Welcome to my article about the best folding mobility scooters for the elderly and mobile impaired!
Before I get into the detailed reviews of my top 5 scooters, let’s first discuss what the advantages are of a folding scooter model over a standard one.
Best Folding Mobility Scooter – Introduction
The elderly, or those suffering from impaired mobility, can often find it difficult to move around or travel independently. It can be especially difficult for those who suffer from chronic pain, or those who don’t have the strength in their arms to propel themselves in a wheelchair, to get about.
However, thankfully there is a solution to this – the mobility scooter.
The mobility scooter can give the mobility impaired their freedom back, allowing them to travel wherever they like with minimal assistance and minimal effort.
In this article, we will be talking about a specific type of mobility scooter, namely the foldable mobility scooter.
These models offer transportation with a portable, lightweight, collapsible frame, making them an even more convenient option than the standard scooter.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of a folding mobility scooter!
Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Folding Mobility Scooter
The regular full-sized mobility scooter is the most common type available.
They typically have high-backed seats, large weight capacities, a decent speed range of 9-32 km/h, and even offer a decent battery capacity that translates to a large travel range.
The downside is that these models are cumbersome, so they don’t travel well, and take up a lot of space wherever you store them.
A folding mobility scooter is built with portability and efficiency in mind.
You can collapse the scooter to a more compact size for storage at home or in a car.
This makes them a great option for those who have limited space at home, or who might have a small car but still want to take their mobility scooter with them when they go out.
Though a folding scooter’s speed is only about 6 km/h, they are much more versatile and manageable than larger, non-collapsible models.
Advantages of a Folding Mobility Scooter
There are many advantages that may have the elderly or mobility impaired leaning towards a folding mobility scooter over some of the other options available.
The folding models are much lighter, some of them weighing only 22 kg or less.
They also fold down into compact sizes, so they are easier to move and carry, even for those with disabilities that prevent them from lifting heavy objects.
Another benefit is the long battery range, so you can run your errands with ease.
Many folding mobility scooters on the market are even able to be taken on a bus or plane, so you won’t need to change your travel plans to accommodate your scooter.
Now that you know a bit more about what makes a folding mobility scooter beneficial, now let’s get into a summary list of the best folding mobility scooters available!
The Best Folding Mobility Scooters Are:
- Drive Devilbiss Automatic Folding Scooter
- Pro Rider Deluxe Easy Folding Mobility Scooter
- Drive Elite Autofold Electric Scooter
- Wisging Folding Mobility Scooter
- Lupin Folding Mobility Scooter
Out of the list above, below are our top folding mobility scooters in a number of categories.
Folding Mobility Scooter Reviews
Ok, let’s get into the details! Here are the features, pros and cons of my top 5 folding mobility scooters.
Drive Devilbiss Automatic Folding Scooter
Highest Rated Folding Mobility Scooter!
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The Drive Devilbiss Automatic Folding Scooter is the highest rated model available today, and has a ton of great features that make it highly convenient for the elderly and mobility impaired too.
It is relatively light at 27.5 kg and has carry handles for easily lifting it into your vehicle when needed (although depending on your strength, you may still need some assistance with this!)
It folds down in only 15 seconds using the buttons on the machine or the handy remote control, which is again great for those with limited strength as you don’t need to manually collapse the scooter yourself.
The battery for this scooter has a range of 32 km and includes onboard charging, so you don’t need to remove it to keep this model running.
It is also airline-friendly, allowing you to travel anywhere you like without reducing your mobility.
Other great features include the padded seat and back, adjustable handlebars, an automatic electromagnetic brake system, and puncture-proof tires for added durability.
The steering is a bit limited, so you won’t be able to make any sharp turns, but you shouldn’t have any trouble maneuvering this machine if you’re careful.
Anti-tip wheels on the back of the scooter ensure that you stay upright at all times for added safety.
The overall performance, comfort and reliability of this model makes it an extremely popular option with consumers, and a great choice for anyone looking for a standard, good quality folding mobility scooter.
Pros
Airline-friendly battery
Adjustable handlebars
Easy to use remote control to fold and unfold
Folds into a compact size that can fit into most small cars
Cons
A bit pricey
Limited steering prevents sharp turns
Pro Rider Easyfold Deluxe Portable Mobility Scooter
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The Pro Rider Easyfold Deluxe Portable Mobility Scooter has a simple design with no frills, though it is still a fantastic machine for anyone who needs some help getting around.
It includes two 10ah batteries that are easy to access to plug the scooter into the high-powered charger whenever needed. This battery lets you travel up to 16 km with a top speed of 6.4 km/h.
This model folds down quickly and easily in only a few seconds, with compact dimensions of 74 x 44 x 45 cm, which fits easily into the boot of your car. It is also relatively lightweight at 28.5 kg.
The seat is padded for comfort, as is the backrest, though the latter piece has an open space in the middle, limiting lower back support. This means that I don’t recommend this chair for those who suffer from lower back pain or need proper support.
This model also lacks suspension, though it does include puncture-proof tyres and anti-tip wheels, plus it can be used as a pull-along trolley for added convenience.
These features combined with the decent price make it well worth a look.
Pros
Decent price
Versatile use
88 kg weight capacity
Easy to operate
Cons
No lower back support
Limited suspension
Drive Autofold Elite Electric Scooter
Most High Tech Folding Mobility Scooter!
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Those looking for a folding mobility scooter with simple controls and modern functions will love the Drive AutoFold Elite Electric Scooter.
It has a variety of features that are designed for comfort, including the front and rear suspension for shock absorption, the padded seat and backrest, and the removable armrests that are easy to wash.
Between the handlebars is a digital LCD screen that lights up, displaying everything you need to know about your machine. This includes the battery level, your current speed, mileage, and even travel time.
There is also a USB port for your devices or anything else you need.
The controls are simple to use and include the on/off switch, speed control dial, headlight switch, and a horn.
For traveling, this scooter folds up easily in only 15 seconds using the buttons below the display screen or the included remote control.
It weighs only 27 kg and is compact when folded down, so it is easy to pack it in a car or take it on a bus or plane.
Personally, I love how this scooter looks. You can tell the manufacturer has put in effort to design a scooter that is both functional and also aesthetic, which is something that you don’t find with many other scooters.
If you’re looking for high quality and comfort over price, I highly recommend the Drive Autofold Elite.
It might be slightly more expensive than most other models, but the added tech features such as the LCD display and USB charging ports, the suspension and extra padding on the seat, and the ultra-modern design make it well worth the investment.
Pros
Digital LCD screen that provides information about the scooter and your speed
Front and rear suspension
Simple controls
Removable, easy to wash armrests
Sleek, modern design
Cons
More expensive than most other models
Wisging Electric Folding Mobility Scooter
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The Wisging Electric Folding Mobility Scooter is lighter than most other models at 26 kg, including the removable battery pack.
It has a slim design, thanks to the single wheel at the front of the scooter, though this can make it a bit more unstable on uneven terrain than a 4-wheeled model.
This scooter is easy to fold down by simply lifting the seat, giving you a much more compact piece of equipment that fits nicely in a vehicle during trips or a closet when you are at home.
It also features an upgraded motor for more power on hills and a shock-absorption system to keep you comfortable when driving over bumpy roads.
This Wisging scooter has a top speed of 6 km/h, with a travel distance of 12 km on a full battery.
The controls are simple to use and include a lock function, reverse, manual and electric options, and headlight and horn buttons.
The padded ergonomic seat and backrest are breathable and removable for easy cleaning.
Pros
Slim design
Surprisingly comfortable and breathable cushions
Excellent shock absorption system
Responsive and helpful customer service
Cons
3-wheel design may be unstable at times
Betty & Bertie Lupin Folding Mobility Scooter
Most Practical Folding Mobility Scooter!
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Though it doesn’t fold down as small as some of the other models mentioned in this article, the Betty & Bertie Lupin Folding Mobility Scooter has a few unique features that makes it extremely practical and useful for everyday use.
One is the rear drawbar with two anti-tip wheels on the back that you can pull out to store bags, suitcases, or anything else you need to carry with you. This makes it a great option for those who plan on using their scooter primarily for shopping or running errands around the neighbourhood.
It also has a wide rear axle, large pneumatic tyres, and a strong 300w motor, all of which keep you upright and moving over any type of terrain.
The battery used in this model is airline-safe lithium-ion and removable for easy charging anywhere you are.
It has a maximum travel distance of 24 km and a speed range of 0.2 to 6 km/h.
The entire scooter weighs about 29 kg, which is a bit heavier than some other models but still manageable.
The padded seat and height-adjustable handlebars collapse when you’re done riding, plus there is a metal bar at the front of the machine that makes it easy to pull along when not in use. This is another unique feature that I really like as it allows you to move the scooter around without having to pick it up – saving you from unnecessary strain and stress on your arms and back.
Pros
Large pneumatic tyres
Rear drawbar for easy storage of bags, luggage or anything else you’re carrying
Powerful disc brakes
Decent speed range
High carrying weight of up to 100kg
Cons
A bit heavier than other models
Doesn’t fold down small
Best Folding Mobility Scooter – Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this article about the best folding mobility scooters for the elderly and mobility impaired helpful.
Some people might find folding mobility scooters to be a bit costly, however considering how much freedom and independence they give the user, they are well worth the investment.
I also personally believe they are a better investment overall than standard mobility scooters because of their space saving qualities and lightweight nature.
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I have a Drive Autofold Elite and it has completely changed my life. It does everything it says and more besides. One thing I am surprised about about is the ten hour charge time. I would like to buy a spare battery and a separate charging/docking station. Is this available?
Regards, Terry Swan