CHOOSING A 3 OR 4 WHEEL MOBILITY SCOOTER
There are a few decisions you need to make when you look for an electric mobility scooter. Below are 4 important considerations to think of before you purchase your next mobility scooter. These are:
- Stability
- Manoeuvrability
- Ease of Steering
- Comfort
Are electric mobility scooters stable and what are the differences between 3 and 4 wheel scooters?
Some people suggest that mobility scooters are hard to tip over and generally they are. 4-wheelers are more stable due to having that additional wheel placed on the ground, but with a careful driver there should be no stability issues with 3-wheeler electric scooters either. It is worth noting that given uneven surfaces (like gutters, uneven pathways etc.), a 3 wheel mobility scooter will have a definite tendency to lean over more easily than a 4 wheel scooter especially at reasonable pace.
The vast majority of 3 wheel mobility scooter owners don’t tip them over, however everyone is different and display different motoring skills (just as on our roads). Just as car drivers have a feel for where they can take their car, how fast they can take that corner or whether they can fit their car in a car park, mobility scooter drivers soon get a feel for where they can take their electric scooter safely, whether it is 3 or 4 wheels.
Essentially three wheel electric mobility scooters are more manoeuvrable than 4 wheel scooters because they have a much smaller turning circle. This characteristic suits drivers that are confined to smaller areas like aged care facilities, retirement villages etc. where buildings, hallways, doorways & lifts require accurate steering. Similarly within shopping complexes, particularly throughout supermarket aisles, manoeuvrability is paramount to effective navigation.
The larger 4 wheel electric mobility scooters may not be suitable for indoor use (home, aged care facilities etc) except for the some of the smaller commonly noted ‘compact’ mobility scooters or perhaps some of the smaller mid-sized mobility scooters.
3 wheel mobility scooters are a little easier to steer because there is only one wheel to turn compared to two. When purchasing your electric scooter, it is always recommended that you trial one first to make sure you are capable of steering your mobility scooter easy enough. The larger and heavier the electric mobility scooter can generally mean that the device will require a little more effort to steer.
An important consideration: As a general rule, a 3 wheel mobility scooter will give you more leg room as the front wheel is positioned centrally giving enough space for you to place both legs either side of your front wheel. This positioning allows you to stretch your legs if necessary.
On 4 wheel mobility scooters the front mudguards extend right across the scooter front wheels generally giving you an option to place your feet on top of the mudguards. This is generally suitable for most users, however if you require your legs to be in a straighter position due to a condition, then the 3 wheel mobility scooters may suit your needs better.
Most electric scooters come with a fully adjustable seat. Take the time to make sure your seat is comfortable. Most seats adjust in the forward and reverse position, the back rest typically moves forward and back (similar to a car seat), your arm rests should be able to be adjusted to suit your needs and the seat should swivel to at least 180 degrees to help you get on or off the mobility scooter.
To see our full range of electric mobility scooter products, click here.