If you find walking a struggle, maintain your independence and social life with a mobility scooter. But before you rush out to buy the latest model, you need to do some research to determine the most suitable, and safest, scooter to suit you and your lifestyle.

Mobility scooters are ideal if you can sit upright comfortably, can manage stepping up or down and have good eyesight and memory. Scooters are not suitable for people suffering with dementia or any other condition which affects their mental ability.

Unfortunately, the NHS and social services do not provide mobility scooters, so you need to find a trusted retailer, or you can rent them at a local shopmobility scheme.

So how do you know which scooter will suit you?

Choosing a scooter
There are a few key considerations when deciding which mobility scooter to buy. Firstly, look at your lifestyle and what you need the scooter to do. For example, assess the kind of journeys you plan to make, paying particular attention to pavements, kerbs, hills and distances.

Next, do you have somewhere to store your scooter? Smaller models can fit in your home, but make sure they can get over doorsteps or fit through doorways. If you plan to keep your scooter outside, ensure you have a dry and secure place, such as a garage or secure shed. Don’t forget that you will need to charge up the battery overnight, so access to a mains plug is essential.

Make sure your scooter matches your body size. It can be dangerous if you are too heavy for the scooter, as it could become unstable and topple over when mounting the pavement.

Now that you know your requirements, the next task is to find a suitable scooter in your price range.

What type of scooter?
The most popular mobility scooters are called Class 2, which allow you to travel up to 4mph on pavements and in shopping centres. Generally smaller and lighter, many Class 2 models can be folded or dismantled for transporting in the back of a car, or even a plane.

Portable models, known as boot scooters, are less powerful than road scooters, which makes them better suited to short journeys (less than 10 miles). Light and manoeuvrable, they are smaller and are not as comfortable as larger models. Their small wheels may also have trouble mounting kerbs.

Class 3 mobility scooters have a maximum speed of 8mph and are designed for roads, but are not allowed on motorways, bus lanes or cycle lanes. To comply with road regulations, Class 3 scooters have front and rear lights, indicators, a rear-view mirror, brakes and a horn. They must be registered with the DVLA.

More powerful, with bigger batteries, Class 3 scooters can travel up to 25 miles. As the largest and heaviest scooters available on the market, they offer the most comfortable ride.

How can I transport my scooter?
Please be aware that, due to the weight of the battery and engine, all scooters are heavy. If you do not have someone at home to help you, you may need to purchase a hoist to get the scooter in and out of your car.

Scooters which fold easily are usually lightweight models, which makes them less stable and comfortable to ride. Dismantling scooters allow you to take apart the major components, making them easier to pack into your car. However, the packing away and assembling process can be inconvenient, particularly on a rainy day.

Can I buy a second-hand scooter?
Due to the price of new machines, there is a growing market for second-hand scooters. Find an established and respected retailer who can service scooters, as these will have reconditioned machines available with a short warranty.

Need help?
For honest, practical advice on wheelchairs and other mobility aids, contact the friendly experts at Classic Mobility in Hertford. They stock the following scooters:
• Folding: TGA Minimo
• Travel: Invacare Colibri (can be dismantled)
• Mid-size: Invacare Leo or Shoprider Sovereign 4
• Heavy duty: Shoprider Perrero or Cordoba.

Call: 01992 552224, visit: http://classicmobility.org.uk or email office@classicmobility.org.uk. Alternatively, pop into the Classic Mobility shop at 15 Church Street, Hertford, SG14 1EJ.

More information on mobility scooters can be found on the Government website:

www.gov.uk/mobility-scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs-rules/overview