A guide to the different types of mobility scooter.

Things to consider when buying a mobility scooter.

There are different types of mobility scooters, read on to find out the difference so that you can chose the right type of mobility scooter for you.

What do I need the scooter for? Shopping, long-distance travel, portable (fold up for transport in a car)?

In Ireland the law states that mobility scooters cannot exceed 15kph on the road and 6.4kph on the footpath. Mobility scooters that exceed these limits do not qualify as medical devices and would be subject to pay tax and have insurance to drive them.

So, what are the types of mobility scooters available. There are only 2 types of mobility scooters – Class 2 & Class 3.

Class 2 Mobility Scooters

The Class 2 types of mobility scooters can only be used on footpaths, pavements, and when crossing roads. They have a maximum speed of 6.4kph.

Key features of class 2 scooters:

can be used indoors
small, lightweight and compact
basic driving controls
some can be dismantled or folded up to fit into a car boot
shorter battery life means they travel shorter distances

Class 3 mobility scooters

The Class 3 types of mobility scooters can be used on roads and pavements. The maximum speed limit of these vehicles is 6.4kph on the pavement and 15kph on the road. You must be 14 years old or over to drive a class 3 vehicle.

Key features of class 3 scooters:

for outdoor use
large and robust
equipped with a rear-view mirror and reflectors, plus extra controls for driving on roads: indicators, headlights, a horn and hazard lights
require a ramp or lift to get them into a vehicle
longer battery life and tougher tyres means they can travel longer distances

Size of mobility scooters

Mobility scooters vary in length, width and height, so ask yourself:

how big must your scooter be for you to sit on it comfortably?
will you have space to stretch out your legs?
where will you store your scooter?
where will you use it?

The scooter’s ‘turning radius’:

is related to its size
determines the amount of space the scooter needs to turn around completely

A small scooter with a small turning radius is easier to use indoors.

Scooters with three wheels have a smaller footprint and easier to manoeuvre, but they may be less stable than four-wheelers.

There are often size and turning radius restrictions when travelling on public transport – See our blog on public transport and mobility scooters and wheelchairs