We searched for the best mobility scooters by looking at a variety of factors including cost, product features and options, warranties, and consumer opinion. Pride Mobility: Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter, Pride Mobility: Revo 2.0, Drive Medical: Scout 4-Wheel 20AH Battery and Drive Medical: ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter are our picks for the top four mobility scooters. In this guide, you’ll find detailed reviews of each scooter, tips you can use when shopping for a mobility scooter and answers to questions you may have about this personal transportation aid. Mobility scooters help seniors maintain their independence longer. Over 6.8 million people in the U.S. use some form of assistance for moving around, and 1.7 million use mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Another benefit of mobility scooters is that they can help prevent falls, which happen to one out of four people over the age of 65.
Top Mobility Scooter Tips:
- Decide how you’ll use your mobility scooter and buy one that’s best compatible with that intended use
- Verify warranty and service options
- Check with your doctor and insurance company before purchasing to see if your insurance will cover part of the cost
What to Know About Mobility Scooters
How Will You Use a Mobility Scooter?
When shopping for a mobility scooter, it’s important to be realistic about your needs. Think about how you plan to use the scooter and how it will help you to get around. That top-of-the-line heavy duty model may look like it will work for any activity, but do you need a mobility scooter that goes up to 12 miles an hour if you will use it exclusively in your home? Conversely, a portable model will cost less, but may not have a weight rating or features that are right for you. If you have an older home, another consideration is the possibility of needing to have doors widened to have the necessary clearance for bigger mobility scooters to pass between rooms. To avoid making home renovations, focus on scooters with a narrower frame, or weigh the cost and benefits of making improvements. For help with finding the mobility scooter that will best meet your physical and environmental needs, see our decision chart below. Hone in on the type of scooter you need before shopping across product lines to simplify selecting a mobility scooter by narrowing down your choices. 
Source: Retirement Living
Mobility Scooter Features
Mobility scooter models all come with special features and accessories depending on the style of the model you’re looking at. Regardless of these “extras”, make sure the model you choose has these five useful base features:
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Battery Indicator: Be it a colored light, LCD bar or an estimated time until depletion, make sure your mobility scooter’s battery light is highly visible.
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Basket or storage container: You’ll most likely be out and about with accessories like a purse, cane, walker, briefcase or grocery bags. At the least, make sure your mobility scooter has a basket, either on the front or back. Many models come with weatherproof, enclosed storage compartments that lock.
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Security features: The top security feature you’ll want in your mobility scooter is keyed ignition to make sure you’re the only person with the ability to start the scooter. Some models come with alarms and mobility scooter alarms are sold separately as well.
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Lights and indicator signals: Make sure the mobility scooter you choose has some sort of headlight for low visibility days. Brake lights and indicator signal lights are great safety features as well.
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Freewheel mode: Freewheel mode is a feature that lets you disengage the drive mechanism so you can freely move the scooter without turning it on. You’ll use this feature for things like parking in tight spaces, maneuvering in smaller areas of your home or moving your mobility scooter quickly when it is in the way.
Check Your Medical Insurance
Some insurance plans and Medicare Part B cover some mobility assistance devices classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). You will need a prescription from your doctor to use Medicare Part B, and the scooter must be deemed medically necessary. Because of the medical necessity requirement, it is possible that your doctor will need to supply a letter of medical necessity if your diagnosis code falls outside of accepted categories. If Medicare approves the equipment, there is a 20 percent copay in addition to your Medicare Part B deductible.
Check to see if Medicare Part B covers all or part of your mobility scooter.
If you have Medicare Advantage or other private insurance and mobility scooters are covered, you will likely need a prescription from your doctor and assertions of medical need before your insurance will cover the cost of a mobility scooter. See your doctor about getting a prescription before you select a scooter, and be sure to check with your medical insurance to determine if you can to get a scooter at a lower cost, or at no cost to you through your benefits. Not all scooter companies have agreements with every insurance plan, so verify eligibility at every step of the buying process.
Consider Insuring Your Mobility Scooter
Be sure your mobility scooter is insured to avoid costs from damage or theft.
While insurance for your mobility scooter isn’t required, it’s recommended. Depending on your homeowners, renters or auto insurance, your scooter may be automatically covered against damage or theft. Read your homeowner’s insurance policy and talk to your agent to determine if your scooter will be covered or if you need to add a rider to your policy. You may need auto insurance on some heavy duty scooters if you intend to drive them on the street. Don’t bypass looking into insuring your mobility scooter thinking you will save money on premiums. The loss of or damage to your scooter would likely cost much more than insuring it would. It costs around $50-$60 per year to insure a mobility scooter.
Check the Weight Rating on Mobility Scooters
Be sure your scooter is sturdy enough for your needs.
A lack of mobility can cause you to gain weight, and some scooters have a fairly low weight rating of under 300 pounds. This rating may seem like the scooter can handle a reasonable weight load, but keep in mind how much weight you will add for groceries or other things you carry if you use your scooter to transport items in the home or while shopping. Be sure weight limits are adequate or more than you will need.
Our Search for the Best Mobility Scooters
1. We searched a large list of mobility scooters
2. We evaluated mobility scooters based on our expert-guided buying criteria: customer experience, price, scooter features, warranties, service, and product line options
3. We provided you our best picks for mobility scooters for consideration
The approach we took to narrow down the top mobility scooters was as follows:
- We looked at multiple mobility scooters
We began our search with 12 mobility scooter companies including popular and lesser-known brands. We looked at their scooter models, pricing, features and warranties.
- We checked with experts
We looked at mobility scooter companies based criteria laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Disabled World’s Mobility Scooters information and guide document.
- We listened to consumers
We narrowed our list by using companies that had high ratings on well-known online customer review sites. We found and removed companies who had a large number of negative reviews.
- We put the best mobility scooters on your radar
Our final list of mobility scooters meet the criteria listed above. If you’re in the market for a mobility scooter, these companies are a good place to start your search.
Mobility Scooter Reviews
There are a lot of mobility scooters on the market, including cheap knockoffs of well-known name brands. We dug through the data and sales pitches online to find the information worth considering. Our in-depth analysis of mobility scooters took a deep dive into scooter manufacturing to find our three best company choices. After careful review of the information, we made our selection of top mobility scooter companies.
Our picks for the best mobility scooters are Pride Mobility: Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter, Pride Mobility: Revo 2.0, Drive Medical: Scout 4-Wheel 20AH Battery and Drive Medical: ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter. Each of these stood out from the competition in different ways.
Pride Mobility: Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter Review
Great Stability |
Pride Mobility: Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter
Many mobility scooters aren’t safe for outdoor use because they lack stability and have trouble navigating over uneven surfaces. The slow speed of most scooters can be frustrating outdoors, but it can be difficult to find an easy-to-transport mobility scooter without a bulky design. We like the Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter because of the additional stability engineered for use outside the home. Charge the battery and enjoy freedom with a 16-mile range to wander the neighborhood, visit a zoo or museum, or go to the corner store. With a top speed of 5.3 mph, this scooter won’t slow others down while walking on sidewalks, paths and other areas. An LED headlight increases visibility, and an 8-point adjustable seat ensures the rider’s comfort. The Pride Mobility Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter features feather-touch disassembly accomplished with one hand and has a lifetime frame warranty with 2-year warranties on electronics and powertrain.
To get more info or buy the Pride Victor 10 4-Wheel scooter, shop online or call 877-524-6354
Pride Mobility: Revo 2.0 Review
Great Portable Scooter |
Pride Mobility: Revo 2.0
Finding a scooter with stability, power, and exceptional comfort can be a tall order. A mobility scooter with the proper suspension system goes a long way to provide a smooth ride instead of being jostled over bumps. We like the Revo 2.0 from Pride Mobility because the four-wheel design features Revo’s Comfort-Trac Suspension (CTS) system for a smooth ride on varied surfaces. This mobility scooter sports an adjustable steering unit and a heavy-duty powertrain to keep you moving over various terrains at speeds up to 5 mph. The Revo 2.0 also features feather-touch disassembly so you can quickly break the scooter down into easy-to-carry parts for transport, or use the included access tie-down points for transporting the scooter assembled. Finally, the USB charging port for cell phones and other electronics comes in handy.
Revo 2.0 from Pride Mobility comes with a limited lifetime frame warranty along with three-year limited motorized parts warranty and electronics warranty. A 6-month manufacturer’s warranty covers the battery.
To learn more about the Pride Mobility: Revo 2.0 shop online or call 877-524-6354.
Drive Medical: Scout 4-Wheel 20AH Battery Review
Great Battery Options |
Drive Medical: Scout 4-Wheel 20AH Battery
Not everyone looking for an outdoor mobility scooter needs power for serious “off-roading.” The Scout 4-Wheel Scooter from Drive Medical is an excellent choice in this case, with stability on four wheels, solid tires to prevent flats and an undercarriage clearance of 2.5 inches to handle most neighborhood travel and shopping needs.
While the weight capacity is lower at 300 pounds, the Scout 4-Wheel Scooter is packed with convenient features. Adjustable armrests ease the way for larger individuals to settle into the stadium-style seat comfortably. The 180-degree swivel seat makes getting on and off this scooter easier and safer, and you can charge the battery without removing it from the scooter. The steering column is easy to adjust while seated, which is convenient while managing everyday tasks. The Scout 4-Wheel Scooter has a lifetime frame warranty, a 24-month warranty on electronics and drivetrain, and 12 months on the battery.
To learn more about the Drive Medical: Scout 4-Wheel 20AH Battery shop online or call 877-524-6354.
Drive Medical: ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter Review
Most Compact Scooter |
Drive Medical: ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter
Whether you want to avoid using public scooters offered at stores or the freedom of owning an easy-to-transport mobility scooter, a lightweight ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter from Drive Medical is a great choice. These scooters are not designed for difficult off-road passage but can easily maneuver pavement to well-maintained, small-size gravel areas. This mobility scooter folds at the deck and seat for compact storage. Because the ZooMe Flex weighs just 60 pounds, most riders can fold, store, transport, unload, and unfold the scooter with little or no assistance.
Drive Medical’s ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter offers user-friendly features like an easy-to-adjust steering column, a storage area under the seat with enough space to carry a shopping bag, non-marking tires and throttle control to avoid accidental acceleration. Adjustable armrests and a padded seat make for a comfortable ride. This scooter is in the lightweight category and can carry up to 275 pounds. The Drive Medical ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter has a limited lifetime frame warranty, 24-month warranty on electronics and a 12-month battery warranty.
To learn more about the Drive Medical: ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter shop online or call 877-524-6354.
Scooters ‘N Chairs Review
Great Online Reseller |
Scooters ‘N Chairs has nearly 100 models of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs available from eight big-name brands like Pride Mobility, Drive and EV Rider. Whether you are searching for a specific model or would like to compare a few different models, the Scooters ’N Chairs website lets you view electric wheelchairs side-by-side.
Many mobility scooter manufacturers can blend together because they all sell the scooters they make or produce, but Scooters ’N Chairs is a reseller, not a manufacturer. Because they do not produce scooters, Scooters ’N Chairs is able to present you with the best models available from many of the industries top brands, which all have manufacturers’ warranties.
On their website, Scooters ’N Chairs, categorizes their scooters into three main groups: heavy duty, outdoor and portable. If shopping online is not for you, you can call for assistance.
To find the best model for your situation, compare scooters on the Scooters ‘N Chairs’ website.
To find out more about Scooters ‘N Chairs, read the comprehensive review.
Merits Mobility Scooter Review
Great Add-on Options |
Merits Health Products manufactures high-quality mobility scooters, powered and manual wheelchairs, motorized beds and other health and medical products. Merits established its U.S. division, Merits USA, in 1995 in Southwest Florida. Merits mobility scooters are manufactured in Taiwan and China with additional U.S. offices in Florida, California and Texas. The company has warehouses in these state and Pennsylvania. Merit Health Products has received numerous awards and quality certifications over the years.
Merit Logo
Merits line of mobility scooters is colorful, with units in red, white, blue and yellow. While the scooters are pricier compared to most other manufacturers, every model has a well-padded seat, and multiple models have a higher weight capacity at 450 to 500 pounds. Many Merits scooters have options you can add like holders for walkers, oxygen tanks, canes or crutches, an overhead canopy or folding rear basket. All of this makes Merits our pick for mobility scooters with the best add-on options.
Many scooters on the Merits USA website included codes for use with Medicare claims. You may be eligible for help with paying for a mobility scooter through Medicare, as discussed earlier in this guide. Having access to these codes can help you choose a scooter that Medicare or your insurance will pay for. Discuss acceptable codes with your doctors and a Medicare representative.</p.
We checked prices on Merits three and four-wheel mobility scooters with online retailers and found that they start off at around $1,000 for the Roadster Mini 3 S730, which is a basic, lightweight model that requires no tools for setup with a 260 lb capacity. Another lightweight model for those who don’t need to use a scooter daily is the Yoga S542, which folds up into itself for convenient storage. At $2,700, the Yoga supports 250 pounds and has a wide seat, and weighs in at just 57 pounds.
The Pioneer 3 is a medium-duty stabilized scooter with the power to travel over nearly all terrains. At $1,958 base price, the Pioneer 3 is versatile, supporting up to 400 pounds while allowing you to move around indoors or out. The Merits Silverado is a heavy-duty scooter with adjustable arms, pneumatic tires and a comfortable captain’s seat that supports up to 350 pounds, with a $3,598 price. The top-of-the-line Merits heavy-duty mobility scooter is the four-wheeled Silverado Extreme with full suspension, front and rear shock absorbers, turn signals, brake lights, a dashboard that shows all systems information, 55-mile travel range and a 10-degree incline rating. The Silverado Extreme costs $4,698.
Merits Health Products has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mobility Scooters
What parts will I have to replace on my mobility scooter?
Although any mechanical part is prone to wear over time, the four parts that you will likely need to replace on mobility scooters are:
- Tires
- Arm Rests
- Battery – lasts longer if charged according to the owner’s manual
- Joystick or controller – protect from excess humidity to lengthen life
Check your owner’s manual to determine if any parts are designed to be replaced by the user. Replacing mobility scooter parts yourself saves on the cost of labor, but do not try to service anything that has to do with the power module and don’t touch any wires regardless of where located on the scooter. It is worth the cost to have most mobility scooter components replaced by a professional technician to avoid injury to yourself or the equipment.
What is the difference between three-wheel and four-wheel mobility scooters?
The primary difference between four-wheel and three-wheel scooters is that four-wheel models are more balanced and stable while three-wheel models require less space for turning.
Can I carry passengers on my mobility scooter?
Unless the scooter has a factory-installed second seat, taking someone along for a ride could result in an imbalance, causing a collision and injuries to yourself or the passenger. While your scooter’s weight rating may seem to make it possible to carry someone with you, mobility scooters are intended for one person to use.
Can I ride my scooter on the road?
Most mobility scooters are not designed for over-the-road use, and scooters intended for outdoor use are primarily for moving across parking lots, around the neighborhood or driving on sidewalks or driveways. Whether or not you can ride your scooter on the road depends on the model and your state’s laws, as listed by AAA’s Digest of Motor Laws. Some companies offer all-terrain models or scooters that are close to mopeds in design and capability and ride well on outside surfaces. State requirements vary, and you may need safety equipment to use a mobility scooter outdoors, such as a helmet, horn, mirrors, headlight, and muffler along with licensing for the road and registration.
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover mobility scooters?
Yes, Medicare covers some mobility scooters within limits. At the very least, you will have to pay 20 percent of the cost of the scooter. Remember that you must have a doctor’s prescription, prior approval from Medicare, and you probably need a letter of medical necessity.
Medicaid coverages vary significantly by each state as it is a joint federal and state program with states being free to set many of the terms. To find out if Medicaid will cover your mobility scooter, call the number on your Medicaid card. Some scooter companies will help you through the processes of using Medicaid benefits.
Concluding Thoughts on Mobility Scooters
Bottom Line:
Take the time find the right scooter for your needs and check with your insurance and doctor to see if your benefits will pay for at least part of the scooter.
Mobility scooters have come a long way over the years, with improved designs and options for lightweight models and more rugged models. A mobility scooter can restore your independence by allowing you to get around at home, social settings and retail stores. Remember, even the best scooter on the market is no help to you unless it’s designed to meet your needs. If you live in a neighborhood where using a mobility scooter outside is safe, you may want to purchase a less expensive, lighter model for in-home use and a second, more powerful scooter for short-distance travel outdoors. With so many mobility scooters on the market, our guide helps with deciding what type of scooter is best for you.
Best Mobility Scooter Companies
| Mobility Scooter | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pride Mobility: Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter | Great Stability |
| 2 | Pride Mobility: Revo 2.0 | Great Portable Scooter |
| 3 | Drive Medical: Scout 4-Wheel 20AH Battery | Great Battery Options |
| 4 | Drive Medical: ZooMe Flex Auto Folding Scooter | Most Compact Scooter |
| 5 | Scooters ‘N Chairs | Great Online Reseller |
| 6 | Merits Health Products | Great Add-on Options |