Last Updated on 13/11/2023 by Sarah Sarsby
Mobility vehicles can improve your independence and lifestyle, enabling you to travel from your home, around your local community, and further afield.
The best way to ensure you make the right decision is to see and try a wide range of models from different manufacturers. You should first contact a local BHTA retailer and visit their local showrooms.
Here, you can see a number of models and make proper comparisons of size, comfort, and handling. You will also meet and get to know their staff and your backup team. If you cannot visit, then book a home demonstration, and try the different products in and around your own home. Give yourself time and try to avoid rush decisions.
Today, it is increasingly common to see a scooter or powerchair being used by people of all ages and abilities. People have now found out that these mobility vehicles are popular because without them they would be housebound or restricted to only very limited distances and that they are easy to control, economical to keep, and actually pretty good fun!
However, deciding on which model to see and which company to buy from is very important and can be difficult. You need to know that the product is suitable for all your needs and that the company is a qualified and experienced supplier. You need to know that they will look after you and your vehicle, now and in the future.
This is why the BHTA has produced this guide to help you choose the best combination of product and supplier, helping you to make an informed choice and decision.
Points to consider:
If away on holiday, you can find a list of BHTA members on our website should you need some help in the UK. Always look for the BHTA and Chartered Trading Standards Institute logo as a sign you are dealing with an approved member.
There are many variations of scooter, offering differing features to suit you, the environment you live in, and the terrain you wish to cover. Here are some questions to discuss with your local BHTA retailer when considering your options:
The models offered come in many styles: the smaller offering easy manoeuvrability, and portability, but often with smaller wheels which will not go up kerbs or over rough ground. Small batteries restrict range (possibly down as low as 10 miles), however, they may be better for indoor or short journeys. BHTA members are there to guide you through the process and make sure all your questions are covered and offer you reassurance.
Note that dismounting and mounting kerbs with any mobility vehicle can be very bouncy, and for some people can be uncomfortable, but with the increased availability of dropped kerbs and pedestrian areas, you should find the need for kerb climbing less necessary.
Powerchairs are usually more difficult to select than scooters. Most of the aspects you would consider when buying a scooter still apply, but generally a powerchair user has more limitations to their personal mobility and will probably be using their vehicle more regularly, often all day, and may depend on it in their home and outside. Comfort and support are essential, and battery range is important if using all day.
Points to ask:
Buying a second-hand scooter or wheelchair can be as difficult as buying a second-hand car. But it is here that you will reduce the dangers if you buy from a BHTA retailer.
All of our BHTA retailers are keen to provide you with proper training to help you be in proper control and at ease with your newly found independence. So, ask them to accompany you in and around your home and out to your local shops and venues. Your BHTA retailer will want you to feel confident so that you get the most pleasure and use from your new product.
Looking after and regularly charging your vehicle will increase its reliability and reduce its running costs. You must always read your owner’s manual and take particular note about how to charge the batteries. Battery charging uses about the same electricity as a 100-watt light bulb, so it won’t eat you out of house and home.
For further information see the BHTA article ‘Get wise to getting more from your battery’.
Your BHTA mobility retailer will always discuss the long-term needs of you and your vehicle. After years of extensive design and development these products have become more reliable and durable, and you should enjoy independence without worry. However, you must appreciate that with time, as with any mechanical product, components can go wrong.
It is at these times it is most important that you have taken your local BHTA mobility retailers’ advice on regular servicing plans, extended guarantees, and policies. If you are unfortunate enough to break down, you will realise why it was so important that you have a BHTA mobility retailer supply your mobility vehicle supported by factory-trained and qualified service engineers; they will get you back on the road quickly and efficiently.
Looking after your mobility vehicle properly will help you ensure trouble-free mobility. However, just like a car, you should expect to incur some running expenses for servicing and new batteries, for example.
So, we recommend putting a little aside each week to cover maintenance costs, or, alternatively, investigating extended warranties, service contracts and insurance. We hope you enjoy your newly found freedom.
These are some of the organisations which provide useful information and advice.
Driving Mobility is a network of 20 independent organisations covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which offers professional, high-quality information, advice, and assessment to people who need to gain or retain independence through mobility.
Telephone: 0800 559 3636
Motability is a scheme that lets you lease a mobility scooter, powered wheelchair, or car using your benefits. It also runs Motability One Big Day events where you can see and try out equipment.
Telephone: 0300 456 4566
Textphone: 0300 037 0100
If your local shopping centre or town centre has a Shopmobility Scheme, you can hire a scooter from it. Find out more from The National Federation of Shopmobility.
Telephone: 01933 229644
Publish independent test reviews on 10 smaller scooters on its subscription website.
Remember to always look for the BHTA and Approved Code Trading Standards logo to get the support and advice you need to make the right choice.