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Outdoor mobility scooters are meant to brave the wild outdoors. These bikes come with advanced specifications that allow them to achieve their primary objective.
It’s exciting to know that there are numerous outdoor mobility scooter brands to pick from. However, sifting from dozens of recommendations may prove a bit challenging, especially if you do not understand the defining features these bikes should have.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key pointers when shopping for your next outdoor mobility scooter.
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1. Start With a Reputable Dealer
The growing interest in mobility scooters has triggered an increase in the number of outdoor mobility scooter dealerships. However, due diligence is paramount while scouting for an ideal store to purchase your next outdoor mobility scooter.
Prioritize an outdoor mobility scooter dealer who has been in the business for a while and enjoys high approval ratings from its clients. You can check online reviews for a sneak preview into the company’s offerings.
It’s also important to insist on a dealer that stocks a variety of mobility products.
Scooter Direct stands out for providing a diverse range of scooters. You can choose between three-wheelers and four-wheelers, depending on your mobility needs. The company also stocks outdoor scooters of different styles, including all-terrain, mid-sized, and recreational bikes.
Besides, you get to sample from some of the world’s most reputable outdoor mobility scooter brands, including Pride Mobility and EV Rider.
2. Define Your Needs
No two outdoor mobility scooters are made equal. Some are ideal for cruising well-paved environments, while others are suitable for off-roading.
So, you want to define your needs before hitting a scooter dealership near you. That basically entails determining the primary environment where you’ll be riding the bike on.
A standard outdoor scooter would suffice if you intend on riding the bike along well-paved environments, such as tarmacked roads and sidewalks. But if your outdoor exploits will include traversing rocky and uneven bike trails, then you’ll need an all-terrain scooter.
All terrain mobility scooters typically have large pneumatic wheels and solid suspension systems. They’re also distinguishable by their higher ground clearance and longer battery life than standard outdoor scooters.
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3. Pick a Suitably-Sized and Weighted Scooter
Larger outdoor mobility scooters are efficient for rough terrains. These bikes usually have larger tiles and higher ground clearance for cruising the most treacherous landscapes.
However, a larger scooter may be challenging to maneuver through narrow alleys. Such bikes also require spacious storage rooms.
When it comes to the weight capacity, pick an outdoor mobility scooter depending on the number of people that can ride on it simultaneously. Note that a very bulky scooter may put a strain on the battery.
Some heavy-duty outdoor mobility scooters can weigh up to 400 pounds. You can only imagine how much strain such bulky weight would exert on the scooter’s wheels as well.
4. Consider Battery Life and Rechargeability
Outdoor mobility scooters are mostly suitable for long-range cruising. As such, they deserve equally powerful batteries.
Many scooter batteries will last up to 30 hours before they run out of charge. However, some cheap brands may require more frequent charging.
Most outdoor mobility scooters use lithium-ion batteries. With a proper care and maintenance plan, these batteries may last around fifty hours before recharging and up to thirteen years before replacing them.
Note that the principle of regular maintenance applies to other components of your outdoor mobility scooter, including the wheels, suspension system, seats, etc.
As you choose a high-performance battery for your outdoor mobility scooter, consider the battery’s rechargeability as well. The charging port should be reasonably accessible and compatible with multiple chargers.
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5. Know The Scooter’s Top Speed
Outdoor mobility scooters have an average speed between 4 mph to 15 mph under ideal conditions.
Choose a bike based on your desired top speeds. That’s especially if you also plan to participate in competitive or recreational scooter races.
But like any automobile, your outdoor mobility scooter’s top speed will depend on various factors, such as its weight and battery. The bike will likely go faster on lighter weight and more powerful battery.
Terrain conditions and the prevailing weather will also determine how fast your outdoor mobility speaker travels. While off-roading may be a thrilling experience, it’s safer to ride on rough terrains at lower speeds. That’s especially true if the tracks are slippery following heavy deluge, or during low visibility conditions.
6. Don’t Forget Safety Features
All scooters must have certain features that certify them as roadworthy. These include elaborate lighting systems, rearview mirrors, and reflectors.
The fact that outdoor mobility scooters are ideal for users with mobility challenges explains why these bikes must have even more advanced safety specs.
Insist on an outdoor mobility scooter designed with safety brakes and anti-tip wheels. This combination will come in handy when riding along steep or rugged landscapes.
The scooter should also come with a horn to warn other road users and a seat belt for impact resistance during high-speed rides.
Lastly, insist on a scooter with multiple lighting options, including headlights, direction lights, brake lights, hazard lights, etc. That’s regardless if you plan on using the bike at night or not.
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Final Thoughts About Outdoor Mobility Scooter
Outdoor mobility scooters can vary significantly in specs and functionality. Therefore, it’s important to choose a bike that suits your individual needs.
Most importantly, have a robust care and maintenance plan for your outdoor scooter. This will enhance the bike’s longevity while also saving you from unnecessary repair costs.
