Best Electric Scooter for the Elderly Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
If you are looking for the best electric scooter for the elderly, here you will find a few options that meet the desirable criteria for taking care of old people. We know that finding the right scooter can be tough and time-consuming, and that’s why we’re here to help. After carefully analyzing the features of some of the most popular models on the market as well as what verified buyers have said about them, our team has come to the conclusion that you should check out the Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter. This is because of its quick and easy disassembly process, flat-free non-marking tires, and anti-tipping wheels. If for whatever reason this model is unavailable or doesn’t meet your exact needs, the Drive Medical Spitfire Scout 4 Wheel Travel Power Scooter is also a product that you should look into.
Comparison table
1st Choice
The battery lasts very long, and you might be surprised to still find it partially charged even after days of use. The interchangeable color panels make this an aesthetically pleasing scooter and guarantee that you will never be bored of the same design.
The basket can be somewhat hard to put on and the battery life might get lowered after a few months of use.
An excellent choice for those who want mobility anywhere around town without worrying too much about the battery and without having to sacrifice a fortune for quality. It’s easily maneuverable, comfortable, and provides added support against tipping.
2nd Best
The battery covers up to 15 miles of driving, which is more than enough to drive around town a couple of days or even to the neighboring town. It’s so portable that it fits inside a minivan without disassembly and partially disassembled in your car trunk.
It doesn’t have much weight resistance: even though the max capacity is 300 lbs, it may struggle with even lower weights.
This power scooter from Drive Medical is a very good choice overall, but especially a good choice if you get driven around by car a lot and need something light and easy to store. The extended 5-year warranty not only covers the scooter but the battery as well.
Also To Consider
This scooter features an intuitive control panel, which allows you to set the maximum speed, switch between forward and back directions, turn on the headlight and warning sounds. It’s also lightweight and compact so easy to handle.
The headlight could’ve been bigger. As it stands, it’s fine, but just a little improvement would’ve gone a long way.
A budget scooter that surprisingly offers high-quality materials and features. At such a low price point and excellent customer service, you can’t really go wrong. It features a rotating, comfortable seat that allows you to sit at a table without getting off your scooter.
8 Best Electric Scooters for the Elderly (Updated Reviews) in 2020
While looking for electric scooter for the elderly reviews, we’ve selected those that had overwhelmingly positive user scores and astounding price-to-quality ratios. We’ve listed them below so that hopefully, you will find the product that fits your exact needs without having to take out a fortune from your pocket.
1. Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter
This compact scooter is exactly how the name suggests – compact. Having the ability to assemble and disassemble it easily makes it a great choice for people who don’t have much storage space. The height-adjustable seat, adjustable and padded armrests, as well as the large carrying basket, make this ideal for grocery shopping.
The anti-tipping wheels and no-flat tires provide great support when driving on less than ideal surfaces, as long as there are no large rocks on the road. The battery lasts long, with users reporting that even after 4 days of intense use they still had one third or at least one-quarter of charge left, which means you won’t have to worry about running out in the middle of your day.
Even the aesthetic can be taken care of easily, as the color panels are interchangeable. So, in case you get any scuffs or scratches on them, you can simply replace them with ease. That way your scooter will look brand new even after a couple of years of intense use.
There have been a few reports of the battery starting to fail after about 6 months of use, but as you can tell those are isolated cases. In case of this unfortunate event, you can contact the seller and have the entire scooter replaced completely.
Pros
Height adjustable seat, as well as the padded and adjustable armrest, make it easy for anyone to climb on the scooter despite their lacking physical fitness.
The large basket accompanied by the aforementioned features makes this a fantastic choice for grocery shopping, as you can easily fit several items inside the basket. Farewell shopping bags!
Long-lasting battery with at least 4 days guaranteed of intense use. This makes it a great choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time simply charging the thing. Just leave it charging at night and once the battery has reached 100%, you can rest assured that you’ll get more than half a week’s worth of juice.
The anti-tipping wheels and flat-free tires make it great when going on less than ideal surfaces.
Cons
In some rare cases, the battery may fail after about 6 months of use and if this happens to you, you’ll need a replacement.
The basket might be a bit hard to put on which could prove quite frustrating.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($749)
2. Drive Medical Spitfire Scout 4 Wheel Travel Power Scooter
The main selling point of this scooter is the extended 5-year warranty, which also covers the batteries, not just the scooter itself. The 20 AH battery has an extended 15-mile range, which basically means you can travel from one town to another, come back and still have juice left.
It is designed for smooth, man-made surfaces including tile, carpet, asphalt and unbroken cement, so you can use it indoors and throughout the town. The scooter is light, compact and easy to disassemble. However, you might not even need to disassemble it, as users have reported that it fits inside minivans without the need to take it apart.
It can even fit in the trunk of a regular car by just taking the seat off and folding down the steering arm and you might still have some room left to fit other things as well. The seat can swivel, so if you happen to go to a restaurant, you can just turn left or right and sit on the scooter. No need to get off and take a regular seat.
The downside is that it can’t carry too much weight. If you’re near 300 pounds, the scooter will struggle a lot to run normally, thus consuming more battery and probably reducing the piece’s lifespan.
Pros
The scooter is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport inside any vehicle without too much hassle.
The high capacity battery basically guarantees 15 miles of driving, more than enough to go around town for a couple of days in a row or even travel between towns if you’re into this kind of stuff.
The 5-year warranty is a huge plus, making it a good choice for those who want to rest assured they won’t have to take extra money out of their pocket in case of needing repairs.
It has a low center of gravity and maneuvers tight spaces very well, making it ideal for shopping even in crowded supermarkets.
Cons
It can’t carry much weight, with its maximum capacity being 300 pounds but users reporting that it tends to struggle even at slightly lower weights.
The quick-start instructions are not very useful, you will have to consult the manual in order to assemble.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($849)
3. Vive 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter Electric Powered
Equipped with an intuitive control panel, this scooter allows you to set the maximum and variable speeds change from a forward to a reverse direction, turn on the headlight and even produce warning sounds if needed, making it ideal in situations where you need to get noticed, such as traveling through high traffic.
The three anti-tipping wheels with flat-free and non-marking tires make this a very good choice to navigate on smooth surfaces without much hassle. You can drive up to 12.4 miles per charge with a maximum speed of 3.7 mph, which further enhances the experience of doing basic things throughout your town.
Designed with portability in mind, this scooter can be disassembled into four separate pieces for easy transportation. The folding tiller and removable seat can easily fit inside the trunk of any standard-sized car.
The 16.9-inch wide seat is lightly padded and cushioned. It offers great comfort, adjustability, and rotation, meaning you can serve your meal at the table without getting off your scooter. The backrest is no slouch either, making this a great comfortability combo. Something that further recommends this scooter is the price, which is usually quite low.
Users who have purchased this scooter have also praised the quality of customer service due to their quick response times and the care that they provided to their clients.
Pros
Outstanding price-to-value ratio, especially when considering the great customer support, comfort, adjustability, and ease of disassembly and transportation.
The highly intuitive control panel lets you easily adjust a lot of settings, including the speed, headlights, and even warning sounds, making this scooter a great choice for going around in high-traffic areas.
It provides a good ride on smooth surfaces because of its three anti-tipping wheels with flat-free and non-marking tires.
Stable and tight turning, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as crowded shopping malls or even your garage. And as long as your doors are wide enough and equipped with ramps, you’ll go through one room to the next fairly easy.
Cons
One user reported that the back support is too low for their liking.
The headlights could’ve been a little bigger to make the user even more visible to other people in traffic at night.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
4. Vive 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter for Elderly
The 4-wheel variant of the Vive scooter offers extra control when turning and makes it slightly harder to lose balance with the price of added weight to its base. Nevertheless, it’s still easy to assemble and carry, with not too much extra room taking up your car’s trunk. The control panel makes a return and it’s just as easy to operate as before.
The anti-tipping wheels offer great balance support so you don’t need to worry much about falling off unless you’re planning on taking it on extremely bumpy roads. The flat-free and non-marking tires make it perfect for any man-made smooth surface, from concrete to cement to interior floors and most anything you can think of.
The chair on this model is 15.75 inches wide, making it slightly less spacious than its three-wheeled variant. Nevertheless, you’ll still have enough room to fit comfortably, as the padding and cushions are still around.
The battery, just like with its three-wheeled counterpart, offers you 12.4 miles per charge, which makes it a good choice for those who don’t want to charge too often. The only noticeable downside is that the steering wheel can’t be adjusted for height or closeness, but that can easily be overcome by adjusting your seat and backrest to suit your needs.
Pros
A highly intuitive control panel that lets you turn on the headlight, switch between back and forth directions, set your maximum speed and engage warning sounds for when you need to alert people in crowded areas.
The four wheels not only provide a good ride on smooth surfaces, but they also offer extra equilibrium, making this a good choice for people who have never ridden a mobility scooter before.
Easy to maneuver in tight spaces thanks to the excellent steering, so having an extra wheel won’t be that much of a fuss overall.
Most users praised the customer service and the price-to-value ratio.
Cons
One user reported that page 7 of the manual is missing. No other such reports have been filed, but we can imagine it made their life harder.
Another user reported that some of the screws came bent and they had to buy separate ones to replace them.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($699.99)
5. Furgle 4 Wheel Electric Scooter for Adults
The Furgle mobility scooter offers a maximum forward speed of 3.73 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 2.17 mph, with a total range of approximately 13 miles on a single charge. It also features two anti-rolling wheels placed behind the back wheels in order to prevent its users from falling over when driving uphill – a great addition if you travel a lot through such areas.
The scooter’s maximum capacity is 300 lbs and offers both drive and hand push modes, plus a few other features that are not so common – the scooter whistles when reversing, thus warning others around you. There are also off-road bumper and off-road tires as well as a bright night light on the back to make yourself more visible to other cars, bikes, and pedestrians on the road.
Another thing that makes this scooter useful is the fact that all main components are adjustable: front shopping basket, rear storage space, joystick (driving wheel), handrail, as well as the seat’s height and rotation. This means that you can fit the scooter to your maximum comfort. And like all scooters that have a swiveling seat, you can eat at the table without getting off it.
Pros
The scooter features two anti-rolling wheels on the backside that are meant to deter falling over whenever driving uphill. On top of that, the offroad tires also help this scooter to remain more stable than regular ones.
The adjustable seat, joystick, basket, handrail, and rear storage space turn this scooter into a comfortable experience for anyone who wants to use it. So if you plan on sharing it with someone from time to time, they’ll have no problem adjusting it to their needs.
Two operational modes: drive and hand push. This can be useful in certain situations, such as offroad. And yes, you can take it off the road.
13 miles of range in a single charge is more than enough for your daily routine without having to worry about the battery dying.
Cons
The box comes with no “this side up/down” markings, so you’ll have to be very careful when handling and unpacking.
One user reported that they couldn’t reach customer service at all despite having tried to contact them multiple times.
Buy from Amazon.com
6. Bangeran Foldable Lightweight Power Mobility Scooter
Although far from being the cheapest on this list, this scooter is probably the easiest to carry, you can simply fold it instead of having to completely disassemble it. The manufacturer claims that the Brushless Wheelchair Motor Technology is better than classic electric wheelchairs, although, in fact, it depends on your budget and preferences.
Nevertheless, the unit itself is a good deal for those who have to get driven around by car a lot, as you don’t need to waste any time assembling and disassembling. The battery is by far one of the longest-lasting on the market, as it guarantees you’ll get up to 17 miles in a single charge.
Obviously, the range is affected by a variety of factors such as weight, the surface you are driving on, temperature, your driving habits and so on. Nevertheless, it’s still impressive.
The wheels are made in such a way that they can be driven on almost any terrain, including mud, snow and bumpy roads. It comes with a comfortable leather seat and an optional child seat. The speed is no slouch either, as you can control three different levels: level 1 – 3.75 mph, level 2 – 7.5 mph and level 3 with an impressive 12 mph.
Pros
By far the fastest scooter on this list with the capability of going at 12 mph and an impressive battery that can last up to 17 miles in normal driving conditions.
Because of its all-terrain wheels, you’ll no longer be limited to driving just in your town or supermarkets. You’ll be able to finally drive alongside your loved ones when going on a hike through the forest or on country roads.
Easily foldable, no longer requiring you to disassemble your scooter whenever you need to pack it inside the trunk of a regular car. Simply fold it up and you’re good to go.
The 360° directional bar is height adjustable. That along with the leather seat means you will always get comfortable riding this scooter no matter what.
Cons
We think that going at 12 mph on a mobility scooter can be a little dangerous depending on the surface. Just a precaution.
The price is a little high compared to others on this list.
Buy from Amazon.com
7. MAJESTIC BUVAN Foldable Lightweight Mobility Scooter
This scooter’s battery is even more impressive than the last, managing to go up to an extremely impressive 25 miles in a single charge. The max speed is 12 mph, which actually makes this scooter capable of going from one town to another with relative ease. That means no more spending money on bus tickets or gas, and we think that truly is a huge advantage.
Featuring aluminum alloy wheels and a carbon steel frame, this scooter is fairly resistant to weight, with a maximum load capacity of 265 lbs and a maximum child seat load capacity of 65 lbs. Stab-resistant tires, an LED headlight, rear taillights, and a front storage basket clearly make this a good choice in many situations, from shopping to riding in traffic at night.
Moreover, the scooter itself is fairly lightweight and easy to handle, at just 63 lbs with the battery included. Its height-adjustable direction bar further improves its portability and on top of that, it adds comfort to your rides no matter how short or tall you may be. It may not be the cheapest option on this list, but if you have money to invest in it, it’s well worth it.
Pros
It’s sturdy and resistant with stab-resistant tires, aluminum alloy wheels, carbon steel frame and a load capacity of 265 lbs + 65 lbs for the child seat.
At just 63 lbs with the battery included, the scooter is fairly lightweight and very easy to fold, making it seamlessly storable in any regular car trunk or even inside a closet. The fact that the direction bar is height adjustable further adds to its portability and ease of storage.
With a maximum speed of 12 mph and the ability to drive 25 miles on a single charge, this scooter could theoretically also be used to travel from one town to another and back with charge still left.
The added child seat gives you the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your grandkids.
Cons
The warranty only lasts one year for spare parts and 6 months for the battery.
The basket setup could’ve been better without sacrificing too much room, as one user has reported.
Buy from Amazon.com
8. Culver Mobility Electric Power Wheelchair Scooter
This is quite an expensive model, but it more than makes up with a set of features that none of the others have. Because of its aircraft-grade aluminum frame, it’s lighter than any other electric scooter on this list, clocking in at just 50 lbs. And “aircraft-grade” isn’t just in the name, as it is also FDA-approved for airline travel.
The scooter has a maximum load capacity of an impressive 365 lbs, despite its 16.9 inches-wide seat. Basically, foldability and great resistance in a single package. However, its maximum speed is only 5 mph, which might be a turn-off for some people.
Its battery goes up to 12 miles in a single charge, and you can pair it with a second battery, thus doubling its maximum driving distance. The anti-tipping tires are adjustable, making it safe no matter what pose you decide to take while riding it. Even more convenient, it has adjustable armrests on both sides, so you can get on and off it without any hassle.
The breathable and removable seat and back cushions not only give you comfort but also make it easier to clean. On top of that, this scooter also comes with remote control and waterproof console. With so many great characteristics, it’s hard not to dream about it.
Pros
You can travel by plane with this scooter risk-free, as it is FDA approved for air travel.
Its resistance is unmatched by any other of the electric scooter that we’ve reviewed since its weight limit is 365 lbs. The thing that makes it even more impressive – it’s lightweight, at just 50 lbs.
The battery goes up 12 miles in a single charge and you can pair it with another battery to basically double the distance that this scooter can go. Theoretically, if all you do is go grocery shopping or running errands around the city, having double batteries can last you up to two weeks from a single charge.
The remote control, waterproof console, and tires bring many advantages, such as the ability to summon it at will in any condition, be it snow, heat, concrete or grass.
Cons
The maximum speed is only 5 mph.
The price might be too high for the average American.
Buy from Amazon.com
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
When searching for an electric scooter for elderly people that fits your needs, there are several factors that you should take into account before making a final decision: price, safety, durability, weight capacity, mileage, and comfort to name a few.
Keep in mind that the scooter you choose will basically be your new pair of legs, so choose wisely and try to get the best electric scooter for elderly people that suits your particular needs.
Since marketing can sometimes be deceiving, it is always a good idea to look up at least one electric scooter for the elderly review before even adding the item to your wishlist. Seeing what other users who have bought the scooter have to say is essential because they’re most likely people like you, with the same needs and wants.
The basics
Depending on how grave your mobility disabilities are, you will want to look for an electric scooter for the elderly that has a rotating seat and removable or adjustable armrests to facilitate getting on and off it easily. You might also want to consider a height-adjustable steering wheel/joystick so that you can drive it comfortably regardless of your posture and height.
You should also make sure that the seat is cushioned for extra comfort. Don’t forget you’ll probably spend a lot of time in your scooter, and as such comfort matters. Stay too long in an uncomfortable seat and your back is going to ache like crazy. Not to mention you’ll be sorry you’ve opened your wallet and spent money on something that makes you hurt.
Since no one wants to get stranded without “gas”, you’ll also want to check what the reviews say regarding battery life. The more mileage you can get from a single charge, the better. No one wants to have to charge their “pair of legs” every single night. Speaking of battery, keep in mind that it can drain faster depending on your weight, terrain and weather conditions.
Can it handle the load?
Speaking of weight, the scooter that can handle bigger loads are usually pricier. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find high-load-capable scooters at a decent price, but it does mean you might have to sacrifice other benefits. Regarding terrain, most scooters are just fine when driving indoors, on concrete and other types of pavement.
If you want something that can be driven on rougher terrain, you’ll need to look for a scooter with special wheels and tires that are made exactly for the conditions you seek. And since we’re on the subject of wheels, having anti-tipping wheels on the back of your scooter doesn’t hurt either. Those will keep you statistically safer from falling off and eventually breaking your bones.
Regarding portability, you will also have to consider a few factors. Do you travel often by car? Is your house small, big, or medium-sized? Why are we asking you this? Because you might want to consider a foldable scooter depending on these factors. While all scooters can theoretically be assembled and disassembled, having a foldable one will make your life much easier.
Speed is king. Or not.
What’s the maximum speed you’re willing to drive around in your scooter? Some people have been riding motorcycles all their lives so they’re used to a little speed even when they’re older.
But if you’ve never had such an experience and you’re looking into buying your first electric scooter, you’re probably going to want one which offers you the option of setting a maximum speed. That way you can rest assured that you’ll have lower chances of losing your balance and hurting yourself by falling.
Not only that but depending on where you live, you might also find out you’ve broken the law by driving too fast on your scooter. No matter how much money you have in your retirement account, wasting dollars on something completely avoidable will most likely only make you angrier. So be smart and watch out for that speed limiter.
Final thoughts
Speaking of safety and abiding by the law, you might also want to ask the manufacturer if their scooter is approved by the FDA and other authorities to bring on airplanes. While you might not travel a lot by plane, you never know when you’ll need to go to a relative or friend outside of the state. You probably already know how long it can take to reach another state by car…
Last but not least, check the warranty and make sure it also covers the battery. No matter how good a manufacturer’s reputation is, malfunctions can still happen from time to time. And in such cases, it’s best to know that you’re covered and don’t need to spend even more of your hard-earned money on repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Medicare pay for an electric scooter?
Medicare usually covers electric scooters for the elderly as durable medical equipment. Certain conditions need to be met, however. The doctor that’s treating you needs to write an order stating that you need such a device.
You need to have limited mobility, first and foremost, and also meet a few requirements, such as not being able to bathe or dress by yourself, your doctor and your supplier need to both be enrolled in Medicare and you need to make sure that you can properly get on and off the scooter as well as be able to ride it around your house, including through doors.
After you’ve proven that you meet these conditions, you only need to pay 20% of the scooter’s price, and the rest will be covered by Medicare.
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan you should contact your provider to find out about other costs or if your plan can cover 100% of the scooter’s price.
Q: How do I drive an electric scooter? Is it safe?
Driving a mobility scooter isn’t necessarily hard, but it does require your full attention like any other vehicle meant to be used on the road. First and foremost, make sure your battery is fully charged and if your tire pressure is ok.
Find yourself a comfortable position, place both hands on the steering wheel or driving stick and both feet on the scooter’s platform. You do not want your feet hanging out while driving because this is very dangerous. Once you feel ready, turn the ignition key or press the “on” button. Push the acceleration lever slowly until you start moving.
Afterward, you can just think of it as riding a motorcycle, bike or driving a car. Follow the rules of the road, always pay attention to your surroundings, be respectful to others and the rest should come by itself naturally. Do this and you’ll have a safe experience with your “new legs”.
Q: Do I need a license to drive an electric scooter?
The answer to this question depends on which country and state we’re talking about. If we’re referring to the U.S., you don’t need a license to drive a mobility scooter, nor do you need to register it with the DMV.
We’ve all heard the stories about the long wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles, so consider yourself lucky regarding this aspect. However, certain rules still apply. As an example, most jurisdictions do not allow you to drive your scooter on public roads. And even if they did allow it, we wouldn’t recommend it, because you never know when a driver might hit you.
And your scooter offers you basically no protection if you ever get hit by a car. We would like to recommend driving it around indoors, on the sidewalk and on specially designated places for mobility scooters until you get the hang of it. Start driving slowly and steadily increase speed once you start getting used to it.
