Mobility Scooters for Every Need: 10 Top Models

For individuals who have trouble getting around, mobility scooters may offer a path to freedom and independence, making it easier to navigate a mall or grocery store or walk the dog, but if you're deciding what to purchase, the options can be overwhelming. These electric-powered mobility devices come in a wide array of models and price points, and many are designed for specific uses. In this article, we’ll explore the considerations involved in choosing an appropriate scooter for your unique needs and look at 10 of the best models available today.

Who Might Benefit From a Mobility Scooter?

Today's mobility scooters combine the practical functionality of an electric wheelchair with the casual design of a recreational motor scooter. Because they're considered a mobility aid, mobility scooters may benefit individuals living with disabling conditions such as MS, arthritis or fibromyalgia. Plus, because many models are designed to be lightweight and can be either folded or disassembled for easy transport and storage, they're ideal for individuals who enjoy travel but have limited mobility. To be able to properly operate a mobility scooter, the user must be able to stand, walk short distances and sit upright without support.

Does Medicare or Insurance Cover Mobility Scooters?

Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage Plans may cover the cost of mobility scooters for seniors who have limited mobility and can safely use the device at home. Beneficiaries typically need a prescription from a plan-approved physician before the purchase is approved. Private insurance may also cover these mobility aids, but coverage may vary depending on the carrier and plan.  

Important Considerations When Choosing a Mobility Scooter

With the wide selection of mobility scooters available today, choosing the right model can be challenging, and it's important to understand your needs before you make a purchase. However, there are several important considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for a scooter.

• Indoor/outdoor use: If you plan to use your scooter indoors, three-wheel models are generally more maneuverable and often weigh less. Scooters designed for outdoor use typically have four wheels for greater stability and balance and a higher ground clearance so they can handle uneven terrain. Models designed for outdoor use may also include headlights, brakes, rearview mirrors and turn signals.
• Home accessibility: If you want a mobility scooter primarily for home use, make sure to measure doorways, corridors and access ramps so you won’t end up with a scooter that doesn’t fit in your house. You'll also want to select a model with a smaller turn radius so you can maneuver it around furniture.
• Portability: If you like to be on the go and plan to take your scooter with you, you may want to choose a lightweight, foldable design. If you plan to travel by air, look for a model that's FAA compliant.
• Battery life: The battery life and charging time can vary considerably by model. Some units may support backup batteries for individuals who plan to be on the go for long periods of time.
• Weight limits: The scooter you choose should be able to support your weight, plus any items you’re carrying, so make sure to check the maximum weight rating on the scooters you’re considering.
• Price: The price of scooters can range from several hundreds of dollars to upward of several thousand dollars. If your insurance doesn't cover mobility scooters or if you're on a limited budget, look for scooters in your target price range that offer the features you want most.

10 Best Mobility Scooters for Seniors

Because modern mobility scooters are designed to suit a variety of needs, not every device is ideal for every senior. Whether you're in the market for a heavy-duty scooter that can handle rough terrain or you want something lightweight and portable for traveling, you'll find a scooter on this list that fits the bill.

1. Pride Mobility Raptor 

The Pride Mobility Raptor is a heavy-duty multipurpose scooter with a stylish, motorcycle-inspired design and a midrange price. This three-wheeled model is highly maneuverable, built for stability and can reach speeds of up to 14 miles per hour. Plus, with front and rear suspension, it offers users a smooth ride. The Pride Mobility Raptor includes advanced safety features, including an electromagnetic braking system that automatically engages when the throttle is released and a full LED lighting package so it can be used at night. It supports up to 400 pounds, has an extended-life battery and features a sleek digital dashboard, which displays speed, mileage and remaining battery life so you can see key metrics at a glance.

Key features include:

• Tubeless pneumatic tires
• Directional signals
• Brake lights
• Dual rearview mirrors
• Regenerative braking system
• Adjustable fold-flat seat with adjustable-angle armrests
• Multiple storage areas, including a lockable under-seat storage compartment

2. Drive Medical Scout 4 

The Drive Medical Scout 4 has a sleek, low-profile design and interchangeable red and blue accents. Its four-wheel structure makes it suitable for outdoor use, and it features anti-tip technology so you can securely navigate inclines or uneven terrain. The Drive Medical Scout 4 has a responsive tiller so it’s highly maneuverable, and it reaches a top speed of over 4 mph. If you're looking for an affordable, transportable scooter, this unit is small enough to fit into a van, and it disassembles in minutes so it can be loaded in the trunk of a car. It’s also FAA compliant for airline travel, making it a practical option for seniors who like to travel.

Key features include:

• No-flat tires
• Adjustable armrests
• Adjustable swivel seat
• No-scuff wheels
• Easy-connect battery
• Electromagnetic braking system
• Adjustable tiller

3. EWheels M39 

If you’re looking for an affordable, travel-friendly mobility scooter, the EWheels M39 is one of the lightest units on the market today, weighing just 73 pounds with the battery removed. It folds for space-saving storage and easily disassembles into smaller pieces, each weighing 30 pounds or under, to fit into the trunk of most cars. When you've reached your destination, the scooter reassembles quickly and easily. The EWheels M39 has a stable, four-wheel design and puncture-proof tires so it’s suitable for outdoor use, and it can accommodate up to 300 pounds.

Key features include:

• Wireless design
• Swivel seat
• Flip-back armrests
• Electromechanical brakes
• Onboard battery charger

4. Drive Medical Cobra GT4

At 340 pounds, the Drive Medical Cobra GT4 is designed for sturdiness and comfort even with everyday use. This heavy-duty scooter can accommodate up to 400 pounds and features an adjustable seat and armrests and a steering column that can be set to your ideal driving position. Its seat swivels for easy entry and exit, and the simple-to-use controls can be operated by riders who have limited hand and arm strength, making it a good choice for individuals with full-body limitations. 

Key features include:

• One-touch steering adjustment
• High/low-speed switch
• LED taillights and turn signals
• Choice of sport-style, captain’s or full-size height-adjustable seat
• Adjustable padded armrests
• Low-profile tires
• Anti-tip wheels

5. Pride Go-Go Sport S74

The Pride Go-Go Sport S74 is lightweight enough for travel and strong enough to support up to 325 pounds of weight. This four-wheel model offers plenty of leg room to accommodate taller riders and includes an easy-access battery-charging port so you don’t have to bend over to plug it in. Plus, with large tires and a 3-inch ground clearance, the Go-Go Sport can handle a variety of terrain. The unit also features a Delta tiller, which can be operated with either hand, and unlike other models, the throttle may be engaged with your fingers rather than requiring use of your thumb, making this scooter ideal for individuals with limited use of their hands.

Key features include:

• Disassembly into five lightweight parts
• Deck storage basket
• Dual-voltage charger for on- or off-board charging
• Interchangeable red and blue shrouds
• Non-scuffing tires
• LED lighting

6. Pride Mobility Zero Turn 10

The Pride Mobility Zero Turn 10 is designed for versatility, combining the stability of a four-wheel scooter with exceptional maneuverability so it can be used indoors and out. It has a 43-inch turning radius and independently rotating tires that make it easy to steer around furniture, and it offers three different speed settings that let you reach up to 7.2 mph. For outdoor use, the ZT10 features Comfort Trac suspension and never-flat tires so you can navigate inclines and uneven terrain. Plus, the ZT10 has a powerful battery that lets you travel up to 24 miles before needing to recharge.

Key features include:

• Eco, sport and everyday speed settings
• 18-inch upholstered stadium seat with swivel and sliders
• Onboard USB charging port
• Tiller adjustment lever
• LED head and taillights and turn signals
• Storage basket and cup holders
• Ambient voltmeter

7. Solax Transformer Automatic Folding Scooter 

Designed for portability, the Solax Transformer automatic folding scooter folds and unfolds with the touch of a button, weighs just 53 pounds once the battery is removed and complies with FAA guidelines for safe air travel. Despite its lightweight design, the Solax Transformer can support up to 300 pounds, and at just 18.1 inches wide, it has a narrow profile so you’ll have no trouble navigating small or crowded spaces. This four-wheel scooter features an ergonomic seat and an adjustable foam handle to maintain comfort during long rides, and it has a simple-to-use control panel. The Solax Transformer is available in black, red, blue and yellow.

Key features include:

• Ambidextrous throttle
• Remote control
• Adjustable tiller
• Secure key operation
• Flip-up armrests
• Intelligent regenerative electromagnetic brakes

8. Buzzaround CarryOn Mobility Scooter

If you’re looking for an affordable scooter that doesn’t take up much room, the Buzzaround CarryOn mobility scooter by Golden Technology may fit the bill. With the seat removed, this lightweight model disassembles easily and folds down to under 12 inches so it can be stored in a closet or transported in a car trunk. Despite its small stature, the scooter can support up to 300 pounds, and although it lacks a suspension system, it has a stable, four-wheel base with a ground clearance of 4 inches so it can navigate uneven terrain and shallow inclines.

Key features include:

• Four-point carry handles
• Flip-up armrests
• Onboard USB charging port
• Integrated water bottle holder
• Front and rear lights
• Self-locking seat frame
• Infinite adjustable tiller

9. Afikim Afiscooter S4

Afikim’s Afiscooter S4 is designed to handle rugged outdoor use. With a 5-inch ground clearance and a maximum climbing angle of 11 degrees, this heavy-duty scooter can operate on most traversable terrains. It has a shock-absorbing front bumper to safeguard against damage from small mishaps, and the scooter can be fitted with an optional hard-top rain canopy for all-weather use. The Afiscooter S4 has an orthopedic seat that rotates for easy onboarding and offboarding, and it can accommodate up to 450 pounds. The Afiscooter S4 is one of the only mobility scooters that’s also available in a two-seat model.

Key features include:

• LED headlights
• Protective plastic shrouds
• Pneumatic tires
• Full suspension system
• Complete lighting system
• Lockable front storage compartment

10. Ephesus S5 Folding Mobility Scooter

Despite being exceptionally lightweight at just 62 pounds, the Ephesus S5 has a stable four-wheel base that’s suitable for navigating most indoor and outdoor surfaces. It features three speed settings, reaching a maximum speed of 12 mph, and the battery can provide up to 25 miles of travel, depending on the load capacity and other conditions. The Ephesus S5 has a height-adjustable handlebar that includes a battery display, gas throttle, handbrake and horn. This foldable scooter, which is notable for its noiseless operation and removable child seat, is available in black, white, blue, red and silver.

Key features include:

• Adjustable direction bar
• Reverse gear
• Gas throttle
• Front storage basket
• Brake lights
• Horn