Written by
Carley Thornell, an award-winning journalist with experience in caregiving and occupational therapy
Christopher Groux, senior editor and accessibility aficionado with cerebral palsy.
Updated April 16, 2024
Whether you have a disability, need a little extra help while doing chores like grocery shopping, or want to keep up with the grandkids on a theme park vacation, there’s a mobility scooter made for almost every need and body size.
But with so many variables in indoor or outdoor use, turning radius, battery type, charging method, whether it’s foldable for portability—and, of course, price—there’s a lot to consider.
With these facts in mind, here are the 11 best motor scooters you can buy right now according to reviewers.
Best All-Purpose Mobility Scooter
Glashow Mobility Scooter S3
If you’re looking for a mobility scooter that tackles all the essentials decently well without focusing on a specific category, the Glashow Mobility Scooter S3 seems like a strong choice. Reviewers suggest it's easy to fold, lightweight enough to stow in a trunk, and still manages to feature a battery that supports 25 miles on a single charge.
We also love this scooter for its wide assortment of safety features, which include raiseable armrests, a seat with a safety sensor, reflective strips, and rear anti-tippers. Whether you’re walking through the neighborhood, traversing gravel roads, or making your way around a theme park, this Glashow scooter is up to the test. It’s not the most portable scooter on this list, but its form factor still works well.
Pros
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Extra-large battery
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Several safety features
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Folds easily
Cons
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Portable, but still a tad heavy
$1,299.99 from Amazon
Best Ergonomic Mobility Scooter
Pride Mobility Go Go Sport 4-Wheel
The Go-Go Sport’s adjustable, ergonomic wraparound tiller (steering column) gets plenty of praise from those with arthritis or limited hand dexterity. There’s also LED lighting and a charging port on the tiller to reduce awkward bending and reaching.
Amazon reviewers give the Pride Mobility high marks for its long-lasting, rechargeable, and low-maintenance battery (12V 18AH sealed lead acid) that provides up to 14 miles per recharge. It also has a comfortable swivel seat that can hold up to 325 pounds.
Thanks to its adjustable and removable armrests, the Sport fits easily through most standard-sized doorways. The model is also appreciated for its versatility as an indoor and outdoor scooter. Four solid 9-inch wheels provide stability with a 3-inch ground clearance for packed gravel, grass, and mildly uneven ground.
Pros
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Controls built for limited dexterity
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Adjustable, removable armrests
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Indoor/outdoor use
Cons
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Shaky suspension for some
Buy now at Amazon
$1,649.00 from Walmart
Best Lightweight Mobility Scooter
iLiving i3
Weighing just 53 pounds—with one included battery—the iLiving i3 is as lightweight as it is durable thanks to aircraft-grade aluminum. The four-wheeled model folds easily in three steps, and its collapsible frame makes the scooter TSA-approved and ready for gate check or carry-on (depending on the plane and/or airline).
The iLiving i3 travels 14 miles per charge on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a second can be ordered and stowed for a total of 28 miles on one charge. While the vehicle’s 2 to 4 mph speed may not exactly be Mario Andretti-approved, its comprehensive list of features for the price is worthy of recognition.
Amenities include a 17-inch-wide seat enhanced for comfort in newer models, LED headlights, taillights and brake lights, a USB charging port, easy-to-read battery panel, and adjustable height for the tiller console.
Pros
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Extremely lightweight
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Foldable
Cons
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Slow speed
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Not meant for rough terrain
$1,893.42 from Amazon
Best Foldable Mobility Scooter
Shoprider Echo Folding Scooter
People generally lose a few inches with age, meaning those who were already buying pants in the petites may find it difficult to find a scooter small enough to comfortably fit their compact frames. The Echo Light is a foldable scooter that weighs just 59 pounds and collapses in four easy steps. There are no armrests on this model, but for shorter riders whose shoulders may hunch up on traditional chair armrests, that might be a plus.
The user weight capacity on the Echo Light is a bit lower than that of many other models—200 pounds max—and the maximum speed is just 4 mph with a travel distance per charge of 10 miles. That means this Shoprider, as its name suggests, is great for grocery store runs and getting into and out of high traffic in smaller areas.
This is especially true since three-wheeled scooters have a tighter turning radius (just 32 inches in this case). If you need a folding scooter fit for a car trunk, reviewers say this is the one to beat.
Pros
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Lightweight
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Foldable
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Ideal for short people
Cons
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Low weight capacity
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Slow speed
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Short battery life
Buy now at Amazon
Best Heavy-Duty Mobility Scooter
Lagtom 800W 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
Lagtom doesn’t compromise function for form in its snazzy Vespa-like, four-wheel mobility scooter (also available in a three-wheel version with mostly the same specifications). This electric-powered, long-range ride has three variable speeds and can travel 1 to 18 mph—with a 25-to-31-mile range on one battery charge.
While the Lagtom weighs 366 pounds, making it basically an option for non-portable use only, its heavy-duty construction allows it to hold up to 500 pounds.
The ride is smooth, too, and this model gets two thumbs up for stability thanks to two large front tires and rear anti-tip wheels with shock absorbers to navigate through terrain. (One of the few drawbacks users mention is the wide turning radius due to its 20-inch width.)
For those looking for a scooter experience similar to driving a car, this one offers it. The Lagtom has a locking glove compartment, an anti-theft alarm system, high and low-beam headlights, turn signals, back-up lights, brake lights, a trunk, horn, and side-view mirrors. This heavy-duty mobility scooter’s 800-watt transaxle brushless electric motor and 60-volt 20Ah (amp hours) long-range extended battery make it capable of traveling farther and faster than most other mobility scooters.
Pros
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Supports up to 500 pounds
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Smooth ride
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Car-like features
Cons
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Not Portable
Buy now at Amazon
Best Mobility Scooter For Travel
Vive Health 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter
Having a scooter is all about getting around, and this indoor-outdoor model is meant for ultimate mobility. Not only is the Vive 4-wheel lightweight and easy to break down into five separate pieces—each 29 pounds or less—it’s TSA-approved for airplane travel.
The two 12-volt, long-lasting batteries hold up to 12.4 miles (6.2 miles per battery) per charge for those on the go, and the Vive has options to charge the batteries both on the move and at home. The intuitive control panel on the tiller console, which includes a battery life indicator, has just enough bells and whistles (and a horn!) to be useful but not overwhelming in the technology department.
The Vive’s cushioned, height-adjustable 15.75-inch seat and backrest hold up to 265 pounds, with a swivel function to easily step on and off. Padded armrests are also height-adjustable and flip upward for easy onboarding and offboarding. If you’re looking for a travel scooter, this is our pick.
Pros
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Breaks down easily
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TSA-approved for travel
Cons
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Occasional battery glitches
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Comfort lacking for taller people
Buy now at Amazon
$774.99 from Walmart
Best Value Mobility Scooter
SuperHandy GUT112
The SuperHandy Passport doesn’t come with the robust selection of features offered by more heavy-duty scooters, but it’s easy to maneuver and break down, with a price point that makes it great for a mobility scooter beginner or supplementary on-the-go model. It’s also a handy option for couples who may want to share but vary widely in height. This model can accommodate anyone 5 feet tall up to 6-foot-3-inches thanks to its seat height options and 10-inch handlebar adjustment range.
The streamlined three-wheeled design makes the SuperHandy easy to break down for travel and makes maneuverability in tight spaces easy thanks to a sharp 31-inch turning radius (although the smaller wheels are best for smoother surfaces).
The handlebar controls are as easy as riding a bike: The left is forward, reverse, and on/off, and the right is a battery indicator with a thumb drive accelerator to propel the scooter easily for those with wrist and grip challenges.
This is also one of the lightest models for users with strength issues, since the SuperHandy is only 35 pounds thanks to its aluminum frame. The scooter comes with two easily swappable SuperHandy 48v rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, with 6 miles of range on each.
Pros
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Value-level price
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Adjustable
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Extremely light
Cons
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May be tip prone
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Can get uncomfortable over time
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Subpar battery life
Buy now at Amazon
$649.99 from Walmart
Best Easy-Assembly Mobility Scooter
Pride Mobility Revo 2.0 4-Wheel
The Revo 2.0 earns praise in multiple important categories. Not only does it arrive mostly assembled—and can be easily disassembled and put back together—but the Revo 2.0 now holds an additional 75 pounds (up to 400). The model also has fold-away, under-seat, and front bins for plentiful storage. For different types of terrain, the Revo 2.0’s suspension system offers a smooth ride.
This model’s 70-amp controller is midrange for most mobility scooter models, but it can take the scooter up to speeds of 5 mph (the average is 4 mph). (Controllers are like the brain of mobility scooters, linking all electronic components including the battery, motor, electric brakes, throttle, display panel, and more.) While some users say they have to supplement its LED lighting, the Revo 2.0 is easy to accessorize with a bicycle light. Accessorizing also comes in handy for those who need to ride with an oxygen tank, and Pride offers several E-tank holders.
The three-wheeled version of the Revo 2.0 has also garnered great customer reviews and offers most of the same features.
It comes with interchangeable controls to cater to both left and right-handed drivers, and has a USB charging port to juice up devices on the go. Typically, a three-wheeled scooter versus a four-wheeled scooter is lighter and offers a tighter turning radius, but this is largely a personal preference. Riders who prefer to feel more stable usually opt for four-wheeled versions.
Revo 2.0 models take two 12-volt, 35 Ah batteries, a universal size that’s not overly expensive to replace and is designed for constant voltage input and repeated use.
Pros
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Easy assembly and disassembly
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Lots of storage
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Great accessory options
Cons
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Comparatively costly
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Some say the seat is too large
Buy now at Amazon
Best Mobility Scooter for Comfort
Golden Buzzaround LX GB149
Golden Technologies’ Buzzaround gets a gold star when it comes to comfort. Suspension springs and a high seat back offer support and a smooth ride for weights up to 375 pounds.
But the model is as practical as it is cushy, as the tiller can be ordered for either left or right-handed drivers. The tiller also has a USB port to keep phones charged on the go (accessories like a nifty handlebar phone holder, or cane holder, are sold online as well).
Those seeking extra leg room will be pleased with the Buzzaround’s large foot deck. The model has a tight turn radius compared to four-wheel scooters—40.5 inches—and can travel up to 18 miles using two included U1 batteries (the same type used by most lawn mowers).
Pros
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Extremely comfortable
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Supports right and left-handed drivers
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Accessories make it even better
Cons
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Seat lacks adjustment
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Somewhat heavy to transport
Buy now at Amazon
Best Big-and-Tall Mobility Scooter
Drive Medical Panther
Taller or heavier scooter users may find themselves challenged by weight limits that typically max out around 300 pounds, but Drive Medical’s Panther has a capacity of up to 425 pounds. Pound for pound, it’s not only about checking a box for a user’s size, as the Panther gets kudos for comfort and stability, too.
The adjustable seat height reaches up to 22 inches tall (about the highest on the market), and the headrest adds not only comfort but a few more inches. A reclinable backrest with a width of 22 inches offers more room to wiggle—and more space than the standard width of approximately 16 inches. Anti-tip wheels add more stability for broader users as well.
A pair of 50AH batteries facilitate an impressive 20 miles on a single charge.
Given it’s best used by larger users, the Panther is a beast when it comes to transport, with a weight of 264 pounds. That requires a vehicle with a lift to move the chair.
Pros
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Awesome for big-and-tall users
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Very comfortable
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Supports all terrains
Cons
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Transport requires a lift
Buy now at SpinLife
$2,999.00 from Walmart
Best Motor Scooter For Battery Life
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle HD is considered the gold standard for off-roading scooters, while still being considered a class II medical device. The four-wheeled vehicle can climb steep inclines and tackle rugged terrain, with a smooth ride thanks to its front and rear suspension coil-overs for each tire.
The Eagle can also spread its wings longer than most scooters, with a distance of up to 32 miles on a full charge. A top speed of 8 mph means it doesn’t exactly fly, but it is faster than most other mobility scooters on the market—especially given that this model is a sturdy 300 pounds.
The powerful headlights get a thumbs up from users, with other unique features like a tall reclining seat pulling in equal praise. Armrests are adjustable and flip up, making it easy to get in and out of the seat.
Music lovers take note: The Golden Eagle HD has a loudspeaker powered by Bluetooth or an SD card.
Pros
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Built for rugged terrain
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Smooth ride
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Unique audio features
Cons
-
Heavy to transport
Buy now at SpinLife
How We Evaluated The Best Mobility Scooters
The selection of the mobility scooters featured in this article is based on thorough market research by our experts. From reading product reviews on retail sites, we assessed each scooter based on factors such as transportability, battery life, weight, accessories, and price.
In the future we plan to test more mobility scooters and assess them in accord with Reviewed standards.
What You Should Know About Buying Mobility Scooters
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover mobility scooters?
Electric mobility scooters are classified as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B coverage. This requires a prescription from a doctor explaining how your condition delays your movement and hinders daily tasks. The prescription must suggest the user is able to operate the scooter at home. If covered by Medicare, 80% of the cost is taken care of by insurance. If your doctor contacts Medicare efficiently, the decision should take 10 days at most to return.
As is often the case with Medicaid, your possible level of coverage varies from state to state. The needs and basic income thresholds one must meet to qualify often vary depending on where one lives.
Those with a chronic disability who are also living close to the poverty level may receive both Medicare and Medicaid, which could, in theory, combine to pay for 100% of the cost of a mobility scooter.
Will Social Security pay for mobility scooters?
Social Security does not pay for mobility scooters or medical procedures, but those receiving Medicare or Medicaid benefits in conjunction with social security may be better able to get a scooter, as described above.
If you’re collecting supplemental social security payments (SSI), you may be more likely to get coverage, but that would primarily be because your income is low enough that you also qualify for state-funded Medicaid that is oftentimes less restrictive in paying for costly medical equipment.
Those living in Medicaid-funded facilities may also be privy to more coverage opportunities as well. Unfortunately, you’ll have to look into your state’s Medicaid plan for the full details.
Are there other ways to get a free mobility scooter?
The aforementioned Medicare and Medicaid insurances are by far the best ways to get maximum or full coverage for a mobility scooter, as many disabled folks living on low incomes might receive both insurances for free or at a heavily reduced cost.
In the event that messy insurance system fails, there are other avenues to consider.
If you’re a veteran who qualifies for Tricare, they may pay for a percentage of scooter costs as well, though it may be better used as a supplement to another insurance. If you are not covered by Tricare, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) may help.
Charitible grants are also another path to consider in assisting funding. Some options include:
All of these programs have requirements that must be adhered to, and it can require lots of research to find one that matches your personal situation. However, grants can come through if all other options fail. The same can be said for used resellers and local medical suppliers, who may have old equipment that needs a new home.
How to replace the battery in a mobility scooter
Once you’ve purchased a new mobility scooter, its batteries should be replaced after about two and a half years of use. While the method is slightly different depending on the scooter you have, most of the basic principles remain the same and are well demonstrated in this video from Mobility Direct.
Here are the basic steps:
- Take the scooter seat off to reveal its battery box.
- If you see two battery boxes in containers with screws in them, take those screws off with a long screwdriver. Keep removing layers of the battery box till the batteries and connectors are fully exposed. For larger chairs, there may be no boxes at all, with a fully accessible battery sitting under a seat compartment. If you can gain access to the battery connectors, you’re doing it right.
- Once you see what the setup of your battery looks like, take a picture of it so you can remember exactly how each of the connectors connects. Typically red connects to red and black connects to black, but make very sure of this arrangement before disconnecting anything.
- Next, you’ll likely need help from a socket wrench to remove the bolts around the battery connectors.
- With the connectors unscrewed, you should now be able to take the batteries out and slot the new ones in. Note that there may be Velcro strips holding the batteries in place, but this is easy to overcome. The strips can also be reattached to the bottom of your new batteries too, if you like.
- The idea is essentially to just slot the new batteries in then reconnect and rescrew them the exact same way you saw in the previous pair.
If any of that sounds too scary to you, contact your scooter’s manufacturer to see if they can walk you through the process. It goes without saying you should never attempt a task you’re not fully comfortable with, especially one involving volts of dangerous electricity.
If you’re unsure of the health of your batteries, they can be tested by attaching the connectors of a battery voltage meter to the left and right sides of the scooter’s charging port. If the reading is low or fluctuates when the scooter is in use, it’s time to get new batteries.
To keep your batteries in tip-top shape, avoid letting the battery approach very low levels and keep it sheltered from extreme temperatures.
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Meet the testers
Carley Thornell is an award-winning journalist and health-tech writer whose first job was in an occupational therapy office. Her father was a disabled Army veteran, which made her passionate about all things healthcare and accessibility. Carley also covers DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) topics for many other publications, including Skift.
See all of Carley Thornell's reviews
Christopher Groux is the Senior Editor, Accessibility at Reviewed. Having persevered through a life with cerebral palsy, he's a specialist in mobility and dexterity aids for the disabled community, including everything from crutches to adaptive shoes. He's been a fixture in the accessibility space for the past several years, leveraging that knowledge to lead day-to-day coverage and plans for major trade shows like E3 and CES. Before completing his Communication Arts & Sciences Bachelor's Degree at Bridgewater State University, Christopher composed a thesis on disability culture based on his personal experience.
Over more than a decade focused entirely on web and print journalism, Christopher also covered the games industry at storied outlets like Newsweek, Inverse, International Business Times, and more.
See all of Christopher Groux's reviews
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