When it comes to mobility scooters, one of the deciding factors regarding what to buy, and a matter that is frequently debated about, is which to choose: 3-wheel versus 4-wheel mobility scooters.

In this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

3 Wheel Mobility Scooters

3 Wheel mobility scooters have two drive wheels at the back and a single steering wheel at the front. These scooters are excellent to maneuver in smaller areas because of their low turning radius. Therefore, they are very good for indoor use because maneuvering around furniture and making tight turns is easier.

Although many three-wheel mobility scooters have anti-tip wheels, they are not as stable as four-wheel scooters. They are also best used on level surfaces that are smooth rather than rough outdoor surfaces like grass or gravel.

When compared to four-wheel mobility scooters, they have more legroom and are therefore ideal for people who are taller or who suffer from knee or leg injuries or ailments. Three wheelers are also lighter in weight and are not as expensive as four wheelers.

Best 3 Wheel Mobility Scooters

	Make	Model	Turning Radius	Weight Capacity
	Handyscoot	Folding 3 Wheel	26 inches	350 pounds
	Shoprider	Echo Light	32 inches	500 pounds
	Pride Mobility	Go Go Ultra X 3	33 inches	260 pounds

1. HandyScoot Folding 3 Wheel Travel Mobility Scooter

The Handyscoot is a lightweight mobility scooter with a turning radius of 26 inches. It has a width of 22 inches and a length of 39 inches. The seat has a pad size of 17 inches wide, 11.5 inches long and 3 inches high.

It has a maximum speed of up to 9 mph, ground clearance of 4.5 inches at the front and 3 inches at the rear, a driving range of 15 miles and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The front tires are 2x8 inch solid deep tread rubber and the rear ones are the same size but made of solid high density polyurethane.

2. Shoprider Echo Light Weight 3-Wheel Travel Scooter - SL73

The Shoprider Echo has a lightweight frame and a turning radius of 32 inches. It has a width of 21 inches and a length of 37 inches. The seat is height adjustable and has a width of 18 inches and a depth of 16 inches. The seat to floor height is 17.5 inches.

It has a maximum speed of 3.8 mph, ground clearance of 1.5 inches, a driving range of 8 miles and a weight capacity of 250 pounds. The front tires and rear tires are 8 inches in size.

 3. Pride Go-Go Ultra X 3-Wheel Scooter SC40X

The Go-Go Ultra X 3-wheel is a mobility scooter by Pride Mobility with a turning radius of 33 inches. It has a width of 19.5 inches and a length of 37 inches. The seat is 17x17 inches in size, with a ground height range of 18.25 to 20.25 inches.

It has a maximum speed of 4 mph, ground clearance of 1.3 inches, a driving range of 6.9 miles and a weight capacity of 260 pounds. The front tires are 2x8 inch solid and the rear ones 2.5x8 inch solid.

4 Wheel Mobility Scooters

4 Wheel mobility scooters are designed much like cars with two drive wheels in the back and two steering wheels up front. This configuration creates more stability for handling several terrains including curbs and stretches of gravel.

When compared to three-wheel scooters, four-wheelers have excellent stability over any terrain they venture on, whether indoors or outdoors. Due to the four wheels, they resist tipping, even when driving at top speeds, and can handle hills and curbs much better than most three-wheelers.

Because of the four-wheel configuration in these types of mobility scooters, their turning radius is generally more than that of most three-wheel mobility scooters, making them not as maneuverable and less desirable to primarily be used indoors.

Smaller four-wheel scooters, however; do offer a smaller turning radius, allowing the user to perform most indoor functions. Four-wheel scooters are a bit heavier than their three-wheel counterparts and cost more in comparison.

Best 4 Wheel Mobility Scooters

	Make	Model	Turning Radius	Weight Capacity
	Pride Mobility	Go Go Elite Traveller Plus	45.75 inches	300 pounds
	Drive Medical	Ventura DLX 4	54 inches	400 pounds
	Drive Medical	Spitfire DST 4	55 inches	325 pounds

1. Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller Plus 4-Wheel Scooter SC54

The Go-Go Elite Traveller Plus is a 4-wheel mobility scooter from Pride Mobility with a weight capacity of 300 pounds and a maximum speed of 4.5 mph.

It comes equipped with Pride Mobility’s exclusive black, 2x8-inches front and 3x9-inches rear non-scuffing tires. It is 21.25 inches in width and 40.25 inches in length.

The seat on this unit is 17x17-inches, with a seat-to-ground height range of 20.5 to 22 inches. It has a turning radius of 45.75 inches, ground clearance of 0.83 inches at anti-tip, and a driving range of 14.5 miles.

2. Drive Medical Ventura DLX Deluxe 4-Wheel Scooter

Another 4-wheel mobility scooter by Drive Medical, the Ventura DLX Deluxe has a weight capacity of 400 pounds and a maximum speed of 6 mph.

It has 10x3-inch front and rear flat free anti-tip wheels with front and rear suspension. It is 48 inches long and 25 inches wide, with a floor to seat height of 22 to 24 inches. The seat comes in two versions, the 18x18 inches and the 20x18 inches.

It has a turning radius of 54 inches, ground clearance of 2.5 inches, and a driving range of 16 miles. 

3. Drive Medical Spitfire DST 4-Wheel Scooter

The Spitfire DST 4-wheel mobility scooter by Drive Medical has a weight capacity of 325 pounds and a maximum speed of 4.25 mph.

It has 8x2-inch front and rear wheels with DST (Dynamic Suspension Technology) front and rear suspension coils as well as anti-tip wheels. It is 21.25 inches wide, 36 inches high and 42.5 inches long.

The seat is 17.5 inches wide by 16 inches deep. It has a turning radius of 55 inches, ground clearance of 2.5 inches, and a driving range of 15 miles.

4 Wheel Mobility Scooters With A Smaller Turning Radius

Two 4-wheel mobility scooters with a turning radius lower than 40 inches are the Shoprider Dasher 4 and the Pride Mobility Jazzy Zero Turn.

1. Shoprider Dasher 4 Portable Mobility Scooter – GK8

The Shoprider Dasher 4 has a turning radius of 37 inches, ground clearance of 1.50 inches, a driving range of 7.5 miles, a maximum speed of 3.8 mph and a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

2. Pride Jazzy Zero Turn 4-Wheel Scooter JazzyZTS

The Jazzy Zero Turn has a turning radius of 38.25 inches, ground clearance of 3.50 inches, a driving range of 10 miles, a maximum speed of 4 mph and a weight capacity of 300 pounds.

Conclusion

We hope you liked our review of 3-wheel mobility scooters versus 4-wheel mobility scooters, and that it will help you choose the best mobility scooter for your needs. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to see more of these types of articles to our site. 

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If you are more interested and looking for other related articles, our staff compiled a great list of the 7 Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Electric Wheelchair Running Smoothly  and have had some great feedback on that article as well.

Feel free to write me anytime at kellon@electricwheelchairsusa.com if you have any questions or comments.  At Electric Wheelchairs USA, we truly love helping our customers make the best choice for their needs whether it is a power chair, mobility scooter, or lift chair.