5+ Indoor Mobility Scooter Facts (Home Users Should Know)
An indoor mobility scooter can help if you are struggling to walk at home. It is the type of mobility scooter that reduces your risk of falling and decreases your pain by letting you ride rather than walk through the home.
Rather than risk falling, you can ride in safety from one room to the next. You can also use it for getting around the kitchen while cooking.
Shopping for an indoor mobility scooter includes lots of choices, so I wrote this article to help you narrow down your choice. Basically, you’ll choose:
- 3-wheel vs. 4-wheel
- compact vs. full-size
- indoor-only or indoor/outdoor
You’ll learn how to make these choices in order to get the right indoor mobility scooter for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
Key facts to know about the indoor mobility scooter:
- The compact (small) is typically lightweight, has a hard seat, is easy to store, and is portable by car and plane.
- The full-size (medium) is typically over 50 lb., is more comfortable, is a bit harder to store, and is typically portable by car and plane.
- It is portable via its light weight and small size, or by taking it apart, or by folding it.
- An indoor 3-wheel has a small turning radius and so makes tighter turns, but can be unstable going over obstacles.
- An indoor 4-wheel is more stable but has a wider turning radius.
- An “indoor” mobility scooter can be used outdoors on paved or smooth surfaces.
What Are Important Facts About Indoor Mobility Scooters?
What Are Important Indoor Mobility Scooter Facts?
1. Compact Size Options
Fact: Compact (small) indoor mobility scooters are typically lightweight with hard seats. These models are designed for easy storage and are often portable by car and plane. Their small size makes them ideal for navigating tight indoor spaces, but they may sacrifice some comfort for maneuverability.
2. Full-Size Comfort
Fact: Full-size (medium) indoor mobility scooters usually weigh over 50 pounds and offer more comfort. While they’re a bit harder to store than compact models, they often provide better seating and stability. Most full-size scooters are still portable by car and plane, offering a balance between comfort and transportability.
3. Portability Features
Fact: Indoor mobility scooters offer various portability options. Some are lightweight and small enough to transport easily, while others can be disassembled or folded for convenient storage and travel. This flexibility allows users to choose a model that best fits their lifestyle and transportation needs.
4. 3-Wheel Maneuverability
Fact: Indoor 3-wheel mobility scooters have a small turning radius, making them excellent for tight turns in confined spaces. However, they can be less stable when encountering obstacles, especially at an angle. Users should be cautious when navigating uneven surfaces or thresholds with 3-wheel models.
5. 4-Wheel Stability
Fact: Indoor 4-wheel mobility scooters offer superior stability compared to their 3-wheel counterparts. While they typically have a wider turning radius, many modern 4-wheel designs have improved maneuverability. This configuration is ideal for users who prioritize safety and balance, especially when moving between rooms.
6. Outdoor Capability
Fact: Many “indoor” mobility scooters can also be used outdoors on paved or smooth surfaces. This versatility allows users to navigate both indoor and outdoor environments with the same scooter. However, it’s important to check the scooter’s specifications to ensure it can handle the specific outdoor conditions you might encounter.
What is an Indoor Mobility Scooter?
An indoor mobility scooter is an electric transport device that helps you navigate indoor spaces.
If you have limited mobility, an indoor mobility scooter can help you move around your home using its power instead of yours.
Using it makes it easier to travel to the bathroom or to move about in the kitchen while preparing a meal.
It allows you to stay comfortable sitting rather than walking through the home.
You can enjoy the independence of moving around your home without assistance. Using the scooter’s energy preserves your own for other activities.
Plus, it reduces your risk of falls, especially if you have balance issues.
Once you have your indoor scooter, you can take it to your friends’ homes, shopping malls, and office buildings.
Types of Indoor Mobility Scooters
The types of indoor mobility scooters include compact, portable, and full-size.
1. Compact
Compact indoor scooters are the smallest of the bunch.
They’re designed for tight spaces and easy maneuverability.
They typically have a shorter wheelbase and a tighter turning radius, which makes navigating around furniture a breeze.
The downside of compact scooters is that they’re not very comfortable and don’t have a large weight capacity.
They might not be ideal for all-day use or heavier individuals.
But a compact scooter could be perfect if you’re looking for something to help you get from the bedroom to the kitchen.
2. Portable Folding
Portable scooters come in two flavors: folding and take-apart models.
Portable folding mobility scooters fold up for easy storage and transport.
They sometimes collapse to the size of a large suitcase and have wheels and handles for pulling through an airport.
A portable folding is excellent if you need to tuck your scooter away when not in use or if you frequently travel.
However, a portable folding is typically less comfortable than a full-size mobility scooter.
3. Portable Take-Apart
Portable take-apart indoor scooters can be disassembled into several pieces. Each piece is lighter and easier to manage than the whole scooter.
This feature allows you to put the individual pieces away. They are lighter and easier to store as smaller items.
However, while the individual pieces are lighter, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re “light.” The heaviest piece will be the motor, chassis, seat, or battery and can weigh 30-40 lb.
4. Full-Size
Full-size indoor scooters offer the most comfort and stability.
They’re larger than compact or portable models, with bigger seats and more powerful motors.
If you spend a lot of time on your scooter or need to carry groceries or other items, a full-size model might be your best bet.
The trade-off is that full-size scooters can be challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. But this is not always the case.
Should you decide on the more comfortable full-size indoor mobility scooter, you will need a large interior space for travel or a tight-turning full-size design.
Some four-wheel, full-size mobility scooters are just as nimble as three-wheel models. For more information, see my list of the top indoor mobility scooters at the end of this article.
Indoor Mobility Scooter Configurations
Three-Wheel vs. Four-Wheel Designs
Three-wheel indoor mobility scooters excel at maneuvering in tight spaces. Their design allows for sharper turns, making them ideal for navigating narrow hallways or crowded rooms.
However, this maneuverability comes at a cost. Three-wheel models are less stable when encountering obstacles, which can be a safety concern.
Inspect and fix all thresholds in your home to ensure smooth transitions between rooms. This simple step can significantly enhance your safety and comfort.
Preparing your indoor environment is crucial if you’re considering a three-wheel scooter.
Four-wheel indoor mobility scooters, on the other hand, offer superior stability. They handle obstacles with ease and provide a more secure ride.
The trade-off is that most four-wheel models require wider turning radiuses, which can be challenging in smaller spaces.
However, some newer models are designed to offer improved maneuverability without sacrificing stability.
Compact vs. Full-Size Models
Compact indoor mobility scooters are a popular choice for those with limited storage space. Their small footprint makes them easy to tuck away when not in use.
However, this convenience often comes at the expense of comfort. Smaller seats and less legroom can make longer periods of use less enjoyable.
Full-size indoor mobility scooters prioritize comfort with larger seats, more legroom, and often better suspension.
They’re ideal for users who spend significant time on their scooters throughout the day.
The downside is their size—they can be challenging to store in smaller homes and apartments.
Folding vs. Take-Apart Options
Folding indoor scooters offer a middle ground between compact and full-size models.
They’re larger than compact scooters but can be folded for easier storage.
This makes them a good option if you need more comfort than a compact scooter offers but still have limited space.
Take-apart indoor scooters are full-size models that can be disassembled into smaller pieces for storage or transport.
This feature can be handy for storing your scooter in a closet or transporting it in a car trunk.
However, consider the weight of individual components. Some pieces can weigh between 25 to 40 pounds, which may be too heavy for some users to handle safely.
Pros and Cons of Indoor Mobility Scooters
In this section, I’m going to list the pros and cons only as they apply to indoor use. In each category, I’ll link you to the articles that go into outdoor use as well.
Compact Indoor Pros and Cons
These are the pros and cons of a compact indoor mobility scooter compared to a full-size model.
Compact Indoor Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
Compact Indoor Cons
- Less comfortable seat cushion and seat/tiller adjustments
Full-Size Indoor Pros and Cons
These are the pros and cons of a full-size indoor mobility scooter compared to a compact model.
Full-Size Indoor Pros
- Comfortable, larger seat with more padding
- Convenience options can include a Bluetooth speaker, USB charging, a cup holder and phone holder.
- More legroom for taller riders
- Higher weight capacity for heavier riders
- Typically lasts 3-5 hours between charges
- Seat and tiller usually adjut for your comfort.
Full-Size Indoor Cons
- Might not fit in tight spaces
- A heavier, larger mobility scooter is more difficult to store.
- More expensive than compact counterparts.
- The turning radius is typically wider in full-size compared to compact.
4-Wheel Indoor Pros and Cons
These are the pros and cons of a 4-wheel indoor mobility scooter compared to a 3-wheel model.
4-Wheel Indoor Pros
- A 4-wheel mobility scooter is more stable than a 3-wheel counterpart.
4-Wheel Indoor Cons
- A 4-wheel mobility scooter has a large turning radius (use K-Turns instead)
3-Wheel Indoor Pros and Cons
These are the pros and cons of a 3-wheel indoor mobility scooter compared to a 4-wheel model.
3-Wheel Indoor Pros
- A 3-wheel configuration can turn corners better than a 4-wheel (but there are some 4-wheelers that are almost as good at turning as 3-wheels! See recommendations.)
3-Wheel Indoor Cons
- 3-wheel scooters are unstable when driving over obstacles, especially at an angle. They should be driven only on flat interior floors and smooth outdoor surfaces. Ensure all home thresholds have smooth transitions to avoid issues.
Portable Take-Apart Indoor Pros and Cons
These are the pros and cons of a portable take-apart indoor mobility scooter.
Take-Apart Portable Pros
- Disassembles into lighter-weight pieces for easier storage
Take-Apart Portable Cons
- Whether the take-apart pieces are “lightweight” depends on the user. 30 lb. is heavy for someone with arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
Portable Folding Indoors Pros and Cons
These are the pros and cons of a portable folding indoor mobility scooter.
Foldable Indoor Pros
- A compact, folded mobility scooter is easier to store
Foldable Indoor Cons
- Few folding models have comfortable seating.
Should a Disabled Person Use an Indoor Mobility Scooter?
An indoor mobility scooter will either be a compact (small) or a full-size (medium).
The compact scooters are lightest and smallest, making them easier to transport and store. They often lack comfort features such as cushioned seats, so you want to look out for that feature.
Full-size mobility scooters are usually more comfortable.
Since your disability determines your weaknesses, I made this table to give you an idea of what disabilities will and won’t work with an indoor compact or full-size scooter.
| If the issue is… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Arm or hand weakness | The tiller might be too far away. Look for an adjustable angle tiller (found in full-size models), or consider a one-handed control power chair. |
| Leg weakness | Consider only a 4-wheel compact or full-size for stability. |
| Pain | If you’re not using the scooter outdoors, then the only consideration I can think of is the seat cushioning. But if you will use it outdoors, then consider looking for a mobility scooter with a suspension package, air (pneuamtic) tires and a cushioned seat to protect yourself from bumps in the road. You are more likely to find these features in a full size model. |
My Favorite Indoor Mobility Scooter
Pride Mobility Go Go Elite Traveller 2
For standard door and hallways and the option of going outdoors.
- Mobility Scooter Type: 4-Wheel
- Best for: Indoors, flat sidewalks and pavement, dry grass, shopping malls and grocery stores.
Indoor Use Features:
- Turning Radius: 37 in.
- Total Weight: 102 lb.
- Heaviest Piece: 35 lb.
- Length: 39.37 in.
- Width: 19.45 in.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lb.
- Disassembles: Yes
- Folds: No
- Wheels: 4
Portable-Transportation Features:
- Car Trunk Transport Without Lift: Yes
- Airline Friendly: Yes
- Folds: No
- Disassembles: Yes
- Heaviest Piece: 34 lb.
- Weight: 80 lb.
- Wheels: 4
Outdoor Features:
- Speed: 4 mph
- Range: 6/9.75 miles (small/large battery)
- Ground Clearance: 1.38 in.
- Suspension: No
- Front Lights: No
- Back Lights: No
- Turn Signals: No
- Incline Rating:
- Tire Size: 8 x 2 in. and 7 x 2
- Tire Type: Solid
- Anti-Tip Wheels: Yes
Comfort Features:
- Backrest: Yes
- Headrest: No
- Seat Type: Half-back
- Seat Height Adjustable: Yes
- Seat Rotates: Yes
- Seat Slider: No
- Seat Recline: No
- Armrests: Yes
- Armrests Flip Up: Yes
- Armrests Width Adjustable: Yes
- Tiller Angle Adjustable: Yes
- Tiller Height Adjustable: No
- Throttle: Ambidextrous
- Mirrors: Optional
Luxury Features:
- USB Port: Yes
- Bluetooth Speaker: No
- Front Basket: Optional
- Rear Basket: Optional
- Under seat storage: Optional
- Cup Holder: Optional
- Phone Holder: Optional
The Pride Mobilty Go Go Elite Traveller 2 (say that five times fast) is a 4-wheel mobility scooter with a tighter turning radius than some 3-wheelers.
It disassembles into five pieces for easy storage. The four wheel configuration gives it stability indoors and out.
As a full-size scooter it’s more comfortable than a compact model, as there’s some cushioning in the seat, which is also height adjustable. The tiller moves forward or away, and the armrests are width adjustable.
There’s plenty of leg room, and the user can operate the throttle with either hand.
The three-wheel version of the Elite has a 31 in. turning radius, and this 4-wheel model has a 37 in. turning radius.
I have both the three-wheel and the four-wheel Elite Traveller. The three-wheel is probably a little bit better around corners, but I do fine turning the 4-wheel model. While it probably doesn’t matter indoors, the 4-wheel is more powerful. It goes faster and conquers steeper hills.
I love both of these. My friend Bev and I take them to the park. When I lend her my 4-wheel, I know to be uber careful using the three-wheeler outdoors. I take all obstacles head on, such as going over bumps in the sidewalks and road. The 4-wheeler plows ahead while I slow down, because it’s so stable and fast!
Pride Mobility includes a free year of in-home service with your purchase.
The Pride Go Go Elite is available from Mobility Scooters Direct and Amazon.
How to Choose the Right Indoor Mobility Scooter
Let’s make choosing right indoor mobility scooter easy.
Answer a few questions about your physical needs and your home to narrow down the scooter type that will work best.
| Question | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Does your home have narrow doors and halls? | A 3-wheel model is best at handling tight turns. |
| Are the rooms very small? | A compact model is best for small rooms. |
| Will you be seated on the mobility scooter for hours at a time? | A full-size model is best for seat cushioning (but this is easily solved with an extra cushion you supply) |
| Do you have only a small storage area for the scooter? | A portable folding or take-apart is best at being stored in smaller spaces. |
Conclusion
- Indoor scooters come in space-saving compact and roomier full-size options
- Various portability features cater to different storage and travel needs
- Three-wheel designs excel in tight spaces but require careful obstacle navigation
- Four-wheel models offer enhanced stability with improving maneuverability
- Many indoor scooters adapt well to smooth outdoor environments
- Comfort levels vary, with full-size models typically providing better seating
- Weight and size increase with more features and comfort options
- Storage considerations are crucial when choosing between models
- Most indoor scooters are designed for easy car and air travel
- The right choice balances home layout, comfort needs, and portability requirements
If you haven’t noticed, I have strong opinions about 3-wheel vs 4-wheel indoor mobility scooters.
Unless there are very narrow doorways and small rooms, I’d buy the 4-wheel Pride Go Go Elite Traveler 2 all day long.
It’s stable, backed by one year of free in-home service (among other warranties), safe, and works well outdoors and inside. It has a 37-inch turning radius, so buying a 3-wheel mobility scooter is unnecessary.
The Pride Go Go Elite is available from Mobility Scooters Direct and Amazon.
