Does speed matter on a Mobility Scooter?

The answer to this really depends on the kind of use you have for your mobility scooter and exactly where and how you will be using it.

For many people who use mobility scooters, the primary considerations are comfort and safety, so the actual speed of travel may be of secondary importance. 

That said, of course there is a level of speed that is necessary so that the mobility scooter can travel at a normal walking pace, so as not to be a hazard to the user, or to other pedestrians.

Mobility scooters come in different speed capabilities, All mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs in the UK can legally travel at a maximum of 4mph on footpaths or in pedestrian areas.

Class 3 mobility scooters (6mph and 8mph models) are the only types of mobility scooter or powered wheelchair that can be used on the road, but there are conditions to this that must be fulfilled, as detailed on the Gov.uk website, including that they must be fitted with a device to limit their speed to 4mph.

Although mobility scooters are limited to certain speeds on UK footpaths, pavements, roads and other public areas, of course the user of the mobility scooter is in full control of the speed and braking and therefore, within limits, they can choose the speed of travel they prefer.

So to some extent, speed is an important factor, but speed and power are not always the same thing. 

Higher power mobility scooters, typically class 3, will have longer ranges and a capability to handle a greater range of terrains and gradients. 

A longer range between charges can be a very useful feature that trumps actual speed, as the greater range allows for more sustained use for longer periods and means that the user is far less limited by distances.

Higher powered mobility scooters will also have a greater rate of acceleration which again can be a handy feature if you like to be nippy on the move and particularly if your use is going to be outdoors on uneven terrains where you need that power boost to get you over uneven and unlevel surfaces.

In terms of speeds available in mobility scooters, there are basically three speeds that can be chosen, 4mph, 6mph, or 8mph.

A 6mph mobility scooter (class 3) is a good middle option that some users find is a very good combination of speed, maneuverability and power when they need it.

An example of a 6mph mobility scooter that measures up to many of the requirements of today’s discerning mobility scooter user is the Freerider City Ranger 6 Mobility Scooter, being a 6mph mobility scooter, it means that the Freerider City Ranger 6 Mobility Scooter can be used equally on road or pavement with plenty of power, yet sensitivity for both scenarios.

This extra speed capability of the Freerider City opens up more travel and terrain possibilities and it is supplied with 2 x 36Ah batteries that provide a superb range of up to 26 miles (41 kms) on a full charge.

Speed and off-road mobility scooters

If you are a lover of the great outdoors and a more adventurous type, then there are a growing number of off-road mobility scooters that are great fun to use and come with a powerful and nippy 8mph (13km/h).

With the impressive speed and torque of the off-road mobility scooters, it means that they are ideally equipped to go virtually anywhere in nature and can tackle terrains, gradients, wet and dry conditions with consummate ease. 

Typical of these kinds of off-road mobility scooters is the Pride Ranger Off Road Mobility Scooter, this scooter has larger than average pneumatic tyres and extremely robust suspension, meaning that it is superbly equipped for whatever the weather and conditions can throw at it.

The speed of off-road mobility scooters means they are flexible to many sports, so that a lack of mobility or a disability does not mean that normal outdoor sporting interests cannot be pursued with ease and comfort.

If you would like to take a look at our mobility scooters and you want to choose based on the maximum speed, you can simply visit our main mobility scooter category page where you can then select on the left hand side blue menu, the speed categories that are of interest to you. They are divided into 4mph, 6mph and 8mph models.

So in summary, speed is an important factor when choosing a mobility scooter and for some requirements, a 6mph or 8mph (class 3) model will be more appropriate for those needing to go on roads as well as pavements.

For other users, a slower model will be all that is needed for a sense of comfort and safety and the ability to enjoy outings and shopping trips. Yet still with a nice active pace when it’s needed, as the 4mph models certainly deliver!