Shop our Which? recommended Cullingworth riser recliner Shop now
0800 567 7618 Mon - Fri 9am to 6pm and Sat 9am to 1pm
Which Trusted Trader
Ofqual Trusted Assessor
Disabled Living Foundation

What’s The Range Of A Mobility Scooter?

What’s The Range Of A Mobility Scooter?
July 12, 2018

When it comes to deciding on an electric mobility scooter, naturally you’ll want to know how far it can travel before it runs out of power.

 

In this guide, we’ll talk you through the range offered by different types of mobility scooter, as well as the different battery options, and how you can take the best possible care of your mobility scooter battery.

How far can a scooter go on a single charge?

The manufacturer will include a guide for the maximum distance range. This will vary depending on the size of the mobility scooter you select.

You should also bear in mind that the actual range will also be affected by your weight, hills, heavy shopping, the age of the batteries, and a number of other factors. So, to make sure you don’t ever find yourself without power while out and about, make sure you check your levels before you start off.

Portable boot scooters

Portable boot scooters (also known as small boot scooters) are designed for flat pavements, paved pathways and shopping trips. This means they offer a limited speed and distance range. But the principal benefit of this type is their compact size, which enables you to manoeuvre with ease.

The top speed for portable boot scooters is approximately 4mph. Their batteries can provide a range of up to 10 miles on a single charge. With this in mind, they’re great for very short hops and getting around town. But if you want to go further, or make more frequent journeys, a mid-range scooter is likely to be a better option for you.

Mid-range mobility scooters

Fitted with a bigger battery than a portable boot scooter, mid-range mobility scooters offer a larger distance range. Class 2 mobility scooters are an ideal option for those who wish to travel further with a mobility scooter, or those who wish to use one on a more regular basis. For example, if public transport is limited in your area, this option could give you greater independence (although you should bear in mind that this type cannot be driven on roads).

In general, mid-range mobility scooters can travel up to 4mph. Thanks to increased battery power, they can deliver a distance range of 15 to 25 miles on a single charge (depending on which model you choose, and the battery it’s fitted with).

Sterling Sapphire 2 Blue

Road-legal mobility scooters

If you’re looking for a mobility scooter to take you even further, road-legal mobility scooters (otherwise known as Class 3) are the way to go. They’ll also enable you to travel faster than other types of mobility scooters.

Certain road-legal mobility scooters come with top speeds of 6 to 8mph, as well as full suspension. You’ll also be able to enjoy a range of up to 35 miles on one battery. But remember, this heavy-duty solution won’t just give you the freedom to travel a greater distance on a single charge – you’ll also be free to travel on the roads.

Do different sized mobility scooters have different batteries?

All electric mobility scooters come with rechargeable batteries. There are two main types of batteries available for mobility scooters:

  • Sealed lead acid batteries – the cheaper option, better suited to those who use their mobility scooter occasionally.
  • Gel cell batteries – the more expensive option, as they can be recharged more times before they need to be replaced. Recommended for those who use their mobility scooter on a daily basis.

In general, most mobility scooters will need an eight-hour charge after use. It’s important to stick to the full charging time recommended by the manufacturer, as charging them for less time than this can reduce the overall life of the battery in the long run.

How long do batteries last?

On average, mobility scooter batteries will need to be replaced every 12 to 18 months. To keep them in the best possible condition and maximise their lifespan, make sure you:

  • don’t let the batteries run completely flat before you recharge them
  • don’t leave dead batteries in for longer than a day; recharge them as soon as possible.
Previous Article: January 5, 2023
The Benefits of Lightweight Wheelchairs
Next Article: July 20, 2018
What’s The Law On Mobility Scooters?