George Klein may have initially invented the electric wheelchair to help World War II veterans; but since then, the modern mobility scooter and power wheelchair, both of which evolved from this initial innovation, have drastically improved the lives of geriatrics, accident victims, and other physically disabled individuals from across the globe. Allowing the user to control their mobility scooter entirely through their own input, these devices greatly enhance the ability of disabled individuals to live their daily life without external assistance, hence our comprehensive best folding mobility scooter buying guide.
But if you, or someone you care for, are among the many individuals looking to shift to a folding mobility scooter or looking to choose a new one, odds are that you’ve come to realize that it’s not a simple process.
It may be an essential investment that can significantly improve you or your loved ones life, but it’s rarely a cheap one; and given the growing demand for these innovative devices, you’re now faced with a considerable variety of options – most of which go for prices that are going to put a serious dent in your finances if they turn out not to be right for you.
What should one consider when choosing a folding mobility scooter? Well, foldability and its over all weight are very important features, but far from the only features to consider. Another one is budget. Most important is your condition, and how it lines up with the model.
Weight capacity is another important feature. It’s not just about your weight; it’s about what sort of use you’ll be putting the mobility scooter as well. Will you be using it for shopping trips? If so, you’ll want to consider the average weight of what you normally purchase and consider whether you have room or your mobility scooter can hold it. And on the subject, how long will those trips be? You’ll want to take a look at how far every folding mobility scooter can travel on a full charge, and make sure that it matches up with the distance that any trips you may need to take from home will be.
Another important factor to consider is your balance. Are you comfortable using a 3 wheel mobility scooter or would you rather have 4 touch points to the ground in a 4 wheel mobility scooter? This is something important that you’ll want to keep an eye out for a model that keeps steady balance even when the weight on it isn’t completely distributed evenly.
And then there’s other practical elements. For instance, it seems likely that you’re opting for a folding mobility scooter because you’d like to be able to fold up your scooter easily and take it with you. There’s other import things to consider as well and most of them are known only to you, since your circumstances are unique. And it’s important that you keep them in mind while we go over a few prominent choices for folding mobility scooters.
Best Folding Mobility Scooter Buying Guide
First, there’s the Enhance Mobility Triaxe Sport.
Currently priced at just over $2,000 this three-wheeled model is one of the most well-made units on our list. The Triaxe Sport boasts the best weight capacity (350 lbs.), the furthest travel range (35 miles) and the fastest speed (12mph), all on a single battery charge. Moreover, it can be ordered fully assembled – perfect for the user without the time or ability to assemble their chair by hand.
Check out this video with more detail on the Enhance Mobility Triaxe Sport.
Then there’s the FreeRider Luggie Classic.
Though it may be somewhat below the Triaxe Sport in terms of weight capacity (250 lbs.) and its travel range (10 miles) and maximum speed (4 mph) per charge, it is also several pounds lighter at 51.7 lbs. Moreover, it can be folded into a particularly compact bundle, making it well-suited for travel; and with four wheels, it offers enhanced balance.
Next, we have the EV Rider Transport AF. Not only is this particular model one of the cheapest on our list (just under $2,000 at the current markdown).
It is also amazingly lightweight at a remarkable 44 lbs, and has key fob that comes with the scooter that opens and closes the unit at the push of a button. Of course, this does limit its travel range to only 6.8 miles per charge; but nonetheless, its weight, combined with the fact that it folds into an extremely compact square, makes the EV Rider the perfect motorized scooter for travelling.
Our next option, the Drive Medical ZooMe Auto-Flex, is more or less the ideal middle-ground option.
Just a few hundred dollars more expensive than the Triaxe Sport currently, this particular model boasts a weight capacity of 300 lbs, and can, on a single battery charge, run at a max speed of 4mph for as much as 13 miles. This unit also comes with a push button key fob that can fold and unfold the unit so you don’t have to. What’s more, it boasts four wheels, making it the go-to option for the user looking for a foldable mobility scooter better suited to offering balance and handling uneven weight.
Finally, there’s the i3 Folding Mobility Scooter. One of our lighter options, this model weighs only 53 lbs with its battery included.
This light weight, however, does not compromise its sturdiness, and this model boasts a carrying capacity of 300 lbs. On a single charge, this model’s battery can take you as much as 14 miles, though it does boast a slightly more humble max travel speed of 4mph.
And of course, as the name implies, the scooter folds up into a highly compact shape, in an easy 2-step process. It’s also another model that does not require any assembly, and thus another option for the user that is unable to assemble their chair themselves.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many options open to anyone in the market for a motorized wheelchair. They all have their own unique benefits; and no one but you can really say which of them is right for your particular situation.
Either way, you owe it to yourself to ensure that you persue and consider your options very carefully before making your final decision – you, as much as anyone else, deserve to reap the benefits of modern assistive technology, but you ought to be able to do so with minimal hassle and expenditure.
If you are looking for a mobility scooter that is more heavy duty and suit to tackle tougher terrain. Check out selections of the Top 5 Outdoor All Terrain Mobility Scooters in 2019.
If you have any questions about choosing the right folding mobility scooter for you, gives us a call at 800-682-9444 and one our knowledgeable representatives will be happy to assist you. You can also use coupon code SCOOTER5 at checkout to receive 5% off your order. Simply enter that code at checkout to apply the discount.
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