The History
Mobility devices like scooters have assisted millions of people to regain their independence. The first one was created in 1968 by a plumber named Allan R Thieme in Bridgeport, Michigan. Despite the lack of modern battery technology, Mr. Thieme was able to have his electric mobility scooter reach top speeds of 3 miles per hour. The name he gave to his creation was Amigo, a manufacturer that is still in business to this very day. Sales were initially slow as the market wasn’t quite sure if the device was needed and when it was needed. Lack of product knowledge hindered widespread adoption as physicians continued to write prescriptions for wheelchairs.
Mr. Thieme would be impressed at what would become the industry he started. Life expectancy has continued to increase since the invention of mobility carts which has caused a boom in this medical product category. Several manufacturers have since been formed to create what they feel is the best product to assist those with disabilities.
From 2015 to 2020, the assistive technologies market has grown from $41.1 billion to $58.3 billion. With the baby boomer population aging, it is also well-accepted that baby boomers are facing more disabilities with their longer life expectancy as confirmed by the PRB. This means that unlike when Mr. Thieme first created the mobility scooter, the product knowledge is now there and consumers now demand the best features at the best prices.
What is it?
If you're just getting familiar with handicapped scooters for the first time, we'll explain what they are. Most models utilize either 3-wheels or 4-wheels along with a seat, frame, motor, battery, and a tiller to allow a user to effortlessly travel. It's like a one-person cart, that uses electromagnetic braking (also known as automatic brakes) so the user never actually needs to manually engage a brake lever. When the user is not using the throttle lever, the unit automatically brakes.
There are different categories of scooters just like there are different categories of cars. In the next section, we’ll review the different types of disability scooters. These products feature unique designs that don’t resemble a traditional wheelchair. They offer modern features such as suspension, and lighting, some can fold, and some have larger control panels.
The controls are placed in the center of the device, rather than off to the side with a joystick mechanism. Instead, you control your forward and reverse movements with a tiller similar to a bicycle steering wheel with only much smaller handlebars. Just like how on a bicycle, there are two levers above the main handlebars but they are used to go forward and back. This is how you tell the electric scooter what your intentions are, whether you wish to travel forward or in reverse. Finding the right mobility device for sale that matches your lifestyle doesn’t have to be a challenge.
The Different Types
There are several different types of mobility products and the right one for you isn’t necessarily right for another. It boils down to individualistic needs. Every category of scooter offers both 3-wheel and 4-wheel options. If you're not familiar with the difference between a 4-wheel and a 3-wheel scooter, we recommend watching the video explainer on our Youtube channel regarding the differences between each. In short, 3-wheel models will have a sharper turning ability and more foot space on the deck. 4 wheel scooters typically will have more stability, and won't turn as sharply.
To learn more about the different types of Mobility Scooters please click this Type of Mobility Scooters link
Folding
Foldable scooters are ideal for traveling and as the name implies, they literally fold. There are two different types of folding scooters. One type is automatic. The other type is manual. The automatic ones are premium versions and the price reflects that. You fold them by hitting a button on your FOB. The manual one is less costly as it is cheaper to manufacture. Those who want the advantages of a folding scooter without the cost typically gravitate towards the manual folding option.
Pros - Easy to travel with. Lightweight.
Cons - They are usually more expensive and have the tendency to be more delicate.
Travel-Friendly
Travel scooters, also referred to as "portable scooters" are the most popular and cost-effective disability scooters you can get your hands on. Many are under $1,000.00 and made by reputable manufacturers. While not as travel-friendly as folding models, these scooters typically disassemble into various pieces. It is important to always understand the weight of the heaviest piece after disassembly if you will be loading the travel scooter into your car after disassembly. Most scooters in this category disassemble without the use of tools. View our section on how to disassemble a scooter to view the process.
Pros - A cheaper alternative to folding scooters.
Cons - Doesn’t fold. Must be disassembled.
Full-Size
Full-size scooters attempt to combine comfort and value and do a great job at it. They aren’t lightweight so have better specs like travel ranges, top speed, larger seats, and better suspension. However, they do fall short when compared to heavy-duty models. They are more travel-friendly and while they cannot fit inside most trunks like folding or travel-friendly models, they can typically fit on vehicle lifts on compatible vehicles.
Pros - Comfort and value meet.
Cons - Not small enough to travel with easily (unless you have a vehicle lift) and not large enough to be considered a heavy-duty unit.
Heavy-Duty
Heavy-duty scooters are fantastic when you do not intend on traveling much because of their sheer size. However with their sheer size comes a rugged frame, strong motors, huge batteries, and all sorts of benefits. Fast top speeds, long travel ranges, comfortable rides, and the most comfortable seats can be found when compared to the other categories. Because everything is top-notch, the pricing typically reflects this as well.
Pros - Off-road capability. Superior top speed. Superior travel range.
Cons - Cost. Large size.
As you can see, there are several different types of scooters and each has its advantages and disadvantages. If you need help choosing the right type, we strongly recommend calling our non-commissioned sales experts for a hassle-free quote.
3 Considerations When Choosing a Mobility Dealer
With hundreds of online mobility scooter stores online, you may find it difficult to choose the right one. While each store has strengths and weaknesses, there are certain things that you’ll want to consider.
Reviews
Reviews are super important when researching a dealer, they show how the company treats its customers. Ratings are usually an average of 1 to 5 stars. We are proud to have an almost perfect rating across all stores and online with an average of about 4.9 across all stores. We've been in business since 2014 and we are proud of our impressive reputation on platforms like Google & Facebook.
Pricing
In today's inflated market, you’ll want the lowest pricing possible. Compare pricing on different websites. You’ll notice at Mobility Direct, our pricing is always on the lowest side it can be because nearly all of our products are listed at what is known as MAP or minimum advertised price. This is the minimum pricing that certified dealers are allowed to advertise the product for. The MAP price is a policy that is enforced by the manufacturers that we as certified dealers must abide by. It's also nice to know that while most dealers have commission-driven sales reps, we do not provide commission to our sales staff. This means that they won't just try to sell you the most expensive option, they will recommend a model that truly suits your needs and budget.
Expertise
Our team goes through extensive training programs upon being hired and continuing education programs annually. Utilize the experience of the sales staff to help locate the perfect scooter for you. Rather than just read the specs, you can take advantage of a free consultation at most online dealers. If you read the reviews, you might see a salesperson stick out more than others which might indicate they do a great job at listening and providing good feedback.
5 Common Reasons Customers Buy Handicap Scooters
There are several reasons why one would want to purchase a disability scooter. From lung issues to amputees, the reasons medically can be nearly any reason why one would have difficulty traveling a significant distance without assistance. For those who do not intend on traveling great distances, many are content with walkers or rollators.
However, if you are traveling somewhere with your family and do not want to make them wait for you if you walk slower or need to take frequent breaks to catch your breath, a dependable mobility scooter can be a fantastic addition to help you stay with your family and witness everyone having fun. Even if your family goes on trails often, there are several scooters that are equipped for off-road use. Surely, travel range and tires would be the most important factor if you intend on using the scooter for that purpose but it is possible.
Here are some of the most common reasons our customers buy handicapped scooters:
Safety
If your legs feel uneasy after walking a great distance, you are potentially risking a fall. A fall can yield to broken bones and surgery which is not advantageous and if it can be prevented, most people would try to prevent a fall from occurring.
Independence
Most people greatly enjoy their independence. When you have an option to always ask for help or have the ability to do things on your own, most would prefer to do it on their own. A motorized scooter can allow you to shop without the need for an aide, allow you to go outside and get fresh air on your own, and so much more.
Traveling
Many people have worked their entire lives to be able to travel and may feel reluctant to travel once personal ailments prevent them from doing so. A disability scooter can assist you with traveling, especially if you consider a model that folds and is very travel-friendly.
Economical
Rather than paying for public transportation like buses, if you are close to a local store, you have the option to drive there on your scooter. It is not uncommon to see people using mobility products on sidewalks in South Florida with users headed to the store.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have the ability to safely travel locally around to run errands or to visit friends can lift a huge burden off your shoulders. Having this peace of mind can be hugely beneficial and ease concerns about your mobility.
Important Specifications
It is our goal to ensure that every customer loves the product they purchase whether from us or another dealer. That is why we do our best to list all product specifications and features on our website. This is also done by providing user manuals and product brochures on nearly every single product that we carry. Most mobility equipment dealers will only provide product brochures and manuals post-sale. We also have an FAQ section loaded with answers to commonly asked questions which you can check out with the link at the top of our website.
Our company believes in educating our customers before making a purchase to ensure that they don't end up receiving a product that they're unhappy with. This is done by extensive fact-finding to see what the true use case of the scooter will be. Some of the most important things to consider when buying a battery-powered scooter are the specifications that we have listed below.
Weight Capacity - The total weight that the unit can handle according to the manufacturer
Seat Width & Depth - The seat's dimensions are important based on the user's measurements.
Overall Length, Width & Height - The dimensions of the unit are important if you plan to store it away during travel or when you're not using it.
Weight of Heaviest Piece - If the unit disassembles, then make sure to check if the heaviest piece is going to be manageable for the person who uses it.
Incline rating - How the scooter can climb hills. Very important for those living in mountainous or hilly terrains.
Ground Clearance - How far the scooter comes off the ground.
Top Speed - The maximum speed the unit will reach.
Travel Range - The total distance that the unit can travel on a full battery.
Turning Radius - The turning radius is important to check especially if you need to travel through tight spaces or turns in narrow hallways.
Features - LED lights, suspension, flat-free tires, etc; are just a few features some models will come standard with.
If you're not able to find these specifications on our website or if you just have questions then call us or chat with us to speak with a sales representative. Our sales staff will take the time to guide you through your shopping experience without being pushy.
Before you buy your first Mobility Scooter, please watch our Mobility Scooter Buying Video Guide
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble with your unit, we have an excellent playlist of repair videos that you should check out. Whenever possible, our goal is to offer helpful resources to help you save money. There are some very common reasons why powered mobility devices will stop working, some of which are relatively inexpensive to fix. Most of the time, it's as simple as your device needing new batteries.
First, if your unit will not function properly and gives you a certain amount of beeps, you must count how many beeps it's making. That beep sequence is a manufacturer-programmed code that indicates a certain fault with the unit. That code can be deciphered by a certified technician or by reading your user manual. You can also try to view this resource if your scooter is one of the most popular, Pride Go-Go Scooters. Rather than purchasing a scooter, you might be able to repair it for a fraction of the cost. If you have another scooter, Google the make and model followed by the beep sequence to see if you can find any resources. There are hundreds of makes and models so it would be extremely difficult to summarize all beep codes from all manufacturers.
If the scooter will not turn on, you can generally expect it to be a battery issue. If your scooter will not hold a charge, that can be another indicator that it is a battery issue. You may need a new scooter if you’ve already replaced the battery and it continues to have issues. To make it easier we have a video tutorial that explains what the best practices are for getting the most out of your battery life, you can watch it by clicking this Mobility Product Battery Guide link
Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining your scooter post-purchase will ensure that you give it the highest likelihood of lasting a long time. This maintenance checklist will ensure you do not forget any important maintenance tasks.
- Become familiar with the user manual. Each manufacturer may have slightly different maintenance tips.
- Be sure to remove the battery from the device when it is not in use. This will prevent parasitic drawdown and lengthen the life of the battery.
- Charge your batteries regularly.
- Only plug the charger into the wall outlet when the charger is being used.
- Keep your scooter indoors or in a garage where it is not exposed to severe heat or cool weather.
- Ensure your tires have the proper PSI per manufacturer recommendations.
- Try to avoid areas with loose sand and try to avoid getting caught in the rain as maintaining a scooter with sand stuck in crevices or water can be difficult.
- Do not get your unit wet or expose it to extremely moist/humid environments when possible.
- Apply water deterrents in areas that are prone to rusting as well as any lubrication points like the bearings.
- Avoid high inclines and rough terrain that exceeds the performance abilities of the unit.
- Do not exceed the weight capacity of the unit.
- Keep your unit clean and free of debris.
In the event that your mobility device needs new parts, you'll be happy to know that Mobility Direct is the top dealer for mobility scooter parts online! We have direct access to all of the OEM parts offered by each brand that we offer. Give our parts department a call at 877-321-3421 or just navigate to the parts section of our website to easily search for parts by brand or model. Our parts department team members are very experienced when it comes to finding the parts that are compatible with your device, be sure to have your make, model, and serial number handy if you need parts. Serial numbers are required to provide compatible parts in most cases. If you are a customer of ours, we will be able to look up the serial number for you.
Can You Buy a Scooter with Insurance?
Yes. You can buy a disability scooter with insurance however the process can be viewed as difficult when compared with buying a scooter without insurance. We’ve written an entire post dedicated to purchasing a scooter with insurance. If you would like to learn more about the process, visit our blog post about purchasing scooters through insurance by clicking here.
To summarize, you’ll need to check the benefits with your insurance company as each policy and insurance company has different benefits. You’ll also need to have a doctor's prescription.
Lastly, it is important to note that you typically cannot pick or choose any model you like, the insurance company will typically want to save money and get you the lowest-cost models available. Insurance companies tend to also only approve models that are very basic and that are designed for indoor use only.
Delivery Options
With most online handicap scooter dealers, you will have a few different options for delivery. Each one has pros and cons.
Curbside Delivery - This type of delivery service is free of charge at Mobility Direct. The delivery company will place the service at the threshold just before the entrance to your house. They will not bring it inside. This is the fastest delivery option.
Inside Delivery - This is an added charge and the amount is dependent upon the type of model ordered. For instance, a travel scooter is much easier to bring indoors when compared to a heavy-duty unit. This delivery option allows the delivery company to enter your home just inside the door and place the scooter there.
White-Glove Delivery - This is another optional upgrade that will delay the delivery significantly as the delivery company must coordinate with the local technician that will do the white glove delivery service. Expect up to a 3-4 week delay when ordering with white glove delivery.
Navigate Our Products With Ease
If you watch the short tutorial video, you'll learn how to navigate our product category menu options and how to use our product filters to narrow down your selection. We have product filters with several specifications including weight capacity, speed, brand, and much more. When you use the product filters to narrow down your results, you'll be on your way to finding a product that suits your needs. Below you'll see a video that we made to show users how to navigate our website to find the right product that suits their needs.
What Makes Us Different?
Mobility products are an important part of life for many people which is why the owner (- Andrew Fatalo) started this company. Without these products, people with limited mobility wouldn’t be able to go shopping, visit friends, or move around their homes. If you're in the market for a new handicapped scooter, we can help you find the right model at the right price and provide you with customer support that is unmatched for years to come. Andrew Fatalo truly cares about individuals with mobility limitations and aims to provide the best shopping experience possible through his company. He gives back to the community by giving away a free scooter annually which you can learn more about by visiting our Facebook page. Check out the video below showing one of our giveaways from a prior year.
If you are looking for some of the best handicap scooters for sale on the market at wholesale prices, free shipping, zero sales tax, and the best customer service then look no further than MobilityScootersDirect.com!
Contact us today to learn more about any current promotions and see how much you can save. Want to learn more about a certain product? Call us and we'll guide you so that you end up with the right product. We also have a FAQ and Forum section on our site that can be a great place to start learning more about our products.
Our company is also known to be the site that offers the lowest prices online with our lowest price guarantee. Because your new scooter will play such an important role in your life, you should be able to get one that suits your needs without emptying your wallet. It is our goal that this Ultimate Guide to Mobility Scooters was helpful.