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The popularity of mobility scooters has risen dramatically in recent years. Walk down nearly any street in America these days and you’re likely to see someone riding one. Why’s that? Well, with improved design and technology, mobility scooters have advanced from the unpractical, bulky and unsightly items that they once were to something much more convenient.
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Today, mobility scooters are often designed with a flat area or footplates for the feet to rest in, handlebars, and a seat. But, while that is all great, the fact remains that they are still quite large, and often bulky, items. Aren’t they?
Well no, they aren’t anymore! Not now that there are a number of lightweight folding mobility scooters on the market to pick from! These models have been created to give a greater sense of freedom to those who are less able to get around. In fact, foldable mobility scooters now enable people to not only go about their daily life but also to travel with ease, with their scooter in tow as a compact piece of hand luggage.
Nowadays, they are lightweight, portable, and compact, and offer a sense of freedom for those who would have once only dreamed of being able to travel abroad or even to take a trip around town all by themselves. Long gone are the days when mobility scooter manufacturers had to choose between functionality, a stylish design, and quality, as it is now possible for models to have all of those features and more!
Traditional mobility scooters opened up the world again for those who struggle to walk or get around on their own. And now, for those with particularly active lifestyles, for anyone who frequently uses public transport as a part of their journey, or for someone who has limited storage space in their home, a folding lightweight mobility scooter can give them even more freedom.
But even within the folding ranges, the designs can differ and so it is important to carefully consider your own lifestyle and needs before purchasing a mobility scooter of your own.
Here are a few factors that you should consider before buying your own foldable mobility scooter.
One of the most important features to consider when it comes to selecting your mobility scooter should be the folding mechanism. If you’re looking for a folding mobility scooter, then you need to be sure that you will be able to disassemble and reassemble the scooter with ease and without requiring additional help from those around you. Some models come with a remote control folding feature, which is ideal for those who are slightly less able.
Other models require a bit more maneuvering in order to be folded away, but as a result, they can be folded up into a much more compact unit, which is great for anyone who has slightly less storage space at home.
If you’re on the lookout for a folding mobility scooter then it is likely that you will either be looking to transport your scooter inside the trunk of a car or even on public transport at some point. Or maybe you have limited space at home and want to avoid having a large, bulky scooter sat in the middle of your home.
Whatever your reason for wanting a folding scooter, you need to carefully consider where the model will need to be stowed away before making your purchase as the last thing that you want to happen is for you to have your scooter delivered, only to find that it won’t fit in the trunk or in the back of your car.
For many people, a foldable mobility scooter means more freedom. But when it comes to traveling on a chargeable vehicle, you need to take into careful consideration the number of miles you will get per charge. If you’re looking to do a lot of traveling, it would be best to shop around until you find a scooter that will give you as many miles as possible between charges.
On the other hand, if you’re only going to be using your scooter to commute to certain shops and back a few times a week, then you might be able to save yourself some money by finding a scooter that has a lesser distance range, with a smaller, lighter, less expensive battery pack.
As most foldable mobility scooters have been designed to be as lightweight as possible, an unfortunate consequence has been the decrease in the durability of some models to make transporting them as easy as can be. For those who will be traveling in urban areas or indoors, this is unlikely to be a problem. But for anyone looking to travel further than that and back, or across uneven terrain, it would be worthwhile to look around and find a scooter that can be folded away but is still durable enough to handle the surfaces you’ll be traveling over.
If you’re looking for a foldable mobility scooter, then it can be assumed that at some point you will need to fold it away and either lift it into the back or trunk of a car or onto some form of public transport. If that is the case, then you need to bear in mind your own strength and the weight of the scooter. Some foldable models can be lightened further by removing certain components such as the battery and the seats, which will make lifting the scooter easier. Some models boast about their added sturdiness and durability but, as a result, are often heavier than the models with a slightly smaller frame that is not reinforced as much.
Folding mobility scooters have been designed for people who are on the go and need a quick solution when it comes to stowing away their scooter on public transport, in the trunk of a car, or in the back of their wardrobe closet at home. Therefore, the models I picked for this article were selected on the basis of how easy the folding mechanism was, the weight of the model and their portability.
So that I was able to select models that not only sounded great but actually lived up to their descriptions, the models I have picked for evaluation were chosen based on numerous user reviews and the overall ratings of the scooters.
Range
13.5 miles
Speed
4 mph
Weight
53 lbs
Max Load
300 lbs
Verdict:
The Transformer is an ideal mobility scooter for frequent travelers. Its compact size, lightweight frame and ability to be easily dismantled means that it can be easily transported. This mobility scooter sits in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to affordability and does offer a number of features (such as the remote control folding mechanism) that helps to justify its slightly higher price.
Pros:
Cons:
The Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter has been designed to offer the ultimate convenience to its users.
With both remote control and manual folding options, packing away the scooter couldn’t be easier. The remote allows for the Transformer to be simply folded away and unfolded at the touch of the button, making this a scooter that is ideal for the elderly or less able. And since it requires no effort to fold, it saves time since all you need to do is press a button without even looking at it if you’re in the midst of doing something else.
The Transformer weighs in at 53lbs and can, therefore, be classified as one of the lighter models on the market today, and yet it still has a 300lbs weight capacity. Additional features such as its light frame and compact size make it the perfect travel companion, whether you are planning to travel by car, boat, train or plane. And, as its lithium battery is fully compliant with airline regulations, this is one of the few folding mobility scooters on the market that can be driven right up to the aircraft and then taken on board as hand luggage.
The scooter comes with one battery box and two batteries which gives it an impressive and noteworthy, 13.5-mile driving range.
The steering column tips backward to make controlling the scooter easy and comfortable, even for those with limited agility, but it locks in place to minimize the risk of tipping.
Range
12 miles
Speed
7 mph
Weight
40 lbs
Max Load
300 lbs
Verdict:
The SmartScoot Mobility Scooter can be easily folded and locked up, has added safety features for driving along roads and has a lightweight frame that makes transporting this model as stress-free as possible. This is a scooter that comes with a range of features that can be adapted to suit the needs of the individual user and is the only one that I looked at that comes with its own removable front basket. And at just 40lbs, this is one of the lightest models assessed, so it is a practical choice for those looking to travel in their everyday life or for anyone wanting to take their scooter along as they head off on vacation.
Pros:
Cons:
The SmartScoot Mobility Scooter boasts several practical features, all of which make this mobility scooter ideal for those who need a little bit of added assistance in their day-to-day life.
The scooter is constructed with a rust-proof, stainless-steel frame for added strength and durability. Additionally, the scooter comes with a Fold N Lock Technology system that allows for the SmartScoot scooter to be quickly collapsed and locked into place.
The SmartScoot has an LED headlight and horn to make traveling within urban areas as safe as can be. The scooter has a fully adjustable steering column, as well as an adjustable seat, backrest, and rear wheels, all of which provide the foldable scooter with added stability while still ensuring that the user is as comfortable as possible. The SmartScoot also comes with the lovely addition of a front basket that can be removed if required.
While folding away the SmartScoot might not be as simple as pressing a button, there is still nothing complicated about dismantling this mobility scooter. It can be folded in a few simple steps and is simply broken apart into three simple sections with no tools required at all. By breaking apart into three pieces, the SmartScoot is so compact when folded away that it can fit into most car trunks with ease, and into all SUV’s and vans.
When dismantled, the lightest part weighs just 27lbs and even as a whole, the scooter still only weighs in at a total of 40lbs, making it the lightest of the models looked at here. The lightweight structure, therefore, makes lifting the scooter into the trunk of a car or onto a train or bus easy and possible for a wide spectrum of people. For added usability, the scooter can be further lightened by simply pulling off the seat and battery to reduce the weight even further.
Fitted with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides a range of up to 12 miles per charge and with the added bonus of the battery strength indicator, you will be able to go long range without any unforeseen problems. The SmartScoot comes with a forward and reverse mode, as well as low, medium and high-speed settings for added control. In addition, the scooter also comes with a disc brake, parking brake, LED headlight, horn and battery strength indicator.
Range
10 miles
Speed
4 mph
Weight
62 lbs
Max Load
220 lbs
Verdict:
Priced at over $3,000, the Atto is the most expensive model reviewed in this list, and while it does come with some impressive and convenient extra features, such as the USB charging port, it doesn’t blow its competitors out of the water in the other areas. Unfortunately, the ATTO is also the heaviest mobility scooter looked at today, so while it does fold away simply into two components and can, therefore, be transported, it is not as easy to lift or carry as some of the other models I have seen. But for those who have someone to help them or are simply strong enough to carry it, the weight shouldn’t be a major issue.
Pros:
Cons:
The ATTO Mobility Scooter is a full-sized model that can be easily folded away into two compact pieces.
There is the option to customize the scooter with added extras such as armrests and additional batteries. But as a standard, it comes with features such as a USB port, adjustable seats, and deck storage. Bearing all of this in mind, it is fair to say that the ATTO is a mobility scooter that prioritizes design as much as it does functionality.
The maximum speed for this scooter is a little slow at just 4mph and it does not come with the several speed options that some of the other models have.
The ATTO is one of the heavier options available on the folding mobility scooter market but dismantling the scooter before trying to lift it will make it lighter and far easier to transport. It is fully FDA approved which makes it a great mobility scooter for traveling.
Range
15 miles
Speed
12 mph
Weight
53 lbs
Max Load
325 lbs
Verdict:
The EWheels EForce-1 is one of the cheapest models that I looked at and yet it still boasts a number of features that many of the more expensive foldable mobility scooters have. While it is one of the heavier scooters currently on the market, it also has several features such as the suspension system, safety horn and front and rear disc brakes that make traveling on the roads safe. It also boasts of a cruise control option, three-speed options, and a padded seat, all of which come together to make traveling in the EWheels mobility scooter a very comfortable experience.
Pros:
Cons:
The EWheels EForce-1 is a mobility scooter that has been designed specifically for people who enjoy traveling.
With the capability of traveling for up to 15 miles per charge, users can explore without fear that they are going to be stranded.
The frame weighs 53lbs, but as the scooter can be folded away into just two units, it is still easy to transport and stow away wherever you may need to put it.
With a padded seat for added comfort, front, and rear suspension system, and a cruise control option that will allow its user to rest over long distances, this is a mobility scooter that is designed for far more than just popping to local shops for a few quick items.
Range
7 miles
Speed
4 mph
Weight
46 lbs
Max Load
250 lbs
Verdict:
The EV Rider Automatic Folding Mobility Scooter is the second cheapest foldable mobility scooter that I looked at and yet it still has several impressive features that are definitely worth noting. The one click remote folding feature is the winning feature when it comes to the EV Rider and is a feature that even some of the more expensive models could not boast about. However, its short driving range of just under 7 miles is a little bit disappointing and means this is not the ideal scooter for anyone looking to travel long distances, whether that be on holiday or around town in their day-to-day life.
Pros:
Cons:
With the ability to disassemble the folding mobility scooter with the push of a button and with lead batteries that allow the scooter to be classified as airline safe, this is the ideal scooter for anyone who needs a bit of assistance while traveling.
When folded away, the EV Rider can be stored standing upright without taking up much room inside your home.
The scooter itself weights 46lbs (when the batteries and seat are removed) and so it is one of the lighter folding scooters looked at today, yet it can still carry a maximum of 250lbs.
This is another scooter with a maximum speed of 4mph, so it is at the lower end of the spectrum like some of the other models on our list. However, the EV Rider does come with two specific safety features to make up for its relatively slow max speed. It is key operated and has a safety speed control dial so that you can personally control the speed while riding.
Unfortunately, this mobility scooter has quite a low range per charge, at roughly 7 miles, so it is not ideal for those looking to head out on long trips, but would instead be perfect for someone looking for a scooter to assist them in their everyday life.
Each and every one of the mobility scooters I looked at had its own set of pros and cons. As a result, it is not possible to decide that one is drastically better than the other. However, I can say that some would be better suited for those with certain needs than others.
Some scooters were lighter and would be better suited for those without the muscle ability to lift a heavier model. Some had longer driving ranges per charge and so would be ideal for anyone looking to travel further than just to nearby stores a few times per week. Other scooters had a lower price tag to go with a shorter drive distance and would, therefore, be better suited for someone who is only planning to use their scooter in and around their local area or neighborhood. And, while all of the scooters had folding mechanisms, some were simpler to use than others and could be operated using a simple remote button, while other scooters could instead be folded up more compactly due to the fact that they could be dismantled into pieces.
When it comes to picking a mobility scooter, it is therefore imperative that you consider your own personal needs as some scooters will be better suited to you than others.
When it comes to the models that I looked at myself, the cheapest option by far was the EWheels EForce-1, which boasted a number of features that the scooters well above its price grade also had; including an impressively long driving range of 15 miles, a suspension system, and one feature that none of the other models had, a cruise control system. However, it was also the heaviest model I looked at which would make it difficult for some people to consider it as an option.
In direct contrast, the Atto mobility scooter was the most expensive model I looked at. And yet, other than the built-in charging USB port, it didn’t offer any other additional features that would help to justify its large price difference. It was lightweight and did have the option of adding in armrests or additional batteries, but was otherwise no different to the other, cheaper, mobility scooters that I looked at apart from its futuristic design.
The second cheapest model was the EV Rider Automatic Folding Mobility Scooter, which was lightweight and yet still had an impressive load bearing weight of 250lbs. It was also one of only two models that were able to boast of a one-click remote folding mechanism. However, it had an unimpressive driving range of just under 7 miles, which made it a model that could only really be considered by those looking for a scooter to aid them in short trips during their daily life.
Sitting in the middle of the price spectrum were the SmartScoot and the Transformer mobility scooters. The SmartScoot was one of the lightest models I looked at and the only one that came with an additional shopping basket. Meanwhile, the Transformer was the second model to come with a remote folding mechanism and had an impressive driving range of 13.5 miles.
Each model has its pros, and its cons, so deciding on the best folding lightweight mobility scooter is difficult. However, based on my own personal assessment, I can say that the Transformer is a very impressive model. It is not only lightweight and compact when folded, it is also one of the few scooters to come with the remote folding option and it has a remarkable driving range of just over 13 miles per charge. That’s far enough to get around easily without having to worry about running out. However, whichever needs and priorities are front and center for you should be used to make your final choice.
Last update on 2019-07-18 at 00:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API