design, Removable battery, Removable front and back sits with wheels and basket
LED angle-adjustable headlight, LED tail light standard, Electro-mechanical brakes
Stadium-style height-adjustable seat (3 positions), Removable storage basket, LED battery gauge, Comfort spring suspension, Charger and horn included
155 lbs
Lifetime on frame, 2 years on the drivetrain, 2 years on electronics, 1 year on batteries
The seat swivels, facilitating easy boarding as well as exiting. The backrest is contoured, featuring light but noticeable padding. The removable battery pack enables off-board charging.
The maximum weight capacity is not great.
The VIVE 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter climbs 9-degree hills, covers 12 miles without recharging, and lets you move indoors and outdoors with matching poise and finesse. The machine makes the controls easily accessible and the seat even more comfortable than before.
Class 2 (sidewalks/buildings)
3.7 mph
12.4 miles
7.5” flat-free tires
31.2"
9°
2"
265 lbs
Quickly disassembles into 4 separate pieces
High-intensity LED headlight, Electronic, regenerative, and electromechanical brakes
Color-coded battery life indicator, Height-adjustable swivel seat and contoured backrest, Off-board battery charger, front tiller basket, and horn included
77 lbs
5 years limited
The large turning radius impedes maneuvering in enclosed spaces.
This medical scooter deftly combines simplicity with the convenience of use, making it a great assistant for the elderly and people with some locomotor system disorders. It's a perfect option for trips to shops, post offices and clinics.
Lifetime on frame, 2 years on drivetrain and electronics, 1 year on batteries
The scooter disassembles into 5 sections, with the heaviest part weighing just ~27 pounds. The zippered case will let you store and transport the armrests without soiling them.
The white tires are easily soiled.
The Pride Travel Pro Premium will make you almost as efficient and maneuvrable as you were before. With its 30-degree turning radius, this model lets you pull off U-turns with relative ease, while the 3-wheel construction makes tight spaces much less scary.
Class 2 (sidewalks/buildings)
4 mph
6.3 miles
~ 7” flat-free tires
~ 30"
~ 6°
~ 2"
275 lbs
Quickly disassembles into 5 separate pieces
Electro-mechanical brakes
Fully padded faux leather seat with adjustable height, Zippered carry bag for armrests, Display with battery charge status, Free cup holder, saddlebag, and horn included
92 lbs
Lifetime on frame, 2 years on Drivetrain and electronics, 6 months on batteries
The interchangeable panels will let you hide scratches. The vehicle weighs ~85 pounds yet can carry 300 pounds. The delta-shaped steering handle enables effortless operation.
The basket is flimsy.
Drive Medical Spitfire Scout 3 is a tough nut that requires no cracking. No, this vehicle takes into account that people can have terrible mobility limitations and does everything in its power to help these people move at home, work, and outdoors with confidence and efficiency.
Class 2 (sidewalks/buildings)
4.25 mph
9 miles
8" flat-free tires
45.5"
6°
2.5"
300 lbs
Quick and easy disassembly
Electromagnetic brakes, Anti-tip wheels
Armrests are padded and adjustable, Quick-connect batteries, Ergonomic throttle control, Height-adjustable swivel seat with fold-down backrest, Plastic carry basket, Easy-to-adjust tiller
85 lbs (excl. hand control)
Lifetime on frame, 2 years on drivetrain and electronics, 1 year on batteries
Hitting City Roads and Highways
The Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX is a much more impressive machinery piece than the mobility scooters we've reviewed before and review again. Generally speaking, these scooters are not fast and/or powerful enough to traverse busy roads but, with this model passing the Class 3 specification rating, you can easily hit even highways without worrying that the machine will not handle the pressure. With this one, you can reach 5 mph, not a huge difference from standard ~4 mph but these miles add up, especially considering that one charge here gives you 18 miles, while most scooters cannot even reach 10 before draining the battery.
The model can even carry more weight, with the maximum load capacity stretching 330 pounds, at least ~30 pounds more than its premium peers. Of course, increasing the machine's load capacity also means increasing its weight, so we're not working with the lightest model here. That being said, you can remove not just the battery but also the front and back seats along with the 4 wheels and the basket, so storing and transporting the relatively heavy package should not present more considerable challenges than you would expect.
Stadium-Style Seat
Removing its immodest strength from the equation, the model introduces multiple comfort/convenience features as well. We can start with the low-spring suspension, keeping the ride smooth even as the road gets bumpy. From there, we can move towards the 4-inch clearance, meaning that this scooter can usually handle even curbs. The tail light and headlight are adjustable, so you can make them as bright or dim as you want, fitting environments with ample ambient light as well as night riding.
Still, construction-wise, the part that we like the most is the massive stadium-style seat. First, with its size and form, the seat is almost as comfortable as an armchair. Second, it is height-adjustable, with 3 available positions fitting tall and short people alike. There's an LED battery gauge, so you'll always know when the battery is full or when it is approaching the opposite direction. Last but not least, the charging port has been put below the control panel, decluttering the model's already clean profile.
To bring this home, the Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX puts mobility in mobility scooters, letting you move without feeling even the slightest bit restricted. Even with its 56-inch turning radius, the machine is more maneuverable than you'd presume.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $1,685.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B073R9XBDP |
Covering 12 Miles
Looking at the specs alone, the VIVE 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter leaves mixed feelings. On the one hand, its maximum speed is not necessarily great (though the difference between the model's 3.7 mph cap and most scooters' ~4 mph cap is unnoticeable). While not necessarily an injury, adding insult, this machine cannot support more than 265 pounds, meaning that there are a few people who will not work with this model, especially when you start filling up the basket with groceries and such.
That being said, this machine also covers above 12 miles on a single charge, whereas otherwise more capable scooters usually cap at 9. What really sells this product though, separating the model from less impressive scooters, is just how comfortable it is. We can use the intuitive control panel as the starting point here, especially its speed adjustment knob that lets you easily switch between navigating indoors and outdoors without compromising safety.
But we can also use the seat as the springboard. We can do that because the padding, while light, is quite soft and supple, with the contoured backrest cushioning the ride as well as relieving pressure from the back. You can adjust its height and swivel the seat. To add more, covered with black vinyl, the same seat does not absorb liquids and enables easy upkeep.
Climbing 9-Degree Hills
Not unlike its direct competition, the VIVE 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter disassembles with relative ease, separating into 4 pieces. Making each piece pretty lightweight, you can easily fit them in an average car's trunk. These pieces include the battery pack that you can remove and enable convenient off-board charging. Thanks to the color-coded battery life indicator, you'll always be able to tell when the time to do so has come.
Closing these details, the differences between this folding model and ordinary mobility scooters pretty much end. Of course, this one comes equipped with a high-intensity headlight which intensity you can adjust. Obviously, the machine is not complete without a horn. Naturally, the basket has not gone anywhere. In fact, it has been reinforced, so you don't have to be especially gentle with the basket here. Last but not least, the model can climb 9-degree inclines, which is not bad considering that there are many scooters that cost about as much as this one and cannot handle more than 6 degrees.
With that, we bid this product adieu and farewell, putting the machine among the best mobility scooters for adults who use them both indoors and outdoors.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $699.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07LCR82L7 |
Price-and-Quality Combo
Cheap is not necessarily low-quality, and this mobility scooter by Drive Medical is proof. The scooter is very simple and useful. It will help the elderly, disabled, and physically challenged people reach the desired place, particularly if it is far from home. Considering a low price, the scooter characteristics are also average. Having studied the riding qualities, we'd like to share the info on this scooter's advantages. The scooter comes with a low-power motor of 270 W that allows it to gather speed of 4.25 mph.
So, this model is probably not for racers. However, this speed is quite enough for strolling over sidewalks or riding inside the buildings. Checking the tech specs and the battery, we can state that these parameters are medium and the scooter can ride about 9 miles on a single charge. This distance is not large, yet sufficient for daily walks. The scooter will ride over soil, grass, or asphalt comfortably, climb up the slopes up to 6°, and low curbs thanks to its 2.5" clearance. Being 94 lbs itself, the scooter is able to carry up to 300 lbs. Don't you agree that this is a good showing for such a nice price?
Easy, Handy, and Safe to Ride
The scooter is designed so that it could be easily adjusted for users with various physical abilities. Let's start with the seat adjustment. The seat rotates and thus facilitates sitting into the scooter. In addition, seat height, backrest, and arms are also adjustable. Hence, every rider can customize the scooter according to personal needs. As for the tiller, we would like to note that its angle can be adjusted to a comfortable position. The ergonomic controller will allow easy controlling even for weak people.
What is more, the scooter can be disassembled into 5 parts without any special tools. Even the elderly can dismount the scooter for off-season storage or transportation. Besides, the battery can be removed and charged separately from the scooter. The high convenience lies in the battery gauge to monitor the battery charge during the ride, as well as in the horn to warn pedestrians, and the basket to carry purchases and other stuff. The safety is provided by an electromagnetic brake actuated by a slight button pressing. There is also a reflector for nighttime riding and anti-tipper wheels for improved stability. This scooter has all the necessary things for a comfortable ride! So, you can purchase a high-quality vehicle with good parameters even with a limited budget.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $749.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B00GPGKN4G |
Making Sharp U-Turns Easy
The Pride Travel Pro Premium is not the machine you can easily categorize, not quite. To some extent, we see where the people behind the product got the premium part, we do. Still, considering that the model covers less than 6.5 miles on a full charge throws something of a monkey wrench into its 'premium' ambitions.
From one viewpoint, we can commend the three-wheel approach, increasing maneuverability and making tight spaces less scary. With its sharp (30 degrees) turning radius, the model makes U-turns an easy task on a first try. From another viewpoint, we're not crazy about white wheels. Sure, they look good, but will that be the case a few days down the road without cleaning? No, as you would expect, the wheels get soiled pretty easily, demanding more maintenance-related attention.
While we cannot call this machine especially handsome, the lightweight part is indisputable. The whole thing weighs ~92 pounds (including the battery), which becomes an even more impressive feat when you learn that the model can handle 275 pounds. Plus, you can disassemble an already portable vehicle into 5 separate pieces (the heaviest section weighs less than 28 pounds), meaning that an average trunk should easily accommodate this scoot'. What's more, the package also includes a zippered case where you can put the armrests, enabling safe storage and convenient transportation.
Easy Boarding and Exiting
As far as we're concerned, the pictures do not do this model justice on the comfort front. To elaborate, the machine looks awkward but sitting in it and using the scooter is much more convenient than you would presume. For starters, you have a cup holder and a saddlebag, so you can always have a drink at hand and keep valuable items within reach without throwing them in the basket. Of course, the basket is alright too. You can stow personal items there as well as groceries, this one can carry them all.
But the more attractive part is the padded armrests, enabling pain-free boarding and exiting as well as keeping the ride more comfortable. As always, the seat is padded as well, cushioning the ride and also letting you adjust the height between 3 height settings.
Long story short, disabilities make you less mobile, nothing you can do about that. But, with the Pride Travel Pro Premium, you can make sure that, at the very least, you receive the assistance you need and deserve, maneuvring around/between doorframes, hallways, sidewalks, and more.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $629.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B079SMBL4W |
Delta-Shaped Steering Handle
The Drive Medical Spitfire Scout 3 understands the needs that people with limited mobility have and, from what we can tell, is quite excellent at meeting and fulfilling these needs. To name one, the model increases the space between the front and back wheels (both width- and length-wise), so the legs will be comfortably resting there without feeling restrained. Despite this approach, the scooter is no less maneuverable, lightweight, or overall comfortable than its peers. From the weight perspective, this model caps at 85 pounds (without the hand control), spelling lightweight with a capital L. Despite being so light, the machine can carry 300 pounds without hiccups.
Now, adopting its predecessors' 3-wheel design, this nimble vehicle allows you to easily navigate complicated indoor layouts. It is not quite as graceful as the previous entry on this list, stretching the turning radius 45 degrees but the upside is that this one enables covering 9 miles on a single charge, whereas the Pride Travel Pro Premium is not even offering 6.5 miles. The aforementioned hand control comes armed with an ergonomic throttle. The throttle also includes a delta-shaped steering handle that makes the overall operation pretty effortless, even when you're talking about people who are limited on strength and/or dexterity fronts. Also, the handle features generous padding, absorbing the pressure and ensuring a firm grip.
Interchangeable Panels
On the build subject, the product does not disappoint either. They're not necessarily the biggest contributors but the ones that stand out the most are the interchangeable color panels. First, both the red and the blue one are fairly stylish. Second, they also double as protective layers that can hide rim scratches or potential scuffs.
The flat-free, non-marking tires are not really bringing anything new to the table but the same cannot be said about the anti-tip wheels, increasing the clearance and keeping the ride steady.
The plastic carry basket does not quite share the product's overall quality, looking and feeling flimsy. But there's nothing flimsy about the height-adjustable swivel seat nor the fold-down backrest, making sure that you remain comfortable despite your stature.
Bottom line, counting the adjustable tiller, the padded and adjustable armrests, and the quick-connect batteries, the Drive Medical Spitfire Scout 3 is the scooter that even people with very restrictive mobility issues can call comfortable and efficient.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $729.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00GPGKMJC |
What Is a Mobility Scooter?
Mobility scooters are designed for the elderly and people with locomotor system disorders and motor disabilities, as well as for those undergoing medical rehabilitation. Mobility scooters will be an excellent solution for the disabled who are used to living an active life and don’t want to change their lifestyle. Surely, a scooter like that can’t replace a car, yet it can make life easier. Walks in parks and trips to clinics, shops, or post offices will be much more comfortable with a scooter. Moreover, mobility scooters are far better than wheelchairs thanks to their higher weight capacity.
The only problem you may have is choosing the right model due to a huge variety of options available. With that in mind, we've selected some of the most popular models from different brands so you can see how they stack up against each other and choose the one that suits you or your relative most.
In case you're buying a mobility scooter for your senior relative, you may also be interested in our selections of GPS tracking devices enabling you to track the route and location of the person using it and medical alert systems meant to quickly alert you and/or special medical alert services about emergency situations.
What Features to Compare
Riding Qualities
Riding qualities are the first thing you need to consider when buying a mobility scooter. They will depend on the place where it is to be used. All mobility scooters are divided into Class 2 and Class 3 models. Class 2 scooters are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Their maximum speed is medium, being generally 4-5 mph since such scooters are primarily intended for sidewalks. Class 3 models are created for riding on pedestrian ways at a speed of about 4 mph, or faster riding on roadways. When you pick a speedy mobility scooter, you should consider the physical abilities of a rider. Besides, take into account the maximum distance a scooter can travel; it depends on the battery type and capacity. Pay attention to the turning radius. If you choose a scooter for indoor use, look for the model with a smaller turning radius for better maneuverability. The scooter clearance is important for riding over bumpy terrains. A scooter with low clearance can get damaged when it rides over the border stones or other obstacles. So, if you want to keep the vehicle safe and easily run over road bumps, look for the scooter with a clearance of 2.5” and higher. The climbing angle is another parameter essential if you reside on a hilly terrain with sharp road turns. The higher the climbing angle is, the steeper slopes the scooter can overcome. The wheels diameter will be important for the scooter's ability to ride over broken terrains, ground, and asphalt roads. Lastly, don’t forget to check the weight capacity to pick an appropriate model.
Safety and Usability
Safety and usability are important for any mobility scooter rider. Pay attention to the scooter seat. The swiveling seat will allow you to comfortably get on a scooter. The seat height adjustment will enable customizing for any rider. Adjustable backrest and headrest will ensure comfort during long rides. Regulated armrests will help the user get off the scooter. Baskets, bottle holders and other accessories will allow carrying necessary things or purchase items. The scooter control panel should include a battery indicator to monitor the charge, a horn for pedestrians, and a speed adjustment knob limiting the speed to the needed extent. The safety depends on disk or electromagnetic brakes. Both types show a high efficiency and reliability in any situations. The light reflectors and LED lights will provide safe riding in the dark. Anti-tipper wheels will provide extra support for better scooter steadiness when it rides on a steep road.
Design
The design is the last point to consider when choosing a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are usually used by the elderly or people with orthopedic traumas, motor dysfunctions, or excess weight. Therefore, a mobility scooter disassembly is important, as it allows one to easily take it apart for convenience. Detachable wheels, removable seats and batteries will make the scooter storage and transportation comfortable. The detached parts are easier to carry, and removable batteries can be charged separately. There are scooters that can be folded up instead of disassembling. They are notable for their light weight and can fit into car trunks. Hence, they may be easily transported to nursing homes or shopping malls by car. Mobility scooters may be equipped with 3 or 4 wheels for improved stability. The shock absorbers or articulated suspensions provide smooth riding over humpy terrains.
Sources:
1. Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter, Which?
2. Janet Ashby How to Choose a Mobility Scooter, Disabled World. April 24, 2015.
3. 3 Wheel Electric Mobility Scooters, Disabled World.
4. How to Choose the Mobility Device that is Right for You, NationalMSSociety.
5. Do You Need a Mobility Scooter? Verywell.
6. Mobility Scooter, Wikipedia. July 12, 2016.
7. Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters Buying Guide, Argos.