If you live in a rural area, it can be beautiful and offer you plenty of space, but getting around with limited mobility can be challenging. Local shops are often further away and public transport may be infrequent or inaccessible. A mobility scooter can make it easier to keep your independence and continue making the journeys that matter to you. However, this is where it’s important to find the right model for your area. A scooter that is suited to short trips on even ground may not provide the range and stability needed for more rural journeys. Here are some key considerations to make before purchasing a mobility scooter for you.
It’s important to firstly think about where you will be travelling regularly. For someone living rurally, a trip to the shops or local village might mean more distance than in an urban area. You may also want to visit other areas if family or friends live further afield.
This is where the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 mobility scooters matter. Class 2 scooters are generally designed for pavement use and only have a maximum speed of 4mp. Class 3 scooters however, can travel up to 8mp and be used on roads as well as pavements.
If your regular journeys involve travelling between villages or using roads where there is no suitable pavement, a Class 3 scooter may give you better flexibility. For shorter trips, a model such as our Saturn 4 can provide up to 30 miles of range, while offering all-round suspension and pneumatic tyres. For longer journeys, the Magnus offers up to 35 miles of range and is designed with tougher terrain in mind.
It’s helpful to map out your journeys, also considering the distance there and back, instead of just one-way.
Distance is not the only thing you should think about, as the surfaces you go over can have just as much impact on your choice of scooter. Smooth pavements are very different from gravel tracks for example. If your usual journeys involve less predictable surfaces, look out for features designed to improve stability and make the ride more comfortable.
Suspension is useful when travelling over uneven ground, as well as pneumatic tyres to provide additional cushioning and grip. Ground clearance is also another important consideration. This is because a scooter with greater clearance can be better suited to rougher surfaces where there may be bumps or uneven sections.
A larger model can be more stable and provide you with more comfort. However, the size of the model right for you will depend on how much space you have to store and manoeuvre it safely.
If you live rurally, battery range should be thought about carefully. If your nearest shops or services are several miles away, you may be travelling much further than someone who lives in a town. Hills, uneven ground, passenger weight, weather conditions and how you use the scooter can also affect the amount of charge used.
Don’t just choose a range that is biggest though, consider instead how much range you realistically need. A useful place to start is to calculate the distance of your longest regular journey and allow plenty of capacity beyond that distance.
You should also think about where you will charge your scooter. Ideally, you should have a dry and accessible charging location at home. Make sure there is enough room to position the scooter safely while it is charging and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
As a rural user, longer journeys can be part of everyday life, so comfort should be considered alongside range and performance. Look for a seat that provides appropriate support and can be adjusted to suit you. Suspension can also make a noticeable difference when going over uneven surfaces.
The SureTrek Plus, for example, has front and rear suspension alongside an adjustable Captain seat and armrests. It has a stated range of up to 34 miles, making it suitable for users who regularly undertake longer road journeys. For those who prioritise comfort even further, The Eternal has a heated Captain seat and ultra-soft suspension, alongside a range of up to 40 miles.
Rural journeys do not always stop when the weather changes, so you may want to consider whether additional protection from the elements would be useful. East Coast Mobility also offers the Scooterpac Canopy, which is designed to protect scooter users from rain, wind and cold weather. The Cabin Car Mk2 Plus is another option to provide you with coverage, while having car-like comfort.
The right choice ultimately depends on how long you expect to be travelling and what you personally find comfortable. Features that sound impressive are not necessarily the features that will matter most to you.
It can be difficult to judge a scooter from pictures or specifications alone. You also need to know that you can comfortably use the controls, get on and off the seat, steer confidently and operate the brakes. If possible, try the scooter on different surfaces and consider how easily you can manoeuvre it.
A demonstration can also give you the opportunity to ask practical questions about charging and maintenance, as well as the types of journeys the scooter can handle.
At East Coast Mobility, we offer a range of mobility scooters covering different uses, from compact models, through to Class 3 scooters designed for longer journeys and more outdoor use. If you are unsure which type of scooter would suit your needs, speaking to a specialist and trying different models can help you make a more informed decision.
