HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Mobility scooters
Takawhitinga kawenga
Buying a mobility scooter will open up your world if you struggle to walk around your community. There are many different options, so it's important you know what to look for.
The best place to start is to visit (or ask for a visit from) a local supplier of mobility scooters. You can search online or in your yellow pages, but often the best way is to ask around. If you see somebody on the street or in the shops, ask them where they got theirs! You're looking for a supplier who meets the following criteria.
- They ask you lots of questions about your needs, including what kind of home environment you live in and where you'll want to go on your scooter.
- They will come to your home with one or two scooters to trial if you aren't able to come into the shop.
- They offer a 12-month service after you buy a scooter and are able to repair the scooter if needed.
- They offer several recognised brands of scooters (you can check the brand online).
Things to consider before buying a mobility scooter
Mobility scooters are ideal if you're able to walk around your own home but need help to get out and about. If you struggle to walk inside, a wheelchair may be better. Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand will often provide this for you (via Enable – ask your general practice team to refer you). Some people use a wheelchair indoors but a mobility scooter outdoors.
If you have poor vision, memory loss or dementia, a brain and nerve disorder or another physical health condition, it might not be safe for you to use a mobility scooter. In these cases, you should get an independent assessment by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist before you buy one to make sure you'll be able to use it.
If you think a mobility scooter is right for you, consider the following.
- Where will you be going on it? If you'll only ever be on footpaths and in shopping malls, you may be able to get an urban-style scooter. If you live in the country or will be going off-road, you'll need a more rugged style of scooter to suit these conditions.
- How far will you need to go? Consider the capacity of the scooter battery.
- Where will you store it? Most mobility scooters are too large to come inside and need to be stored in a garage and near a power source. If you have to store it outside, you'll need to get a sturdy rain cover.
- Will you need a scooter that can be loaded into a car, or will you only be taking it out from your own home?
- Do you want a three- or four-wheeler? Three wheels are easier to manoeuvre (which is why you see so many three-wheeled prams around these days) but four wheels are more stable and safer on uneven terrain. You may wish to try both out before you decide.
- If you're a heavy person, you'll need to check the weight limit of any scooter. Scooters with a higher weight limit are available but they will cost more.
- If you need modifications to your chosen scooter, ask your physiotherapist or occupational therapist for help choosing the model, as they will know what you can and cannot do to it. If you're applying for funding, make sure you involve them in your funding application as well.
Written by Jessie Snowdon (physiotherapist), On the Go Physio, Christchurch. Copyright 2011. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIDAH-120231
