Mobility Scooter Miscellaneous FAQs

In this post we've gathered some of the various questions we regularly get asked about mobility scooters. Dig in!

Do I need a license or scooter registration?

No state requires any kind of license to drive a mobility scooter. However the Queensland government does require you to register your scooter (for free). You can read more about that registration here.

What is the battery range for a mobility scooter?

On a single charge, Mobility Scooters can go anywhere from about 10kms to over 50kms. Whenever you're quoted an exact amount for a particular scooter, remember that it's just an estimate based on ideal circumstances. In reality, things are a bit fuzzier, and depend heavily on the weight of the user and the terrain.

In general, the larger scooter, the longer the range. This is because larger scooters tend to have much larger batteries. So if you're looking to go long distances, we recommend a large scooter.

How steep will a mobility scooter climb?

Our best hill climbers can manage as steep as a 20 degree slope with an 80kg user. So if your driveway is especially steep, it's doable. Most scooters however are built to handle only gentler slopes, up to 12 degrees.

Portable scooters can handle some minor slopes, but they are designed with flat ground in mind.

Are three-wheeled scooters unsafe?

Three-wheeled scooters are not a very popular option, in part because of the perception they are unsafe. There is perhaps a kernel of truth to this, but in reality the accident rates don't differ. We recommend going with whatever suits your preferences and comfort.

Do scooters need servicing

Servicing keeps the scooter running smoothly and prolongs its lifespan. Manufacturers typically recommend a yearly service, and we tend to agree, although this regularity is by no means necessary.

 A service typically takes 1-2 hours, and can be done either in store or in the home.

How much do scooters cost to run?

Mobility scooters do have some ongoing costs, but they are quite minimal.

Charging: usually under $100 per annum
Registration: free
Servicing: $150-$350 per service
Batteries: $200-$1600 per replacement, on average every 4 years

Do I need to be trained?

Scooters are very intuitive to drive, with simple controls. However, some amount of training doesn't hurt. We're able to provide you with a comprehensive training that goes through all the basics and covers everything you need to watch out for. We can do this training at the time of delivery also, which means we can discuss any access or safety issues specific to your neighbourhood.

Conclusion

These are just some of the very basic questions we get about mobility scooters. If you do have any more concerns or queries, feel free to reach out and we'll do our best to help.