Best Mobility Scooters
Based on In-Depth Reviews

THREE- OR FOUR-WHEELED SCOOTERS

Spitfire Scout by Drive Medical

Image from DriveMedical.com, November 2019

The standard Spitfire Scout is a trustworthy option according to consumer reviews, but it's all the more impressive due to its extended battery version. For an extra fee, its upgraded battery ups the scooter's travel range from 9 miles to 15 with a single charge. Most mobility scooters within a $500-$1,000 price tag can travel up to 10 miles or less between charges. Also, among the mobility scooters we evaluated between this price range, the Scout Spitfire has the highest weight capacity, supporting up to 300 lbs.

Highlights

• Disassembles into 5 pieces

• The 3-wheeled version has an extended footboard for more legroom

• Easy-to-read battery gauge

• Delta-style tiller, adjustable

• Speed control knob

• Charging outlet located directly on battery

• Panels are colored through to avoid scuffs and scratches showing

• Interchangeable (red and blue) color panels

• Seat is height adjustable, folds down and swivels for easier access

• Adjustable armrests, can be raised

• Non-marking tires

• 2 anti-tip wheels in the rear

Spitfire DST by Drive Medical

Image from DriveMedical.com, November 2019

The Spitfire DST is the heavy-duty cousin of the Spitfire Scout, though it’s not specifically classified as a heavy-duty mobility scooter because of its 325 lbs. load capacity—heavy duty scooters hold 400 lbs. or more. Rather, it has a front and rear suspension that makes it more suitable in uneven terrains than traditional scooters. In addition, its 15-mile-per-charge travel range makes the Spitfire DST an adequate choice for people who are planning on using their scooters outside frequently. If this is your case, the 4-wheeled version is recommended, as they're known to be more stable than 3-wheeled versions.  

Highlights

• 3-wheeled version has extended footboard for more legroom 

• Disassembles into 5 pieces

• Charging port located on the scooter’s control panel (there’s another one on the battery pack too)

• Seed control knob 

• Headlight

• Adjustable armrest, can be raised

• Delta-style tiller

• Seat is height adjustable, folds down, and swivels for easier access

• Panels are colored through and interchangeable (red and blue) to avoid scuffs and scratches showing

• Anti-tip rear wheels

• Non-marking tires

Buzzaround EX by Golden Technologies

Image from GoldenTechnologies.ca.com, November 2019

For budgets under $2,000, the Buzzaround EX offers the most miles per charge of all the mobility scooters we reviewed. It also has heavy-duty capabilities, and higher ground clearance than most scooters in its price range. Higher ground clearance means that the Buzzaround EX can drive over certain bumps or obstacles without getting stuck or tipping over. This and its suspension system makes it an ideal outdoor ride. Not to mention, its tires are bigger than usual at 9”, since 8” is usually the standard.

Highlights 

• Front and rear suspension

• Optional bigger seat 

• Height-adjustable, swivel seat

• Charging port located on the scooter’s control panel

• 3-wheeled version has extended footboard for more leg room 

• LED headlight and taillight

• Delta-style tiller, adjustable

• Adjustable armrests, can be raised

• Red and blue interchangeable color panels (additional camouflage, pink, silver and yellow options)

• Disassembles into 5 pieces

• Speed adjustment knob

• Optional battery docking station

• Optional bumper kit

Jazzy Zero Turn by Pride Mobility

Image from Amazon.com, November 2019

The Jazzy Zero Turn is the 4-wheeled scooter with the highest turning angle of the ones we evaluated—around 38” of the common 50” or more. Basically, it gives you the easy handling of a 3-wheeled mobility scooter with the stability of a 4-wheeler.

It also has two features that traditional options don’t—a USB charging port for mobile devices and extra storage bins under the seat.

• Delta-style tiller, adjustable

• Disassembles into 5 pieces

• Charging port located on the tiller

• Front and rear suspension

• 6 color options
  (green moonstone, onyx black, pewter, sapphire blue, pearl white or fire opal)

• LED headlight and taillight

Echo 3 by Shoprider

Image from Shoprider.com, November 2019

The Echo 3 was the most affordable mobility scooter we evaluated. It doesn't have many frills, but if you’re only looking to move around your home comfortably, the Echo 3 is a safe bet. It has one of the smallest turning radius—ideal to navigate tight spaces. 

It can be disassembled into three pieces, its seat is height adjustable, and the armrests fold down for easy access.

Travel Pro by Pride Mobility

Image from PrideMobility.com, November 2019

Although similar to the Echo 3, the Travel Pro has a few convenient extras. When disassembled, it’s heaviest piece is only 27.5 lbs. Its ground clearance is an inch higher and it can hold 25 lbs more. The seat is foldable and swivels. 

On a side note, the Travel Pro can handle steeper inclines than most scooters. It can go up 8° inclines—most mobility scooters handle only 6°.

FOLDING SCOOTERS

Go-Go Folding Scooter by Pride Mobility

Image from Amazon.com, November 2019

The Go-Go Folding Scooter is an easier option for constant traveling or people who don’t want—or can’t—disassemble and assemble their scooter. With the single pull of a lever, the scooter folds down in three steps and can be dragged around like a suitcase. It can be stowed upright or laid down when folded.  

Highlights

• 4-wheeled with the mobility of a 3-wheeled

• LED headlight and taillight 

• Height adjustable tiller

• Can use an optional 11.5AH lithium-ion battery to make it less heavy

HEAVY DUTY SCOOTERS

Panther by Drive Medical

Image from DriveMedical.com, November 2019

The Panther is the ideal outdoor scooter. Its front and rear suspension, 4” ground clearance and 14" pneumatic let it ride over any rough terrain. It can also travel up to 25 miles per charge which is plenty more than traditional scooters do.

Highlights

• USB port for charging your mobile devices

• Delta-style tiller, adjustable

• LED headlight and taillight

• Seat is height adjustable, foldable, swivel and backrest declines

• Height adjustable headrest

• Hazard lights, turn signals and reflectors

• Dual rear view mirrors

• Seatbelt

What to Watch Out For

Lack of Physical Activity Could Worsen Mobility Issues

It’s a well-known fact that exercise benefits us all. It reduces our risk of premature death and chronic disease. It can even improve cognitive function. In fact, a study suggest that a lack of exercise could be as harmful or worse than heart disease, diabetes, and smoking. 

For people with mobility issues, lack of physical activity could have an additional effect—it could worsen their already existing disability. “There is lots of research evidence, as well as anecdotal evidence, that the more active someone is the better chances of them sustaining their mobility long-term [and] the better their strength,” says Cathy Ciolek, vice president of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and Certified Exercise Expert for Aging adults with 30 years of experience as a physical therapist. 

“The more someone stays seated or not moving by their own propulsion, the greater the risk of their health getting weaker … Everything they can do to keep moving as much as possible and within everyone's individual limitations is our best bet,” she insisted. 

A study found that older adults aged between 70 and 89 who increased their weekly physical activity by 50 minutes—they initially did less than 20 minutes—were 77% less likely to develop major mobility disability. 

Ciolek recommends engaging in aerobic activity and strengthening exercises as much as possible within a person's limitations. The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers helpful exercise recommendations for older adults:

Aerobic Activities for Older Adults

• Examples: walking, hiking, dancing, swimming, water aerobics, jogging, running, some forms of yoga, riding a bicycle, yard work (raking or pushing a lawnmower, for example), sports.

• Spread your exercise across at least 3 days a week.

• At least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. 

• The HHS defines moderate-intensity activity as a 5 or 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is sitting and 10 is the greatest effort possible. It should produce noticeable changes in breathing and heart rate. Vigorous-intensity activity is a level of 7 or 8 and produces a larger increase in breathing and heart rate.

Muscle-Strengthening Activities for Older Adults

• Examples: strengthening exercises using exercise bands, weight machines, or hand-held weights, body-weight exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, planks, squats, lunges) digging, lifting, and carrying as part of gardening, carrying groceries, some yoga postures, some forms of tai chi, climbing stairs, shoveling snow.

• At least 2 days a week.

• Doing repetitions of the exercises is more beneficial. You can do one set of 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise, but 2 or 3 sets may be more effective.

• The exercises or repetitions should be done until it's difficult to do another one.

• An increase in the amount of weight, number of sets, or repetitions, or the number of days a week of exercise will have better results.

Ciolek mentioned that exercises don't necessarily have to be done as specific routines for straight periods of time. “All the data that’s showing now is that it doesn't have to be that way. Even doing 5 to 10 minutes in little bouts should have … protective effects for people.” It’s always recommended to speak with a physician about it though.

For people with chronic diseases or disabilities, the HHS recommends speaking to a professionals with experience in physical activity to find a way to engage in regular physical activity. Contacting a physical therapist could be an option. 

A physical therapist can help you come up with a “prescribed” routine “of things you like to do,” explained Ciolek. “A physical therapist will help you assess your strength, your mobility, … [and] your balance and come up with a safe program,” she mentioned.  

Although walking is one of the most recommended exercises, Ciolek says even someone who is unable to walk can find ways to increase their physical activity. “Somebody who is not capable of walking enough to be challenging for themselves can do other movements. If you're using a wheelchair, using your arms to propel can certainly be an aerobic level activity to get your heart rate level up.”