When shopping around for mobility scooters, you may hear a lot of different facts and opinions. The truth is, not all are factual. There is a lot of information on the internet, and not all of it is true. That’s exactly why we have put together a list of the most common mobility scooter myths that we hear on a regular basis. Hopefully, this will help make your decisions just a little easier!

1. They Can’t Go Up Hills

One of the most common questions we get is if mobility scooters can go up hills. The answer is, it depends. Every mobility scooter has what we call a “maximum climbing angle”. This angle refers to how steep the mobility scooter can drive within its safe limits. Every mobility scooter has a different maximum climbing angle, so if you live in a hilly area it’s best to look around at which scooters have the largest climbing angle. Usually, the larger and more robust 4-wheel scooters are able to handle hills the best.

2. They Don’t Have a Long Drive Range

I think you’d be surprised to know that some mobility scooters can drive upwards of 25 miles on a single charge. The driving range of a mobility scooter can be impacted by a few things. First and foremost, the type of mobility scooter. Some of the smaller, more travel-friendly mobility scooters will have a shorter driving range due to smaller batteries, smaller sizes, and other factors. Next, your battery size and how you care for the batteries. There are a few ways that you can care for your batteries that will extend their life, meaning you can drive further distances. Keeping them out of cold weather and regular charging can help you prolong your battery’s life.

3. You Have to Be Disabled to Use One

Another one of the most common mobility scooter myths that we hear is that you have to be disabled to use one. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While you absolutely may have a disability to use a mobility scooter, it is in no way, shape, or form necessary. Some may choose a mobility scooter because they experience pain walking long distances, they no longer drive a car, they need help running errands, or they simply want a more comfortable way to get from point A to point B. 

4. Mobility Scooters Are Hard to Drive

While there may be a learning curve if you are getting your first mobility scooter, once you get the hang of it, it’s relatively simple. And, it’s pretty intuitive. On most scooter tillers, you can control the speed, and turn it off and on. Then, you can turn the tiller from left to right to steer yourself. A number of our clients state that driving a mobility scooter shares a lot of similarities with driving a car.

5. It Can Be Stored Without Charging

If you are planning on storing your mobility scooter for long periods of time, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. If the scooter is going outdoors like in a shed, garage, or covered, you will need to ensure it is safe from the elements. A lot of exposure to rain and snow can damage your mobility scooter over time. In addition, you must remove the batteries if the weather gets cold. Typically we say that any temperature under 32 degrees is unsafe for batteries. Bring your batteries inside, and give them a full charge once a month. This will keep them healthy throughout the winter.

6. They Make A lot of Noise

A lot of our clients say that they are shocked by how quiet their mobility scooter is. Years and years ago mobility scooters were pretty loud. Now, with all of our new technologies, mobility scooters are relatively quiet and relaxing to drive. If your mobility scooter is making a lot of noise, it may be a good idea to take it to your local dealer to ensure there is nothing wrong with it.

7. They Are Bad For the Environment

Mobility scooters are much better for the environment than cars since they do not produce emissions. Since they run on batteries, most often AGM deep cycle batteries, they produce little impact on the environment while in use. If you are getting a new set of batteries, they are very easy to recycle. In addition, mobility scooters can be popular to re-sell or gift to a loved one if you are done with yours.

8. Mobility Scooters are Dangerous 

Any device that you drive can be dangerous if you are driving recklessly. But, if you are driving carefully and cautiously, there should be very little reason to be afraid of driving a mobility scooter. In addition, there are safety precautions that you can take, including using the scooter’s lights at night or adding a visibility flag. Some mobility scooters also come with a horn so you can warn others that you are coming up behind them. Here are a few tips that can make your ride as safe as possible.

• No drinking and driving
• No distracted driving (cell phones, reading, etc)
• Adhere to local bylaws and regulations
• Drive slower in busy areas
• Avoid driving in bad weather (rain storms, thunder, snow storms, extreme cold)

9. Can’t Drive Outdoors / Can’t Drive Indoors

We hear that scooters can’t drive outdoors and scooters can’t drive indoors – which is it? The truth is, both are wrong. Scooters can drive both outdoors and indoors. But, there are some models that will be a better fit for both. As an example, if you are planning to drive your scooter indoors like at the grocery store, shopping malls, or in an apartment, a small 3-wheel scooter may be the best option. While this scooter can drive on sidewalks, it’s not optimal for any bumpy or rough terrains. On the other hand, large mobility scooters can handle grass, gravel, and other rough terrains. But, purely because of its size, it may not be able to fit in tight spaces like an elevator.

10. They Are Expensive

While some mobility scooters can be expensive, not all are expensive. In fact, there are a number of mobility scooters that cost less than $2,000 including the Echo 3-Wheel and Dasher 4-Wheel. Additionally, most scooter retailers will offer some sort of financing option. If price is your main deciding factor, there are mobility scooters that are more affordable. But, you will not find any large, heavy-duty mobility scooters for a price under $2,000.

Final Words

As you can see, there are a number of mobility scooter myths that we have to debunk on a regular basis. It can be a hard enough decision to choose the right mobility scooter for your needs, so having misleading information on the internet makes it even harder. If you have any questions about any of the mobility scooter myths mentioned on this list or would like help choosing the perfect scooter, don’t hesitate to reach out.

When you are looking for a mobility scooter, it can be overwhelming to choose among the hundreds of options that are on the market. That’s we have compiled a list of the best-selling mobility aids of each type to help you narrow down your choices. We discuss heavy-duty outdoor scooters, small portable scooters, and everything in between. Keep reading to learn what our 5 best-selling mobility scooters of 2022 are.

1. Flagship Enclosed Scooter

Have you ever thought about using a mobility scooter in the rain? Doesn’t sound very fun now does it! But, with the Flagship, you are protected from rain, beating sun, or even light snow. The Flagship Enclosed Mobility Scooter is a very unique scooter and the first of its class. As you can see in the picture, this scooter is completely covered by its attached canopy. The canopy is not removable, but the two side doors can be removed. To learn more about enclosed mobility scooters, check out our other article. The Flagship has a weight capacity of 350 pounds and the unit has a total weight of 328 pounds including the batteries.

2. Echo 3

Next up on our list of the best selling mobility scooters is the Echo 3 SL73, or Echo 3 for short. The Echo 3 can disassemble into 3 lightweight parts, with the heaviest weighing just 35 pounds. This makes it easy to put the pieces in the trunk of your car. Since the Echo 3 is a 3-wheel scooter, it has a very tight turn radius compared to larger 4-wheel scooters. 3-wheel scooters have an easier time maneuvering indoor areas like elevators and apartment buildings. This scooter has a 250 pound weight capacity, an 8 mile drive range, and a 1.5 inch ground clearance.

3. EasyGo Elite

While the EasyGo Elite is not technically a mobility scooter, it’s still a mobility aid, so that counts, right? We’ve decided to include the EasyGo Elite Model on our list of the best-selling mobility scooters as there really isn’t a scooter in America that is capable of doing what this power wheelchair can do. With 3 simple steps, the EasyGo Elite will fold into the size of a small carry-on suitcase! This technology is very unique, as usually, mobility aids are very large and clunky. This makes the EasyGo Elite easy to put in your car, store when you’re not using it, and even take on a plane! Yes, you read that right, with its lithium-ion batteries the EasyGo Elite is safe to take on a plane. It has a weight capacity of 264 pounds, 15 mile drive range, and a 4.5 inch ground clearance.

4. Sunrunner 888B

Coming in fourth place, we have the Sunrunner. This is a sturdy and fully-loaded mid-sized four-wheel scooter. It comes standard with a deluxe captain’s seat, making it very comfortable for users. It has an ergonomic adjustable tiller and swivel seat, providing an even more comfortable experience. The Sunrunner has a 300 pound weight capacity, 25 mile drive range, and a 3 inch ground clearance.

5. Enduro XL

Last but certainly not least, we have the Enduro XL. This heavy-duty scooter boasts impressive specifications including a 500 pound weight capacity. It also offers a state-of-the-art lighting system, turn signals, and horn. The 20 inch seat is on a swivel and can recline to accomodate users comfortably. With large pneumatic tires and 3 inch ground clearance, the Enduro is a great outdoor driver.

Last Words

There are a number of great mobility scooters on the market. Here are our best-selling mobility scooters of 2022. We predict them to continue to be best-sellers well into 2023 and beyond. If you have any questions about any of the mobility scooters on this list, do not hesitate to reach out, we are happy to help!