No one should have to choose between their mobility and their finances. Mobility scooters have helped many people who have challenges with walking, whether from a disability, accident, or aging. So how does one go about finding a mobility scooter, particularly one that’s in your price range? In this blog post, we’re going to be covering how to find a mobility scooter, which ones might be best for you, and how to find a mobility scooter that fits your budget.

Why Do Mobility Scooters Have Different Prices?

When shopping for a mobility scooter, you’ll notice that there’s a pretty big price range - between $650 to over $6,000! So why do mobility scooters have different prices? The lower-cost mobility scooters are generally not built as tough as pricier scooters. That’s not to say they are made with poor quality, they are generally for lighter use, have limited areas they can drive, have a smaller weight capacity, and don’t have as big of a range, unlike the more expensive scooters which can handle almost anything. So how do you determine which scooter is right for you and how can you keep it in your budget?

Figuring Out Your Budget:

The first thing to determine is how are you going to pay for your mobility scooter, as this may help determine how much is in your budget. Here are the most common ways a person will pay for their scooter:

• Insurance: Some insurances will cover the full cost or some of the cost of a mobility scooter. Speak to your insurance company to determine how much of the scooter they will pay for.
• Out Of Pocket With All Costs Up Front: Some people have money readily available and will be able to pay for a mobility scooter in full. In this case, you probably already have an idea of what you have available and what your budget looks like.
• Financing or Pay As You Go: If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a mobility scooter and you don’t have money saved or the amount readily available, financing or a pay-as-you-go plan might be a good option. If you go for this option, make sure your monthly payments are doable and won’t strain your finances.

So if your insurance is paying, that’s your budget. If you have money saved up, that’s your budget. If you’re opting for a payment plan, take a look at your finances to determine what you can pay monthly. Many pay-as-you-go options will tell you what your monthly cost will be. Just make sure you stay within your monthly cost. A mobility scooter is supposed to make your life easier, not harder.

Different Types of Mobility Scooters

There are different types of mobility scooters to fit different needs. Aside from knowing your budget, you’ll need to have an idea of what type of mobility scooter will fit your needs the best. Here are some of the types of mobility scooters:

• Outdoor Mobility Scooters: Outdoor mobility scooters are for those who plan on using their scooter outdoors. The outdoor mobility scooter can handle loose gravel and rougher terrains.
• Foldable Mobility Scooters: Foldable mobility scooters makes it easy to transport and store the scooter. Just like the name, these lightweight mobility scooters fold up when you are not using it.
• 3-Wheel Mobility Scooters: 3-wheel mobility scooters are best known for their great turning radius. They are generally best used indoors and for tighter spaces such as the grocery store, hallways, and small apartments.
• 4-Wheel Mobility Scooters: 4-wheel mobility scooters are known for their balance and stability. 4-wheel scooters can be used for indoors or outdoors.
• Heavy-Duty Mobility Scooters: Heavy-duty mobility scooters are used for heavier usage. The weight limit capacity is higher, perfect for those who are heavier. These scooters are also made for rougher terrain with higher ground clearance and pneumatic tires and suspension.

Many of these scooters fit into more than one type of category. For example, you can have a 4-wheel scooter that’s also an outdoor mobility scooter or a 3-wheeled outdoor mobility scooter.

Determining The Scooter That’s Right For You

Next, let’s determine the scooter that’s right for you. First, take a look at your lifestyle to help determine which mobility scooter fits your needs the best. Are you indoors mainly and need to navigate around smaller spaces? Then it might be best to check into a 3-wheel mobility scooter. Are you always on the go? Then the foldable mobility scooter may be for you. Do you go outside a lot and want to go on unpaved paths? Then the outdoor mobility scooter may be for you. Compare the pros and cons of the scooters and if you have further questions or need further clarification, speak to a mobility scooter specialist.

Finding The Scooter In Your Budget

Great, so now you have an idea of your budget and the type of mobility scooter that fits your life. How do you go about finding that scooter in your budget?

• Second-Hand: The marketplace, such as Facebook, Craigslist, and estate sales are always an option. You’ll find mobility scooters cheaper here, but cheaper may not always be better. Second-hand mobility scooters do not come with a warranty, so if anything happens, it’s solely on you to pay for repairs. If buying a used scooter, it may be hard to tell the real condition of the mobility scooter - the condition of the battery, breaks, motor, and suspension. Buying second-hand is cheaper but it does come with some risks. If your budget is extremely tight, this might be your only option. Just beware of the risks. Make sure you can see and test out the mobility scooter beforehand.
• Retail Shops: Many shops, including Amazon, sell mobility scooters. Sometimes they are a cheaper option but they do not come with a warranty. Even though you are getting a new scooter, keep in mind that if something happens within the next couple of years, you’ll be responsible for the repairs.
• Authorize Dealership: Purchasing a mobility scooter from an Authorized Dealer, such as ScooterDirect is the safest route to take. With a dealer, you’ll get the full advantage of the scooter’s warranty and receive help anytime you need it. Answers are just a phone call away.

Scooters Within The Range Of Less Than $600

If your upfront cost budget is less than $600, your options are a lot more slim. You may have to shop for a second-hand scooter or a retail shop. If you can, you might want to consider doing the pay-as-you-go plan. This will allow you to shop with an authorized dealer and get a scooter closer to your choice. Moving into the price range of $600-$1,500 on a small monthly payment can get your something better without stressing your finances. For example, the Pride Go Go Ultra X 3 Wheel can be purchased as low as $67 a month (as of the date this blog is written). Don’t forget to check for sales and coupons as well to help save money.

Scooters Within The Range $600-$1,500

There are a decent amount of scooters in this price range, both 3-wheel and 4-wheel mobility scooters. You’ll find that these mobility scooters have a lower weight limit but vary closely in speed and driving range to the scooters in the next price range. These scooters are more for indoor use and can be disassembled easily for transport and storage. These scooters still contain great brand-name scooters, such as Pride and Golden Tech, so you know you’re getting a good quality mobility scooter.

Top Scooters In This Range:

• Pride Go Go ES 2: Known for being an economy scooter, the Pride Go Go ES 2 is a lightweight scooter, easy to transport and best used indoors.
• Pride Go Go Traveller Elite 3-wheel Scooter: The Pride Go Go Traveller Elite 3-Wheel Scooter is a favored scooter, with its great turning radius, stability, and easy disassembly.

Scooters Within The Range $1,500-$3,000

These scooters have a little bit more of weight capacity, with some of them allowing up to 400 pounds. This range also offers a lot of 3-wheel and 4-wheel mobility scooters and both indoor and outdoor scooters. If you’re looking more for an outdoor mobility scooter, this might be closer to the range of the scooter. Some of these scooters have a further driving distance as well, so if you plan on driving it a lot, this might be your section to shop in.

Top Scooters In This Range:

• Buzzaround Extreme 4-Wheel: The Buzzaround Extreme 4-Wheel mobility scooter is perfect for the outdoor lover, with its spring suspension system and 18 mile range.
• Pride Zero Turn 8 4-Wheel Scooter: The Pride Zero Turn 8 4-Wheel Scooter is a 4-wheel scooter with the turning radius of a 3-wheel scooter. Get the tight turning radius while having extra balance.

Scooters Within The Range $3,000 or More

This price range has more of the heavier-duty mobility scooter, for users that need a higher weight capacity and for those who plan on driving on rougher terrain.

Top Scooters In This Range:

• Pride Baja Raptor 2 4-Wheel: The Pride Baja Raptor 2 4-Wheel scooter is a perfect scooter for the outdoorsman. With full suspension, regenerative braking system, and pneumatic wheels you’ll have a smooth and easy ride.

How To Find A Mobility Scooter In Your Budget

Figuring out the mobility scooter best for you and finding it within your budget doesn’t have to be complicated. With the options of a pay-as-you-go plan, getting the mobility scooter you want has never been easier. Whether you’re looking for a 3 or 4-wheel scooter, a folding mobility scooter, an outdoor scooter, or a heavy-duty mobility scooter, it’s now easier than ever to obtain the scooter you want and need. You shouldn’t have to choose between mobility and finances. Now you can have both. If you are ever unsure, please reach out to a mobility specialist to help you find the right scooter within your budget.