to when buying a mobility scooter

It’s perfectly normal to feel like you don’t quite know where to begin, or what questions to ask. You might be feeling uncertain about what’s involved in planning, and whether now really is the right time. And that’s okay.

Disabled GP, Dr. Hannah BarhamBrown suggests you “think big” when considering the options available. “What are the craziest things you can think of? Even if it seems completely unlikely at this stage, because a lot of us come to mobility aids at challenging times in our lives when it feels like everything’s kind of shutting down around us,” she says.

What are your must-haves? What are your nice-to-haves? Do you want something that folds up? Or a mobility scooter that can go for long distances, on different kinds of terrain? Write down everything that comes to mind and see how it shapes up on paper.

There are lots of reasons why people decide to get a mobility scooter: wanting to maintain independence in your daily life; getting tired easily; not being able to walk long distances for yourself or with assistance; or finding that steps or stairs have become difficult.

When you’re thinking about your new mobility product, don’t forget the little things that can make a big difference in your daily life. Think about how often you take public transportation, how far away from home your appointments are, and how much weight you’ll need your mobility aid to carry for you.

Are there any inconveniences or obstacles you’d like a scooter to help you overcome?

Maybe this means taking an afternoon drive through the countryside, to a National Trust property, or on an active holiday abroad.

If you could have a feature or accessory, what might that be? Try a range of options first.

“I think one of the great things about TGA is they bring the products to you to try,” says Hannah. “So you’re not just travelling to a showroom and going that looks shiny, I will try that one, please.”

Speaking to a knowledgeable advisor can help you understand the options best suited to your lifestyle. TGA will bring a range of models to your home to try, with zero-commitment involved.

“That really helps you work out whether it’s the right thing for you, because it is a very personal choice.”

Think about your environment

Think about where you’ll be taking your scooter. A three-wheel model is more manoeuvrable in tight spaces around town, while the bigger 4-wheel options are better suited to travelling further afield.

Consider whether you need it to go over different terrains such as grass, gravel, and mud. Do you need to travel on pavements or roads? How flexible does it needs to be in terms of charging? Are you able to charge at home?

Answering these questions will help you select the right option.

Stay in control

Next, think about how much effort is required for steering and operating the controls on a particular model. You may want something that requires minimal effort because it’s easier on your hands or arms such as a wig-wag or a joystick control.

It’s important to make sure your controls are set up properly for you. Can you see all of the controls on your scooter? Are they easy to reach? Do you understand what each of the controls do?

Powering up your mobility scooter

How often you use your scooter will affect the life of the battery, as well as how far you travel each time.

If you’re just running errands around town or taking a short trip to the shops, you should have plenty of power. But if you’re commuting longer distances or travelling overnight, it’s a good idea to stop with some extra charge left in your battery so you don’t run out.

The batteries in most mobility scooters take between 8 and 12 hours to fully recharge. It’s important to charge the battery before using it again since extended use without a full charge can lead to damage.

The Breeze S4 has restored my independence and not wishing to over dramatise events, has given me my ‘life’ back.

I have already completed over 100 miles on my Breeze since getting it only four weeks ago. It has proven as good as its name... it quite literally ‘breezes’ its way through everything that it encounters.

I have been able to do so many more activities, that not so long ago were beyond my reach and physical ability. From supporting my local rugby team to joining the Warrington history society and not least attending my grandchildren’s school activities, life is full once again. My mobility scooter continues to revive my self-esteem and has shown beyond any doubt to be a most dependable travel companion.

When you hear people say the WHILL has changed their lives, it’s true, mine have given me back my independence.

I have called my Whill C ‘Aurora’, as it is a new beginning, and my Whill F ‘Pegasus’ as it has given me wings. Get a powerchair and get a life, that’s what I say.

My Whill powerchairs give me freedom. Something as simple as not having to ask to be taken to the toilet when going out for a meal. It probably doesn’t sound much but it is, if it’s happening to you. And you are sort of abandoned when the person you’re with goes and buys stuff. The other thing that gets me is when you’re being pushed in a wheelchair, people automatically talk to the pusher. Not with the Whill. Through the Whill, we’ve made loads and loads of friends as people have got to see us out and about.

My cool scooter means the world to me, it really does. It’s the most comfortable one I’ve ever sat on, honest to God.

I’m king of the road. Even though I’m fairly young, I don’t think about being on a mobility scooter. The looks are so modern I don’t feel embarrassed to be driving it. I’ve never had a scooter so good as this Vita E. My other one before my TGA used to bang and jolt me about especially as the potholes are so bad here. Once you’re stuck at home, you get stuck in a hole that’s very hard to get out of. There is nothing better for your mental health than being out in the fresh air. I think without scooters a lot of people would be worse off. Scooters are literally lifesavers. It’s a lovely walk around Landkey, we do about four to five miles a day. We wouldn’t be able to walk the dogs without it.

I’m over the moon with my scooter as it makes me feel ‘as happy as Larry’ because I can get out with my dog, Larry, on the footplate!”

A Breeze does exactly what it’s called – it ‘breezes’ you around. It opens up your world. I live on my own, however my daughter comes round regularly. We walk together and let both our dogs off to play. I wouldn’t be able to go with my daughter into the woods without my Breeze as it’s quite a way and bumpy and rough. The scooter soaks all the bumps up and there’s no problem getting through mud; I love the power. I drive around 2 to 3 miles each day and meet other dog owners who I chat to. A scooter, if you’re on your own, gives you independence to talk to people. I could go to the gate at home and wait for someone to come past but I’m not that sort of person. I find everyone on a scooter always waves back at me; it’s like being in a club.

Bernie Riley, Breeze S4