I ride a mobility scooter - this one hack will make choosing yours a breeze

Mobility scooter users are facing a rising amount of abuse while on their devices, causing experts to call for urgent action when it comes to both stigma and safety. Retailers, alongside charities, scooter users and leading academics have urged the Government to act, in response to a growing number of road injuries, as well as poor provision for users on the road, and ill-treatment faced by many while riding. Despite being legally used by those with disabilities and mobility issues of all ages, mobility scooters are often seen as annoying by other road users.

“This needs to stop - and fast,” says CareCo founder Will Harrison. And the first step is to open up the conversation about mobility scooter use. “There is a significant stigma surrounding mobility issues, which often leads to complete exclusion of the topic altogether,” says Will. “Mobility issues are far more common than many expect, and it's important for us as a society to be adaptable, removing any potential barriers to those less mobile. All people should be able to make decisions that benefit their everyday, which is why we want to start the conversation about mobility scooters. We want to empower others to speak up, tell their stories, and be themselves, with whatever aid they require to make life that bit easier.”

So who is a mobility scooter for? “Anyone who needs it!” says Will. “Mobility scooters are designed for anyone who finds walking long distances or travelling around in their daily life somewhat uncomfortable, but who wants to remain independent and active. While they’re especially valuable for older adults, they’re equally as important for people with limited mobility, or those who live with conditions that make walking tiring or painful.”

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Mobility scooters don’t fall into a single age or disability category - simply, they are to provide confidence to those who wish to continue their everyday life. “Whether that’s visiting friends and family, enjoying days out, or even popping to the shops, without relying on lifts or carers. Some people choose lightweight travel scooters for occasional support, like holidays or daytrips, while others look to more robust road-legal models for everyday errands,” says Will.

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Jim Britt, 75, a retired NHS manager, lives in Manchester with his wife Anne and rescue dog Betty. He has driven a mobility scooter since 2024. “The moment I fell off a ladder while cutting a branch off a tree in my garden, back in October 2024, I knew I’d broken my leg. And one quick glance down told me I was right,” says Jim.

“Recovery has been long and hard, and I’m still relearning how to walk normally almost a year on. Previously an incredibly active person, a dog owner who loved walking, being suddenly immobile was incredibly hard. I felt stuck, relying on others for lifts. It was infuriating and infantalising. Even so, I have to admit when I was first offered a mobility scooter to borrow by a friend, I wasn’t keen on the idea. Yes I’m 75 but I’m not ‘old’, I thought. But I accepted their kind offer anyway… and within minutes it changed my life. All of a sudden I was able to get to my local village under my own steam, I was able to take Betty around the park. My scooter opened my world back up again. Any doubts I had disappeared.

“I’m a proud mobility scooter owner. I now own one myself - the CareCo Abilize Stride Support, which is lightweight, comfortable, and breaks down into several pieces so I can easily get it into the boot of the car. To have a stigma surrounding mobility scooters is ridiculous. Nobody wants to have mobility issues. But for those of us who have them, they allow us to live a normal life and get around. Why would you not want that for someone?”

*Jim drives the CareCo Abilize Stride Support, £1399.99

How to choose the right scooter for you…

Will offers his expert advice: "Buying a mobility scooter is more than a practical choice - it’s one that impacts daily independence, comfort and safety. With so many models on the market, finding a scooter that fits your lifestyle requires careful thought."

Types & categories

• Folding scooters: Self-folding at the push of a button, these are ideal for use on public transport and easy to store away.
• Travel Scooters: Lightweight units that are easy to store away and re-assemble, these are best for short trips or holidays.
• Pavement/Travel: Limited to 4mph, pavement scooters are built for pedestrian areas, with no license or tax required.
• Road legal: For road use, these scooters have features such as lights, mirrors and brakes. On pavements, these scooters are restricted to 4mph.
• Cabin scooters: Larger scooters with bigger batteries, often providing more protection from the weather. These scooters can be used throughout all seasons and can withstand long distances.

Key considerations before buying

• Portability vs comfort: Foldable or travel models are great for transport, but may be less comfortable on longer rides
• Distance and terrain: Battery size and motor power matter for longer distances or hilly areas. It’s important to consider what your journeys will look like, whether on pavements or roads, and tackling kerbs or rough terrain.
• Mobility needs and features: Swivel seats, flip up arms, comfortable captain-style seats with both back and arm support, adjustable tillers and suspension all help those with limited mobility or discomfort.
• Safety and legal requirements: It’s always worth checking whether a licence is needed, as well as the scooter’s classification of either class two or class three, which indicates whether they’re allowed on roads or pavements only.

Consider your lifestyle

“When buying a mobility scooter, it’s incredibly important to consider your lifestyle, not just your budget,” says Will. “Think about where you’ll use it most, perhaps pavements, shops, or longer trips on the road. Portability is key, if you travel by car or public transport, but so is comfort and suspension for daily use. Similarly, battery ranges should also reflect your routines and daily life, so you’re never caught short mid-journey. Take the time to try different models, testing their re-assembly and all the small details – they can make a big difference to long-term independence and confidence.”