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Best mobility scooters 2024
In this article
- The best folding mobility scooters and pavement scooters (Class 2)
- The folding mobility scooters and pavement scooters (Class 2) we've tested
- The best road and off-road mobility scooters (Class 3)
- The road and off-road mobility scooters (Class 3) we've tested
- How we test mobility scooters
- Who is entitled to a free mobility scooter?
- Motability scheme
- Can you hire a mobility scooter?
The best mobility scooters are thoughtfully designed, comfortable, easy to control and smooth to drive.
We've tested Class 2 collapsible, folding and pavement mobility scooters, and Class 3 road and off-road mobility scooters from brands such as CareCo, Kymco, Monarch, Pride and more, to discover which is best for comfort, driving experience and technical ability.
We've found excellent Best Buys of each type, so you can find the best mobility scooter for your needs.
You can also read our advice on getting help with the cost of buying a mobility scooter and commonly asked questions around insurance, registration, storage and servicing.
The best folding mobility scooters and pavement scooters (Class 2)
Only logged-in Which? members can view the mobility scooter test results below.
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Class 2 mobility scooters | Driving experience | Vibration reduction | Comfort | Slopes and hill starts |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations. Unlock tableFirst month £5, then £11.99 per month, cancel at any time Already a member? Log in | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | |
Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | |
Good | Average | Average | Good | |
Average | Good | Average | Excellent | |
Good | Average | Poor | Good | |
Average | Average | Good | Average | |
Average | Average | Average | Good | |
Good | Average | Good | Poor | |
Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Good | Poor | Poor | Excellent | |
Average | Average | Poor | Excellent | |
Average | Poor | Poor | Average |
Sign up to reveal
Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations.
Unlock tableFirst month £5, then £11.99 per month, cancel at any time
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Dates tested: April 2024, April 2023, May 2022. Page last checked: Septm 2024. We aren't able to show every retailer, and cheaper prices may be available.
The folding mobility scooters and pavement scooters (Class 2) we've tested
All the Class 2 mobility scooters we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best mobility scooters from our tests.
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Abilize Stride Sport
Available from CareCo (£1,199.99 with VAT relief, £1,439.99 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2023
Size and weight 89 x 59 x 112cm (H x W x D), 55kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 17 miles, 12 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5.2cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
CareCo AirLite X Travel Mobility Scooter
Available from CareCo (£599.99 with VAT relief, £719.99 with VAT)
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Most recently tested May 2022
Size and weight 82 x 49 x 101cm (H x W x D), 41kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 7 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 115kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Drive Envoy 4 Mobility Scooter
Available from Ableworld (£1,299 with VAT relief, £1,558.80 with VAT), Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,339 with VAT relief, £1,606.80 with VAT), Livewell (£1,499 with VAT relief, £1,798.80 with VAT)
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Most recently tested May 2022
Size and weight 102 x 60 x 121cm (H x W x D), 94kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 30 miles, 12 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible No
Need to know Air-filled tyres, 160kg weight limit, swivel seat, wing mirror, 6cm ground clearance, headlight
Drive Explorer Transportable Mobility Scooter
Available from Relimobility (£995 with VAT relief, £1,194 with VAT), Ableworld (£849 with VAT relief, £1,018.80 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2023
Size and weight 91 x 48 x 108cm (H x W x D), 42.8kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 14 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 130kg weight limit, swivel seat, 6cm ground clearance
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Electric Mobility Rascal Ultralite 480 Mobility Scooter
Available from Smart Scooters (£849 with VAT relief, £1,018.80 with VAT), Millercare (£999.95 with VAT relief, £1,199.94 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2023
Size and weight 85 x 51 x 102cm (H x W x D), 41kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 8 miles, charging time not stated
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 114.5kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
I-Go Vertex Sport
Available from CareCo (£999.99 with VAT relief, £1,199.99 with VAT)
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Most recently tested May 2022
Size and weight 94 x 49.5 x 108cm (H x W x D), 57.5kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 15 miles, 10 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 130kg weight limit, swivel seat, 7cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Kymco K-Lite F Folding Mobility Scooter
Available from First Choice Mobility (£1,590 with VAT relief, £1,908 with VAT), Ebor Mobility (£1,945 with VAT relief, £2,302.80 with VAT)
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Date tested April 2023
Size and weight 93.5 x 46 x 99cm (H x W x D), 29.6kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 9 miles, 12 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - folds down to 46 x 46 x 99cm size
Need to know Solid tyres, 120kg weight limit, 7cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Livewell Jaunt
Available from Livewell (£449.10 with VAT relief, £538.92 with VAT), Amazon (£589), Ableworld (£649 with VAT relief, £778.80 with VAT)
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Most recently tested May 2022
Size and weight 89 x 56 x 102cm (H x W x D), 48kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 10 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 4cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Monarch MobiFree Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter
Available from Relimobility (£1,795 with VAT relief, £2,154 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2023
Size and weight 75 x 45 x 95cm (H x W x D), 20.8kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 9 miles, 12 hours
Max speed 3.7mph
Collapsible Yes - folds down to 43 x 60 x 43cm size
Need to know Solid tyres, 114.5kg weight limit, 6cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
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Pride Go Go Elite Traveller
Available from Mobility Smart (Out of stock), Mobility Solutions (Out of stock)
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Most recently tested May 2022
Size and weight 101.6 x 48.6 x 101cm (H x W x D), 35.5kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 10 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 124kg weight limit, 6.3cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Sterling Sapphire 2 Transportable Mobility Scooter
Available from Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,299.99 with VAT relief, £1,559.99 with VAT), Ableworld (£1,599 with VAT relief, £1,918.80 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2024
Size and weight 105 x 59 x 121cm (H x W x D); 79kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 19 miles, 12 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Air-filled tyres, 150kg weight limit, swivel seat, 9.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
TGA Minimo Folding Mobility Scooter
Available from Mobility Smart (£1,474.95 with VAT relief, £1,769.94 with VAT), TGA Mobility (£1,795 with VAT relief, £2,154 with VAT)
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Most recently tested May 2022
Size and weight 96 x 54 x 96cm (H x W x D), 28kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 12 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - folds down to 45 x 55 x 86cm size
Need to know Solid tyres, 115kg weight limit, 6cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
VAN OS Travelux Tiempo Transportable Mobility Scooter
Available from MobiQuip (£869 with VAT relief, £1,042.80 with VAT), Ebor Mobility (£1,175 with VAT relief, £1,532.80 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2023
Size and weight 90 x 51 x 102cm (H x W x D), 48kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 12 miles, 12 hours
Max speed 4mph
Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable
Need to know Solid tyres, 113kg weight limit, swivel seat, 8cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
The best road and off-road mobility scooters (Class 3)
Only logged-in Which? members can view the mobility scooter test results below.
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Class 3 mobility scooters | Driving experience | Vibration reduction | Comfort | Slopes and hill starts |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations. Unlock tableFirst month £5, then £11.99 per month, cancel at any time Already a member? Log in | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
Good | Good | Excellent | Good | |
Good | Average | Average | Excellent | |
Good | Average | Average | Excellent | |
Average | Average | Good | Poor |
Sign up to reveal
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Unlock tableFirst month £5, then £11.99 per month, cancel at any time
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Date tested: April 2024. Page last checked: September 2024. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
The road and off-road mobility scooters (Class 3) we've tested
All the Class 3 mobility scooters we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best mobility scooters from our tests.
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Abilize Ranger
Available from CareCo (£3,499.99 with VAT relief, £4,199.99 with VAT) (Out of stock)
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Most recently tested April 2024
Size and weight 128 x 72 x 160cm (H x W x D), 157kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 31 miles, 12 hours
Max speed 8mph
Collapsible No
Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 226kg weight limit, swivel seat, 11cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Adventurer X8
Available from CareCo (£3,999.99 with VAT relief, £4,799.99 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2024
Size and weight 140 x 87 x 175cm (H x W x D), 148kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 32 miles, 10 hours
Max speed 8mph
Collapsible No
Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 205kg weight limit, swivel seat, 11.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
CareCo Daytona XLR
Available from CareCo (£1,899.99 with VAT relief, £2,279.99 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2024
Size and weight 118 x 66 x 135cm (H x W x D), 117kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 30 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 8mph
Collapsible No
Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 182kg weight limit, swivel seat, 9cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Sterling S425
Available from Great British Mobility (£1,399 with VAT relief, £1,678.80 with VAT), Ableworld (£1,699 with VAT relief, £2,038.80 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2024
Size and weight 120 x 66 x 135cm (H x W x D), 117kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 26 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 8mph
Collapsible No
Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 150kg weight limit, swivel seat, 13cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
Vega RS8
Available from CareCo (£1,799.99 with VAT relief, £2,159.99 with VAT)
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Most recently tested April 2024
Size and weight 115 x.5 x 64 x 120cm (H x W x D), 94kg
Battery range and charging time Approximately 24 miles, 8 hours
Max speed 8mph
Collapsible No
Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 6.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels
How we test mobility scooters
We select the UK's most popular mobility scooters to test out and review, and have consulted mobility charities and Which? members on the most important aspects to test.
We evaluate Class 2 and Class 3 scooters slightly differently, as portability is more important for Class 2 pavement and folding mobility scooters, whereas a smooth ride on outdoor surfaces is more important for Class 3 road and off-road scooters.
We regularly revisit the mobility scooters on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them we do. We pay for every mobility scooter we test.
Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers, and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
Ease of setup, disassembly and portability
We collapse and assemble all of the mobility scooters we test, considering how long it takes, how obviously and easily the different parts fit together, and how easily they fit into the back of a small car for transportation.
Comfort, adjustment and charging
We adjust each mobility scooter and consider how easily the seat and armrests can be customised, how straightforward it is to get on and off each scooter, and how easily the scooter's battery can be plugged in for charging.
Driving experience
- We drive each of the mobility scooters indoors, and on even and uneven concrete surfaces outdoors, and on a camber, to judge how smooth and controlled they are. We also drive Class 3 off-road scooters on dirt tracks.
- We carry out manoeuvres as well as sharp turns, reversing and going over bumps in the path.
- We rate how effectively each mobility scooter minimises vibration and how easily the controls can be handled and understood.
Slopes and hill starts
- To find out how the mobility scooters handle hills, we drive each one up the famous Test Hill at the Brooklands Museum, which gets increasingly steep the higher you go, and record the steepest gradient each one can handle before giving up and switching off.
- We also try hill starts on the Test Hill with each mobility scooter.
Read our expert advice on staying independent at home.
Who is entitled to a free mobility scooter?
Getting a mobility scooter entirely free isn't often possible, as the charities and schemes that can help you will likely be unable to pay the entire cost. There are plenty of ways to get help with and minimise the costs, though.
How do I get help with the cost of a mobility scooter?
Government grants, tax discounts and assistance from charities are are all available to help you finance your mobility scooter. Below are the four main options:
- VAT relief - If you’re disabled or have a long-term illness, you may be eligible for VAT relief, which cuts VAT from the cost of your scooter and makes it cheaper to buy. Most suppliers offer VAT relief prices if you provide a completed self-declaration form from gov.uk.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - If you have difficulty getting around and handling everyday activities, you can get a scooter on PIP payments from the government. You'll receive a monthly benefit that can be put towards buying a mobility scooter. The PIP page on gov.uk has all the info on how much you can get and how to apply.
- Charities - If you're wondering how do you get a free mobility scooter in the UK, charities such as the Mobility Trust will endeavour to help you if you'll struggle to pay. While you may not be able to get your mobility scooter entirely free, many charities will aim to at least make a contribution to the cost if you need help.
- Second-hand mobility scooters - Used or reconditioned mobility scooters can be bought at reduced rates from mobility retailers such as Mobility Giant, Mobility Smart and Kardinal Independent Living. People do sell mobility scooters on marketplaces such as eBbay, Preloved and Gumtree, but we'd recommend going with a retailer that will ensure the quality of scooter and assist you with getting it set up.
Will the NHS pay for a mobility scooter?
Although the NHS can provide wheelchairs to those who need them, it typically doesn't stock or provide mobility scooters. If you need help with financing your purchase of a mobility scooter, the NHS will likely point you in the direction of the Motability scheme.
Motability scheme
The not-for-profit Motability scheme allows people receiving the government’s Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to lease a mobility scooter or car.
You usually lease your Motability scooter for three years. Here are five things you need to know about the scheme:
- Higher-rate DLA and PIP payments are applicable - as well as those on lower-rate DLA and PIP payments, you can take part in the scheme if you're currently getting the higher-rate of DLA or the enhanced-rate mobility component of the PIP.
- War pensioners' mobility supplement are applicable - Motability is also open to people receiving the war pensioners’ mobility supplement and the armed forces independence payment.
- You'll have an assessment - one of Motability’s dealers will come to your home to assess your needs, and they'll allow you to test drive a scooter before you choose one.
- Prices start from £12.50 a week - the Motability scheme arranges for the relevant amount to be paid direct every four weeks.
- Insurance, breakdown and servicing are included - these are provided by RSA Motability.
Can you hire a mobility scooter?
Lots of mobility shops provide mobility scooter hire schemes, if you search 'mobility scooter near me' online, you should be able to find a company locally that will lease you a scooter for a day, a week or a month.
National businesses you can hire scooters from include Mobility Hire, Mobility Giant, National Mobility Hire and Concord Mobility. You can also ask your local disability living centre about other rental options in your area.
Some big supermarkets, DIY shops, tourist attractions and National Trust properties also have mobility scooters available to use within their premises. If you’d like to hire a mobility scooter for a holiday, ask the company if it can arrange for scooters to be delivered to destinations in the UK and abroad.
Important things to think about when hiring a mobility scooter include:
- Check whether the company can deliver the vehicle to your home and whether or not you need to pay a deposit.
- Make sure you find out who has responsibility for maintaining the scooter and whether you will need to pay for repairs if something goes wrong.
- It is vital that you're given proper guidance and instruction on how to use the scooter before embarking on a journey alone.
Are mobility scooters allowed on the road or a plane?
Class 2 mobility scooters - not allowed on the road
- Class 2 mobility scooters can be driven on pavements and indoor areas such as shops and museums. They are not permitted for use on roads.
- Folding mobility scooters and collapsible mobility scooters, sometimes called 'boot scooters', are also Class 2 and cannot be used on roads.
- They're often cheaper and smaller than road scooters, so if you don't live too far from wherever you need to get to and can get around on pavements, a Class 2 scooter is probably for you.
- Some Class 2 scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph, as that's the legal speed limit for pavements, but many can get up to 6mph.
Class 3 mobility scooters - allowed on the road
- Road-legal mobility scooters are known as Class 3 vehicles, and are generally larger, heavier and more expensive than Class 2 scooters.
- Class 3 mobility scooters are allowed on the road, except for motorways or dual carriageways, and they have a maximum speed of 8mph. They can be driven on the pavement too at a 4mph speed limit.
- Class 3 mobility scooters generally have more powerful motors and batteries than Class 2, so they're better suited to longer journeys and steeper hills. They also have front and rear lights, indicators, hazard lights, a rear-view mirror and a horn.
What licence do I need for a mobility scooter?
- You don't need to have a licence or pay vehicle tax on a mobility scooter, but Class 3 scooters need to be registered with the DVLA. The retailer you buy your Class 3 scooter from will usually arrange this, but if you need to register a scooter or change the registration details, gov.uk has the information you need.
Do I need tax, registration and insurance for my mobility scooter?
- You don't have to pay vehicle tax, but you do need to register Class 3 scooters with the DVLA and display a ‘nil value’ tax disc. You'll need to fill in a V55/4 form for new vehicles or a V55/5 form for used vehicles. It's not required for you to insure your scooter, but it's recommended.
How do I store and secure my mobility scooter?
- Leaving it out in the elements is likely to lead to damage, so we'd recommend storing your scooter inside, at least in a shed or garage if you don't have space for it in your home. If you do have to store it outside, you're best off buying a cover to help protect it. For security, most scooters have a key to start the ignition, but you can use a wheel clamp, lock or get a scooter alarm fitted if you want extra peace of mind.
- Depending on whether your mobility scooter will fit in a car, you may also consider purchasing a hoist, which can help lift the scooter into the car. This is especially handy if you want to get out and about without assistance, as even the lightest scooters can prove very heavy to lift by yourself.
Can you take a mobility scooter on a plane?
- Yes, you can take mobility scooters on planes, but you should definitely check with the airline before booking, as it may have restrictions on the sizes and types of mobility scooters allowed. It shouldn't charge you to take your mobility scooter on board, but you should also check that's the case directly with the airline.
See the best airlines and the best and worst budget airlines
Second-hand mobility scooters - where can I get one?
Buying a second-hand mobility scooter can be a much more cost-effective way of acquiring one, but there are some extra checks you should do to ensure you won't have any regrets down the line.
- If you can, visit the retailer in person and take the mobility scooter for a test drive. That way you can get a feel for how it drives and look out for any problems with it.
- Double-check the warranty terms with the retailer before buying. Every second-hand mobility scooter should be sold with a warranty either included or available for purchase, which will give you peace of mind that if there's an issue the retailer will repair or replace the scooter.
- It's also worth asking the retailer how old the scooter is and any issues that have been identified with it.
If your mobility scooter needs repairing or needs a part replaced, many second-hand mobility scooter retailers also stock replacement parts and will be able to service your mobility scooter for a fee – a little bit like getting your car sorted for its MOT.
If you already have a mobility scooter and are in the market for a new one, second-hand mobility scooter retailers will likely buy your old one from you or part exchange it for a new one. Search 'Who buys used mobility scooters near me?' online to find the nearest retailers.
For more assistance with mobility at home, see our guide on buying adjustable beds.