15 Types of Mobility Scooters (for Fun and Independence)

1. Compact (small)

A compact travel scooter is small and lightweight, making it the best option for portability.

This is why compacts are often called:

• Compact Lightweight
• Compact Travel
• Compact Portable

Compacts usually have fewer luxuries to make you more comfortable while maintaining that portability. A typical compact has a hard seat and no storage.

Compact Models

Some mobility scooter types have multiple personalities. This is not so of the compact size.

The scooters are too small to be all-terrain, recreational, or bariatric. Their specialty is portability.

The compact size is for the rider who is not bothered by this lack of padding and requires a lightweight, small, and portable scooter for travel.

Where to Ride a Compact

Compact scooters are best for shorter trips and smoother surfaces. You might use a compact for:

• Airplane travel
• Car trips
• Cruise vacations
• Bus and train rides
• Short trips on stable surfaces
• Visiting a restaurant
• Grocery and mall shopping
• Traveling a downtown or boardwalk
• Indoor use at homes
• Sidewalk travel

2. Full-size (medium Size)

Not to confuse you, but “full-size” actually means “medium size.” In the size hierarchy, from smallest to largest, we have:

• Compact (small)
• Full-size (medium-size)
• Heavy-duty (large)

A full-size combines comfort with the possibility of portability.

Full-Size Models

Full-size mobility scooters have several personalities.

Full-size models include:

• Portable: in the car or an airplane
• All-Terrain: go off-roading
• Recreational: drive long ways in comfort
• Bariatric: for heavier users

Most full-size scooters combine these types. The Pride Baja Bandit is a portable, all-terrain bariatric scooter!

Each of these (portable, all-terrain, recreational, and bariatric) has its section in this article.

3. Heavy-duty (large Size)

I promise this is the last time I’ll do this. ” Heavy-duty ” refers to the scooter’s toughness, but it also means “large.”

“Heavy-Duty” means “large and heavy.”

A heavy-duty vehicle is large and heavy, cannot be used indoors (because it’s too large and heavy), and can be equipped to be an all-terrain, recreational, or bariatric type.

Heavy-Duty Models

Depending on the features, a heavy duty scooter can be any or a combination of:

• All-terrain: of-road
• Recreational: long drive in comfort
• Bariatric: for the heavier user

Each of these (all-terrain, recreational, and bariatric) has its section in this article.

4. Lightweight Portable

Lightweight is another way of saying compact and portable.

Lightweight, portable mobility scooters depend on their light materials and small size to make them portable.

The lightweight part is challenging to achieve.

The strong materials required to support a rider are heavy.

This is improving with carbon, a lightweight but strong material that allows the scooter to be strong yet lightweight.

Be careful when you see “lightweight” describing a full-size mobility scooter.

What’s lightweight to the person writing that might not be lightweight to you.

5. Take-apart (disassembly) Portable

Take-apart (disassembling) models break into pieces so you can carry the lighter weight and smaller pieces.

Compact and full-size mobility scooters can gain portability by breaking them into smaller, lighter pieces.

Some models are easy to take apart and re-assemble.

That’s the easy part.

The hard part is making the parts light enough.

The heaviest piece might be 30 lb when a compact model comes apart.

When a full-size is in pieces, its heaviest piece is 35-70 lb.

I can work with the full-size portable take-apart because my back and feet issues don’t interfere with my strength to lift the scooter parts into the trunk.

My scooter-buddy friend Bev and I have been unable to find the right full-size portable for her because the parts are too heavy for her abilities due to her leg and hand weakness.

We found that breaking down my full-size mobility scooters into pieces (take-apart portability) would not work for her.

The pieces are still too heavy for her to lift.

Full-size portable models are not always that portable.

6. Folding Portable

A folding scooter folds into flatter into a flatter, smaller size for portability.

Some fold into suitcase-like trolleys that you can pull on wheels.

Folding a mobility scooter makes it smaller and easier to lift into the car.

It’s easier to pick up a small 30 lb. mobility scooter than a large one.

Luggage models fold into a wheeled, suitcase-like shape that you can pull through the airport like a suitcase.

The Pride iGo is a 3-wheel mobility scooter that folds and then comes apart into two 30 lb. pieces.

This makes it as portable as a mobility scooter and, in my opinion, would be perfect were it not a 3-wheel. If they could do that with a 4-wheel!!

7. All-terrain

All-terrain scooters conquer rough terrain, and so are the adventurers of the mobility world.

They laugh in the face of gravel paths and scoff at tree roots on wooded trails.

With their large tires and higher ground clearance, these scooters are ready to take you places you never thought possible.

All-Terrain Sizes

All-terrain scooters are full-size (medium) and heavy-duty (large).

With their large tires and higher ground clearance, these scooters are ready to take you places you never thought possible.

It’s possible to make a full-size all-terrain work indoors, if you don’t mind mud on your carpet A heavy-duty all-terrain is too large to ride indoors.

All-Terrain Features

An all-terrain mobility scooter features larger tires, a beefier frame, and a more comfortable ride.

It has a cushioned seat, a suspension system to soften bumps in the road, and the power to climb steep hills.

The suspension absorbs shocks and vibrations, making for a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially on uneven surfaces.

This mobility type usually has a long driving range of 15-35 miles per charge.

For larger people, an all-terrain typically carries 300 to 600 lb.

Most all-terrains come with front lights, which are important for visibility and safety, especially during early morning and late afternoon rides. However, base packages often do not include rear lights and rear-view mirrors.

Many models now include USB ports, allowing you to charge your phone or other devices on the go. Since I often forget to charge my phone, I love this idea.

The accessory hitch is usually standard. It allows you to attach a basket or oxygen tank holder.

The Afikim C4 is an all-terrain, bariatric, and recreational mobility scooter.

Its all-terrain features include:

• Ground clearance of 5 inches.
• Incline rating of 11 degrees
• Suspension system with front and rear coils
• Hitch receiver
• Seatbelt optional

8. Recreational/luxury

Recreational/luxury mobility scooters have powerful batteries for long trips and cushioned seats for long-term comfort.

Recreational/Luxury Sizes

Recreational mobility scooters are full-size (medium) and heavy-duty (large).

It’s possible to do full-scale recreational work indoors. However, a heavy-duty mobility scooter is too large for indoor use.

Recreational Features

A recreational mobility scooter is similar to an all-terrain in many ways.

It features larger tires, a beefier frame, and a more comfortable ride.

It has a cushioned seat, a suspension system to soften bumps in the road, and the power to climb steep hills.

The suspension absorbs shocks and vibrations, making for a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially on uneven surfaces.

This mobility type usually has a long driving range of 15-35 miles per charge.

For larger people, an all-terrain typically carries 300 to 600 lb.

Most all-terrains come with front lights, including a headlight and turn signals.

Expect at least one, if not two, mirrors on the tiller.

A recreational usually includes a USB charging port.

It sometimes has a Bluetooth streaming speaker.

Many include or have optional phone and cup holders.

It usually has an accessory hitch for storage or medical equipment.

The Afikim C4 is an all-terrain, bariatric, and recreational mobility scooter.

Its recreational features include:

• 100 miles on a charge (upgraded battery)
• IPX4 level rain resistance
• Optional rain canopy
• Two cup holders
• Captain’s seat
• Adjustable seat back height
• Adjustable seat height
• Reclining seat
• Rotating seat
• Sliding seat
• Removable, width-adjustable, and flip up armrests
• Angle adjustable tiller
• Air-filled tires
• Front basket
• Front locking storage
• Rear locking storage
• Two mirrors
• Digital display
• Speedometer
• Odometer
• USB charging port
• 16 and 13-inch tires

9. Bariatric

A bariatric scooter is designed for someone 400 lb. or more. Most mobility scooters have a weight capacity of at least 250 lb., with many offering 300 or 350 lb.

Bariatric Sizes

Many full-size mobility scooters support 300-400 lb. riders.

Heavy-duty (large) models typically support 450 to 700 lb.

There are a few indoor mobility scooters, especially in the 400-450 lb. weight capacity range.

Many bariatric scooters are too wide to use indoors and so are just for outdoor use.

Bariatric Features

The Afikim C4 is an all-terrain, bariatric and recreational moiblity scooter.

It carries 500 lb., and the C4 HD supports 600 lb.

Its bariatric features include:

• 3360 or 4800 watt motor
• Manual brake assistance to automatic brakes
• 20-33 inch seat width options
• Steel frame

10. Enclosed

An enclosed mobility scooter provides weather protection and an extended travel range.

It typically includes comfort features like adjustable seating, climate control and a suspension system.

Safety features typically include front lighting, turn signals and brake lights. The enclosed scooter is usually lockable but also contains locking storage inside. Anti-tip wheels prevent backward tipping on inclines.

11. Indoor

An indoor scooter is small and nimble enough to work in rooms, doorways, and hallways. Compact and full-size mobility scooters can be used indoors.

12. Indoor-outdoor

An indoor-outdoor mobility scooter is any scooter narrow enough to use indoors. You can use any mobility scooter outdoors, so the hard part is getting the width narrow enough to pass through interior doors. In the U.S., a standard door size is 32 inches wide. The largest size that comfortably fits is 26 inches wide. Compact and many full-size mobility scooters are 26 or fewer inches wide and quality as indoor-outdoor.

13. Outdoor

All mobility scooters work outdoors, but some have outdoor features. Recreational and all-terrain models are true “outdoor” types.

14. 3-wheel

All models we discussed in this article can come in 3-wheel configurations.

3-wheel scooters have a tight turning radius but are unstable when the front wheel goes over bumps, especially at an angle.

15. 4-wheel

All types we listed in this article can come in 4-wheel configurations. A 4-wheel scooter is stable and can have a large turning radius, but new models are coming out that make tight turns with four wheels!

A Scooter Can Be More Than One Type

There are very few pure examples in each category. For example, the full-size Pride Baja Bandit has portability, all-terrain and bariatric features.

The Baja Bandit:

• Comes apart into pieces for transport, making it portable
• Handles users up to 400 lb., making it bariatric
• Has lights, shock absorpers, a strong motor, and a high ground clearance, making it all-terrain

It’s fair to call the Baja Bandit a full-size portable bariatric all-terrain type!

Matching Your Mobility Scooter To Your Goals

I will help you brainstorm your scooter goals and needs to help you narrow down the type of scooter to buy.

We will explore the right mobility scooter based on your answer to these questions:

• What are your limitations? If you have pain, weakness or limb issues, look for disability features.
• Will you use the scooter indoors? An indoor vehicle must navigate rooms, doors, and hallways.
• Will you use it outdoors? An outdoor model must work on sidewalks, pavement, and potentially off-road areas like dirt roads or boardwalks.
• Will you transport it in the car trunk? If you want to take it with you in the car, you must lift it into the trunk yourself or use a specialized lifting device.
• Will you take it on a plane? You will need an airline-friendly travel scooter.
• How will you store your it? Will the mobility scooter be in your way when you’re not using it? Will it fit in a closet or under a bed? Will you need a shed or a garage?
• Do you want to have fun? It doesn’t have to be just about getting to the store and back. The scooter gives you the opportunity to get fresh air and sunshine. Do you want to ride a wooded trail or take a two-day camping trip? This can be about fun, too!

I Thought I Wanted an All-Terrain

After I’d started my research, I was drawn to the Pride Baja Wrangler, a heavy-duty, all-terrain monster of a model.

But I didn’t want to jump into my new hobby at the top.

I had never purchased a mobility scooter before.

What if I didn’t like riding?

Maybe I should start smaller and work my way up.

I suppressed the urge to buy the biggest, most awesome scooter I’d found because I needed to start smaller.

I bought my first two (two!) mobility scooters last Saturday.

I Bought a Full-Size 3-Wheel Pride Go Go Elite Traveller

The first mobility scooter I bought was a Pride Mobility Go Go Elite Traveller 3-wheel.

My husband and I arrived at the seller’s father’s home. The father had passed away, so the daughter was selling this model.

I took the scooter for a fun drive on the road. As I headed back, I drove over a bump between the street and the driveway.

The front wheel hit the obstacle at an angle.

The scooter started to tip to the right.

I instinctively let go of the throttle.

The electromagnetic brakes worked perfectly, automatically bringing the 3-wheel to a complete stop.

At the same moment, I put my right foot on the driveway to stop the fall.

That stopped the tipping, and I learned a valuable lesson: My gut feeling that 3-wheelers were unstable was true, and here was the proof.

Imagine my friend with multiple sclerosis in this situation.

She sometimes can’t move her legs!

If this had happened to her, she would have tipped over into the driveway.

I bought the 3-wheeler, not as my main mobility scooter, but to post videos of this instability.

I’m a healthy person with a bad back who can stop a three-wheel from throwing me.

I would never recommend one to my readers, most of whom have disabilities and would not do well if their vehicle tipped over.

I Bought a Full-Size 4-Wheel Pride Go Go Elite Traveller

The next purchase was a Pride Mobility Elite Traveller 4-wheel.

It is a full-size portable that comes apart into smaller pieces for lifting into the trunk of the car.

Both the 3-wheel and 4-wheel Pride Traveller mobility scooters were portable, allowing me to put them in the car trunk for the beach trip.

Had I purchased the Baja Wrangler, it would have been too big for that kind of portability.

This is why I say that knowing what type of mobility scooter you want makes all the difference in how happy you’ll be with your purchase.

Yes, I want the Wrangler, and I will get it some day.

But for now, I want mobility scooters that are car-portable without my buying a cargo carrier.

I’d Need a Cargo Carrier

Had I purchased the Baja Wrangler I’d been wanting, I would have needed cargo transport to carry the scooters to the beach.

The Go Go Elite scooters fit in my car because they disassemble into smaller pieces.

The Wrangler is huge and does not disassemble.

Had I purchased the Wrangler, I would have needed a cargo carrier and ramp for the back of my car!

I still have the Wrangler on my To Do List, but I also need to work my way up to the commitment of a cargo trailer.

It’s another investment, and a cargo-carrier requires that I have excellent driving and parking skills.

By buying the full-size portables instead of the heavy-duty all-terrain mobility sco

Conclusion

Whew! Who knew there were so many different types of mobility scooters?

From my Go Go Travellers that took us down the Hampton Beach boardwalk to heavy-duty models that can handle a mountain trail, there’s a type for everyone.

Choosing a mobility scooter is a bit like choosing a dance partner—you want one that matches your style, keeps up with your pace, and makes you feel confident.

This is about reclaiming your independence and rediscovering the joy of movement.

My new scooters have already taken me places I thought were out of reach, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

So, whether you’re considering your first scooter or looking to upgrade, I hope this guide helps you find the perfect match for your mobility adventure.

Here’s to new horizons and the wind in our hair – no matter how many wheels get us there!