3 Wheel 4 Wheel and Compact Mobility Scooters

By Andrew Thomas - 2006-11-09 - Viewed 4666 times. Find more articles like this in our Disability Products category.

Small - Big

Email article       Print

If you are suffering from a lack of mobility, you may feel like your ability to zip from store to store in a mall, or even simply manage running in to grab a few groceries, is gone forever.

However, mobility scooters can restore your ability to get from place to place quickly and easily, on your own terms. A travel mobility scooter is a cost-efficient way for you to regain independence, without having to rely on other people to help you get around.

All electric scooters are not created equal, however. In fact, there are three general categories of medical scooters, each with their own advantages and drawbacks: 3 wheel, 4 wheel, and compact mobility scooters. Before you begin to purchase an electric scooter, you should fist decide which of the three types is right for your needs.

Some people are lucky enough to live in a place where they can run errands, go for walks, and visit friends and family all within easy scooter distance from their homes. Most, however, need a convenient way to bring a medical scooter with them when they travel.

A compact mobility scooter is a smart solution to your transportation problems. These mobility scooters are portable, breaking down into easily carried parts without requiring separate tools. Some even fold up to trundle along like wheeled carry-on suitcases. You can fit your medical scooter easily into the back seat or the trunk of a car, and reassemble it at your destination within minutes.

A compact mobility scooter also has the smallest size and best turning radius of any electric scooter. If you are going to be making tight turns, weaving through displays at department stores, navigating through crowds, or squeezing through narrow doors, then a compact mobility scooter is a smart choice.

Another important consideration with a medical scooter is storage space. If you don’t have a garage or separate room to store your electric scooter, then being able to break down a compact scooter and stash it in a closet will be a real advantage for you.

Summary of Compact Mobility Scooter Benefits: Lighter, easier to carry, easier to fit into a car, tighter turning radius, more convenient navigation in small or crowded areas.

A 3 wheel mobility scooter is a lightweight and maneuverable solution to your mobility needs. As implied by the name, this type of medical scooter has two wheels in the back and a separate, articulate wheel in the front.

A 3-wheel mobility scooter is more solid and durable than a compact mobility scooter, while still retaining the ability to make tight turns thanks to the independent motion of the front wheel.

A full-size electric scooter can be more comfortable than a compact mobility scooter. The 3-wheel mobility scooter offers the most legroom of the three categories, which is convenient if you are tall, have achy knees, or if you are prone to leg stiffness.

3-wheel scooters are also suitable for light outdoor use. Many models come with headlights, tail lights, and turn signals for safe use on roads and sidewalks.

Summary of 3-Wheel Scooter Benefits: Good maneuverability, plenty of leg room, more comfortable than compact models, recommended for indoor and outdoor use.

A 4-wheel mobility scooter offers the most stability of the three scooter categories. Two back wheels and two front wheels make the risk of toppling over extremely slim. If you have any balance problems, then a 4-wheel medical scooter is an excellent choice.

While the double wheels in the front are not as maneuverable as their 3-wheel and compact cousins, 4-wheel scooters make up for the lack in rugged durability.

If you would like to have the freedom to explore the great outdoors, even on rough terrain, try a 4-wheel medical scooter. Gravel, wet grass, and loose dirt can all be navigated with ease. Many models are also able to handle steep hills and curbs.

If you are looking for an electric mobility scooter with the most power available, a four-wheel version is a good bet. The enhanced stability of the extra wheel also makes this type of scooter safe at higher speeds of up to 10 mph.

Summary of 4-Wheel Scooter Benefits: More rugged, durable, and stable. Excellent for use on roads and rough terrain. More power and speeds of up to 10 mph.

If you are reading over the benefits of the different types of mobility scooters and thinking, "I’d like to do all of those things," you’re not alone. Many people choose to use more than one type of medical scooter, depending on the type of activity they are doing that day.

For example, you might want to have a 4-wheel mobility scooter for local use, and use a fold-up compact scooter for travel. That way, you will have a robust electric scooter for going for strolls outdoors, walking the dog, and running local errands, and another to take with you to crowded stores and events farther away from home.

Having more than one medical scooter also means that you won’t be in the lurch if your primary vehicle runs out of charge or is in the shop for maintenance. Having a backup is important when the issue is as important as your mobility is.

Luckily, the low price of a travel mobility scooter makes this kind of mix-and-match ownership practical. The cost for a compact mobility scooter starts at only a few hundred dollars, and many insurance plans help reduce the costs even more.

No matter which electric mobility scooter – or combination of scooters - you decide to buy, you are well on your way to experiencing the joy of taking control of your own life again with these amazing mobility aids. Mobility scooters are your key to becoming free again

Andrew Thomas is a freelance writer and internet marketing expert who has been writing professionally both on and off the web for over 10 years. He enjoys researching and sharing his knowledge about topics like Mobility Scooters

You can print this article by clicking the printer icon at the top this of page.

Ask, answer questions or add more facts concerning "3 Wheel 4 Wheel and Compact Mobility Scooters" below.
Your comment will NOT show up right away, it will be sent for approval before it will appear here. Please bookmark this page so you can check back for possible replies and answers to your questions.