The best mobility scooters for seniors in the UK 2022

If you're struggling with aching joints, debilitating back pain, or motor disabilities, it may be time to consider getting yourself a mobility scooter. Today's scooters are the absolute height of convenience - they're whisper quiet, compact and many are incredibly light, but what's going to be the best mobility scooter for you or your loved ones?

As you may already know, mobility scooters can be a major expense. They're an investment - you're essentially paying for reliability, to know that you'll be able to get around independently without any issues, which is definitely worth paying for in our opinion.

But what makes a great mobility scooter? Should you get a foldable scooter or go for a luxury model? We're going to answer each and every one of your burning questions.

What are the classes of mobility scooter?

There are two types of mobility scooters; class two and class three. Class two scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph and cannot be used on the road. A class three mobility scooter has a top speed of 8mph.

Unlike class two mobility scooters, a class three scooter must be registered, most class three scooters are already registered by a dealer, but if your mobility scooter does not - you'll need to apply for a vehicle registration certificate - form V62.

For more information, here are the government guidelines for mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Which mobility scooters are airline approved?

Mobility scooters are notoriously difficult to have approved by an airline, and conditions for mobility scooters vary between airlines. But typically, your mobility scooter has to be foldable and ultra-compact and must weigh around 18kg or less, which is fairly tough.

The best mobility scooters of 2022

We've gathered the absolute best mobility scooters from across the internet that'll be delivered straight to your door fully assembled, no hassle required. From folding scooters, incredible budget scooters to three-wheeled luxury scooters, we've chosen the best of the year that offer great value and convenience all in one.

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Specifications:

Mobility scooter class: 3
Maximum speed: 8mph
Maximum range: 20-30 miles (32-48 km)
Charging time: 6-8 hours
Scooter weight: 14.6st (93 kg)
Max user weight: 25 st (160 kg)

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Incredibly quick
Great range
Comfortable
Excellent storage room

Cons:
A little expensive
Not quite compact

Overview:

Veleco's ZT15 3 is a luxurious, comfortable, and zippy three-wheeled mobility scooter that is designed for absolute convenience. With a top speed of 8mph, you'll have made it to the shops and back in a blink of an eye, and with a maximum range of 30 miles, rest assured you won't be running out of power unexpectedly.

In compliance with road laws, the ZT15 3 is equipped with mirrors, headlights, indicators, reflectors, and hazard lighting to ensure you're safe at all times while on the road. This is the perfect mobility scooter for seniors who want to get around with speed and convenience, and it's absolutely perfect for getting to the shops and back with under-seat storage and a metal basket at the back.

Customer review: " I took delivery of this big beauty 24 hours ago and just been out for my first trip. Even the moderate speed of 8mph seemed like riding a suped up motorbike compared to my old one. The acceleration was fantastic the feeling of riding a powerful mode of transport, higher as it has larger wheels, easier to manoeuvre due to only one front wheel. The comfort is superb on a leather armchair seat. It's wider and higher than my conventional scooter and I feel less vulnerable."

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Specifications:

Maximum speed: 4mph
Maximum range: 10 miles (16.1km)
Charging time: 6-8 hours
Scooter weight: 4.26 st (27 kg)
Max user weight: 14 st (88.9 kg)

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Great feet space
Comfortable seat
Good handling

Cons:
Not as lightweight as other folding options
Not as compact as you'd think

Overview:

Pro Rider's Deluxe folding mobility scooter offers fantastic comfort and functionality for those that are short on space, without sacrificing on comfort. With plenty of foot space and a terrifically comfortable handlebar, this four-wheel scooter feels perfectly secure on even the most uneven paths.

Customer review: "I use my fold-up mobility scooter to go shopping it is so easy just to fold it down and put it in the boot of the car as it doesn't take up much room. It fits in the boot nice and neatly and it was so easy to put together again, ready to go shopping, the battery is really good too."

Specifications:

Mobility scooter class: 2
Maximum speed: 4mph
Maximum range: 6.2 miles (10km)
Charging time: 6-8 hours
Scooter weight: 1.8 st (11.8 kg)
Max user weight: 19.8 st (125 kg)

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Great value
Very compact
Ultra-lightweight
Good speed

Cons:
Not as comfortable as more expensive picks
Slower than class 3 mobility scooters

Overview:

Looking for something far less bulky? The SuperHandy 3 is an ultra-compact, foldable portable mobility scooter that is a fantastic, cheap and safe way to travel. It's considerably less lavish than the Veleco ZT15-3 and doesn't look as impressive, but it's significantly cheaper and will take up a fraction of space in your home.

Due to its incredibly lightweight build and ultra-compact design, seniors should have little to no trouble storing the SuperHandy mobility scooter safely (which also makes it great for putting in the car or taking abroad).

Customer review: "This is a well-designed lightweight scooter. It’s simple to put together and easy to use. It doesn’t look like a mobility scooter so it’s good for those wanting to take the leap. It folds fairly small and should fit into most car boots without a problem."

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Specifications:

Mobility scooter class: 2
Maximum speed: 4mph
Maximum range: 8 miles (12.9 km)
Charging time: 6-8 hours
Scooter weight: 5.6 st (35.6 kg)
Max user weight: 19.9 st (125 kg)

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Good value
Well made
Very comfortable
Great range

Cons:
Not a massive amount of storage
Not compact
Fairly heavy

Overview:

For comfort, convenience, and great value, Pride Go-Go's Elite Traveller LX mobility scooter is hard to top. While it's not the most extravagant mobility scooter, it's perfect for quick trips to the shops, to neighbours, or just for getting out and about. With a top speed of 4mph, you can't go in the road with the Elite Traveller LX, but travelling along pathways and streets is no trouble for this scooter.

Customer review: "We bought this for my mother-in-law. After I put it together which was easy I drove it down to her house. Two days later she was driving the length and breadth of the village. This is the best thing I’ve ever bought."

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Specifications:

Mobility scooter class: 3
Maximum speed: 8mph
Maximum range: 30-40 miles (45-60 km)
Charging time: 6-8 hours
Scooter weight: 19 st (126 kg)
Max user weight: 25 st (160 kg)

Pros / cons:

**Pros:
**Fantastic luxury scooter
Two-speed options
Incredibly comfortable
Wind-shield for added protection
On-screen LCD display

Cons:
Very expensive
Very heavy

Overview:

Once again, Veleco makes it onto the list with yet another gorgeous luxury mobility scooter. Equipped with a proper windshield, storage to boot, and a top speed of 8mph, there's nowhere your mobility scooter won't be able to reach. Plush leather seats, comfortable handles, and solid build quality are just a few of the incredible features of this luxury scooter.

Customer review: "wonderful scooter, I am old and super happy with my purchase, arrived well packed. I go into the woods and fields without problems"

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Can you drive mobility scooters on cycle paths?

You cannot drive mobility scooters in cycle paths, but pedestrian walkways are absolutely fine. If your mobility scooter is a class 3 (can reach up to 8mph), you can legally drive them on the road, but we'd recommend sticking to pathways.

Is mobility scooter insurance compulsory?

You do not need mobility scooter insurance to drive a mobility scooter in the UK, but we'd definitely recommend getting insurance. This essentially guarantees that you'll be able to get around, regardless of what happens.

Can you take your mobility scooter off-road?

Despite many of our scooter picks being able to handle off-road conditions, we'd recommend not taking any risks. When getting out and about on your scooter, take paths that you know are reliable and well-maintained.

Can you get a mobility scooter through the NHS?

As of now, you can't currently get a mobility scooter via the NHS. But there are many online stores that allow you to lease a mobility scooter with them, Motability is particularly popular.