Selecting Between Folding and Non-Folding Mobility Scooters: An In-Depth Overview

November 07, 2024

Explore how to choose the ideal mobility scooter to suit your specific needs with our in-depth overview, covering both folding and non-folding models to support your mobility and independence.

Mobility scooters have significantly enhanced the lives of many individuals facing mobility challenges, offering increased freedom and independence. In the United Kingdom alone, it's estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 people use mobility scooters.

This overview is designed to help you make a confident choice between folding and non-folding mobility scooters, guiding you toward the best option for your lifestyle.

Folding Scooters: Features and Benefits

Folding scooters, as the name implies, can be folded for easy storage and transport—ideal for indoor and outdoor use and travel.

• Portability: Can fit into car boots and is suitable for public transport. Some models are even airline-approved.
• Storage: Ideal for small spaces, folding into compact sizes.
• User Friendly: Designed for easy folding and unfolding, often in simple steps.
• Versatility: Lighter than non-folding scooters and maneuverable, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

Non-Folding Heavy-Duty and Full-Size Scooters

Non-folding scooters, typically heavy-duty or full-size, offer a fixed frame. They’re more suitable for outdoor use due to their larger size and require dedicated storage space like a garage.

Key aspects include:

• Sturdiness: Designed for comfort and durability. May be a good choice for individuals weighing more than 400 lbs.
• Limited Mobility: Limited for outdoor use and often not suitable for indoor environments. Mostly, you can drive them only on roads and not on pavements. Since you can’t just put it in your car and go to a shopping centre or a restaurant, you can only drive them where you live, which is also called “good for last mile”.
• Storage Requirements: Needs more space, such as a garage.
• Insurance Considerations: Might require insurance for use.

Take-Apart Scooters: A Third Option

Take-apart scooters offer another choice that includes disassembling for transport and storage. However, they can be cumbersome to disassemble and reassemble, and they often have a heavier build. The chair and steering come off, but the frame and battery remain as one heavy piece to lift. Additionally, they can have poor ground clearance and are not available in very attractive designs.

Power Wheelchairs: An Alternative

For those seeking a different mobility solution, power wheelchairs are a viable option. They are especially suitable for those who need additional support. Some are well-designed, can fold and be somewhat lightweight. However, power wheelchairs come with the stigma of disability attached to them, and some may want to feel young, vital, and confident that they are still independent and mobile, no matter their age. In this case, a mobility scooter, especially a well-designed one, may be a more suitable option.

3-Wheeler vs. 4-Wheeler Scooters

The number of wheels on your scooter impacts stability and manoeuvrability, unless they use advanced engineering and safety features like in the ATTO family of scooters, solving the stability issues. ATTO’s patented design includes placing the rear wheels behind the seat and has a wider wheelbase, creating a triangular base for safety. This also means you never have to worry about your scooter tipping back. Three-wheelers offer greater agility in tight spaces but might have stability concerns. Four-wheelers provide enhanced stability but are bulkier and better suited for outdoor use.

The Benefits of a Folding Mobility Scooter

Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter

When it comes to folding scooters, you have two primary types:

1. Auto Folding Scooters: With just a button press, these scooters fold automatically. However, they are known for their susceptibility to mechanical issues over time. Plus, they fold into one piece, which can be very heavy and challenging to lift.
2. Manual Folding Scooters: Most scooters, when folded, remain in one heavy piece. The ATTO scooter is different. Unique in its design, it can be separated into two lightweight parts, simplifying the lifting process. The manual easy-folding design also reduces the likelihood of mechanical complications, offering a more reliable and user-friendly experience.

When selecting a mobility scooter, consider:

Portability: A hallmark of folding scooters, catering to the travel enthusiast with ease. These scooters are not only compact enough to fit in your car boot but are also generally accepted on most forms of public transport. Some unique models are even cleared for airline travel, making them the perfect companion for air and cruise travellers. Their lightweight design further amplifies this portability, making them easy to handle and manoeuvre.

Weight Capacity: Ensure it supports your weight plus any additional items.

Smallest Part’s Weight: Ask yourself if you can lift the scooter into your car boot; otherwise, it is not truly portable for you.

Seating Comfort: Look for adjustable and comfortable seating. Some mobility scooters come with features such as swivel seats, height adjustment, and armrests, helping to customise and enhance your experience. Ask yourself how much legroom you have, so you don’t want your knees being out of the scooter bumping corners.

Maneuverability: Consider your daily environment and choose a model that navigates it effectively. Consider the ground clearance—higher ground clearance means more terrains and possibilities. Folding scooters are a good choice if you want to do daily errands, drive inside and outside, and if you also love to travel, this is the logical choice.

Battery Range: Ensure it meets your daily mobility requirements. If you love to travel, you need a scooter that offers an extensive range.

Ease of Use and Safety: Opt for intuitive controls and advanced safety features, such as automatically slowing down around sharp turns or going downhill. These features mean you can rest assured of your scooter’s safety and manoeuvrability.

Style and Looks: While many scooters focus primarily on functionality, style often takes a backseat. However, if you're looking for more than just a means to get from point A to B and desire a scooter that enhances your sense of style and makes you feel sleek and youthful, it's worth seeking out a model that blends high-end design with performance.

The ATTO SPORT Portable Mobility Scooter, for example, has a well-thought-out design to meet everything you need in a mobility scooter.

 

Conclusion

Folding mobility scooters, with their versatility and convenience, are often the preferred choice for addressing a wide range of mobility challenges. They facilitate easy travel and enhance daily living, offering a practical and stylish solution for those seeking independence. Explore our line of portable and user-friendly folding scooters and experience the freedom they bring.

Who said mobility scooters have to be boring?

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